Award winners at Telstra Best of Business Awards
Are you thinking of applying for a business award? Entering could do more for your business than you might expect.
Business awards aren’t just for large corporations. Many programs are tailored for small businesses. They exist to recognise small business innovation, resilience, and leadership at every level.
Even if you don’t take home the trophy there are benefits from entering business awards. Awards can help boost brand trust, open growth opportunities and even help you refine your business strategy.
If you’re unsure whether it’s worth your time, here are six reasons you should consider it.
Winning – or even being a finalist – shows your business is doing something right. An award can help set you apart from competitors. It’s proof that your business is achieving results and worth paying attention to. Prospective customers may see it as a sign of your quality. It also helps to have that credibility if you’re considering entering new markets.
Now that we've got the recognition as being leaders in sustainability, it's really going to enable us to get much more credit for the work we're doing and springboard into new markets.
- Dr Debbie Saunders, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Wildlife Drones. Telstra Best of Business Awards. National Promoting Sustainability Winner.
Awards may bring media attention. Shortlisted businesses are often featured in news articles, industry websites and social media.
Some awards, like the Telstra Best of Business Awards, promote finalists and winners. That exposure can help bring in new customers and grow your brand.
Winning or being shortlisted for an award helps show your business is successful. Investors and potential partners look for businesses that stand out. Being recognised may make it easier to secure funding from outside partners.
Awards bring business owners, mentors and industry leaders together. Participating in awards programs may mean you meet people who could help your business grow.
Many past entrants say networking was one of the biggest benefits. The relationships built at these events can open doors long after the awards are over.
This could be your stepping stone to meeting other finalists, to potential clients, you need to take advantage of the opportunity and just go for it.
- Priscella Mason, Director, Indigeco. 2023 Telstra Best of Business Awards. New South Wales Indigenous Excellence Winner
Entering an award makes you reflect on your business. The process helps you assess what’s working and what needs improvement.
Reviewing your achievements and challenges can surface insights to shape your future growth.
Sometimes you get caught up in the other stuff and don’t get time to reflect. This process really gives you the time to reflect on how you’re going as a business.
- Mike Wilson, CEO, JDRF Australia. 2023 Telstra Best of Business Awards. New South Wales Championing Health Winner
Awards aren’t just about business growth. They also help motivate and inspire your team.
Being nominated – or winning – shows employees that their hard work is valued. It fosters pride and encourages them to keep striving for success.
I think it's good for your soul, for your spirit, for your murrup, as we say in Djadjawurrung language. This is, in part, what the Telstra Best of Business Awards is about - bringing out the best you can be and others around you.
- Rodney Carter, Group Chief Executive Officer, DJAARA. Telstra Best of Business Awards. Business of the Year
Want more credibility, exposure and networking opportunities? The Telstra Best of Business Awards celebrate small businesses making an impact.
Even if you don’t win, you’ll gain valuable experience and connections. Nominations are free and open now.
If I had one bit of advice it would be to just do it. Quite often, we're our biggest critics and we might not think what we are doing is particularly special, but that is not the case.
- Jessica Richmond, Partner and Founder, Ellis Richmond. 2023 Telstra Best of Business Awards. Tasmania Embracing Innovation & Outstanding Growth Winner
Ready to put your business forward? Nominate today
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The Awards give small to medium-sized businesses a platform to celebrate their achievements and stories with peers. Plus, opportunities to learn from Australia's best business minds. Nominate your own or another remarkable business today.
