It’s tough, running a small business, knowing you’ve got a great product, but not knowing how to let everyone else in on the secret!
Awards can be a real help here. Not only is it nice getting recognition for your blood, sweat and tears (somehow, this never gets old), it’s also a great, cost-effective marketing strategy.
There’s a constant stream of awards, with a lot of emphasis placed on upcoming small businesses, so you’ll want to focus your energy on relevant and well-publicised competitions which – if you end up best in show – will really get your name out there.
It’s all about standing out: forcing the judges to remember your entry. Interestingly enough, filling out those applications can also help clarify what your business strengths are, as well as your core innovations and future direction.
You do have to be slightly shameless about it. (And on that note, I’m excited to say that Mozo has won the Rising Star award in the 2010 Deloitte Technology Fast 50 awards.) But at the end of the day, if you don’t sing your own praise, how will everyone else pick up the tune?
