Nominations and entries are now open for the 2009 Telstra Business Awards which recognises the achievements of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Telstra is expecting a strong interest in the awards this year with tougher economic conditions forcing businesses to be a bit more creative and innovative in their marketing strategies, along with looking for ways to streamline their processes and grow their business.
According to Telstra Business Group managing director and Telstra Business Awards ambassador, Deena Shiff, small businesses as of late have had to develop their “survivor skills” which should see a number of successful businesses entering the awards.
“Marketing and promotion are crucial to surviving the hard times and the Telstra Business Awards gives small and medium companies the chance to really stand out.”
Ms Shiff said that the awards give businesses the chance to take a closer look at their operations, along with planning for the future. The benefits of the award have been well recognised, with last year’s NSW and national winner Machinery Automation and Robotics’ founder Clyde Campbell, seeing his customer base increase two-fold after the award.
“Winning the title of Telstra Australian Business of the Year is much more valuable than the prize. It gives you the confidence to know that we can not only do the job, but have also been recognised by others as being more than capable of delivering.”
Businesses will be judged on a range of criteria including growth, customers, people, innovation and financials. In 2009 there will be 5 categories: businessowner Micro-Business Award, MYOB Small Business Award, Panasonic Australia Medium Business Award, AMP Innovation Award and Sensis Social Responsibility Award.
Category awards are offered in each state and territory and an overall state/territory winner is selected from the category winners.
To nominate your business or your favourite business, go to www.telstrabusinessawards.com
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