You’re impressed by a client or friend’s business performance – but how do you get them the recognition they deserve?
One way is to nominate them for a category in the Aycliffe Make Your Mark Awards!
We don’t generally recommend company nominations from outside the business – those are best left to someone who is knowledgeable about the business or organisation itself.
But nominating an individual who is a colleague, associate, friend or family member is a fantastic way to give them some well-deserved praise and recognition.
But what’s the best way to go about it?
Check out these simple tips that might give your nomination the edge…
Do your research: Facts are fantastic when it comes to award nominations. Don’t just say someone’s great – by detailing their achievements, there’s no need for hyperbole because the facts speak for themselves.
Don’t skimp on the detail: Remember, the judges are basing their decisions on the information you provide. It’s your one shot at ensuring they have all the facts at their fingertips – don’t waste it. Simply saying “they’re doing really well” won’t cut it without the evidence!
Fact-check: If you’re presenting something as a fact, make sure it is. Things could get a bit awkward if the judges sing an entrant’s praises for something they haven’t actually done. So it’s always worth double-checking with someone who knows or, better still – unless you want to keep their nomination a secret (at least until they are successfully shortlisted) – why not ask the individual themselves to help you with their nomination?
Give yourself enough time: The business world is busy enough without leaving an award nomination until the last minute – especially if it’s on someone else’s behalf. Get the basics done early, then fine-tune it before submitting, ideally by running it past the nominee or at least someone knowledgeable about their achievements.
Tell a story: The judges have thousands of words to read so ensure yours stand out from the crowd by making them easy to read, interesting and informative. Tell the nominee’s business story.
Read the question and stay on point: Waffle doesn’t make winners – it just leaves the judges frustrated they don’t have something more concrete to make their decisions on.
But whether you’re entering for someone, or you’re submitting an entry for yourself, remember the basics: Answer every question, don’t tell porkies, don’t be shy about achievements, read the criteria to ensure you’re entering for the appropriate award and ALWAYS proof-read your nomination before submitting it.
And don’t forget to take your share of the credit if the person or firm you nominate wins!
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Make Your Mark Awards – so there’s no time like the present to get those entries compiled and submitted.
Click HERE to see the categories, criteria and online entry forms.
