Swoogo’s Post

Still Thinking of Entering? There's Still Time! There is still plenty of time to submit a knockout entry into the 2024 Event Awards. Past entrants have reported needing only a couple of hours to pull together their entry...don't forget - you've already done all the thinking, designed and delivered the event or achievement - all you have to do is put it into words and tell us about it! With the new, simplified entry form, with a maximum of 2,600 words, it's easier than ever to enter. Tell the Judges about you event or achievement, what did you achieve, what were the complexities, how was it creative and an asset to the industry, what were your challenges? If you start today, that's only 434 words a day to get to the finish line! https://lnkd.in/g8P-s-NG

Have you ever wondered what you should say if you have been selected to receive an award, the experts say the following: 1. Express your gratitude and be genuine. Speak from the heart and remember to acknowledge the sponsoring organization as well as any other nominees. 2. Demonstrate why you are deserving of the honor. Keep the self-deprecation to a minimum; don't make them regret selecting you over others. 3. Recognize those who helped you achieve success. Use your moment in the spotlight to pay it forward. Personalize your speech with anecdotes. This is still a speech, after all, so make it memorable and meaningful. 4. Respect the audience and the clock. Not every awards ceremony has an orchestra to play you off the stage when you overstay your welcome.

A lot of nominations went out today (check all inboxes, including junk), so I thought it would be a good time to outline the process for those who may not be 100% clear. Nominations close on 13th October. You can nominate yourself or someone else, and all nominations are anonymous. Nominate here: https://lnkd.in/gb8YWA7p If you wish to proceed to the next round and be considered for an award, you'll need to apply via this link: https://lnkd.in/e77EgtEf, select your category, and answer all five questions. Each question is worth 20 points, so it's important not to leave any unanswered. Finalists will be announced before 13th November. If you're nominated, there's no obligation to proceed. In the past, some people have informed us that they don’t wish to participate, and that’s entirely their choice. However, we will still notify them of the nomination because we believe it's special that someone took the time to recognise them. We want to acknowledge not just the nominee but also the person who made the effort to nominate them. So, everyone who is nominated will be informed, but only those who complete the full application will be eligible to win. If you're unable to attend the gala, you can arrange for a representative or someone already attending to accept the award on your behalf if you're announced as the winner. Please note, we won’t be able to post out awards. Finally, tickets are selling fast! The early bird rate is available for anyone booking before 1st October. Grab your tickets here: https://lnkd.in/gfEeYuvd - It's always a sell-out event and an absolutely fun-filled night!

Let's talk about awards. I'm involved in multiple events that involve awards, and I'm interested to hear what people have to say about their expectations. If you have a minute, please tell me your thoughts on one or all of these (or send me a DM if you'd prefer to keep your thoughts private): Should an award nomination cost money and, if you are okay with a fee, what's reasonable to you? What kind of an event do you expect to have tied to the presentation of the awards? Reception? Gala? What are your expectations for the award itself? Trophy? Plaque? Certificate? Do you still display the industry awards you have won, and if you do, how do you display them? I won't be quoting anyone here on anything. I'm just trying to do a little research courtesy of my colleagues here on LinkedIn.

Gonna put it out there. I’m open to invites to judge marketing campaigns for award ceremonies. If you don’t ask you don’t get, right? I’ve worked on many campaigns for brands big and small. And now that I run a training business I’m all over building the skill set to enable marketers to deliver highly effective work that drives business performance and makes them a shoe in for awards. So I know a thing or two about what makes for great marketing work. And I’ve had judging practice. I judged on a cake stand at a country fair. Oh, I’ve also got this great profile pic for the marketing materials. [waits patiently to be inundated with invites]. #marketing #awards #judging

One week left! Deadline: March 8, 2024. It’s easy to apply. Categories for leaders, investors, organizations, initiatives of many types, - please share your impact stories to inspire others and for an opportunity to win. As a judge for the third year I can’t wait to see all the ideas and initiatives flooding in. It’s seriously one of the most rewarding things I get to do. Let’s go! Shared Value Initiative Hong Kong Shared Value Project #creatingsharedvalue #purposeatwork #impact #profitandpurpose #sharedvalueawards

Happy Monday! A week or so ago, I was judging the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards. Now the tables have turned, as I started this week by finalising my submissions for the 2024 ROAR Awards. When I first started my business, the idea of entering business awards made me feel ick. But now I see the value of entering them. They're definitely a great way to review the ups and downs I've had in my business. Do you enter business awards? #businessawards #businessowner

Happy Monday! A week or so ago, I was judging the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards. Now the tables have turned, as I started this week by finalising my submissions for the 2024 ROAR Awards. When I first started my business, the idea of entering business awards made me feel ick. But now I see the value of entering them. They're definitely a great way to review the ups and downs I've had in my business. Do you enter business awards? #businessawards #businessowner

Do those who pay to be featured on lists or highlighted in special issues also believe in participation trophies? Why should I pay someone to publish me? Why would I want to pay to be on a list? It’s hard to take seriously those who claim to be the best in the business, yet pay a media company to boost their reputation. Is there even a legitimate list that truly recognizes the excellence of some of these partners? Here’s to the real superheroes in our partner community—the ones who earn their accolades without buying them.

We live in a world where we’re constantly fed a newsfeed of trophies. Another promotion. Another award. Another acknowledgement. Another “win.” Comparison is looking at someone’s progress and thinking: they’re better/further along/smarter/stronger/faster than me. Inspiration is looking at someone’s progress and thinking: look what they were able to do, maybe I can do something like that too? I find it easier to by inspired by someone’s words or actions rather than their medals. Medals aren’t bad, but they’re often the catalyst for comparison because they’re designed to emulate a status. Comparison is looking at other people’s progress as the absence of your own. Inspiration is looking at other people’s progress as evidence that it’s possible for you. Know the difference before you scroll 💛