While some entries may be good, why settle for just that? With these tips, you can transcend 'good' and truly stand out!

We know that you are all busy and so we've tried to make entering the NZ Compare Awards as easy as possible and with several weeks to go you have a great chance to write a great entry.

In order to give yourself the best chance possible, it's worth reading the tips below, which are based on feedback from the judges in previous years.  Every year they see some stand-out entries, and others which they feel could have had much more of a chance if entrants followed some simple tips and applied themselves fully to their entry.

 

HERE ARE SOME OF OUR TOP TIPS:

Firstly, you’ve been told this since you took your first exams at school.  Read the question and make sure you answer what is being asked. The information on the entry forms are there to help you and often guides you towards what the Judges are looking for or how long the section needs to be.

Pay attention to the weightings.  Awards are weighted according to importance of different sections / questions.  For example, a 40% section should have more attention, content and focus than a 20% section.

You don't need to use the maximum number of words but if your content is very much shorter, you might find other entrants have included a lot more detail than you, which may work in their favour.  Don’t space fill though!  Ensure all the information that you submit is relevant and of value.

Include examples, numbers, concrete facts, proof of success. Whilst you do not need to disclose all your confidential information (even though all judges have signed a stringent non-disclosure confidentiality agreement), the judging panel are better able to judge your entry if you include some figures, graphs, results, etc.   Some smaller companies may feel that some "numbers" look small, but be assured that the  judges are not just looking for "big numbers".  The judges are seeking proof and evidence that you are operating a fantastic business and that the successes you claim are genuine. Don't be afraid your entry "won't stack up".  Our judges are specifically briefed not to rank bigger businesses above smaller ones on the basis of turnover or size, but instead focus on the performance relevant to scale.

Ensure you put all the important information into your text entry, but by all means, include attachments or supporting files which further illustrate or emphasise your point.  Be sure you reference them in your entry (e.g. "Our customer complaint numbers have halved in the last twelve months - see graph in attached document").

Bang your drum! Sing your praises!  Now is not the time to be shy, but instead it’s a time to shine a spotlight on you and your companies achievements.  Remember, the judges don’t know as much as you about your business so it pays to be explicit about what you have done, why you think you deserve to win, and back it up with proof.

Start early – entries are open NOW.  You can save your entry as a draft and return to it to complete as many times as you like. Starting early gives you plenty of time to finish your entry, read it again, edit if necessary, and add to it if you want to. All entries remain editable until the closing deadline.

Finally, the biggest tip.  ENTER!  You can’t win if you don’t enter! 
The NZ Compare Awards bring a great opportunity to take stock and reflect on your business, analyse your operations and benchmark your business against the best.  Entering the NZ Compare awards allows your company to reach more customers and gain exposure for your business across our website assets, social media and marketing.  Should you then be fortunate enough to win an award you will add credibility to your business, make employees feel proud and provide you with a great PR and marketing win to, ultimately, drive you more customers.

Entries close on 17th October at 5pm.  So why wait?!?  Begin your entry online now. 

START ENTRY HERE

VISIT AWARDS WEBSITE HERE