New Business of the Year 2024!

Plus, runner-up Young Businesswoman of the Year at the Kent Women in Business Awards.

So, how can you optimise your application for an award, especially if you're new to business?

The only way to celebrate the evening was a strawberry milkshake in my dressing gown.

Entering the awards

When I entered the awards, it felt like a long shot. I had only been operating for a few months!

I thought 'what do I really have to show for myself?'.

So I centred my application around what I want to do and what I have already achieved in a small amount of time. I made sure to include elements of my personality, history and journey to this point. And when I was announced as a finalist, I thought that was an achievement enough. I bought tickets to the evening and thought hey, if I don't win, at least it's a great networking opportunity.

The awards

Turns out everything I had spent countless late nights working on paid off.

I remember telling people how important to me developing my branding, website and socials were.

The result? My personality, style and determination all shone through in my application.

It won me that award.

The judges could clearly understand my brand and what I am trying to achieve.

When they called my name I was utterly shocked.

Not because I didn't believe in myself, but because I thought a business that hadn't been operating for very long couldn't possibly seem impressive to an outside perspective.

I am glad to admit that I was wrong.

I walked off stage having no idea what had just happened.

Not to mention I had to do a speech... that I had not prepared for AT ALL.

I watched the speech back a few days later and I am pleased to report, I didn't make a t*t out of myself.

So, what are my tips for entering awards?

1. Your written application should include:

• Personality

• Elements of storytelling

• Achievements

• Goals

• Your 'why'

Of course facts and figures will support your application

but the way you present this gives any judges more chance to connect with you, your business and bigger goals.

2. Use ANY media to support what you're saying

I even screenshot my LinkedIn profile to display how much engagement I had achieved in a short time period along with what kind of value I offer my followers.

Think about sharing your:

• Social channels

• Website

• Reviews

• Content

• Showreels

And remember, just put yourself out there.

You never know what might happen.