Five Reasons Why Maritime Awards Matter
And why your business shouldn't overlook them
By Chris Morley, Brand Director, Seatrade Maritime
So, you've been asked to enter an industry award scheme for your organisation; what are your immediate thoughts? Chances are, you're probably thinking that you haven't got time.
Or perhaps that it's too challenging. Too much hassle. No clear return on investment.
And honestly? That's totally understandable. After all, the maritime industry is facing a challenging future. We're busier than ever fighting to get ourselves noticed above the rest of the competition in order to differentiate our teams as leaders in their respective sectors. We have less and less time on a daily basis and our focus is taken up by so many different factors.
Attract new business opportunities
As well as keeping current customers and investors happy, entering awards can also be key to attracting new clients; an important part of any business strategy. By winning an award, you're showing that the work you're doing is of exceptional quality and thus generates a positive feeling about your business.
Demonstrate your position in the maritime industry
An award win highlights your business as experts in its respective field. It gives you something to announce and a winner's logo to proudly display. A bit like a seal of approval, it acts like a differentiator and improves your credibility.
You can also show customers your values. For example, by winning an award focused on green shipping or an environmental initiative, you can demonstrate your views are in line with your clients.
Motivate your team
Creating an entry brings a team together.
It demonstrates that the business value the work that their employees are producing and it can be a great way to not only improve employee retention, but also attract new talent. Whilst winning is a bonus, making the shortlist is cause for celebration in its own right and positions your team alongside the best of the best.
Analyse your work
Putting together an entry gives you a unique opportunity to take a step back and look at what you, as a business, are doing. It allows you to analyse your work to the nth degree and identify the areas that you could improve.
After all, improvements done for the right reasons have the potential to equate to big results.
Public relations
Entering any award scheme opens up your business to a wide range of opportunities for improving your public relations. Making the shortlist gives you something to shout and proudly tell your clients about; it inspires confidence in your team and also the opportunity to reach new business through a wider media network.
Award schemes present a unique opportunity to really get your business noticed. However, you have to be in it to win it.
