Latest / Online Business Uncovered: Simple Strategies for Female Entrepreneurs / 39: 5 reasons why entering awards is good for business

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39: 5 reasons why entering awards is good for business · Online Business Uncovered: Simple Strategies for Female Entrepreneurs

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: Hello and welcome to the Digitally She Does It Show.
• 0:04
  SPEAKER_00: This is episode 39, and in today's episode, I'm going to be talking about the power of awards.
• 0:12
  SPEAKER_00: So let's jump right in and get started.
• 0:21
  SPEAKER_00: Welcome to the Digitally She Does It Show.
• 0:24
  SPEAKER_00: I'm your host Karen and I'm here to lift the lid on what it actually takes to create a successful business.
• 0:30
  SPEAKER_00: If you are an ambitious creative ready to build a business on your own terms and without compromise, then this podcast is perfect for you.
• 0:38
  SPEAKER_00: With my award-winning approach to marketing and expert knowledge in creating online courses, this show will leave you feeling inspired, energized, and ready to bring those big dreams to life.
• 0:49
  SPEAKER_00: Join me each week for a dose of motivation and marketing know-how, along with actionable step-by-step strategies to help you accelerate your business's growth.
• 0:57
  SPEAKER_00: So let's dive in and don't forget to subscribe to all my upcoming episodes, which drop every Wednesday.
• 1:54
  SPEAKER_00: Now I'm going to include how you can nail that golden idea that is sitting inside your head, waiting to get out into the world, and what you actually need to do to get that started.
• 2:06
  SPEAKER_00: Now it's going to be 60 minutes of jam-packed goodness that's going to leave you feeling inspired, motivated, and ready to get started.
• 2:18
  SPEAKER_00: Because now is the perfect time to start creating that business that works for you, that supports your goals and your ambitions and gives you time back so that you can bring those dreams that you have to life.
• 2:34
  SPEAKER_00: So if you are ready to scale your business and to stop trading your precious, limited time for less money than what it's worth, I want you to visit www.pink-lemondigital.com forward slash kickstart.
• 2:52
  SPEAKER_00: Now spaces are limited, so if you want to come on board, I would book your space today.
• 2:58
  SPEAKER_00: Okay, so let's get started with today's episode.
• 3:01
  SPEAKER_00: And today I am talking about the power of awards and why you need to be entering them if you are creating a successful business.
• 3:12
  SPEAKER_00: And I'm going to be sharing five really good reasons why it is a no-brainer to enter awards and how both you and your business can benefit from doing so.
• 3:26
  SPEAKER_00: Now, the reason why I've decided to create this episode this week is because I have something really exciting to share with you.
• 3:35
  SPEAKER_00: And that is that on Friday night I won two awards for my business.
• 3:43
  SPEAKER_00: I won Creative Business of the Year and I won Digital Business of the Year Award as well, which I cannot tell you.
• 3:51
  SPEAKER_00: I am so over the moon, it's ridiculous.
• 3:55
  SPEAKER_00: Every year this event takes place, it's known as Kiba, Kent Women in Business Awards.
• 4:03
  SPEAKER_00: And the event itself is dedicated to supporting and empowering women in business.
• 4:11
  SPEAKER_00: I love this event because it's an incredible evening that centers around celebrating the success of women in business.
• 4:22
  SPEAKER_00: And as female entrepreneurs, we all know firsthand how tough it is to be out there building a business.
• 4:32
  SPEAKER_00: And this is one event that I really do enjoy attending because I find the stories are so incredibly inspiring.
• 4:42
  SPEAKER_00: Now I've been attending this event for probably about, I don't know, what, four, five years?
• 4:48
  SPEAKER_00: So I've been going for a long time now, and it hasn't always been because I've won.
• 4:54
  SPEAKER_00: It has been in the past where I have been a finalist in the event.
• 5:00
  SPEAKER_00: I look forward to this event because I know that it's going to be such an uplifting event to attend.
• 5:08
  SPEAKER_00: I love seeing other women breaking through the glass ceilings and creating these amazing businesses that help so many people.
• 5:18
  SPEAKER_00: And I think seeing other women out there achieving their goals and their dreams and building these incredible businesses helps to kind of pave the way for people coming after them.
• 5:31
  SPEAKER_00: They are showing what it is possible and the fact that if you have a desire to make a difference, then what you want to happen is possible.
• 5:41
  SPEAKER_00: And I always come away feeling so energized and inspired and feeling also as though I'm not alone.
• 5:49
  SPEAKER_00: That there are other women out there just like me who are building their businesses, who are creating their dreams one day at a time to make what they want happen.
• 6:03
  SPEAKER_00: Because we all know that being in business, being entrepreneurs, it is incredibly lonely.
• 6:11
  SPEAKER_00: We spend so much of our time on our own, in our heads, trying to put all those jigsaw pieces together.
• 6:21
  SPEAKER_00: And I think in business, there is no one route that leads you direct to success.
• 6:28
  SPEAKER_00: It's not like that, it's not a direct route.
• 6:32
  SPEAKER_00: There are so many pitfalls, so many rabbit holes to fall into, and then that doesn't even take into account everything that you have going on inside your head.
• 6:43
  SPEAKER_00: Those little gremlins that are holding you back, telling you you cannot do it, trying to keep you safe all of the time.
• 6:50
  SPEAKER_00: And so I think being an entrepreneur, creating these businesses is so tough.
• 6:58
  SPEAKER_00: But what I love to see is that there are other women out there doing it, making a difference, and just bringing their dreams to life.
• 7:08
  SPEAKER_00: And like I say, I always feel so uplifted at the end of the evening.
• 7:14
  SPEAKER_00: Now I've been entering wards for maybe about four years now, and I started because I remember a mentor that I had many years ago saying to me that if I was serious about creating a business, creating a brand, then I needed to get that recognition for my business because it takes your business to that next level and it gives you credibility.
• 7:42
  SPEAKER_00: And having that third-party endorsement does solidify what you're doing, and it does give your business that validation.
• 7:51
  SPEAKER_00: So it's always been in the back of my mind that at the right time I would start entering awards.
• 7:58
  SPEAKER_00: And so I have been entering Kiba for probably about four years now.
• 8:03
  SPEAKER_00: Now, for a few years, I attended and I won finalists.
• 8:07
  SPEAKER_00: So I was in the very early stages of my business and I was there as a finalist.
• 8:13
  SPEAKER_00: And I always remember sitting there thinking, these women are incredible, they are so inspiring.
• 8:20
  SPEAKER_00: And one day that will be me.
• 8:23
  SPEAKER_00: I will be up there collecting my award.
• 8:26
  SPEAKER_00: Now, a couple of years ago, that happened, and I won Creative Business of the Year Award for my branding studio and for the work that I was doing with my clients at that time.
• 8:40
  SPEAKER_00: And I just remember it being such an incredible night.
• 8:42
  SPEAKER_00: And I remember when my name was called out, my husband looked at me and his face just lit up, and it just felt amazing because all of that hard work had been recognised, and I felt like it had been recognized through the award.
• 9:01
  SPEAKER_00: However, this year it's been very different because I didn't attend last year, I wasn't ready to.
• 9:08
  SPEAKER_00: For the past couple of years, I've been shifting the direction of my business, and back in lockdown, I made the decision that I was going to move more into the digital space.
• 9:21
  SPEAKER_00: And whilst I still work with clients, helping them with their branding and their websites and whatnot, I just fell in love with online courses, digital products, and creating resources that could help my audience.
• 9:38
  SPEAKER_00: And so a couple of years ago, I made that decision that I wanted to bring all of the skills and everything that I'd accumulated over the years, and I wanted to really invest them in this new side of the business.
• 9:52
  SPEAKER_00: So I've been spending two years almost building it out, putting products out there, testing products, working with clients, building the testimonials and the success stories, and proving that what I had to offer works.
• 10:11
  SPEAKER_00: And so that's where my head's been over the past few years.
• 10:14
  SPEAKER_00: And so last year I wasn't even ready to attend.
• 10:19
  SPEAKER_00: I didn't feel worthy enough to be considered for an award last year because in my mind I wasn't where I needed to be in order to be able to move ahead with those.
• 10:34
  SPEAKER_00: However, this year it's been very different because this year lots of things have happened.
• 10:39
  SPEAKER_00: The new side of my business is all built out.
• 10:42
  SPEAKER_00: I've really kind of shifted direction.
• 10:44
  SPEAKER_00: I've done a lot in terms of moving my business forward.
• 10:49
  SPEAKER_00: And so when my client nominated me for the awards this year, it felt right, it felt the right time to move forward with them.
• 10:58
  SPEAKER_00: And so I completed the application.
• 11:02
  SPEAKER_00: So if you've never entered an award process before, what tends to happen is you either nominate yourself, because some awards do allow that.
• 11:12
  SPEAKER_00: I'm not sure if Kiba does, but I do know some awards do.
• 11:18
  SPEAKER_00: And then you have to fill out an application form.
• 11:22
  SPEAKER_00: Now, if you've ever completed an awards application, then you know it is the longest application on this planet.
• 11:30
  SPEAKER_00: It's so long and it's so data-driven, and you have to really prove what you're saying.
• 11:39
  SPEAKER_00: So you need to have the data, the case studies, the stories, everything that really solidifies what you're doing and demonstrates the performance of your business.
• 11:54
  SPEAKER_00: So an awards application is not the easiest thing to complete by any means.
• 12:01
  SPEAKER_00: However, I have to say it was one of the most rewarding processes that I went through because I think what it did for me was that it really opened up where my business was at, and it put a spotlight for me on where I've kind of come from and where I am now.
• 12:22
  SPEAKER_00: So data is often played out in many forms, and what you do need to do is dig into the data that tells the story of your business, and I think that's the thing this year that has been probably really eye-opening for me because it's given me more of a 360 around what it is I've been creating.
• 12:46
  SPEAKER_00: So that part of the process I found really powerful.
• 12:50
  SPEAKER_00: And to be honest, even if nothing else came of that, just going through that process of completing an application is truly worth your time because it gives you that time to reflect on where you're at, what you're creating, and where you're moving forward to.
• 13:11
  SPEAKER_00: So this year, because of the shift that has taken place in my business, going from being predominantly a service provider to a digital business provider that provides more of a coaching service along with a membership offer and digital offers.
• 13:27
  SPEAKER_00: What's really interesting is that even over a two-year period, I hadn't realized how far my business has come.
• 13:34
  SPEAKER_00: I haven't spent that time looking into that.
• 13:38
  SPEAKER_00: Because, like I said, I've been so caught up in the doing that I never really stopped to think about the movement that my business has created.
• 13:48
  SPEAKER_00: So when I completed the application and it went in and all of that, didn't think anything more about it.
• 13:54
  SPEAKER_00: So when Friday night came and my name was called out, it was a really incredible moment because again, because I've made this massive shift, I suppose part of me didn't know if what I had created or was creating was enough.
• 14:10
  SPEAKER_00: We're always second-guessing ourselves in business.
• 14:12
  SPEAKER_00: We're always questioning if what we're doing is good enough, if people are by it, if we're good enough, even.
• 14:19
  SPEAKER_00: And so just to get your name called out was a huge moment.
• 14:24
  SPEAKER_00: Now, if truth be told, I really hoped that I would be considered for the Digital Business of the Year award.
• 14:32
  SPEAKER_00: Because going from a service provider to a digital business, for me, that award kind of meant that what I'd done was validated.
• 14:43
  SPEAKER_00: And I don't think for a moment you need an award to validate your effort.
• 14:48
  SPEAKER_00: That's not what I'm saying.
• 14:49
  SPEAKER_00: But I think for me and the journey that I've been on, I guess it just really helped to make me feel as though all of that work that has taken place over the past couple of years has been worth it.
• 15:04
  SPEAKER_00: And I think that's the thing that I felt at the end of the evening.
• 15:08
  SPEAKER_00: It was almost like a tick in the box.
• 15:11
  SPEAKER_00: This is what I've accomplished, and I feel so proud in doing so.
• 15:15
  SPEAKER_00: Now, I'm sharing this with you because, as women, we can be very self-depreciating and we can play down our strengths in order to not make others or ourselves feel uncomfortable.
• 15:28
  SPEAKER_00: And I think sometimes that can mean we don't put ourselves out there as much as perhaps we need to, in fear that we may fail or make fools of ourselves.
• 15:39
  SPEAKER_00: And those little gremlins that sit on our shoulders often hold us back from doing things like entering awards in case we don't win or we fail at the very thing that we're trying to achieve.
• 15:54
  SPEAKER_00: Now, prior to starting my business, I felt so suppressed and held back.
• 16:01
  SPEAKER_00: I had worked in different environments through my 20s.
• 16:05
  SPEAKER_00: I worked in media houses, corporate environments, but I think, in truth, looking back, it was very much square peg round hole.
• 16:13
  SPEAKER_00: I didn't fit.
• 16:14
  SPEAKER_00: They weren't environments that I thrived in.
• 16:17
  SPEAKER_00: I loved being in the media environment.
• 16:18
  SPEAKER_00: It was very creative, very fast-paced.
• 16:21
  SPEAKER_00: I loved that, not so much with a corporate environment.
• 16:24
  SPEAKER_00: I felt very boxed in.
• 16:26
  SPEAKER_00: I was told I could only do X, Y, and Z, and actually what I wanted to do was A, B, C.
• 16:31
  SPEAKER_00: So it never really worked.
• 16:32
  SPEAKER_00: And it wasn't until I became a mum and I started to believe in myself more because I felt like I had the responsibility of being a role model to my children, my two daughters, and I needed to show them that what they could want is possible.
• 16:52
  SPEAKER_00: And I felt as though it was my job as their mum to show what was possible.
• 17:00
  SPEAKER_00: And I just remember thinking on Friday night when my name was called out, I just remember thinking, oh, my girls are going to be so proud of me.
• 17:09
  SPEAKER_00: That was the thought that was running through my head.
• 17:12
  SPEAKER_00: Because when we're creating businesses and we're building these things that matter to us, we can't help but bring that into the family dynamic.
• 17:23
  SPEAKER_00: You can't be out there creating your dream and not let it affect your family life.
• 17:30
  SPEAKER_00: Because, in my experience, the two are so intertwined.
• 17:34
  SPEAKER_00: My children have seen me sitting at my desk for hours on end doing the things that I've been doing.
• 17:40
  SPEAKER_00: And so when my name was called out, that was the first thought that ran through my mind.
• 17:45
  SPEAKER_00: My children are going to be so incredibly proud of me.
• 17:48
  SPEAKER_00: And I think that kind of summed it up for me.
• 17:51
  SPEAKER_00: It's my reason my wife for doing the things that I do are because I want to equally pave the way for others.
• 17:59
  SPEAKER_00: I want to be that inspiration to others, to show them what is possible and what they can do.
• 18:05
  SPEAKER_00: Because if truth be told, I have spent a large proportion of my life prior to my business feeling suppressed, feeling like I didn't have a voice, I couldn't be open and honest about the things that I actually truly wanted, that I wanted to accomplish for myself.
• 18:22
  SPEAKER_00: And it wasn't until I became a mum that I found, I suppose, the power within to recognize the fact that I could do this and I could do it to show my children what is possible.
• 18:35
  SPEAKER_00: And so I guess for me, entering those awards, it felt like I came full circle, like I could hold my head up high and I could be really proud knowing that my children are seeing their mummy do this, and that when the time is right for them, they know that whatever they want to do, whatever they want to be, they can achieve it.
• 18:57
  SPEAKER_00: And I think if anything can be taken from this, I think it's that messaging.
• 19:03
  SPEAKER_00: And not just for my children as well, I think for women in general.
• 19:06
  SPEAKER_00: We are so strong, we're so powerful, and we have so much capability, and we can achieve the things that we set our mind to achieving.
• 19:15
  SPEAKER_00: And it is very tough.
• 19:17
  SPEAKER_00: We have many obstacles that we have to overcome, but if we want it badly enough, we can have it.
• 19:24
  SPEAKER_00: So if you have considered entering and you have held yourself back or you've not even thought about it, then I encourage you to do so because just going through the process is really powerful.
• 19:41
  SPEAKER_00: Now, regardless of the reason why you started your business, as I said, if the prospect of you applying for an award makes you feel uncomfortable or icky, which it can do for so many people, then I want you to start shifting your mindset because there are so many benefits for you to enter awards, regardless of whether you win or not.
• 20:08
  SPEAKER_00: So I'm going to share with you five reasons why you need to start thinking about entering awards for your business.
• 20:18
  SPEAKER_00: So as an online course coach, my main priority is my clients and my students.
• 20:25
  SPEAKER_00: But as a business owner, my main priority is to grow my company and position it in the best light in order for it to grow.
• 20:35
  SPEAKER_00: Now, this is where the power of those awards comes in.
• 20:39
  SPEAKER_00: Because awards can really help to build your business, especially if you do win.
• 20:45
  SPEAKER_00: So the first reason why I recommend you entering awards is first and foremost, it gives business appraisal.
• 20:54
  SPEAKER_00: So if ever there was an ideal time to stop what you're doing and to reflect, then this is it.
• 21:01
  SPEAKER_00: Because as I said, sharing my own experience on this year's awards process, it gave me this amazing time to sit back and really look in at what it is that I have created.
• 21:14
  SPEAKER_00: It's so easy to get caught up in the doing that we forget to stop and reflect on how far we've come.
• 21:22
  SPEAKER_00: And I think going through the awards process gives you that perfect opportunity to stop and think about your own achievements, your own accomplishments.
• 21:31
  SPEAKER_00: Because I guarantee you, what you are doing, what you have done, you will have achieved.
• 21:38
  SPEAKER_00: You will have accomplished things that you need to shout about.
• 21:43
  SPEAKER_00: Now, as I said, the application process isn't for the faint hearted and it can be overwhelming, but it can be really empowering because it gets you to drill in to, like you say, what you have achieved.
• 22:00
  SPEAKER_00: There's no place for modesty in business.
• 22:02
  SPEAKER_00: Not really.
• 22:03
  SPEAKER_00: If you want to build your business, scale what you have to offer and bring in those clients that are going to pay you for what you have, you have to shout about what you're good at.
• 22:16
  SPEAKER_00: You have to let them know.
• 22:17
  SPEAKER_00: Because if they don't know, how are they going to know that you are the person that they're going to want to work with?
• 22:24
  SPEAKER_00: Now, what is interesting for me about attending the event previous is that this year I could measure against where I was two years ago.
• 22:34
  SPEAKER_00: And for me, what became really apparent is the growth.
• 22:39
  SPEAKER_00: I wouldn't have known that had I not attended the event a couple of years ago.
• 22:45
  SPEAKER_00: A really great reason, a really powerful reason to put yourself forward for awards, if nothing else, is that you get that insight on your business.
• 22:55
  SPEAKER_00: What I noticed about my journey over the past couple of years is that my thinking now is very different.
• 23:02
  SPEAKER_00: Because somewhere along the way, my mindset has shifted.
• 23:07
  SPEAKER_00: And completing the application form this year, I realized that my vision and my goals are much, much bigger than they were previously.
• 23:16
  SPEAKER_00: I now recognize that the only limitation that I have is one that I put on myself.
• 23:23
  SPEAKER_00: And I think that thought alone is really powerful because by recognizing that, I can then do what I need to do to remove that limitation.
• 23:33
  SPEAKER_00: So if you are feeling like you can't achieve, you can't do this, remove that limitation because I promise you you can.
• 23:42
  SPEAKER_00: Okay, the second reason is the visibility factor.
• 23:46
  SPEAKER_00: Because visibility in business is incredibly important.
• 23:50
  SPEAKER_00: We need to get people to know we exist.
• 23:53
  SPEAKER_00: You can't run a business if you don't have visibility.
• 23:57
  SPEAKER_00: You need to get your name and your business out there.
• 24:00
  SPEAKER_00: And I think just by being shortlisted for an award, it can really help to drive that brand awareness and put your business directly in front of a whole new load of customers.
• 24:11
  SPEAKER_00: Even from just attending awards and being put through as a finalist, you will get so much content from that.
• 24:19
  SPEAKER_00: And that content can be repurposed in so many ways.
• 24:23
  SPEAKER_00: Now it's human nature for people to want to respond to those that are doing well.
• 24:30
  SPEAKER_00: So when you create posts around your awards entry, you'll get that engagement.
• 24:35
  SPEAKER_00: You'll increase your numbers, you'll get that traffic, and you can create so much hype around it that it will skyrocket your numbers online and put new eyeballs on your business.
• 24:48
  SPEAKER_00: And the free marketing that comes from being associated with an awards event is again really powerful, and you can really leverage that to really build up that visibility for your business.
• 25:00
  SPEAKER_00: Okay, so the third reason to apply for awards is that awards help to define quality.
• 25:10
  SPEAKER_00: So if you have been nominated for an award, then it must mean that you're doing something good.
• 25:16
  SPEAKER_00: You must be good at what you're doing because you're not going to be nominated for an award if you don't deliver results.
• 25:23
  SPEAKER_00: Now, awards are often chosen on merit.
• 25:27
  SPEAKER_00: And so if you are nominated and you go through to becoming a finalist, then that alone is really powerful because that says how good you are.
• 25:37
  SPEAKER_00: If you have clients that are sitting on the fence about working with you, then this could be the thing that persuades them to work with you because you are the person that they need to work with.
• 25:50
  SPEAKER_00: A business award win or being shortlisted or even being nominated often acts as a third-party endorsement for your business.
• 25:59
  SPEAKER_00: Now, a win will give your business that seal of approval, and it proves that your business is one of quality for potential clients because a business is not going to win awards if they're rubbish at what they do and they don't have the quality to back up their win.
• 26:18
  SPEAKER_00: So it can be the thing that really differentiates you from your competition.
• 26:24
  SPEAKER_00: Now, I would be lying if I said I was the only course coach out there.
• 26:28
  SPEAKER_00: I'm not.
• 26:29
  SPEAKER_00: There are loads of amazing online course coaches that are absolutely smashing it in our space.
• 26:35
  SPEAKER_00: They are doing such an amazing job, they're helping so many people, and they're just building these incredible businesses.
• 26:43
  SPEAKER_00: But the one thing that may differentiate me from my competition, because we all have competition, regardless of what we do, the one thing that may differentiate me is the awards that I've won for my business.
• 26:59
  SPEAKER_00: Meaning that I can leverage that messaging to position myself slightly different in the marketplace.
• 27:07
  SPEAKER_00: So again, this can be really powerful and it can help to attract new clients towards my offers.
• 27:14
  SPEAKER_00: So awards help to define quality, they help to differentiate, and they help to attract new clients into your business.
• 27:25
  SPEAKER_00: So again, it's another great reason for you to apply for awards.
• 27:31
  SPEAKER_00: Okay, the fourth reason is the motivation that it gives you.
• 27:36
  SPEAKER_00: There's nothing quite like an award ceremony to leave you feeling inspired, energized, and motivated.
• 27:46
  SPEAKER_00: Just being there can be a much needed boost.
• 27:49
  SPEAKER_00: Because remember, we're doing this largely on our own.
• 27:52
  SPEAKER_00: If you're anything like me, you're probably sitting in your office on your own, creating your business, helping clients, doing the things that you do on your own.
• 28:04
  SPEAKER_00: You need to be so self-motivated and driven.
• 28:08
  SPEAKER_00: But there comes a point where when things get challenging, that that motivation can waver.
• 28:16
  SPEAKER_00: So awards or going to award ceremonies help to refill that cup.
• 28:22
  SPEAKER_00: It helps to re-energize you and it helps you to get clear on why you're doing this because when you hear what other people are talking about, their reasons, why they're doing what they're doing, it is so inspiring that it can't help but lift you up and motivate you to keep going.
• 28:42
  SPEAKER_00: Running a business can be really hard work and it can be emotionally draining, and it is really hard to switch off because there's always so much to do, and it's so easy to get caught up in those little things and to forget why you're building a business in the first place.
• 28:58
  SPEAKER_00: So award ceremonies are a great place to be to get that much-needed dose of motivation.
• 29:07
  SPEAKER_00: Okay, so my fifth and final reason for you to enter awards is that it's a great way to build new contacts.
• 29:16
  SPEAKER_00: So just being at an event with other like-minded business owners and entrepreneurs puts you in the spotlight.
• 29:26
  SPEAKER_00: And it also puts you amongst the tribe of other like-minded individuals that are doing similar things to what you're doing.
• 29:36
  SPEAKER_00: Now, it's a really great way to break the ice with people, to meet new people, to network, and to bring those new contacts into your business.
• 29:44
  SPEAKER_00: And it's also a great way to build engagement online as well.
• 29:49
  SPEAKER_00: Because whilst award events are often in person, there is no reason why you can't continue to build those contacts online afterwards.
• 29:58
  SPEAKER_00: Just by putting out social media posts, congratulating other winners, tagging other winners, engaging with other winners means that you're building your network of people.
• 30:10
  SPEAKER_00: And again, that can be really powerful for your business.
• 30:15
  SPEAKER_00: So treat awards as though you would with a networking event.
• 30:20
  SPEAKER_00: You go there to make contacts, to build alliances, and to support other people, and that will help you to grow your business as well.
• 30:33
  SPEAKER_00: So there you have it.
• 30:35
  SPEAKER_00: Five really powerful reasons why you need to be thinking about entering awards for your business.
• 30:42
  SPEAKER_00: Now, to be honest, it really doesn't matter whether you win the award or not.
• 30:47
  SPEAKER_00: It's not always about the winning.
• 30:49
  SPEAKER_00: Sometimes it's just about the process because it can be a really invigorating and exciting one to be a part of.
• 30:56
  SPEAKER_00: Don't be afraid to apply for awards or to ask your clients to nominate you because your business is most likely going to be worth celebrating.
• 31:07
  SPEAKER_00: I'm incredibly proud of the awards that I've won, but I spent a good few years rocking up, being a finalist, and just being really grateful to be a part of something that was bigger than myself that I could learn from and absorb from and be that sponge to take in what it had to offer.
• 31:28
  SPEAKER_00: Now, winning an award, you know, it's that moment where you feel really proud of yourself.
• 31:33
  SPEAKER_00: But your business doesn't necessarily need to be award-winning in order for it to be significant.
• 31:39
  SPEAKER_00: If I could share any piece of advice, it's that what you're creating is worth celebrating.
• 31:48
  SPEAKER_00: We are out there, as I said, in the trenches doing this day in and day out, and it isn't easy.
• 31:55
  SPEAKER_00: And I really do believe that just by going through the awards process, it's going to do so much good for you, for your mindset, and for your business.
• 32:07
  SPEAKER_00: You have what it takes to win an award.
• 32:12
  SPEAKER_00: You can do this, you just need to shift that mindset and feel like it's in your reach.
• 32:19
  SPEAKER_00: So, what I encourage you to do is that if you want to build your business and drive new customers to your offers, then really do consider putting yourself out there and applying for awards.
• 32:35
  SPEAKER_00: If you do a search online, you will find that there are many awards out there that you can apply for.
• 32:42
  SPEAKER_00: So take a deep breath, go and do a search, and go and enter an award.
• 32:50
  SPEAKER_00: And you may be surprised at the outcome and where you find yourself, but you'll never regret entering an award, but you might regret not entering one.
• 33:01
  SPEAKER_00: So I encourage you if this is something that you want for your business, take a deep breath and go and do it.
• 33:07
  SPEAKER_00: And I wish you the very best of luck.
• 33:10
  SPEAKER_00: Okay, so before I finish today's episode, I just want to remind you to book your place on my free online masterclass called Kickstart Your Online Course.
• 33:21
  SPEAKER_00: That is taking place on the 22nd of March at 2 30 pm UK time.
• 33:27
  SPEAKER_00: Visit www.pink-lemondigital.com forward slash kickstart to book your place today.
• 33:35
  SPEAKER_00: Now spaces are limited, so do get booking.
• 33:39
  SPEAKER_00: Thank you so much for taking the time to listen to today's episode.
• 33:43
  SPEAKER_00: I hope you found this episode of value and of course please feel free to share it with others who you may think will also benefit from listening to today's episode.
• 33:54
  SPEAKER_00: If you are feeling inspired and would like to know more about getting started with creating an online digital course, then why not download my free ebook, 10 Steps to Digital Course Success, by visiting my website www.pink-lemondigital.com.
• 34:13
  SPEAKER_00: I will be back next week with another episode, but until then, have a great week.
• 34:22
  SPEAKER_00: I hope you enjoyed this episode of the Digitally She Does It Show.
• 34:26
  SPEAKER_00: Don't forget to check out the show notes for all the links and resources mentioned in today's episode.
• 34:31
  SPEAKER_00: New episodes drop every week on a Wednesday.
• 34:34
  SPEAKER_00: So why not rate and subscribe so you never miss an episode?
• 34:37
  SPEAKER_00: Thank you for tuning in today, and I will see you next time.