Jeremy Tauri: Entering awards is winning

Entering the race for a business award will always be a winning proposition.

When was the last time you really evaluated your business?

Chambers of Commerce around the country are taking entries and preparing for their annual business awards. I know some people think these are just excuses to dress up and have a few drinks - just another glorified networking event.

But if you do it well, entering the business awards can be so much more than that. For starters, by the time you have written your entry, you will have looked at your business in an entirely new light, considering aspects you might not normally think about each day, such as processes, business sustainability and vision.

You will be asked to explain what you do and, crucially, why. This can be a revelation. People have processes that they have not thought about since the day they opened their business.

You then get to talk to judges, who are knowledgeable businesspeople, and who offer feedback on your operation. This is the sort of objective advice that is often hard to get.

The awards let you see how your business compares to others in a similar industry. You can see what you are doing well and pick up pointers from others you may want to emulate.

Don't think your business or organisation cannot be part of this event. Categories exist to encompass all sizes and types including not-for-profits, sole traders and community groups.

If you are a winner or finalist, there are many benefits in terms of marketing and boosting your image. Everyone is interested in what the winning businesses and finalists do, and you will get to share your story and what makes you special.

The event is also useful.

It is also a celebration of the positives of being in business. Too often we can be overwhelmed by economic concerns, when things such as a low payout play on our minds. The awards celebrate things going well - in itself worth a drink.