BUSINESS
Unveiling the Power of Entering Awards.
By Nicola Le Lievre
With over 25 years of experience in the beauty industry, including the past decade of owning an international multi-award-winning salon intherapy Ethical Beauty, I know first-hand the benefits and opportunities that entering business awards can have on your business. I am on a mission to help other salon owners do the same. Entering awards can offer numerous advantages for beauty salons and teams. Firstly, it is a platform to showcase and reflect on what you are doing well and celebrate hard work and innovations. Improvements can be highlighted and reminded of your growth achievements and talent within the industry. Winning or even being nominated for an award can significantly boost your salon’s credibility and reputation. Participating in awards also facilitates networking opportunities. It allows salon owners and professionals to connect with peers, industry leaders, and potential clients. This networking can lead to collaborations, partnerships, and increased visibility within the beauty community. Moreover, winning an award can serve as powerful marketing collateral. The recognition can be used in promotional materials, social media, and the salon’s website, creating a positive image that attracts clients. Consumers often trust businesses with accolades, which can be a persuasive factor in their decision-making process. Participation in awards also fosters a culture of continuous improvement. Preparing for and entering awards encourages salons to reflect on their practices, identify areas for enhancement, and implement positive changes. This commitment to excellence can contribute to longterm success and sustainability in a competitive industry. Awards can motivate and boost the morale of salon staff. Recognition for their hard work and dedication can lead to increased job satisfaction, loyalty, and a sense of pride among team members. This positive atmosphere can translate into better customer service, further enhancing the salon’s reputation.
Here are five tips to help you get started on your award journey:
Research and Choose the Right Awards: Before diving in, research various beauty and business awards in Australia and Internationally. Consider the criteria, categories, and judging processes to find those most aligned with your salon’s strengths. Choose awards focusing on customer service, innovation, or sustainability, depending on your salon’s unique selling points. The first awards platform I recommend is the ABIA as a stepping stone into the awards world. Prepare a Stellar Submission: Craft a compelling submission highlighting your salon’s achievements, uniqueness, and commitment to excellence. Clearly 66
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articulate how your salon stands out in the industry, backed by evidence such as client testimonials, business growth statistics, or successful marketing campaigns. Make sure to follow the submission guidelines closely. Engage Your Team: Involving your team is crucial. Seek their input on what makes the salon unique and encourage them to share their experiences. This collaborative approach enhances the submission and fosters a sense of shared achievement. Team engagement is often a critical factor in the success of award entries. Utilise the Recognition: Whether you win or receive a nomination, leverage the recognition. Update your salon’s marketing materials, website, and social media profiles to showcase the award. Communicate the achievement to your clients and community, emphasising its value to your services. This can attract new clients and reinforce loyalty among existing ones. Attend Award Events and Network: Attend award ceremonies and industry events if possible. This provides an opportunity to network with other salon owners and industry professionals. Building relationships in the beauty community can open doors for collaborations, partnerships, and recognition. In conclusion, entering awards can be a gamechanger for yourself and your business, offering benefits ranging from increased credibility and visibility to enhanced team morale. By following these tips, salons can navigate the award process effectively and position themselves for success in a competitive industry. Over the past seven years, I have been a finalist, won over 20 Australian and Global awards, judged various national and international awards, and written tributes for brands such as Issada. I have also been a judge for many Australian awards, such as the ABIAs, Ausmumpreneur, and the global Stevie Awards. I can now support you, your business, and your team in becoming award-winning.
How I can support your awards journey Find Your Courage
As a qualified NLP practitioner, I can also support you by breaking down any limiting beliefs and feelings of imposter syndrome that may have prevented you from entering awards programs.
Goal Setting
We’ll start by clarifying your personal and business goals so we can focus on the awards and events that will be most impactful for your company.
Awards Submission
I specialise in writing awards submissions for the beauty industry combined with business consulting to help identify previously missed opportunities to ensure your next entry stands out to the judges, giving you the best chance of becoming a finalist.
Speaking Support
I can also provide support, strategies and copy for your subsequent award acceptance speech and press releases to help spread the news of your achievements.
Upcoming group coaching
Register for more information on my upcoming 4-week group course in January 2024 or for a free 30-minute discovery call via my website, and together, we can work on what suits you and your business best. Success begins at the end of your comfort zone. Making the conscious decision to enter an award is an excellent step for your business; becoming a finalist is a giant leap, and winning is fantastic. All the best on your journey. www.nicolalelievre.com
