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A message from Caroline Lovett
One aspect of my work I enjoy the most is when I get a chance to speak to an audience about ways to create workplace positivity. Whether it's a speaking engagement or training a team I get so much out of interacting with people and the energy created in the room. I'm always eager to hear people's stories, perspectives and ideas.
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I was thrilled to get one such opportunity recently. The Samford Chamber of Commerce invited me to speak at their March meeting. I gave a presentation called Recognising Excellence - Leadership, Laughter and Service. As part of the presentation, a WOW! Award was presented to local business owner, Joanne Pollard from Samford Design and Print, in recognition of her ongoing support for local businesses in the area (see photo above). You can read about the event in The Village Pump.
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And I'd love the chance to speak at your next event. Contact me at www.crediblesource.com.au to find out more.
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Are your employees overdue for some recognition?
Ultimately, business awards are about saying "job well done" to a business, individual or team. This sort of recognition can also work well in the workplace, too. I have championed the power of recognition and the significant role it plays in positive workplace culture and in keeping employees engaged. When an employee's outstanding work is noticed and appreciated, they are likely to keep on doing it and that will benefit their employer. It's what is known as the cycle of success.
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I've been working with The WOW! Awards for several years and I've seen first-hand how this programme gets results. Both colleagues and customers can put in a nomination when they "catch people doing things right". As Director of Customer Support in Australia, I recently met with Liberty Flexible Workplaces, based in Perth, WA. They've been using the WOW! Awards for several years. This business is part of the Happy Workplace Group - yes, workplace positivity is front and centre (their motto is "Happy people make people happy"). They present WOW! Awards every month to ensure their employees know their efforts will be noticed and rewarded.
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The WOW! Awards can also be used as a one-off achievement award, as we did with Joanne Pollard. The NOW Business Network also present WOW! Awards to recognise people or organisations doing amazing work in their communities.
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If you think an employee recognition programme is what your workplace needs, I can connect you with the WOW! Awards.
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The unexpected benefits of entering business awards
When you're running a business, you spend so much time looking ahead and planning for the future, you can forget to look back and celebrate how far you've come. That's one reason to enter awards - it makes you take stock.
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I've been preparing and advising on awards entries and written a guide on how to enter awards (for the Moreton Bay Regional Council) so I've seen how much businesses gain from the experience. I asked some of my clients for their thoughts on entering business awards. Here's what they said...
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Mary Beth Hosking from VicICT for Women said it was on the advice of her business coach that she first entered a business award, which is how she came to enter the CIO50, placing 21st out of 50 placegetters. Then she worked with me on an entry that went on to win the Wequal Award. These awards have helped her promote her leadership brand and have led to public speaking opportunities.
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Kylie Mackay from Northshore Pet Resort started entering awards because she wanted to highlight the business's innovations and growth. These entries have resulted in being a finalist or winning several awards in different categories. They got in touch with me because they wanted a fresh perspective. I helped them with a new strategy and helped them write entries that met the required word limits. And another award came their way.
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These awards and certificates are proudly displayed at their business. To Kylie, the awards represent the care they take with their business. It is also a way to build trust and credibility with their customers. Winning awards has brought attention and recognition from their community and industry. All these factors have combined to bring in more business.
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I've worked with Executive Business Advisor and Consultant, Carla Wall, on several awards entries, which have resulted in three wins and twice being named finalists. Carla observes that preparing an awards entry is rigorous, enlightening and humbling. Looking at the business at a deeper level can influence workplace culture and how it plans for the future.
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Carla has worked in the male-dominated construction industry and says the awards gave her a different perspective on her role. The wins brought media coverage, which raised the company's profile. It also gives the teams she worked with a chance to celebrate their achievements and reflect on how much work they have done. For Carla, winning awards led to opportunities to speak on panels.
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So from raising your business profile or finding new career opportunities to influencing future business plans, there is a lot to be gained from entering awards, apart from actually getting an award.
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Get a free consultation and quote from Credible Source Solutions about an awards strategy and for preparing submissions. Contact me at www.crediblesource.com.au
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Credible Source Connections
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BRAVE AND BEYOND: HIGH TEA
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A Brave Life, which raises funds and supports vulnerable mothers and their babies, is holding a fundraising event on 31 May 2024: The Brave and Beyond High Tea at The Matriach in Newstead. There'll be raffle prizes, including an artwork from local Indigenous artist Brooke Sutton. All funds raised will help A Brave Life continue supporting mothers and their babies. Click here to book your seat
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THE NOW BUSINESS NETWORK GROUP
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The NOW Business Network Group is a different type of business network because the focus is on community first and doing business second. If this type of network is what you are looking for, visitors are welcome at their meetings on the first Thursday of every month at Everton Park State High School. You can find out more about NOW and its activities here.
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Mental Health Advocate, Donna Thistlewaite is hosting an event for Men's Health Week on 11 June 2024 at the Arana Leagues Club. Speakers will include Sam Thaiday, Jarryd Lyons and Clinical Psychologist Stan Steindl. It's $20 a ticket and all proceeds go to RU OK. You can book here.
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In conjunction with the NOW Business Network, Carers' Foundation Ambassador, Joan Wilson-Jones is having a fundraising lunch on 9 August 2024. The 2 course lunch will help Joan secure her spot for the Unsung Heros Gala in October. There'll be laughter and inspiration, with Triple M's Big Breakfast co-host Margaux Parker MC-ing and Dr Dinesh Palipana as guest speaker. If you would like to support Joan, you can book here
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Down Syndrome Queensland is holding a gala dinner on 25 October 2024 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
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The gala will be held at Victoria Park Gold Club. There'll be a 3-course meal, live music, lucky door prizes, raffles and live auctions. All funds raised will go to Down Syndrome Queensland programs and initiatives that help people with Down Syndrome live their best lives.
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You can book tickets, or become a sponsor here.
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