The deadline for fall awards is coming up fast. You’ve got two days left to write and submit an award-winning Reggie entry. But how in the world are you supposed to do all that in so little time? We’ve got some tips for all you last-minute submitters.
1. Read Through the Requirements
Review what the award recognizes including eligibility, categories, fees, dates/deadlines, evaluations/scoring, selection and who the judges are (if possible). Plus, familiarize yourself with any changes in the award criteria. By understanding the award in its entirety, it will help you draft your submission and know who will need to gather components of the submission materials.
2. Block Off Time
Don’t. Miss. Deadlines. Block off your calendar, get comfy at your computer, and pound through the application. Start as soon as possible since you may need multiple people within your organization to complete the entry form. Make sure to allow time for drafting, review, editing and, if applicable, client approvals and selecting photos. You don’t want to go to the work of putting together a submission only to miss the deadline.
3. Commit
If you plan to enter, commit whole heartedly. Treat the award as you would a client, with the same attention to detail and deadlines. Most importantly have the approval from your client or any other applicable parties before starting the entry process.
4. Appoint an Awards Guru
Have one point person responsible for coordinating your submission. It doesn’t need to be your top-level executive, but rather someone that can manage it as if it were a project—possibly someone on your marketing or communications team. After an internal review about the award and the entry you’ll submit, have your awards guru contact the award organizer with any questions. The organizer should be more than happy to help answer your questions, so you have a better understanding of the award and the process.
5. Utilize Opportunity
Depending on the award you’re entering, you’ll likely need to provide an award write-up and supporting documents such as photos, photo descriptions, floor plans or renderings, and letters of recommendation. Take full advantage of reaching the maximum allowed (word count, number of photos, etc)., if it is relevant. It is best to provide enough detail to make your point but be succinct knowing the judges will have multiple entries to review. Tell the judges why you did what you did, for example why those materials were selected or what was unique about a particular feature. Share what sets this entry apart from the others and back your claims with evidence.
Pro Tip: when asking an individual to supply a letter of recommendation, provide them with the criteria of the award and what the judges will be looking for, so the individual writing the letter can touch on those items.
6. Pay Attention to Detail
Proofread your entry to avoid typos. Then have a fresh pair of eyes look it over before submitting.
7. Keep a Copy
If you’re filling out an online submission form, copy and paste the content into a Word document or Google Doc. Review and edit from that document so all you have to do at the end is copy and paste for the submission. Keep a copy of all submission materials and write-ups so you have a starting point if you want to enter for a similar award.
8. Build a Promotional Plan
Have your promotional plan laid out well before the award winner is announced to publicize your win if your entry is the selected recipient. Research how you want to promote your win: press releases, social media posts, ads, billboards, embroidered apparel, email signature or mention on your business card. Determine your budget for promoting your win and build a schedule for any deliverables following the winner being named.
Need a refresher on Housing First Minnesota award deadlines?
- Builder, Remodeler & Associate of the Year Awards: Entry Deadline: July 8
- Reggie AwardsSM: Entry Deadline: July 8 Open to 2022 Fall Parade of Homes Builders
- Rising Star Award: Nominations Due: July 8
- Bennie Award: Entry Deadline: July 22
- Trillium AwardsSM: Entry Deadline: July 25
- Robert L. Hanson Lifetime Achievement Award: Nomination Deadline: July 29
Visit housingfirstmn.org for complete award details
Save the Date | The Big Night: Friday, October 28, 2022
