When I returned from vacation a few days ago, one of the first things I did was stop by my mailbox to pick up my mail. As usual, it was full of the typical bank statements and credit card offers, but it also had one of those hot pink "You have a package" slips in it. That meant I had a delivery that was too big to fit in my mailbox. Time to get excited! What could it be? I wasn't expecting any shipments. Well, when they handed me the large cardboard envelope I got really excited. It had a neon yellow sticker on the outside that read "APEX AWARD NOTIFICATION."
When I opened it up, I discovered my 10stepmarketing step-by-step small business marketing guidebook had received a 2006 APEX Award of Excellence in the How-to writing category. Woo-hoo! So what's the first thing I did after a mini celebratory dance? Well, as a marketer, I started thinking of ways to merchandise the award. When I got home I sat down at my computer and wrote a press release, posted it on PRWeb and sent it out to the local business publications. If you'd like to learn more about the award or read the release, you can do so here: 10stepmarketing Receives 2006 APEX Award
I'd also like to challenge you to research what awards are given out in your industry and think about entering them. Awards are just one way of adding credibility to your business because they are an objective, third party's assessment ... that's someone else's stamp of approval on you and your business. And that can be very valuable marketing.