Second Early-bird Entry Deadline Today for 2013 American Business Awards

Posted by Liz Dean on Wed, Dec 12, 2012 @ 11:17 AM

Today is the second early-bird deadline for The 2013 American Business Awards, the premier business awards competition in the U.S.A. (Entry fees are discounted by as much as 15% for entries submitted through December 12. If you haven't yet done so, you can request your entry kit here.)

The Stevie AwardsIf you can't make today's deadline the final deadline is March 27, and late entries will be accepted through April 24 with payment of a late fee. You can find all entry details online, at www.StevieAwards.com/ABA

All individuals and organizations in the U.S.A. are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. The American Business Awards honor organizations and individuals in a wide variety of categories, types of business awards categories include: app awards, company / organization awards, customer service awards, HR awards, IT awards, management awards, marketing awards, new product awards, PR awards, and website awards. See the full list of business awards categories.

The 2013 ABA nominations should cite achievements during our eligibility period: January 2012 through April 24, 2013, the last day that late entries will be accepted. There is no eligibility timeframe for web site entries - it does not matter when the web sites were first published.

If you have questions regarding the submission process, we have several resources including past winners' entries for your review, and  7 tips on submitting winning entries to help you make the most out of your entries.

Need last minute help? Don't hesitate to contact us with your questions about how to participate in The 2013 American Business Awards.

Topics: customer service awards, hr awards, business awards, app awards, website awards, marketing awards, PR awards, American business awards, it awards

Second Early-bird Entry Deadline Tomorrow for 2013 American Business Awards

Posted by Liz Dean on Tue, Dec 11, 2012 @ 01:33 PM

The second early-bird entry deadline for The 2013 American Business Awards, the premier business awards competition in the U.S.A., is tomorrow, December 12. Entry fees are discounted by as much as 15% for entries submitted through December 12, download your entry kit today.

If you miss this early-bird deadline, the final deadline is March 27, and late entries will be accepted through April 24 with payment of a late fee. You can find all entry details online, at www.StevieAwards.com/ABA

All individuals and organizations in the U.S.A. are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. The ABAs feature categories to recognize achievement in every facet of worklife, including:

See the full list of business award categories.

Nominations should cite achievements during our eligibility period: January 2012 through April 24, 2013, the last day that late entries will be accepted. There is no eligibility timeframe for web site entries - it does not matter when the web sites were first published.

To help you make the most out of your entries, we suggest reviewing our past winners' entries for guidance. 2012 ABA Gold winners include Bloomberg Law (Best New Product or Service - Business-to-Business Services), Carlisle & Gallagher Consulting Group (Communications Department of the Year), Fazoli's Italian Restaurants (Human Resources Department of the Year), Ford Motor Company (Company of the Year - Automotive & Transport Equipment), HubSpot (Website of the Year - Computer Software), iolo technologies (Marketing Department of the Year), Northwestern Mutual (Best House Organ/Publication - Print), SquareTrade (Customer Service Department of the Year - Financial Services), and Vemma Nutrition Company (Best App of the Year - Lifestyle), among others. You can see the complete list of 2012 Gold, Silver and Bronze Stevie® Award winners here.

Have last minute questions? Don't hesitate to contact us with your questions about how to participate in The 2013 American Business Awards.

Topics: customer service awards, hr awards, business awards, app awards, website awards, marketing awards, PR awards, American business awards, it awards

2 Days to Second Early-bird Entry Deadline for 2013 American Business Awards

Posted by Liz Dean on Mon, Dec 10, 2012 @ 03:45 PM

This Wednesday, December 12, is the second early-bird entry deadline for The 2013 American Business Awards, the top business awards competition in the U.S.A. (Entry fees are discounted by as much as 15% for entries submitted through December 12, request your entry kit here.)The Stevie Awards Logo

The American Business Awards honor organizations and individuals in a wide variety of categories, types of business awards categories include: app awards, company / organization awards, customer service awards, HR awards, IT awards, management awards, marketing awards, new product awards, PR awards, and website awards. See the full list of business award categories.

The 2013 ABA nominations should cite achievements during our eligibility period: January 2012 through April 24, 2013, the last day that late entries will be accepted. There is no eligibility timeframe for web site entries - it does not matter when the web sites were first published.

If you can't make the December 12, 2012 early-bird entry deadline, March 27, 2013 is the next entry deadline and April 24, 2013 is the last day that late entries will be accepted with payment of a late fee. Finalists will be announced on May 8, 2013. All entry details are available online, at www.StevieAwards.com/ABA

To help you make the most out of your entries, we suggest reviewing our past winners' entries for tips and guidance, and reading our 7 tips on submitting winning entries.

Have questions? Don't hesitate to contact us with your questions about how to participate in The 2013 American Business Awards.

Topics: customer service awards, hr awards, business awards, app awards, website awards, marketing awards, PR awards, American business awards, it awards

One Week to Second Early-bird Entry Deadline for 2013 American Business Awards

Posted by Liz Dean on Wed, Dec 05, 2012 @ 10:10 AM

Next Wednesday, December 12, is the second early-bird entry deadline for The 2013 American Business Awards, the top business awards competition in the U.S.A. All individuals and organizations in the U.S.A. are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. (Take advantage of discounted entries fees for entries submitted by December 12, request your entry kit here.)

The American Business Awards honor organizations and individuals in a wide variety of categories, types of business award categories include:

Don't worry if you can't make next week's second early-bird deadline, March 27, 2013 is the entry deadline and April 24, 2013 is the last day that late entries will be accepted with payment of a late fee.

Nominations should cite achievements during our eligibility period: January 2012 through April 24, 2013, the last day that late entries will be accepted. There is no eligibility timeframe for web site entries - it does not matter when the web sites were first published.

Two helpful resources to make your submission process easier include the publication of past winners' entries for your review and  7 tips on submitting winning entries to help you make the most out of your entries.

If you have any questions about the 2013 ABAs, please email us at help@stevieawards.com or call us at + 1 703-547-8389.

Topics: customer service awards, hr awards, business awards, app awards, website awards, marketing awards, PR awards, American business awards, it awards

Two Weeks to Second Early-bird Entry Deadline for 2013 American Business Awards

Posted by Liz Dean on Wed, Nov 28, 2012 @ 02:37 PM

The second early-bird entry deadline for The 2013 American Business Awards, the premier business awards competition in the U.S.A., is quickly approaching on December 12. Take advantage of discounted entries fees for entries submitted by December 12, request your entry kit here.

The American Business AwardsThe American Business Awards honor organizations and individuals in a wide variety of categories, types of business awards categories include: app awards, company / organization awards, customer service awards, HR awards, IT awards, management awards, marketing awards, new product awards, PR awards, and website awards. See the full list of business award categories.

If you can't make the December 12, 2012 early-bird entry deadline, March 27, 2013 is the entry deadline and April 24, 2013 is the last day that late entries will be accepted with payment of a late fee. Finalists will be announced on May 8, 2013. Entry details are available at www.StevieAwards.com/ABA

2012 Gold ABA winners include Bloomberg Law (Best New Product or Service - Business-to-Business Services), Carlisle & Gallagher Consulting Group (Communications Department of the Year), Fazoli's Italian Restaurants (Human Resources Department of the Year), Ford Motor Company (Company of the Year - Automotive & Transport Equipment), HubSpot (Website of the Year - Computer Software), iolo technologies (Marketing Department of the Year), Northwestern Mutual (Best House Organ/Publication - Print), SquareTrade (Customer Service Department of the Year - Financial Services), and Vemma Nutrition Company (Best App of the Year - Lifestyle), among others. You can see the complete list of Gold, Silver and Bronze Stevie® Award winners here.

Have questions?
Don't hesitate to contact us about how to participate in The 2013 American Business Awards.

Topics: customer service awards, hr awards, business awards, app awards, website awards, marketing awards, PR awards, American business awards, it awards

Watch Video of the 2012 Stevie Awards for Women in Business Gala

Posted by Liz Dean on Tue, Nov 20, 2012 @ 02:52 PM

We are pleased to share that video clips from the 2012 (9th annual) Stevie® Awards for Women in Business awards dinner are now available to view on YouTube. Recognized as the world's premier business awards for women executives, entrepreneurs, and the organizations they run, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business were celebrated on November 9 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.Stevie Awards for Women in Business

Watch the 2012 Stevie Awards for Women in Business awards presentations here.

More than 345 entrepreneurs, executives, and their guests from around the world attended the November 9th gala. Our Stevie Awards for Women in Business video clips from November 9 showcase business award acceptance speeches made by individuals and organizations from around the world, including:

Leverage a Lawyer LLC, Winner of a 2012 Gold Stevie® Award for New Company of the Year
Founder and CEO, Jessica Eaves Mathews, gracefully accepts the award and starts the evening off by reminding the audience about the powerful impact of women owned businesses.

Deborah Mitchell of Heaven by Deborah Mitchell, Winner of a 2012 Gold Stevie® Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in Europe, The Middle East & Africa
All the way from Shifnal, Shropshire, United Kingdom, Deborah thanks the Stevie Awards and her American suppliers for contributing to her success.

MAC Presents, Winner of a 2012 Gold Stevie® Award for Small Budget Marketing Campaign of the Year
MAC Presents of New York, NY, USA, humbly accepts the Gold Stevie Award and expresses gratitude for their strong partnerships.

Christiane Schulz of Ketchum Pleon, Winner of a 2012 Gold Stevie® Award for Maverick of the Year - Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations
Christiane thanks her company and family for supporting her throughout her business endeavors.

Kim Petersen of DHL Global Forwarding, Winner of a 2012 Gold Stevie® Award for Female Employee of the Year – All Other Industries
Giving the final speech of the night, Kim thanks her company, her team, and her family for all of their support.

Want more resources from the Stevie Awards for Women in Business celebration? Watch all acceptance speeches, listen to the live recording, view photos from the event, and download the awards dinner program book.

Topics: business awards, stevie awards for women in business, stevie awards, YouTube, female entrepreneurs, female executives, acceptance speeches

First Early-bird Entry Deadline Today for 2013 American Business Awards

Posted by Liz Dean on Fri, Nov 16, 2012 @ 04:46 PM

Today is the first early-bird deadline for The 2013 American Business Awards, the premier business awards competition in the U.S.A. (Entry fees are discounted by as much as 25% for entries submitted this week. If you haven't yet done so, you can request your entry kit here.)The American Business Awards

The American Business Awards honor organizations and individuals in a wide variety of categories, types of business awards categories include: app awards, company / organization awards, customer service awards, HR awards, IT awards, management awards, marketing awards, new product awards, PR awards, and website awards. See the full list of business awards categories.

If you can't make today's deadline, December 12, 2012 is the second early-bird entry deadline. March 27, 2013 is the entry deadline and April 24, 2013 is the last day that late entries will be accepted with payment of a late fee. Finalists will be announced on May 8, 2013. Entry details are available at www.StevieAwards.com/ABA

If you have questions regarding the submission process, we have several resources including past winners' entries for your review, and  7 tips on submitting winning entries to help you make the most out of your entries.

Need help? Don't hesitate to contact us with your questions about how to participate in The 2013 American Business Awards.

Topics: customer service awards, hr awards, business awards, app awards, website awards, marketing awards, PR awards, American business awards, it awards

First Early-bird Entry Deadline Tomorrow for 2013 American Business Awards

Posted by Liz Dean on Thu, Nov 15, 2012 @ 11:06 AM

Tomorrow, Friday, November 16, is the first early-bird deadline for The 2013 American Business Awards, the premier business awards competition in the U.S.A. (Entry fees are discounted by as much as 25% for entries submitted this week, request your entry kit here.)

All individuals and organizations in the U.S.A. are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. The ABAs feature categories to recognize achievement in every facet of worklife, including:

See the full list of business awards categories.

If you can't make tomorrow's deadline, December 12, 2012 is the second early-bird entry deadline. March 27, 2013 is the entry deadline and April 24, 2013 is the last day that late entries will be accepted with payment of a late fee. Finalists will be announced on May 8, 2013. Entry details are available at www.StevieAwards.com/ABA

Nominations should cite achievements during our eligibility period: January 2012 through April 24, 2013, the last day that late entries will be accepted. There is no eligibility timeframe for web site entries - it does not matter when the web sites were first published.

Don't hesitate to contact us with your questions about how to participate in The 2013 American Business Awards.

Topics: customer service awards, hr awards, business awards, app awards, website awards, marketing awards, PR awards, American business awards, it awards

3 Benefits to Entering The Stevie® Awards

Posted by Liz Dean on Wed, Nov 14, 2012 @ 04:40 PM

Chris Robinson, Managing Director of Boost Marketing, a UK-based international business awards entry consultancy, uses research to argue that simply entering the Stevie® Awards, the world's premier business awards program, can provide such substantial benefits that literally everyone who goes to the trouble of putting together a well-researched award submission is a winner. Here Chris discusses his findings.

Chris Robinson, Boost MarketingIf I were to ask you: “Who benefits the most from entering the Stevie Awards?” you would be justified in answering: “The winners, of course.” You might even think it a ridiculous question.

Is it a ridiculous question, though?  In my job at Boost Marketing, I help companies enter awards, and I often hear the line: “I only want to enter if I’m going to win.” I find this a frustrating sentiment, because it is based on a flawed assumption: that the only people who benefit from The Stevie Awards are the winners.

Crafting a strong award submission requires a substantial amount of research, evidence gathering, and writing. Furthermore, attending an awards presentation consumes even more time and budget. So how can you possibly justify all this when there is a significant likelihood you may not actually win?

An obvious answer is that even a small chance of winning a prestigious award is a chance worth taking. But this again assumes that only winners benefit. So are there other benefits—benefits you can enjoy even if you fail to win?

To answer this question, my company surveyed some awards finalists before the winners were announced (to ensure people were still open-minded). We were delighted that, when prompted, 70% of them could name specific benefits that they experienced by simply entering the awards.

The benefits people listed were extremely varied, but three of them were clear winners in terms of popularity:

  1. The submission process improved evaluation (the measuring of a company or organization’s success to provide evidence in its award entry);
  2. It demonstrated the company or organization’s commitment to excellence; and
  3. It motivated employees.

Improved Evaluation
The most popular benefit, that of improved evaluation, might seem odd to those who have not recently taken a shot at winning an award. To help illustrate this, I would like to share a story.

One recent Stevie Award winner, whose business had been established for over a decade, had always resisted running a customer survey because she feared the customers would use it as a stick to beat her. Eventually, she ran a survey in order to prove to the awards judges just how customer-focused her business was. When she finally saw the scores and comments, she became quite emotional: The survey showed that her customers had an extraordinary affection for her and her business.

Without that quick and inexpensive survey, the business owner would never have known just how much her customers appreciated her business, nor would her business have won the award without the confirmed approval ratings. In other words, she was a winner before she actually won the Stevie Award.

The simple process of putting your business and its achievements under the microscope for an award submission can be extremely beneficial. Measuring a company’s outstanding achievements can give employees pride in their work, increase internal credibility, and boost confidence and morale. Employees can discover whether their perception of what they do, day in and day out, bears up under scrutiny.

This process requires courage, but it can be worthwhile if used properly. Lessons learned can lead businesses to raise the bar and make further improvements.

Commitment to Excellence
CEOs will often use awards as key performance indicators. I have seen this in a broad range of industries including automotive, banking, insurance, and training.  Is this just an exercise in Public Relations? Well, maybe a little, but the main reason why CEOs tout these awards is because they want their businesses—and the departments in them—to aim for more than just best practice.  They want their employees to focus on being the best.

These days there is a big difference between simply achieving best practice and being the best in an industry.  It’s the difference between being the leader, and being in the pack trying to catch up. CEOs know that a credible award like a Stevie is a true measure of success.

The Positive Effect of Competition
When one department wins an award, other departments see the attention and praise heaped upon their colleagues and want similar recognition. This has an extremely positive effect. 

People also soon realize that you cannot win an award simply by writing a great entry. Judges are too smart for this. It is not good enough just to sound outstandingAwards are for those who actually are outstanding. A badly written, badly evidenced award submission prevents the judges from learning just how good a company really is.

Awards are rather like Olympic medals in that they discourage people from settling for best practice and encourage them to raise their game and to leave their competition in the dust.

Motivation
Motivation goes to the very heart of why The Stevie Awards are so important. Look more closely at the crystal pyramid held aloft by the 16” tall, 24-karat gold-plated Stevie Award trophy and you will discover another reason to enter these awards: The pyramid represents the Hierarchy of Needs, developed in the 1960s by psychologist Abraham Maslow, who observed that after basic needs are met, human beings seek the esteem of their peers.

Maslow was referring to individuals, but the principle applies just as well to teams, departments, and whole businesses. This is why The Stevie Awards recognize all of these categories in their business competitions.

Do you need to win an award to gain recognition from your peers? Of course not.  But to have a peer tell you or your team: “I am so impressed by you that I want to enter you into an international awards program,” and to follow that up by writing a glowing award submission, will have a positive effect on the self esteem and motivation of your employees, win or lose.

Conclusion
Whether you are confident about entering one of The Stevie Awards competitions or not, understand that while winning one of these handsome trophies is enormously beneficial, so too is the process that you have to go through just to put together an entry. It will focus and sharpen the awareness of what you are doing right; it will provide a catalyst for continuing improvement and motivation; and it will help satisfy that basic business and human need: appreciation and respect.

The Stevie Awards are now conferring Silver and Bronze Awards in addition to the main Gold Stevie Award, meaning that you are three times more likely to be a winner.

About Chris Robinson:
Chris Robinson is Managing Director of Boost Marketing, the world’s first award-entry consultancy, which now has a team of 15 award-entry consultants based around the world. Since the company was founded in 2006, Boost Marketing consultants have helped over 200 businesses win over 400 awards.

Topics: business awards, International business awards, American business awards, stevie awards for women in business, Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, The Stevie Awards, boost marketing, chris robinson

Entry Deadline Today for 2013 Stevie® Awards for Sales & Customer Service

Posted by Liz Dean on Wed, Nov 14, 2012 @ 01:13 PM

The entry deadline for the 7th annual Stevie® Awards for Sales & Customer Service, the world's top business awards for contact center, customer service, business development, and sales professionals, is today, November 14.  If you miss the deadline, late entries will be accepted through January 15 with payment of a late fee.

Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer ServiceAll entries are submitted online. You can begin your submission process by requesting your entry kit here. The entry kit contains all of the instructions you need about how to prepare and submit your entries.

The Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service feature more than 125 sales awards, customer service awards, and call center awards categories honoring sales excellence and best customer service practices for individuals, teams, and departments, plus categories this year for products and service and solution providers. The 2013 awards will recognize achievements since July 1, 2011.

Three tips to help you make the most out of your entries include:

  1. Downloading our 5 Tips for Winning Sales Awards in the 2012-13 Stevie® Awards tipsheet.
    Our tipsheet will provide helpful tips and tools for making the most out of your entries.
  2. Reviewing past winners' entries.
    Our past winners' entries serve as great models for submitting entries. A complete list of 2012 honorees is available at www.StevieAwards.com/Sales.
  3. Contacting us!
    We love to answer your last minute questions. Contact us at help@stevieawards.com and we'll help direct you to categories that are right for your organization.

Winners of the competition will be announced at an awards banquet at Paris Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, on February 25, 2013.

Topics: sales excellence, best customer service, customer service awards, business awards, Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, call center awards, sales awards