In Tough Times: How to Promote Your Business and Generate Leads

by erica ~ February 6, 2009

In tough economic times, organizations of all types look for ways to promote their business and generate more leads.  From advertising and publicity to marketing and events - there are countless channels, but they all cost money. 

One cost-effective way to increase awareness is through business awards.  For those who consider awards only for the Oscars or Golden Globes- think again.  In the business world, awards not only do they celebrate excellent work that has already been completed, but they can also determine what and who will succeed in the future.

Take, for instance, the annual survey by Fortune on the “Best Companies to Work For.”  Each year after the survey is released, the companies in the top five spots receive an overwhelming number of resumes from people across the country who want to work there.  The company already became a good place to work, but after winning an award for what they have already done, they attract an even more qualified and desirable applicant pool for future positions.

Awards aren’t just a sign of success anymore.  They are a specific means of attaining success.  Customers and clients today make major decisions based on who wins awards in your field - whether it’s for the best new product in a particular category sector or the best creative agency.

For small businesses, awards can be particularly useful and can help companies stand out in a crowd.

According to Michael Gallagher, founder of The American Business Awards, “Especially in tough economic times like these, participating in awards shows is a way to generate new leads through networking and publicity - and the added bonus is that it’s also a great and cost-effective way to thank and honor your valued employees and increase moral across the board.”

With an organization like The American Business Awards, marketing and publicity is also a major part of the reason to apply.  The organization drives publicity for its winners by placing stories on winners in their local press or trade publications and also by inviting press to attend and cover the gala awards ceremony.  The American Business Awards also just launched its Call for Entries for the 2009 awards.  More information is available online at: www.stevieawards.com/aba.

So, if business cards and word of mouth are just not cutting it for your business - and budgets for advertising and publicity have been reduced - consider entering an awards program or ten - and see just how it will help your business.