No secrets to successful awards entries

by Jacqueline Sullivan, ABC

Really, there are no big secrets to successful IABC award submissions. Pay attention to the call for entries, write a great work plan, and do what you can to make the judges' job easier. Do these three things and you will have a definite advantage over most entrants.

The call for entries is your best friend

The call for entries is very specific with instructions. It tells you exactly what the judges think is important and exactly what they expect of you. It outlines deadlines, technical requirements of your entry, judging criteria and even gives you the section headings for your work plan. Read the call for entries carefully and follow the instructions.

Your work plan

OK, so you have a great work sample. On the first pass of an entry, most judges don't even look at it - experience tells us that most are pretty good. We usually go right to the work plan. This is the part of the entry where you describe the planning process and how you implemented your project; where you show the judges that you don't only do pretty work, but that you know why you do pretty work.

Use the list of points you need to make or questions to answer as section headings, so judges can find them easily. Simply make your points or answer the questions in the order they're requested.This is not the time to be creative; it’s the time to help the judges, to prove that you did everything asked of you.

The proof is in your objectives

All IABC award programs ask for objectives (included in almost every business plan and
communications proposal ever written). Note, objectives are not the same as goals so
don’t lump goals and objectives under one heading. Set your objectives out in bullet
points. Be sure they’re clear and specific, and match what you’ve evaluated. Objectives
should:
• support the objectives of the organization
• be action-oriented
• have built-in goals, or measurable qualities

Make it easy for the judges

Judging award entries is hard work and it’s time consuming. Help make things easier for
judges by ensuring your entry package is neat, organized and easy to navigate. Ensure
it can travel well, and get it in on time.

Follow the instructions, put together an excellent work plan, write strong objectives and
measure results, present your material to help the judges, and you may be on your way
to accepting an IABC award.

The annual Virtuoso Awards recognize local communicators and graphic designers who demonstrate communication excellence.