Step for-award

I’ve won an award. Just writing those four words makes me anxious as to
your reaction. It’s not what we do, is it?

It’s certainly not the British
way. If we find ourselves in the position of telling people about our achievements, it has to be carefully judged for fear of committing the ultimate
faux pas – that of boasting.
Any congratulation should be shrugged off or dismissed in embarrassment for fear of pride being misconstrued as arrogance.

Why bother?

I have learnt that our marketing team hears about awards in three ways: the local press and business publications, by email from companies that have us on their database and from ’Google Alerts’ set up with keywords to notify us of any business awards in the area or profession. Once identified, the majority of awards have online entries that are simply filled in and submitted. Why bother?
Well, let me tell you.

Unbeknownst to me, I was entered for the Southampton Venus Awards. Referred to as
‘The Working Woman’s Oscars’, these awards had introduced
a brand new category, ‘Professional of the Year’, which
I was shortlisted for, along with ‘Employer of the Year.’ The glitzy ceremony was
held at St Mary’s Stadium, the home of Southampton Football Club, where I was immediately photographed with other finalists before making my
way to our table.

The programme was a long, glossy brochure, where my picture and profile were printed so over 100 attendees from the local community could read about me and the firm. I got a strange mixed feeling of both pride and embarrassment.

Social media

It was at this point that I noticed that members of our party were busy on their phones. I thought it was a bit rude, but assumed it was work. What I didn’t realise was that they were busy on social media, tweeting, posting and linking with people both at the event and outside it. Since then, a number of people have mentioned my award, having seen it online. We got retweets from the local paper, The Daily Echo, which has over 21,000 followers.

The category for ‘Professional of the Year’ came up and, despite being convinced by
the standard of the competition
that I wasn’t going to get it,
I did. I was told I walked up to the stage rather stunned and managed to keep enough wits about me to thank all my staff,
a good proportion of whom
are equally successful women, for their support.

Then the rollercoaster began. Photos, interviews for the local paper, a video interview, more pictures, congratulations; it was all a bit of a blur.

After the event, I watched
as the marketing department sent me pieces for the website and local business media for approval, the event organisers sent us the pictures to use, and
I discovered that I was being put through to a national final at the start of next year.

Of course, it was thrilling
to be recognised and people
have been getting in touch to congratulate me, but, I have to say, it seems to have provided
a lot of marketing collateral for the firm, so when it comes to awards, if you can overcome the embarrassment of the spotlight and take the compliment in the spirit in which it is intended,
I say go for it.

AWARD NOMINEE ETIQUETTE

• Find out who put you forward and thank them. Someone thought you were good enough for the award and took time to make the case. I can’t think of a bigger professional compliment.
• Wear something comfortable. You are going to be self-conscious anyway, so the last thing you need is concern about what you are wearing.
• Prepare a few words. Even if you don’t think you have any chance of making that winner’s speech, just run through it in your head on the off chance. 
• Smile whether you win or not. Show your gratitude for the recognition and attention by looking happy. Your cheeks may be sore by the end of the event, but with cameras everywhere, it will also make for nicer photos.
• Go with the flow. You will be whisked around from pillar to post talking to people you don’t know. Just relax and go with it. Say yes to all the pictures and interviews and keep smiling.
• Enjoy it. Everything will flash by, but allow yourself a few moments at home after the event with a cup of tea, final nightcap or slab of chocolate to be rather chuffed with yourself.

SJ

Catherine Maxfield is managing partner of Eric Robinson Solicitors