Awards are great, but the proof is in the outcomes
We’re chuffed this afternoon here at DTW towers. We’ve been shortlisted for 3 CIPR Pride awards for our work (we find out in December if we have actually won).
One shortlist for media relations work with local authorities across the north east region on a road safety campaign, one for social media work for an Easter campaign with the Law Society (England and Wales), and one for the very grand title of Outstanding Consultancy, which is particularly nice as it really recognises everyone’s contribution.
Awards are great – when you win. I’ve been at great evenings where we’ve won, less great evenings where we’ve come an honourable second or third, and also done the hard yards sitting round the table as a judge on more than one occasion (yes, judges do take it seriously, no it isn’t all fixed, and yes it is hard work).
To me though, whether or not we win none, one, two or three awards in December, the value of our work comes back to one thing. Delivering outcomes that make a difference for our clients. Solving our clients’ problems is what makes us tick and what gets us paid.
Communications, marketing and PR is undergoing a revolution that those who don’t work in the industry (and quite a few who do) find it very difficult to grasp. But one thing doesn’t change – delivering results is what is valued.
Thanks for reading
Chris
PS – In terms of the CIPR I should declare an interest, in that I’m on its national Council for the CIPR – which has nothing to do with judging shortlists for regional awards!
PPS – if you are reading this and feeling grumpy because you didn’t get shortlisted ask yourself three things:
1) Was it really award-winning work? If not, don’t enter it next time
2) How well did you answer the exam questions? Judges like entries that actually address the criteria
3) What did your work achieve – that is the golden nugget that will make the difference between winning, being shortlisted and feeling grumpy