Winning an award is more than just a moment in the spotlight, it’s a game changer for your business.
When you’re named the best in your field, it’s a powerful endorsement from independent experts. That recognition sets you apart. Local media outlets love celebrating homegrown success, and a single article can put your brand in front of new eyes. Add in a well timed media release and suddenly your business is the one everyone’s talking about.
But that’s just the beginning.
Awards are content gold
From the moment you’re announced as a finalist, you’ve got a year’s worth of marketing material: photos, testimonials, behind the scenes stories, team shoutouts, the works. Use it across your socials, pop it into your newsletters, and shout it from your fence line. A simple sign or sticker showcasing your win (or as a finalist) reinforces your credibility every time someone drives past. Don’t forget to update your email signature and website too.
Customers notice
It doesn’t matter if you’re a grower, retailer, or supplier... people want to work with businesses that strive for excellence. Being an award winner tells your customers and clients they’ve chosen well. It’s a trust signal that keeps working long after the trophy is handed out.
Your team feels it too
There’s a special kind of pride that comes from being part of an award winning business. Staff morale lifts. Motivation spreads. It creates momentum and in many cases, it helps build a high performing team culture that’s hard to beat.
But let’s be clear: you don’t win awards by accident.
I still remember sitting at the Dural Country Club, listening to John van der Horst from Acorn Nursery in Melbourne. He spoke honestly about how the awards only started coming when the entire team got on board... when they all decided they wanted to win. They worked hard, together and it paid off: Acorn Nursery won the national award three years in a row.
Tim Pickles from Tim's Garden Centre is another standout example. His business became a three time national winner and the growth it sparked was incredible. If you’re serious about success, ask him what the award meant and what it took to earn it.
So, where do you start?
Make a plan. Begin twelve months out.
Tackle the jobs you’ve been putting off: clear old stock, repair what’s broken, refresh tired areas. Deal with the corners you’ve been ignoring (yes, those ones). Every improvement matters.
And if you don’t win this year? You’re still miles ahead of where you started.
Keep building, refining, and aiming higher. The long term benefits of being a consistent performer let alone a multi award winner are worth it.
The truth is, awards aren’t just for bragging rights.
They’re for visibility, team culture, customer confidence, and long term business success.
Why wait? Make this the year you put your business forward.
Start now and give your team, your customers, and your community something to celebrate. Find out more about the awards night here or members can apply through the member centre here.
