Over the past six years, I’ve been honoured to be involved in Small Business BC’s business awards contest, both behind the scenes and as a judge. It’s always exciting to see the best of BC’s entrepreneurs and small business community share their experiences and celebrate their success.

Speaking of celebrating small business, we kicked off Small Business Month by launching our 2011 Successful You Business Awards contest. This year, we’re proud to open up nominations in four outstanding categories.

Do you work for a fantastic employer?  Or is your own business tops in workplace environment? Nominate in our Best Employer Award Category!

Is your business eco-friendly or do you know of a business that is? Nominate in our Best Green Business Award Category! See my blog post “Show Your True GREEN Colour” for my top tips to consider for this category.

Best Company

Are you the ultimate overall business going or do you know a successful business that should be recognized? Nominate in our Best Company Award Category! Here are my top 5 tips to consider for this category:

• Show how far you’ve come. Indicate how you were able to take advantage of industry or market trends, and exploit opportunities for continued growth. Ensure that this growth is clearly indicated in your financials. If you’re shortlisted, you’ll need to provide your financial statements for the past two years so that the judges can tangibly determine how well your company has grown.
• Thrive against all odds. Show how you were able to capitalize on current economic conditions. How did you find the silver lining in the latest recession and turn it to your advantage?
• Exemplify empowered leadership. Show how you empowered your employees and used teamwork to achieve your objectives. How did you demonstrate strong leadership within your company – and your community?
• Be a household name. Increase your visibility by using your networks and social media. Provide an outstanding example of a great company and encourage all of your contacts – and their networks – to vote for you.
• Get your team involved. Encourage your staff and management teams to promote your company to their networks to also vote for you.

Best Concept

If you have a great business idea, enter it in our Best Concept Award Category! Here are my top 5 tips to consider for this category:

• Have a viable business concept. Do your homework to determine the feasibility of your business idea. Ensure that there is a real, sustainable demand for your products and/or services, and that your business will make money. Back up your claims with solid market research, using both primary and secondary sources.
• Let your passion shine. Have a well-written executive summary that “sells” your business concept by showing your passion, a strong demand, a solid business model, and your ability to successfully manage your business.
• Cater to your market. Clearly define your target market(s), understand who they are, and how you can satisfy their needs. Have a strong marketing plan to reach them and to meet your sales targets.
• Show the money. Have strong, but realistic, financial projections, and be sure to document all of your assumptions. Be sure to include revenues from any existing clients, or any letters of intent that you may have. Show that the demand is there and that you can – or have – hit the ground running.
• Leverage your connections. Promote yourself to your networks and through social media. Provide an exciting pitch for your business and encourage all of your contacts – both personal and professional – to vote for you.