If you've ever wondered whether business awards are worth entering—or assumed they were only for large companies—this session will completely change your perspective.

In this practical and eye-opening presentation, Jemi Ashley reveals how business awards can become one of the most effective marketing, visibility, and credibility-building tools available to business owners. Drawing on years of experience helping clients become finalists and winners across Australia, Jemi explains exactly how awards work, what judges look for, how to choose the right categories, and how to leverage awards to attract more opportunities.

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What You’ll Learn:Why business awards are powerful marketing toolsThe mindset shift that makes award applications worthwhileHow awards help identify strengths and weaknesses in your businessWhy becoming a finalist can be as valuable as winningThe four major categories of business awardsLocal, national, international, and industry-specific awardsHow to select the right awards for your businessWhy some awards are more valuable than othersThe difference between reputable awards and "pay-to-win" awardsWhat judges are really looking for in applicationsHow to structure a winning award submissionThe importance of supporting documentationWhy testimonials and community involvement matterCommon mistakes that stop businesses from winningHow choosing the wrong category can cost you an awardWays to leverage awards for visibility, PR, social media, and lead generation

Why It Matters:

Business awards provide third-party credibility, increased visibility, media opportunities, networking connections, and powerful trust signals for potential clients. They can help position you as an expert, attract new opportunities, and create significant marketing momentum. Even becoming a finalist can generate substantial business benefits when leveraged correctly.

About the Speaker:

Jemi Ashley is the founder of The Visibility Lab and The Awards Portal, Australia's largest database of business awards opportunities. A former Australian Federal Police officer, bestselling author, entrepreneur, speaker, and visibility strategist, Jemi helps business owners build authority, increase exposure, secure media opportunities, and win awards that elevate their profile and business growth.

If you want simple, practical strategies to get found online,

subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessOwnersSmashingItOnline(opens in new tab)

Timestamps:00:04 Introduction to Jemi Ashley01:29 From Australian Federal Police to visibility strategist05:09 Award-winning results achieved with clients07:01 Why business owners should enter awards10:03 The marketing benefits of business awards12:22 The four types of business awards13:20 Local business awards explained14:43 National awards and major competitions16:02 International award opportunities16:34 Industry-specific awards18:05 What to know before entering awards21:01 What goes into a winning award application23:20 Supporting documentation and evidence28:05 The importance of choosing the right category33:20 Real award application examples39:45 How to leverage finalist status44:58 Why finalists often gain more opportunities than winners46:48 The "Dan Murphy's Effect" and award credibility48:25 What happens after you win an award49:49 Building visibility and authority through awards