Your guide to acing the people in retail awards:
Tips for a standout submission
The People in Retail Awards are approaching, and whether you’ve entered before or are thinking about it for the first time, preparation is key to creating a standout submission. Success often depends on more than one person’s effort—it’s a collaborative process that may involve multiple teams, departments, and leaders.
To help you get ahead, we’ve compiled essential tips to guide you through the process and give you the best chance of success.
1. Start early to allow time for collaboration
Crafting a strong entry isn’t a solo effort. Many award-winning submissions involve gathering input and feedback from various teams and departments, including operations, marketing, HR, and leadership. You’ll need time to:
- Collect supporting data and achievements from different areas of the business
- Ask for nominations or examples of success stories from team leaders
- Review and refine the input to build a cohesive, compelling narrative
We recommend setting up meetings or sending requests well in advance to avoid last-minute scrambling. Giving teams time to reflect and respond can lead to better input.
2. Involve the right people from the start
Your best submission will include input from people across the organization. Identify key stakeholders early, such as:
- Project managers or team leads who can share the success stories
- Marketing or communications teams who may have supporting materials (e.g., case studies, presentations)
- HR or employee engagement teams for initiatives related to staff development or culture
A collaborative approach ensures your entry is well-rounded and backed by credible evidence.
3. Gather evidence and proof of impact
The judges will be looking for submissions that don’t just tell a good story but prove it. Gather supporting evidence, such as:
- Performance metrics that highlight measurable success
- Customer or team feedback, including testimonials or surveys
- Before-and-after comparisons that demonstrate progress or improvements
Visual elements like photos, charts, or videos can add depth and bring your submission to life.
4. Review the updated criteria and tailor your submission
Each year, the award categories and criteria may shift to reflect changes in the industry. Take the time to review the updated guidelines and criteria for this year’s event. Make sure your submission aligns with what the judges are looking for by emphasizing the specific achievements and impact areas that matter most.
5. Create a timeline and build in time for reviews
Don’t underestimate the time it takes to create a winning entry. Set clear deadlines for key milestones, such as:
- Gathering information and nominations
- Drafting the submission
- Reviewing and refining the content
Leave time for internal reviews by managers or senior leaders who can provide valuable feedback and ensure the submission reflects your organization’s strengths.
6. Make your submission stand out by highlighting passion and purpose
While facts and figures are important, the best entries also showcase passion, purpose, and the human impact of your work. Don’t just tell the judges what you did—share why it mattered and how it made a difference.
Important dates to remember
- Entry opens: 1 January 2025
- Deadline to submit: 1 May 2025
Final thought: The most successful entrants aren’t the ones who wait until the last minute—they’re the ones who give themselves plenty of time to gather input, tell a strong story, and showcase the full scope of their achievements.
If you have questions or need help, feel free to reach out to one of the team.
Let’s make this year your best yet. Good luck!
Share this post with colleagues who may be interested in entering. Together, we can celebrate the best of retail!
