Top tips from the experts.

Choosing a category.

Take the time to reflect.

The first thing we'd recommend is to get well acquainted with all categories to see which are right for you.

Next, to gain a broader perspective of your business, it’s useful to take a step back from the day-to-day. Consider why you started your business - what was it that you wanted to change? By thinking bigger and more philosophically, the category or categories to enter will become clear.

One or more categories?

Australian small and medium-sized businesses are often multi-taskers who can wear many hats. That's why you can enter as many categories as you feel appropriate. If several seem relevant to your business, determine those you're most closely aligned with ensuring each entry is tailored to each specific category rather than a 'cut and paste' approach. If you prefer, just choose one category and focus your time and effort on a single entry. It's up to you.

If you’re still unsure, contact the Awards team, and we’ll be happy to help.

Preparation is everything.

Compile important information.

A great way to start is by collecting and noting as much relevant information about your business as possible: the more detail, the better. In your entry, we'll be asking about your business and financial plans, including year-on-year performance and financial projections. We'll also be looking to understand your operating model, marketing strategies, as well as your business vision, goals and values. 

Warm-up with example video questions.

To help you prepare for the real event, we’ve compiled a list of example video interview questions in the Awards Hub. Working through them will give you a taste of what to expect during the actual entry process.

Time waits for no one.

Schedule quality time.

Time free from distraction is your ally. So, we’ve included a time-frame recommendation for each stage. Before beginning your entry, we’d suggest you take steps to give yourself plenty of time to consider each question and collate the information you need to give detailed answers.

Use your experts.

Engage the best people for the job.

There’s usually no one that knows your business more or is as passionate about it as you. Feel free to engage your businesses subject matter experts and out-sourced specialists for information where appropriate, however we’d recommend that the final answers are completed by you, the business owner.

Strengthen your entry with evidence.

As an official entity, the Telstra Best of Business Awards adhere to the highest levels of governance and integrity. That means any results you submit must be provable.

In Stage 2 and 3, you’ll be asked for results. Where relevant, please include details of the methods or tools used to measure your results.

In Stage 3, you’ll be asked how your business came to be. Where possible, include the best examples of supporting material – marketing campaigns, results, competitor analysis, news clippings, reviews, recognition – all helpful for validating your story. It’s a good idea to think about this and engage your business’s relevant subject matter experts earlier rather than later.

Standing out from the crowd.

Ensure your story fits your category.

Whether you’ve entered one or more categories, it’s a good idea to tailor your entry to match the category. This will help ensure every entry receives the best possible score and satisfies all category-specific judging criteria. While momentus achievements are definitely worth including, the Judges will be looking for what makes your business successful and any evidence that supports your story.

When to focus on accomplishments.

Any accomplishments and business performance achievements that fall within the period of 1 June 2020 to 1 June 2022 should be included in your entry or entries.

Be yourself.

There’s only one you, and this is your time to shine. Be colourful and specific when you describe what makes your business unique. Consider how you’re different from the competition.

Try to avoid generic statements that could apply to any business. The Judges will be looking for uniqueness, passion and tenacity. Be as specific as you can and this will come through. Although this is a business Awards program, there’s plenty of room for a little heart.

Written submissions can be intimidating. Rest assured, you won’t be judged on your writing skills. However, for Stage 2 and 3, achieving a balance of creativity and business acumen in your entry will help you stand out.