Get Recognized!
Greetings to Chicago-area Communicators:
To understate it, 2009 was a difficult year for business communicators. Like many of us, you faced the additional stress and adversity from the down economy. However, like true business communicators, you stepped up when the going got tough and drew on individual talents and team skills to create effective business communication campaigns.
Now it’s time for your peers to recognize your hard work and communication accomplishments during 2009. The 2010 IABC/Chicago Bronze Quill Award entry period will open soon and I strongly encourage you to enter your work. Earning a Bronze Quill Award is especially important this year because it elevates you to an elite group within your profession, validates your value as a professional communicator, reinforces your capabilities and, well, makes you feel good about yourself. Who doesn’t need a little boost right now?
Many previous winners would agree with Vic Villanueva of the ROC Group, who had this to say about the Quill awards:
The IABC Communication awards are like the “Oscars” for communication professionals. When we win an award, clients get really excited. Their efforts have been validated with their bosses, and the approval process is easier the next time a communication project is discussed. Winning awards helps build long-term relationships, period.
By the way, at the March 16 IABC/Chicago professional development luncheon, Vic will discuss the value of awards in our line of work.
You don’t have to be an IABC member to enter, but you pay a lower entry fee if you are. In fact, everyone pays a lower fee for entries submitted before the April 5 Early Bird deadline. This is money well spent, whether you win or not. The thought process you go through to complete a work plan and assemble your samples is a helpful exercise for preparing your next communication campaign. And if you do win, the award adds a showpiece to your desk, bookshelf, mantel or trophy case.
Good luck.
See you at the awards ceremony in June.
Ken Groh
Director, Awards
IABC/Chicago