Everyone loves to win something. That’s why contests can bring so much buzz to your business. However, the benefits of a contest—especially one that requires your audience members to create something—go far beyond generating simple enthusiasm.
In fact, contests offer two main benefits to your business—and their effects are immediate.
Take, for example, the Content Crash Course contest I held in August. I asked my Content Crash Course students to submit entries in categories such as:
- Best Video
- Best Infographic or Guide
Competition for the top prizes—including a GoPro Hero5 Black and a set of Apple AirPods—was fierce. (I’m so thrilled to announce the winners and honorable mentions below, BTW!)
But, first, I want to peel back the curtain a little for you to give you an "insider" look at contests. Let’s talk about why I held a contest in the first place—and what it can do for YOUR business:
#1: The Contest Encouraged People to Implement—and Get Results
One of the biggest challenges you’ll face when you’re creating training courses is—believe it or not—getting people to implement the strategies you share. After 20 years in the business, I’ve got a bunch of tricks up my sleeve, all of which I share in my product creation training courses. Holding a contest is one of them! As one of my students (and winners!), Irene Tomoe Cooper said, "[The contest] really helped me get off my bottom to make it happen."
And what happens when people implement? They get results. Then they’re primed to return to you again and again for future solutions. (Plus, doesn’t it feel amazing when your customers get results?! It’s the whole reason I do what I do.)
#2: The Contest Acts as Social Proof
It does this in two ways. First, as I share the winners (see below), I’m sharing success stories with you and showing you what my students have accomplished. This offers you proof that my course works. Second, a contest like this helps me identify future "heroes," people who I can talk to for further testimonials, creating yet another layer social proof for my business.
Plus, there’s one more reason to hold a contest like this for your business: It just feels good. I can’t tell you how proud I was as I looked through each of the entries. There’s absolutely nothing like watching your students put into practice the principles you’ve taught them. My students’ success feeds my soul and keeps me excited about my business, and I loved having the chance to reward them for all their hard work.
So without further ado, I’d like to introduce you to the winners of the 2017 Content Crash Course Contest:
Best Video:
First Place – Irene Tomoe Cooper
I had a number of excellent video entries, but it was the emotion Irene shared in her video that pushed me over the edge to award her first place. Her delivery is also consistently smooth as silk, including transitions between different types of content. Well done, Irene, and enjoy the GoPro Hero5!
To discover more about Irene’s business, visit http://IreneTomoeCooper.com
Second Place – Michael Alf
Michael chose one of my favorite ways to "chunk" content in his video: talking in front of a video screen. His professional delivery and succinct content delivery earned him second place—and a $100 Amazon gift card. Congratulations, Michael!
To discover more about Michael’s business, visit: http://www.MichaelAlf.com/
Third Place – Clara Noble
Clara conquered a hurdle that plagues many a content creator by choosing a good angle and good lighting to make a very professional video. Her enthusiastic delivery also won me over, putting her in third place. I’m thrilled to announce that Clara won a Logitech c920e for this entry. Go, Clara!
Honorable Mention – Winnie Anderson
As I mentioned, this was a competitive category, and I wanted to extend a special mention to Winnie Anderson. She put on a fantastic presentation with 1) strong, easy-to-follow structure and 2) tons of social proof, earning her an honorable mention in this category.
To discover more about Winnie’s business, visit: http://WinnieAnderson.com
Best Infographic or PDF Guide:
First Place – Fanny Mercier
Even though I don’t read French as well as I did when I was in school, I could tell just by looking through Fanny’s materials that they were top notch. I saw introductions to provide context, examples, interactive exercises and an extremely professional layout with sophisticated branding. I also had a team member translate, and she confirmed what we knew: Fanny’s PDF guides deserved the first-place prize. Félicitations, Fanny!
To discover more about Fanny’s business, visit: http://lab.anglais4g.com/
Second Place – Clara Noble
Clara was one of two students who won in two separate categories. (Way to go, Clara!) Her wonderful Infographic stood on its own and delivered value without requiring extensive background explanation. It also spoke to a challenge that many entrepreneurs—especially women entrepreneurs, her target market—face: how to set your prices. I also loved her call to action at the end. Nice work, Clara!
Third Place – Michael Alf
Michael was my other student who also won in two categories. His "Talk Like TED" infographic delivered relevant, interesting information in a very clear format and it was a great teaser for his book, earning him second place in this category—and another Amazon gift card.
To discover more about Michael’s business, visit: http://www.MichaelAlf.com/
Honorable Mention – Clifford Todd
I love Clifford’s mission: helping companies hire the right person who’s aligned with the company’s values—and who will deliver. He produced a very well-designed infographic which conveyed a lot of information in a very small space, so I wanted to recognize his efforts in a category with a ton of tough competition.
Honorable Mention
I also have two more honorable mentions I wanted to share with you:
Susan Burlingame – Honorable Mention
Susan is doing a great job of welcoming visitors to her website with both a "Start Here" button and multiple options to opt in for her newsletter. Susan offers advice, inspiration and encouragement for discovering your greatest purpose as a Kick-Ass Corporate Wife, and I wanted to recognize her for doing a kick-ass job on her homepage.
To discover more about Susan’s business, visit: http://SusanBurlingame.com/
Dr. Debbie Karas – Honorable Mention
What I love most about Dr. Debbie’s business is that she is so committed to the principle of multiple streams of income. In addition to offering in-person services through her Natural Healthy Care practice, she also sells products and services on multiple websites, which qualified her for an honorable mention in the revenue generation area. I love your ambition and drive, Dr. Debbie! Keep at it.
To discover more about Dr. Debbie’s business, visit http://www.NaturalHealthyCare.com/
And, finally, I want to extend a huge THANK YOU to everyone who entered for their time and energy. My team and I had a lot of trouble choosing winners, and we were all thoroughly impressed by everyone’s entries.
Leave me a comment below! I’d love to hear your favorites—and whether you’ve ever run a contest in your business.
Wow, congratulations to all the winners! It’s very hard to pick one from all of these entries. Definitely need to step up my own game. Thanks for the inspiration!
I couldn’t agree more, Tara! Glad you found it inspiring.
I’ve always wanted to do a TED Talk. Loved the Infographic and will have to check out the book.
Sam, there’s just something about those TED talks, isn’t there? Michael’s got some great tips for creating short talks with impact. Glad you enjoyed it!
Love the idea of the “kick ass corporate wife!” Going to share that with a few friends who I know will LOVE it.
Agreed, Laila! I absolutely love the direction Susan’s business has taken.
Excite to be amongst the winners – and even in two categories.
Very inspiring the differences how the task was approached.
Thank you, Pam, I am going to share this further.
Michael
Congratulations, Michael! Everyone approached their content a little differently, which made it even more interesting. Clearly, you’re all thinking about how your audience likes to consume content, which makes me so proud. 🙂
Thanks very much for pushing us to implement Pam and thanks for acknowledging me and providing feedback on how I can improve.
I’m going to study the winners the way I study your videos 🙂
Winnie, you are already so far along. Your content was exceptional. So many creators lack substance and organization, but you have those nailed! You’ve got such a great foundation for the future. Thank you for being such an integral part of my community. I’m so glad to have you with me!