Pitmaster Carey Bringle, owner of Peg Leg Porker Restaurant, Bringle’s Smoking Oasis, Pig Star, and Peg Leg Porker Bourbon & Lifestyle Brand, shares his insights and tips on navigating awards competitions. Despite the stress and time commitment involved in submitting for awards, Bringle believes that the process is worth it for the learning opportunities it provides. By shifting one’s mindset to see the goal as gaining knowledge and insights rather than solely winning, business owners can walk away armed with valuable feedback to improve their products or services.
Bringle emphasizes the importance of understanding the competitive landscape in your niche, whether it be a local marketing awards competition or a global bourbon tasting. Knowing what other products or services are available to consumers and at what price point can give you a competitive edge as you refine your offerings. However, it is crucial to research and only enter prestigious competitions with good reputations to ensure your time and effort are well spent.
To handle the scrutiny and occasional disappointment that comes with awards competitions, Bringle advises focusing on name recognition, confidence in your product, staying grounded, keeping an open mind, and trusting your instincts. Leveraging an existing brand or name recognition can help open doors in terms of awards and reach in a competitive market. Hiring a subject matter expert to guide you through the production process and awards submission season can also be invaluable.
Ultimately, awards can be a valuable marketing tool for a business, driving impressions, industry recognition, and sales. While they require hard work and dedication, the insights gained from participating in competitions can help improve your products or services and refine your marketing strategies. Success on the awards circuit may look different for every business, but by trusting yourself and your instincts, you can walk away feeling like a winner, regardless of the outcome.
