You Didn’t Win The Award, Now What?

First, congratulations to the radio stations that won a Christian Music Broadcasters Station of the Year Award. The rest of this article is not necessarily for them; it’s for the stations who entered, thought they had an amazing year…and didn’t win.

Our culture says that you have to win something in order to be successful. You and I both know that’s not true. It’s great to be recognized and win an award, but it should NOT define you or your radio station.

THE FEELING OF ACCOMPLISHMENT…AND THAT FEELING OF LOSING

Entering takes effort and time. Writing narratives and gathering audio to enter is a process that is handled with extreme care, with the hope that winning will encourage the whole team and justify your hard work. I know the feeling of not qualifying as a finalist, as well as being a finalist and watching others being called to the stage as winners. For many years I understood that my stations weren’t even ready to enter. Twice I worked at stations that finally won CMB’s Station of the Year Award. Such a range of emotions.

YOU DIDN’T WIN, SO NOW WHAT?

You’re not alone. Many radio stations apply for SOTY every year for multiple years and never win. Here are 5 ways to build confidence and to keep growing:

1. Review the judges notes and take their POV to heart.
2. Review your best practices to see if they’re in line with your mission statement.
3. Simplify everything. Clarity is the new sexy.
4. Invest in outside eyes. Many times, it takes a consultant to help you clearly see your opportunities, challenges, and potential. Find someone whose personality matches your culture and whose heart is to be the guide that empowers YOU to succeed.
5. Do a SWOT analysis, make a plan, measure progress, and enter for SOTY next year.

SHOW UP AND KEEP GOING

I hope that this has encouraged you. Let me know if I can help you in any way.

Todd is the Christian Format Editor at AllAccess.com as well as the Owner of a Consulting & Coaching service at beyond615.com. He helps build confidence where people feel unsure.