How to Win Business Awards with Matthew Ansell

In the world of business, winning an award can transform perception, open doors and create momentum that money alone can’t buy. But how do you get there? What does it really take to stand out in a sea of competitors? And how do you tell your story in a way that turns impact into recognition?

There’s something unforgettable about the moment a winner is announced. Maybe it’s not just about being called on stage and the red carpet, but about everything that led to that moment. It’s proof. Proof that your work matters. It validates the late nights, the hard calls, the gut instincts that paid off. For your team, it’s a morale boost—a tangible moment of pride that brings people together and reignites their belief in what they do.

For your clients, it’s reassurance that they’ve chosen an industry leader. For your competitors, it’s a signal that you’re not just playing the game, you’re raising the bar. Awards open doors that otherwise are locked. They amplify trust, attract talent and create a spotlight that only winners understand. But more than anything, they remind a business team of its own worth and that their brand story, when told right, can echo far beyond the stage.

Perhaps is one sentence: “We do something that makes a difference.”

We sat down with award-winning marketer and strategist Matthew Ansell, whose winning formula has helped companies turn quiet excellence into public celebration. His new digital book, How to Win Awards, is a masterclass in how to be seen, how to be strategic and how to win business awards.

“Winning Feels Better Than You Think”: An Interview with Award-Winning Strategist Matt Ansell

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to walk away from an awards ceremony with a trophy in one hand and open new possibilities with the other, you’re not alone. We sat down with award strategist and marketer Matt, whose clients have snagged some of the most prestigious trophies in the business. His new book, How to Win Awards, mirrors the formula being used by companies across industries to transform their success stories into award-winning submissions. Here’s what he had to say.

Matt, what inspired you to write How to Win Awards?

Matt: Winning. It’s the best feeling. A winner’s energy is infectious. The bounce in their walk as they collect their trophy. The wide smiles during the photos. And the group hugs back at their table. The connections they make. The pride that they feel. The extra belief in what they do. The increase in stature that occurs is almost immeasurable. It is this experience at an awards event that led me to write this book.

Q: Can you share a moment that really drove home how powerful awards can be?

Matt: A client had won 10% of the trophies at their industry’s version of the Oscars. Thirty glittering trophies were in that room, and they were taking selfies with three of them. Later, we re-told our award-winning stories as press releases, presentations, case studies, blogs, newsletter features, web panels, web pages and social posts.

You’ve created a formula for winning awards. What can readers expect from that?

Matt: I wrote my award-winning formula. It’s in Chapter five. And if you read just that chapter, I guarantee you’ll massively increase your chances of winning.

What advice would you give to someone who’s brand new to the world of awards?

Matt: If you’re new to awards, then start in chapter one. It offers insight as to how the awards world works. As a lifelong marketer, I know how easy it is to underplay return on investments. That’s why I’ve written chapter two. It’s also handy for objection handling feisty financial directors who see marketing as a cost and not an investment, because awards should give you at least ten times what you invest in them.

A lot of people think it’s all about writing the perfect entry. Is that true?

Matt: Many entrants make the mistake thinking that awards are won or lost on the entry writing. That’s not true. Chapter three explains why it pays to be strategic when deciding which awards to enter, and when. There is a skill to award writing. It takes time. Which not many of us have, so I’ve included all my little secrets, tips and tricks in chapter four.

Final question: Is there really a magic formula to winning awards?

Matt: That leaves chapter five. There is no magic button for winning awards. But there is a formula. Follow the AWARDS framework. It works. I’ve been using it for years. I hope it serves you well.

The Bottom Line

At the heart of it, winning an award isn’t just about recognition—it’s about belief. Belief in the work you’ve done, in the late nights and tough calls, in the moments you pushed through doubt and kept going when no one was clapping. Matt’s story reminds us that success isn’t reserved for the loudest or the flashiest. It’s for those willing to do the work, tell their story with clarity, and own the impact they’ve made.

You don’t need to be perfect to be worthy of recognition. You just need to be ready to step up—and step into the spotlight. So here’s your call: Don’t let your best work go unnoticed. Whether it’s your first entry or your fiftieth, you’ve already got what it takes. Now, go show the world why you deserve to win.

Whether you’re building a brand, running a side hustle, or leading a company to the next level, awards can be a powerful accelerator. As Matt shows, it’s not about luck—it’s about strategy. So why not start acting like a winner before the ceremony even begins?

About Matthew Ansell

Winning awards can be a game-changer for your business. If your brand needs a boost, then read on. With over two decades of marketing experience and a proven framework, Matt helps ambitious businesses stand out and take home trophies.

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