Looking to show the world the greatness within your landscape company? Nominating yourself for awards can help elevate your reputation among peers and can help more consumers find your business. It can also increase team morale when your business is recognized for its work.

Types of awards
There are awards for landscape projects, like The ELITE Awards from ALCC, that come from peers or industry colleagues. Earning an award from your industry demonstrates to peers that your business is a worthy partner—especially if you are looking to collaborate or pick up subcontractor work. It also lets consumers know that your work is considered some of the best in your region and is admired by colleagues.

Business-related awards include those from Landscape Management, Lawn & Landscape, or ColoradoBIZ. These awards demonstrate your professionalism and can help your reputation in the business world.

You can also pursue consumer-facing awards, like "Best of" categories from regional magazines and web sites, such as Colorado Homes & Lifestyles, 5280 Magazine, or Houzz.com. Being recognized—even as a finalist—is a great marketing tool. It shows consumers that an impartial organization or a group of fellow consumers has acknowledged the quality of your work.

Additionally, look for awards specific to a project, an effort or a team member. If you completed a project for a conservation-savvy customer, see if there is a sustainability related award in the region. Is there a service project in which your team participated? See if there is service-related recognition available. And if you have a team member who is a star in their department, look for awards related to human resources or to their discipline.

Document your projects
While you work, keep awards in the back of your mind. Take photos of your projects and be sure to document your processes. Even if you don’t receive an award, the documentation can prove valuable.

Start a file of projects you feel are noteworthy. Did your crew solve a particularly challenging irrigation issue for an HOA? Earmark that project so that you can find it later. Were you proud of the outdoor kitchen and dining room installed in a backyard? While it’s fresh in your mind, write down your achievements and record details that you feel make the work award worthy.

Get quality photographs
Take plenty of photos. Whether a foreman snaps some shots with a smartphone, or you hire a professional, make sure the images demonstrate your accomplishments. Aiming for a “best use of color” award? Get plenty of colorful shots in addition to photos of the beautiful hardscape your crew installed. Beautiful landscape photos are valuable, but if you want to be recognized for your irrigation management work, take photos of the tools you used as well.

When nominations open for industry awards, you’ll be ready to submit your applications. You’ll also have a good record of your company’s work that you can use in marketing materials, on your website, and in client proposals.