We recently learned about a tool that does the hard work for you when it comes to finding award programs for you and your clients! The tool is called AwardSync.com – a free awards listing service that enables you to search for awards in your industry or in a specific category. The site also lets you to set up a Saved Search and each time a new award matches your search term(s), an email is sent directly to your in-box.
The awards vary from national categories such as “100 Companies to Watch,” to more geographically-specific such as “2010 Women of Influence, Milwaukee Business Journal.”
AwardsSync.com also has a “tell us” link so users can alert them of additional awards to add it to the site.
Ed Note: We had a bit of trouble with advanced searches, but start with broad keywords and you should find some great opportunities."
What are some of the top baby product awards you can apply for? Here's a short list of the best of the best. Please let me know if you'd like me to include others:
iParenting - Started in 2003, iParenting is one of the most well-known and popular baby product awards. iParenting recognizes what it calls the “best” products in the children’s media and juvenile product industries. The company is owned by Disney Internet Group, a division of the Walt Disney Company and the iParenting division includes more than 40 websites devoted to the family life-cycle and produces content for Disney Online properties including Disney Family.com, FamilyFun.com, Kaboose.com, BabyZone.com, PregnancyToday.com and BabiesToday.com.
National Parenting Publication Awards (NAPPA) - The National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) is run by Parenthood.com, a popular website for both moms and expecting moms. The NAPPA Award seal has been around for 19 years and has come to “symbolize innovation and high quality that parents trust,” according to NAPPA. NAPPA also says that its seal signifies that a product as been vigorously tested and evaluated – and that only a selection number of products win. Winners are featured in regional parenting publications that are owned by the same parent company as NAPPA (this can lead to huge press exposure for some of the winners).
Parent Tested, Parent Approved (PTPA) - PTPA Media is an independently-owned organization that looks to discover and evaluate new products designed for children and families, selecting winners based on value, functionality, quality and appeal. The company receives about 40-50 nominations per campaign and awards about 30-35 products the PTPA Media Award. Winners are allowed to participate in co-op media opportunities (TV appearances) secured by the PTPA staff. These cost an additional fee.
Mom's Choice Awards - The Mom's Choice Awards program recognizes authors, inventors, companies, parents and others for their efforts in creating quality family-friendly media, products and services. I'd say most of the products that are submitted and reviewed for the Mom's Choice Awards are books. I am a judge for the Mom's Choice Awards this Year (full disclosure).
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio -Oppenheim was founded in 1989 and only tests toys, books, audios, computer software and peripherals, films, videos and special needs products. It is perhaps one of the most esteemed awards programs because it remains an independent tester of products. Oppenheim does not accept advertising, so it doesn’t have to worry about an advertiser pulling an ad like a magazine would, and it also doesn’t charge any submission fees unlike the others. Oppenheim toys are regularly featured on the Today Show.
Dr. Toy - Dr. Toy is run as a public service provided by The Institute for Childhood Resources, a not-for-profit organization. The awards recognize some of the "best" educational and developmentally appropriate products including toys, dolls, games, puzzles, books, software, CDs, audio and video discs and tapes, creative materials, construction toys, technology and much more.
I know this is only a short-list of baby product awards out there - please let me know of others you'd like me to add to this list.
Industry awards are a great (and if you win – easy) way topromote you and your company. They give you something to claim whether you are “Chicago’s Best Cupcake,” “Start-Up Company of the Year” or simply, "An Award Winning Product/Company." Whatever the case – it’s a title that is yours to keep. Even being honored a "finalist" can give your company something that is buzz worthy to brag about.
The good news is that there is an award for almost every industry out there. Some recognize leaders or individuals within an organization, while others honor the entire company or a product. Further, awards offer the best way to give you and/or your company instant credibility, which can serve as a great tool for drumming up and securing new business. Your new “title” will send the message that your company has been deemed superior by others. Others will trust you.
Identifying which awards fit for you can be challenging and take some research on your end. Here are some tips to finding awards perfect for you.
Review and read the top magazines or publications in your industry – local and national. Do they do have a “Top new green products of the year” award or a “Top 10 young auto professionals” award? Check the editorial calendar of your industry's top trade magazines as well as your local business journals too.
On a local level, check with your Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Association, or other business associations in the area. Many of these organizations will have awards that recognize a president’s leadership, a company’s social responsibility, top companies to work for, etc.
Industry Associations, local, regional or national, also often honor members and community leaders. Organizations for women leaders, local industry organizations, etc. may have some kind of recognition program you can apply for.
As a bonus, here are a few general awards that any one in any industry may qualify for:
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Monday, December 21, 2009 at 9:35AM 
