Applying for a business award isn’t just about recognition – it’s a strategic move that could transform your company’s trajectory. But all too often, hectic schedules can push award submissions down the list of priorities.

It’s a juggling act indeed, but don’t take your eyes off the prize. In this digital age, there are a wealth of tools available to you, which can streamline the application process. By leveraging AI, you’ll find that you can craft a compelling submission with surprisingly little time and effort.

The AI Advantage

In recent years, the use of generative AI platforms such as ChatGPT and Claude has become increasingly prevalent in the workplace. Salesforce research reveals that 53 percent of Australian professionals are harnessing the power of generative AI at work – up significantly from the 36 percent reported in 2023.

“In 2023, we witnessed a surge in younger workers exploring AI, and it’s heartening to see the broader workforce, particularly gen X, embracing the potential of this technology,” said Rowena Westphalen, Salesforce Senior Vice President Innovation, AI and Customer Advisory.

Assistance with writing was among the top AI applications among Australian workers, according to the survey.

It stands to reason. Trained on vast quantities of text, these platforms can autonomously generate responses that are both coherent and well-structured – precisely the attributes required in a winning award submission.

With the touch of a few buttons, you can quickly overcome any obstacles in order to draft your application.

Choosing the Right Platform

With so many platforms entering the market, it can be hard to know where to start.

“Generative AI has probably had a fire lit under it like no other in terms of the innovations that we’ve seen pop up over the last few years,” Suzie Shaw, CEO of the Australian division of socially led creative agency We Are Social, told The CEO Magazine earlier this year.

A recent wave of hype around ChatGPT means the OpenAI platform is probably one of the first to spring to mind. ChatGPT is an advanced language model capable of understanding and generating human-like text. That makes it ideal for crafting detailed responses and narratives.

Other contenders include rival AI platform Claude, a secure option that specializes in creating business-related content, making it particularly useful for award applications that require a professional tone and accurate business insights.

Meanwhile, Taskade offers a dedicated award submission generator as part of its project management tool, which has been designed to make team collaboration more efficient. Programs like Shortly AI  and Copy.ai provide handy support in the form of  concise, clear text such as summaries, bullet points, headlines and catchy calls to action, which can enhance the impact of your submission.

With potential uses of generative AI so broad ranging in a corporate context, it makes sense to select a platform that will be beneficial beyond the award application process. Capable of autonomously producing a wide variety of content from images to music, generative AI’s potential across a range of functions is highly promising.

Honing the Perfect Submission

Generative AI platforms and award submission generators may pack quite a punch when it comes to award submissions, but they certainly won’t do all the work for you. The key is to provide well-considered prompts that enable them to provide the answers you require in the necessary depth.

To reap the most benefits, it’s crucial to frame your prompts effectively. First of all, be specific – clearly outline the award criteria, your achievements and the unique qualities that set you apart. Context is king so next, offer up background information about your organization, your role and any relevant industry insights. In order to highlight the achievements of you and your team, detail specific accomplishments, innovations or leadership initiatives that align with the award’s objectives.

While the capabilities of generative AI are impressive, and getting more so literally by the second, the human touch remains an essential final step. Once your chosen tool has delivered the output, you must then review and refine.

Fact-checking is first on the list. It’s important to verify all information generated by AI to ensure accuracy, as most AI tools such as ChatGPT provide text generation based on input and do not independently verify facts. Putting a personal stamp on the final document is also required at this stage to ensure it accurately reflects your voice and leadership style.

By injecting passion and authenticity into the narrative, you are more likely to engage the judges.

Make sure the application is organized into clear sections that flow logically. Headings, bullet points and concise paragraphs can be useful tools to enhance readability. Where necessary, quantify any achievements with data. Showcase their impact by highlighting any outcomes or broader implications.

By Any Means Necessary

Of course, for those who prefer a more traditional approach or feel the need for additional human input, there are other options. Consider collaborating with professional writers or consultants specializing in award applications. These experts can provide tailored guidance, refine your narrative and ensure that your application stands out.

Whatever you do, though, don’t miss out. More than simply a play for glory, applying for awards like The CEO Magazine’s Executive of the Year Awards can be a transformative experience, providing a chance to showcase your leadership and contributions alongside those of your team.

“I think it’s always great to be acknowledged for the work that you do, especially when it’s from within the industry,” says Lorna-Jane Clarkson, one of the judges at this year’s Executive of the Year Awards.

“Being recognized by your peers is like receiving a reward for the work you’ve done so far, and it serves as encouragement to say that your efforts have been noticed and are making an impact.”

By harnessing AI tools such as ChatGPT and Claude, you can streamline the application process without sacrificing quality. In fact, by combining the power of AI with a personal touch, you can elevate your award application to the next level.

Put these tips into practice and apply now for the Executive of the Year Awards.