How to Become an Award Judge
Having the opportunity to become a judge for an award is indeed a very fulfilling and wonderful experience. In addition to enjoying the award event experience, you also get to see some great display of talents and be overwhelmed by the incredible energy shown by those who participate.
However, becoming a judge for an award show might sound quite daunting at first. Nevertheless, with some good preparation and practicing of effective techniques, becoming a judge for an award is not that hard.
Here you will find some great tips as to how you too, can become an award judge. So, let’s begin.
Define the niche that you are an expert in
The very first step that you need to consider is your area of expertise. After all, you cannot judge something that you have no expertise in. As such, it is vital that you clearly classify the niche that you have expert knowledge on.
Defining a niche in this manner is no different from defining a niche for any target market. Similar to targeting a niche market for a specific product, targeting a niche area in which you have expertise requires you to think of yourself as the product. You will need to start by doing in-depth research on the various aspects of your subject of interest.
For instance, if you have extensive knowledge and experience in the field of entrepreneurship, you may begin by researching the many subcategories that fall within this broad discipline.
Perhaps the event for which you may want to be an award judge in might be on social entrepreneurship. The events that deal with this issue may involve various participants pitching their ideas to create a social enterprise with the aim of making society better.
As such, you may start researching on the various social enterprises that have already been started. You may also find out about the successes and failures of these enterprises.
Once you have done your research, you may further define your niche by narrowing your area of expertise down to the specifics.
For example, maybe after you research on social enterprises, you may find social entrepreneurship to reduce environmental costs as your primary area of interest.
Make some social buzz and become famous in the niche
Once you have identified your area of interest and classified it right down to the most specific detail, it is time to showcase your abilities as a judge.
Although there are many ways in which you can market yourself, using social media as your primary tool might prove to be the most cost-effective. You may take advantage of your online contacts on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to raise awareness on your experiences and knowledge.
One of the ways to do so is by posting articles on LinkedIn on various topics that are within your area of interest.
Creating your own Facebook page might also be a viable option. You can invite your friends to your page to increase traffic. You may post relevant content regarding your topic, and thus let the audience know that you have authority on a certain subject.
However, it does not always have to be online. You may simply increase your visibility by attending events that deal with your topic. This will ensure that you make a stronger impact as people will be able to meet you in person.
Furthermore, attending such events will allow you to make new connections that may help you get the much-needed advice and support for becoming a judge for an award. You may also be able to meet the judges present at the event and get some insights on what it takes to be a judge.
Find niche-related awards
While you are marketing yourself, make sure that you keep a lookout for any events that are related to your niche. It is vital that you keep yourself up-to-date regarding any related awards that are seeking a judge.
Searching the right type of awards, however, may not always be easy. It will require you to constantly keep in touch with your key contacts — which may include event organizers and event managers.
Furthermore, going online is never a bad idea. Search for events or awards that are happening in your area. Make sure you subscribe to their newsletters and stay updated on whatever is going on.
You may also benefit by sending personal emails to organizations that arrange events related to your niche. A direct approach is always the best way to go since it shows your enthusiasm to become a judge for a particular award.
In addition, having your own website is definitely beneficial. The website can serve as a medium through which relevant award organizers can contact you — rather than you going to them. Make sure you include your contact details clearly.
Having a website also allows you to freely publish content that you think is going to attract the required amount of traffic.
Analyze profiles of judges from last year awards
As mentioned earlier, getting into contact with judges at a particular event is a great way to get useful insights as to what it involves being a judge for an award.
Following this, it can be very helpful to understand and analyze the profiles of various judges that have judged related awards in the past years.
In order to effectively analyze a judge’s profile, you may need to look for some specific information. This may include their experiences and qualifications, along with the kind of awards they have judged.
This may act as a yardstick which you can compare yourself against to see where you stand. Furthermore, you may also look into the channels that these judges have used to market themselves.
In addition, analyzing a profile does not only mean taking into account a judge’s experiences and knowledge. Rather, it may also include finding out the amount and type of connections they have built.
This is especially useful since it will give you an idea as to whom to connect with in order to become an award judge.
Lastly, it is always a good idea to talk to a judge personally. Try getting into contact with judges who have judged an award related to your niche. This will not only benefit you in terms of profile analysis but will also enhance your marketing efforts.
Prepare your social profile, knowledge and social authority
After you have a clear idea regarding the profiles of the judges you have analyzed, it is time to start building your own.
You may start off by considering the reasons as to why you want to become a judge for a particular award. Having a strong objective is crucial in making you stand out. Therefore, be concise and to the point when writing up your objective.
You may also benefit by including a section that explains what you plan to achieve by judging an award.
You may use various social media channels to do so. As mentioned earlier, this can include LinkedIn, Facebook, Pinterest and many others to establish a stronger digital footprint.
Secondly, to show that you have authority in your field of interest, do not forget to include the relevant experiences and certifications that you have achieved through the years. Make sure that you are clear on your achievements.
You may add your portfolio pertaining to your area of interest. The portfolio may include some of the previous projects that you might have completed.
Lastly, and most importantly, do not forget to include your photo. Although this may seem quite trivial, it is something that most tend to forget. Make sure your photo appears professional and represents you appropriately.
Remember, a photo serves as a crucial part of your brand and as such, it should resonate with your personality and attitudes.
Send requests for full information about you and your experience
There are simply innumerable organizations that may be arranging an award event and looking for competent judges. It is quite unlikely that they will come across your profile easily. Hence, it is important that you approach them directly.
Ensure that you send appropriate requests that express your interest in becoming a judge. You may do so by simply signing up on the relevant website and registering yourself, or calling the organizer in charge directly.
In both cases, you will need to tell them about yourself and your experience ever so concisely.
Ensure that you tell them about the most relevant experiences that show your ability as a judge.
Conclusion
Becoming a judge for an award does require a bit of extra work and effort. However, with the right guidelines and direction, the journey to becoming a judge can be very rewarding and a truly enjoyable experience.
So, make sure you follow the guidelines mentioned here and get the opportunity of a lifetime.