I Win No Matter What!

Tonight I'm working on a first draft of a nomination for the Toledo YWCA Milestones award, which is an annual tribute to extraordinary women in our community.

I am nominating my friend Kim Welter, who is the Executive Director of EqualityToledo, the organization that works for equality for all Ohioans regardless of their marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Kim is passionate about what she does and is getting better at it every day! This former school teacher is learning how to advocate politically and to create coalitions that will support equality for everyone.

What I love about this process is that I get to know more about what Kim does because I have to have a very clear understanding in order to write a winning nomination. Additionally, when I write a nomination, I ask for permission to talk with others who know and work with my nominee. Already, tonight I have talked with one person who sang Kim's praises. Reverend Connie Bonner, Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor at St Vincents Mercy Medical Center said, "This is really great, you get to meet so many people doing this." And she is right. I feel lucky to have this opportunity.

Who would you nominate for an award and why?

Nomination Series #3

When nominating someone for an award, you'll want to read the application to be sure your nominee fits all required criteria. Some of those that might trip you up are a residency requirement, or is there a certain period of time that the person needs to have lived in the area. Has this person demonstrated qualities that are a fit for the award? If not, find a different recognition for this person.

Set a meeting time with your friend to get the information needed. Ask the questions and take notes of what he says. We are all schooled to not brag, but this is the time to help him to do so. Draw more out of him. Ask him to tell you a story. Don't worry about the length of your answers now, just get as much information as possible.

Most selection committees don't want generalities for answers. "He's a wonderful business person," doesn't help them or your friend. Instead a statement similar to, "He has acted as a mentor to five business people to help them start and maintain ongoing businesses in our community. Combined they employ a total of 26 people," gives the committee an idea of this person's accomplishments.

During this process I promise you that you will find out really interesting and surprising information about your friend.

What's the most interesting thing you found out about a friend?

Nomination Series #2

So many people think that a nomination should be a big secret, that if and when the nominee wins, if should be a big surprise. Sort of like a surprise birthday party.

They couldn't be more wrong!

You see this is all about relationship development. The win is the icing on the cake. The nomination process is the cake.

Having the nominee aware and part of the writing of the application will help you to know that person that much better. Each time I have nominated someone, I find out all kinds of good stuff that I didn't know before about this person. You also get to tell your friend why you have selected them for nomination.

Think about it. How many chances do we have to tell our friend how much we admire them?

Who would you like to nominate for an award so that you can tell them how much they mean to you?

Nomination Series #1

There is no better way to build a stronger relationship with someone than to nominate them for an award. The process of creating the application will reap benefits that you had never imagined.

• You will find out new stuff about the person you thought you knew very well. It will give more marketing material when you advocate on behalf of this person.
• You'll spend time intensely focused on this person. They will feel honored and want to pay you back.
• Others will see you as someone to know, because you know how to promote the good stuff about people.
  

Today is the beginning of a blog series that I will write about how to write winning nominations.

1) Research the types of awards in your community, and also in your industry. Determine if your friend fits within the criteria for one. Read the nomination form carefully to understand what is required. Also note the deadline. You'll want to have the completed nomination ready four or five days before that date. If the form asks for two pages of information, don't give three. Having been on several selection committees, I must admit that I had a bias towards those who stayed within the guidelines. Think of reading a hundred or so entires. Extra length was not a good thing!

I will continue this topic with even more information on how to develop a better relationship while writing a winning nomination.