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You can’t win if you don’t enter

“PLANET’s Environmental Awards Program is not a competition; it’s an opportunity for your company to be recognized for its work,” says New Desert Gallery’s Barbara Stropko. “Winning an award is a great boost for employee morale and helps further solidify a relationship with the owner of the award-winning property. Awards can also be great marketing tools.”

These are just a few of the reasons why PLANET should participate, adds Stropko, a former awards program judge for the Arizona Landscape Contractors’ Association. She gives the following tips for those who want to enter projects in the Environmental Awards Program or in similar state and regional offerings.

Select the ideal property

“We’ve always submitted photogenic properties that convey a visual understanding of the project,” she relates. “You can have an extremely outstanding project, but if a photo won’t illustrate the highlights or otherwise make judges aware of it scope, the project likely will not be a winner.

“When selecting a property, keep in mind how it will be judged. Judging is primarily based on overall appearance, degree of difficulty, quality of materials, and appropriate scale and functionality in relation to the structures, space, and workmanship. Photos need to display these characteristics. In so doing, they must document the scope and amount of work performed in sufficient detail for judges to determine the quality of the design, installation and/or maintenance.”

Stropko emphasizes that quality photography is a requisite. “Photograph the site several times during the year, and select seasons when lighting and flowering conditions are most favorable. Take several photos from different angles that best show the project. Avoid showing the same view from different angles, though. Instead, photograph the project from different views and locations. If employing a professional photographer, share these perspectives with that individual.”

Among other photography tips, she advises entrants to:

Avoid close-up images that fail to show the subject in context with its surroundings.
Photograph and submit mature projects because they are the most photogenic.
Make sure yards are well-maintained and clear of debris before taking the photo.
“Before” images are useful and “during construction” photos can be helpful, but use them sparingly and only if they show a large contrast or perhaps a challenging area.

Entering a project

Before submitting a project, Stropko reminds entrants to thoroughly read and understand the guidelines. Then, proceed to write up two project descriptions: a long version and the “shorter” required description. Reference the long version when writing the required description, and save it for press releases and other communication pieces.

“When writing the entry form narrative, be sure to describe client expectations, challenges, and what makes the project unique,” she relates. “Because you will have a word count limit, avoid plant botanical names and industry jargon that don’t tell the story anyway.

“Give yourself plenty of time to write the description and review it several times before submitting the entry form.”

Stropko offers these additional tips:

Follow the rules. By not following the rules or fully completing the application, entrants chance being disqualified.
Make sure the entry’s description coincides with the photos to give judges a full understanding of the project.
Focus on the service you provided, even if building architecture, hardscapes, swimming pools, and other elements not provided by you are very attractive.
Concentrate on challenges and how your company overcame them. Keep descriptions simple and concise.
Don’t assume that judges are aware of your “normal” difficulties.
When submitting a project, show the best picture first. First impressions are very important.

Be attentive to details

Programs vary and rules may change from year to year, says Stropko. Read through the award submittal requirements and pay attention to restrictions (e.g., having company name in any image or description) and decide on the precise company and project name to be inscribed on the award plaque.

“Make sure you read the eligibility requirements before entering a project,” she adds. “Is membership a requirement? Are you in good standing with your membership? What is the percentage of work done by your company? Do you have written authorization from the photographer and client prior to submitting the project?

“You may want to obtain a signature release from the client while signing the contract or when doing the project to avoid a problem later on (e.g., client not in town).” Other details? “Be aware of entry date deadlines and possible late penalties,” says Stropko. “Note image requirements, including the number to be submitted and image format/quality. Most awards’ programs require digital photography. Do not crop or technically enhance an image.”

One last detail to consider, she notes, is to make sure you are entering the best and right category for your project.

Stropko admits that entering a project, when done correctly, can be a bit time consuming, but the rewards for you, your company, and your client far outweigh the effort. And, she reemphasizes. “You can’t win if you don’t enter.”