The following detailed guidance is issued to GoRefCo people who produce award entries for our clients. These include researchers, writers, designers, videographers, and programme managers. The thoroughness of the process is complemented by helping client and partner people track down compelling stories.

1. Read in detail the terms and conditions around the award submission including word limits, section titles, and perceived judging panel hot buttons.
2. Research the personal histories and backgrounds of members of the judging panel to arrive at likely personas. Add to that any data available on judges’ past behaviour in voting on relevant award panels.
3. Find out from the event organiser whether being on the short list will involve a presentation and what format that might take.
4. Meet the client (virtually or face-to-face) to agree winning strategies, content media and formats, set objectives, and the budget envelope. Get a realistic PO raised.
5. Plan out the award entry production process, being sure to include any non-text and/or digital and/or video content needed.
6. Conduct document discovery with the client including existing case studies and previous year’s entry(s).
7. Identify key customer (and, if appropriate, partner) people for interview and/or sourcing of testimonials.
8. Interview those key people (and identify any missing persons crucial to telling the story).
9. If key statistical and/or quantifiable data is missing find out what it is, where it will come from, and track it down.
10. Start the process of sourcing testimonials from clients and partners. If agreed, set up one-to-one video interviews with key people. Fit the video shoot into a single day to save time. Sell in a case study if none exists.
11. Set the process in motion for sourcing hard-to-come-by material. Video footage sitting with another agency, for example.
12. Manage the writing and production programme, including a final shortlist presentation if that’s going to be part of the pitch.