It’s never easy to put yourself out there, but life has a way of surprising us!
We decided to apply for the Small Business of the Year Award in 2023, which recognises proven overall excellence of a small business. It was our first time applying so we had no idea what the judges were looking for. Ultimately, we decided to approach the application answers as authentically Talk Visual. They were playful, honest, easy to read, packed full of our brand values, a little bit quirky, and of course, told a story. Even the application process is brilliant for actually getting you to analyse your business and think about what makes it unique.
On a typical Friday morning, Haylee received a call from the Southland Business Chamber letting us know we were a finalist for the Small Business of the Year Award. The team was buzzing, immediately thinking about the amazing food and electric atmosphere.
As a small business, it’s a huge privilege to be a finalist. When you’re a smaller team, it’s easy to get weighed down doing what you do and feel like there’s no time or mental energy left to try something outside your comfort zone.
Being part of the awards evening was an entire experience. It pushed us to reflect on our journey, celebrate our successes, and recognise the incredible effort our team puts in every day. Being named a finalist not only validated our hard work but also inspired us to continue pushing for everyday excellence.
Attending the awards night was a highlight for the entire Talk Visual team. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the excitement and camaraderie of the Southland business community. We were surrounded by innovative and inspiring companies, all with their own unique stories and achievements. Even though we didn’t take home the top prize, being a finalist opened new doors for us. It’s increased our visibility in the community and provided us with invaluable networking opportunities.
If you’ve ever been on the fence about applying for the business awards, we’d highly recommend biting the bullet and submitting an application. The benefits far outweigh the nerves and effort. The process will challenge you to grow, and who knows? You might find yourself on that stage next time.
Thank you to the Southland Business Chamber for the incredible opportunity. We’re motivated to continue our journey, innovate, and support our community.
