So, B2B_Marketing
magazine gives up on its agency PR award. Sad news though it is,
I'm not sure the message will travel far because the publisher has
traditionally struggled to market the annual award scheme beyond
its loyal subscriber base. And perhaps that's part of the
problem?
The news will, however, travel fast to organisations like, Franklin_Rae, which will be
left feeling that their '2010 PR Agency of the Year' award has been
devalued by the decision to drop it this year. So, too, will
winners from years gone by who might think twice about entering the
sole remaining PR category on the entry form. They may ask "why
bother?", if B2B Marketing is giving up on them.
Of course nobody wants this outcome, which would be to the
detriment of the PR sector as a whole. We want our 'PR Agency of
the Year' category back and we want to compete for it with the very
best in the land.
After all, the PR industry is holding up well after a prolonged
battle against the economic downturn and has proven itself at the
vanguard of the social media explosion, where content is king. In
short, we've never been in a better position to showcase our
skills.
That's why we, as an agency, will continue to put our weight
behind the B2B Marketing Awards. We must acknowledge that the
organiser's decision is grounded in at least some justification
(declining volume of entries), even if we strongly disagree with
this drastic over reaction.
And, if the trend is true, then the B2B PR industry needs to
pull its collective finger out. We know times are hard, but awards
are definitely the best way to win new business and demonstrate to
clients why they chose you in the first place.
As a several time winner of the PR and Marketing Agency of the
Year awards, IAS is standing proof that these schemes work. In
recent months, two multi-national brands - Siemens and Renault -
shortlisted us to pitch after seeing our success at the B2B
Marketing Awards. You just need to put the effort in to reap the
rewards.
So let's do what we do best. Drum up interest, awareness and
support for a cause close to all our hearts. It's in everyone's
interests to make sure that B2B Marketing sees the errors of its
ways and reinstates a long-standing and highly-prized award.
Sign the Twitition,
join the 'PR Agency of the Year' debate and let Joel Harrison know
your feelings before it's too late!
Rob Morrice
Managing Director
IAS b2b Marketing
Tagged:
Debate, PR, Awards, B2B Marketing