Donna O’Toole, Founder of August Recognition, reveals how to craft an award-winning entry for the National Sales Awards, guiding you step-by-step from choosing the right category to presenting with authority before the live judging panel.
Winning an award requires far more than listing day-to-day achievements. Donna breaks down the exact scoring model used by the judges (50% performance and results, 25% ethics and values, and 25% what makes you different) and explains why verified evidence—not unsubstantiated claims—is the defining factor that separates finalists from winners.
She also hosts an in-depth Q&A session addressing common entrant mistakes, practical strategies for handling sensitive client confidentiality, and where first-time entrants should focus their energy to make an immediate impact.
What you’ll learn
- How to uncover your award-winning USP: Identify your unique edge, innovative sales methods, and individual or team impact that elevate you above industry competitors.
- How to select the perfect category: Decode category criteria to align your strengths with the right category and avoid misallocating your best achievements.
- How to craft a compelling story: Build an engaging, structured narrative using Aristotle’s classic framework to showcase challenges overcome, tactical execution, and commercial results.
- How to impress the judges: Master the transparent scoring matrix (50% results, 25% ethics/values, 25% differentiation) and avoid the pitfalls that cause promising submissions to score poorly.
About Donna O’Toole:
Donna O’Toole is an internationally recognised awards expert, Founder of August Recognition.
Named a Top 25 CX Influencer and honoured for her contribution to awards judging, Donna has helped entrepreneurs, disruptors, global brands and household names win the most prestigious awards in the world — from the King’s Awards for Enterprise to international programmes like the Stevies, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, the LPI Learning Awards, and the International Customer Experience Awards.
With decades of experience, Donna and her team craft winning strategies, award entries and presentations that deliver powerful recognition, industry authority, and real business growth. Her work has also supported leaders and changemakers in achieving personal honours, from MBEs to knighthoods.
Awards Night
Join us at the National Sales Awards on 21 January in Birmingham – Find Out More: https://nsconference.co.uk/national-sales-awards
