By Steven Roll
ASBPE President

During tough economic times it's only natural to prepare for the worst. Expenses once taken granted such as contest entry fees or association memberships are given a second look. Plans to expand or introduce a new product are often shelved or deferred to the distant future.

While assuming the crash position might feel right for the short term, it's probably a mistake to remain in it too long. In fact, there's probably never been a better time to work hard to distinguish yourself and your publication. Entering the AZBEE Awards of Excellence is a great way to do just that.

Here are 10 reasons why you can't afford to let the Jan. 30 entry deadline for the AZBEEs pass you by:

• You will probably have a better chance of winning than in previous years. There are typically fewer entries in a down economy. Publications are either going out of business or cutting costs.
  
  
• It's never been more important to achieve the recognition that comes with winning a coveted editorial or design award. Hopefully, your job is secure. But if it isn't, it can't hurt to add the phrase "award winning" to your resume.
  
  
• Your subscribers need to know that they're paying for a quality publication that is worth the cost. Nothing says that like an AZBEE Award.
  
  
• Your advertisers want confirmation that their dollars are going to a top-flight publication.
  
  
• You need to demonstrate to your company's executives that your publication is valuable and should not be placed on the chopping block.
  
  
• It's never been easier to enter the AZBEE Awards. Entries for most categories may be submitted over the Internet. Gone are all of the copies and plastic pages that had to be submitted in the past.
  
  
• New categories such as "Most Humorous" and "Custom Publications" increase the amount of content eligible for entry.
  
  
• The National Awards Banquet will be held in Washington, D.C. An exciting place to be lately.
  
  
• The regional awards banquets are among ASBPE's most popular networking events. There a few better opportunities for receiving recognition and getting to know your colleagues in the trade or business press.
  
  
• It's important to know where your publication stands. Winning is nice. But losing is often more instructive.

Emerge from the fetal position and start preparing and submitting your entries. Come July, you'll be glad you did.

Labels: ASBPE Conference, Awards, Azbee Awards, Steven Roll