Agent Diary: Awards generate many benefits, never underestimate your ability to succeed

Take pride in your nominations and successes – it’s a reflection of your agency and your staff, says Thompson Travel’s Sharon Thompson.

“Self-praise is no recommendation.” My grandmother used to say this when she heard the neighbours bragging.

However, it’s not a bad thing to feel good about being chosen and winning accolades. It shows that our customers and suppliers think we are doing a great job.

I couldn’t help feeling that I didn’t win that award by myself. Customers, local councillors and company representatives had nominated me 

As I hit another birthday, I recall winning a lovely award for Outstanding Woman in Business six years ago on the same date.

Even writing it seems a bit self-aggrandising, as I had rushed along to the event as a guest. Posts flooded social media afterwards, pictures were taken and it was a proud moment – but I couldn’t help feeling that I didn’t win that award by myself. Customers, local councillors and company representatives had nominated me – so the honour was really shared.

Proud moments

Over our years in travel, we hadn’t asked for votes or nominations, or pushed ourselves to win awards.

As an independent agent, we work hard, give good customer service and never think much about how good we are.

These last few years have been great for us and, without much effort, 2023 has offered us the most nominations in our 30 trading years.

Travel Weekly hosts the prestigious
Agent Achievement Awards in July and we are proud to be on the list of nominations for Northern Ireland.

Kasia, who joined us in 2022, is up against seven other new agents for another industry award – a proud moment for our team

Elsewhere, we are in the running for other awards too. Kasia, who joined us in 2022, is up against seven other new agents for another industry award – a proud moment for our team.

Meanwhile, my son Jason, who heads our retail shop, told me he had been nominated for an award by a leading Northern Ireland magazine. I had to coax it from him as he felt embarrassed and humbled by the nomination he’d received three weeks before.

The closing date for votes was due within three days and he didn’t ask us or our customers to vote – even though they had nominated him. The world now knows his nomination was for Businessman of the Year 2023. Proud mum, proud boss and proud team.

Achievements

But this article isn’t about me or my ego; it is about why we should all give ourselves a pat on the back for our teams’ hard and good work.

We now share our achievements with our community, customers and friends, because we should.

There are lots of awards in our industry and in your community, so don’t underestimate your ability to succeed. It’s not just about how your shop looks or how many events you attend – it’s about recognition for your hard work and commitment to our industry.

There are lots of awards in our industry and in your community, so don’t underestimate your ability to succeed

While our agencies compete for business, we like to see our regions and industry doing well.

I congratulate every agency in Northern Ireland that has won an honour and wish everyone every success in upcoming awards.

“Never have such a high opinion of yourself that no one has a high opinion of you,” is another proverb. But be proud of your business, your staff and your achievements – and don’t be afraid to ask your customers for their opinion and their praise!

Awards bring rewards

Winning an award generates many benefits for a business. It’s like a benchmark with other firms in our industry, which could be of much more value than actually winning the award. It’s a stamp of approval for suppliers and consumers to see – and it is free PR.

Even being nominated in the first place creates brand awareness and highlights your business to potential customers who may be looking for new travel sellers. Winning also boosts staff morale. An award is a victory for the whole team and is a great source of motivation. And nominations and awards can attract new talent to your team and help with recruitment.