Archive for August 2023
Tips for Entering a Creative Award
The Industry Awards is the perfect platform for you to showcase your skills and make a mark in the industry, but if you’ve never created an entry before, it can be scary and daunting. Here are some tips on how you can create an award-winning entry and become a winner at The Industry Awards 2023!
Be creative
The judges are seeking fashion-forward shots that not only showcase stunning hairstyles but also forecast trends for the future. So, let your imagination soar and think outside the box. This is your opportunity to make a bold statement and leave a lasting impression on New Zealand’s creative hair and barbering industry!
Follow the brief
To stand out among the sea of talented stylists, it's crucial to carefully read and follow the entry criteria. Pay attention to the rules on your entry form, as they will help ensure your submission aligns with the competition's requirements. For example, make sure not to submit a black and white image for the colour concept of Editorial Stylist. Additionally, be sure to review any instructions provided by Patrick Cameron if you are entering his Instagram Challenge!
"Winning gave me a lot more confidence in my abilities and was such an amazing experience overall. I would definitely encourage others to enter as it allowed me to learn new techniques and skills and I really enjoyed the creativity involved in producing the final image."
- Hannah Culpan, winner of Editorial Stylist of the Year - Hot Shot New Talent 2022
Editorial vs. Instagram photography
When it comes to capturing your masterpiece, make sure you understand what the judges are looking for by reviewing the entry form. For example, if you are submitting an entry for the Patrick Cameron Instagram Challenge, your image must be taken on a digital device. However, for the Editorial Stylist categories, we recommend working with a professional photographer to ensure your images are magazine-worthy. Remember, the quality of your photographs can make a significant difference in how your work is perceived by the judges.
Practice makes perfect
To capture the essence of your vision, don't shy away from taking multiple shots of your image. Attention to detail is crucial; sometimes what may seem like a minor detail or error can have a significant impact upon closer inspection. By giving yourself options and taking the time to evaluate your shots, you'll have a better chance of selecting the most compelling image to submit.
"I would advise stylists to definitely enter and give it a go. I recommend reading the rules carefully and create a mood board before you jump in."
- Angela Enoka, winner of Patrick Cameron Instagram Challenge – Senior 2022
The Industry Awards is taking a break in 2024
HITO, Kitomba Salon and Spa Software and Hair & Barber New Zealand have announced that The Industry Awards will be taking a break in 2024.
Tips for Entering a Business Award
If you’ve never entered The Industry Awards before, pulling all of your reports and trying to create an entry that showcases everything about your business can seem like a daunting task.
We’ve compiled a list of top tips, along with some advice from past winners that will help you create an award-winning entry.
Master your numbers
Creating an entry for a business award requires a solid understanding of your figures. It’s crucial to master your numbers to provide accurate and insightful information. By analysing your salon software’s reports, you can identify proof of your success and therefore make your entry stronger. Take a look at the numbers that your entry form is asking for and make sure if it’s a financial number that you provide it as GST exclusive.
The power of results
When you create your entry, keep in mind that it’s not enough to describe your initiatives; you also need to show the results. Our judges want to see evidence of the impact that your strategies have had on your business.
Weave the results throughout your entry, highlighting important numbers and metrics. Include proof in the form of reports and graphs so the judges can see the results clearly, or if your results are happy customers, reviews and feedback from your clients doesn't hurt!
Unleash your creativity
We work in an incredible industry full of talent and creativity, and we want to see that reflected in your entry! Your salon, spa or barbershop has a unique perspective and style that sets it apart from others so make sure you showcase that to the judges.
Presentation is worth 10% of your entry, and is something you should definitely keep in mind. A great first impression goes a long way, and attention to detail is something that we look for.
Be concise and compelling
A well-crafted entry is one that is concise, yet compelling. Our judges appreciate entries that convey their incredible achievement, remarkable initiatives and clear results in a concise manner. Use clear headings, and focus on the question that is asked in that section.
Keep an eye on the word or page count noted on your entry form, and if you are creating a digital submission in the form of a video or presentation, keep it concise and engaging.
"It makes me sit down and really take a look at what's going on in my business, and the very process of going through and putting those awards together reminds myself and the team of all of the amazing things that we’re doing."
- Janine Simons, winner of Excellence in Marketing 2022
Don’t be afraid!
Taking a look at your finances and pulling together an entry can feel scary and intimidating, especially if it’s your first time or you’ve entered before but didn’t make it as a finalist or winner. However, previous entrants have consistently found that creating a holistic overview of their business has been incredibly insightful and rewarding.
By mastering your numbers, highlighting the power of results, showcasing your creativity, being concise and compelling, and taking the plunge, you'll be well on your way to creating an incredible entry that wows our judges. Good luck, and the team are so excited to see the 2023 entries!
The Industry Awards is taking a break in 2024
HITO, Kitomba Salon and Spa Software and Hair & Barber New Zealand have announced that The Industry Awards will be taking a break in 2024.
Tips for Entering a Training Award
If you’ve never entered The Industry Awards before, it can seem like a daunting task. You might be wondering things like: What should I include? What should my entry look like? What gave last year’s winners the edge over the competition?
Here are a few tips about what your entry should look like, what you should include, and advice from past winners.
Entry style
We want to see your creativity! Entries can be submitted in writing or as a video. Written entries need to be easy for the judges to read and mustn’t exceed 1500 words. Visuals and images are great additions to written entries. Booklets are a great option for written entries, as they are easy to read and easy to show your creativity through. If you are submitting a video entry, make sure the lighting is good and the audio is clear. Video entries must be five minutes or under. We recommend sharing video entries via Google Drive or on a USB.
Answer the questions
Make sure to remember the answer the questions on the entry form. These questions are the basis of criteria used by the judges to determine finalists and winners. You don’t need to include heaps of information: think about what’s most important to convey and keep it short and sweet. If you’re including other information, like photos or printouts from your booking system, make sure to tell the judges why they’re important.
Think about HITO
As a HITO apprentice, trainer, assessor, or employer – make sure you talk about things relevant to your training with HITO or your work with HITO apprentices.
"Apprentices are the future of the industry, through them we can ensure we elevate and grow the hairdressing industry."
- Janine Simons of MANE Salon, winner of Industry Trainer of the Year and Workplace of the Year 2022
Take your time
When creating your entry, take your time to plan and prepare your entry. Entries are due 31st August, so make use of the time you have to create the best entry possible. Start collecting relevant information now, so you don’t have to rush at the last minute.
Be open and honest
Put your heart into your entry, and openly share your experiences. It helps the judges get to know you and shows your good qualities.
"Entering the Hairdressing Apprentice of the Year category gave me a chance to reflect on my journey and how far I have come!"
- Sadie Ellen, winner of Hairdressing Apprentice of the Year 2022
Think broadly
Make sure to focus on many areas of your dedication and commitment. The judges want to know a range of areas you have shown excellence. You might be a competitions superstar, or 100% dedicated to your apprentices, but are there other areas where you have supported training success?
The quality of entries is always incredibly high, and the judges have a difficult time selecting the winners. We can’t wait to receive another round of fantastic entries this year.
The Industry Awards is taking a break in 2024
HITO, Kitomba Salon and Spa Software and Hair & Barber New Zealand have announced that The Industry Awards will be taking a break in 2024.