"So many of our members have really interesting, innovative products and services, but they don't always manage to describe what they have to offer in a compelling way," says Hilary Laing, Cambridge Network's COO.
"We're throwing down a challenge to get our members – business owners, or their marketing and salespeople – to write an effective piece that articulates a story related to their business.”
All News articles submitted into the Network website are automatically entered (though companies or individuals whose entries are shortlisted will have the opportunity to opt out if desired**).
The competition refers to articles or blog posts related to an organisation, product or service, or focused on a relevant industry issue. The panel of judges iincludes three experts - Rachel Holdsworth of Holdsworth Associates;Paul Casciato of Cheary & Gallagher and Richard Blackburn of Energi Technical Marketing - who were all involved in a recent Cambridge Network Breakfast workshop on PR, together with Alexandra Murphy, the Network's marketing manager, and Judi Coe, website editor.
Hilary explains: "The subject matter can be anything, but it needs to answer all the key questions and focus on what is different or exceptional, and why. What's most important is that the story is well-told and that it is memorable, and perhaps includes a striking image. It needs to be a story that a reader will remember and want to repeat to a friend or colleague."
Running until midnight on Sunday 16th November, the competition winner will be announced at the Breakfast Networking session planned for Thursday November 27th.
Hilary adds: "Resources are tight, so the prize is not massive, but the prestige will be worth millions! Short-listed entries will feature on the site and be prominent in our weekly newsletter."
**Read the competition rules here.
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