Application Tips
The vibrant photonics industry releases many new and innovative products each year so the competition is tough. So what are the judges looking for in the application? Here are a few tips to help you write an informative and interesting application.
1. Find, or write, an Executive Summary on your product before you start. That will give you a strong basis for your application. [An Executive Summary is a short document that summarizes a longer report, or proposal, in such a way that readers can rapidly become acquainted with a large body of material without having to read it all. It will usually contain a brief statement of the problems solved, background information, concise analysis, and main conclusions].
2. Research the competition. Find out what other products are out there and how your product is better. Be able to clearly write how your product is different and better.
3. Get a good photo. Spend time and money on a good photograph of your product. There is a good chance it will end up in a printed program, on the web, in a magazine - make it look good.
4. Take time with the application. This document is entirely about proving a case that your product is the best. A well-done application will win over a sloppy application.
5. Sell! Remember that you are "selling" your product. Outline points that will grab the judge's attention. Write the points in an interesting and memorable way.
6. Shorter (concise) is better. Judges are reading quite a few applications at one time.
7. Elevator speech. Create a compact statement for why your product should win. Sell your product in with a memorable "speech" that is only 150 words. This is important at the beginning and end of your application.
8. Review and re-write. Give a copy of your answers to your colleagues, your friends, your advisor, and listen to what they say. Does it make sense to them? Do they find it persuasive?
9. Keep a copy of your completed application. If you don’t have marketing promotional pieces yet, this is a good place to start building them.
10. Keep applying. It's an easy way to get your name out there.
We hope this information helps you to write a better application. Please send us your suggestions or comments. The more help we can provide, the better.
Kind regards,
The Prism Awards Team
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