Be more than ‘humbled and honoured’: PR advice on celebrating award wins
*This article was also published in Mumbrella.
The Mumbrella Awards are here! Which means you may find yourself caught in two minds about whether to post about your success, or not.
Industry awards and recognition are a great professional highlight and a personal milestone for many. It should absolutely be celebrated. It acknowledges your hard work and growth, respect from industry peers and can inspire others.
Being loud and proud on LinkedIn can feel a bit daunting sometimes, particularly if you’re not someone that regularly posts. You might see others writing what feel like cringey, inauthentic, or self-aggrandising posts, and that can make you become a little self-conscious about sharing your own good news.
But there’s always a way you can showcase your achievements with a genuine tone that is valuable to those that see it.
So, if you’re shortlisted – post it. If you win – definitely post it. Or even if you’re a bit excited to see your name on an awards dinner table for the first time – post it!
Here are 5 ways to help you craft an honest, valuable post that swerves the bragging and showcases what it takes to be a contender or a winner.
1. Celebrate with specifics, not clichés
Avoid the overused "honoured” and “humbled" approach and share specific details about your journey.
Example: "We’re all thrilled to be recognised in the Mumbrella Awards for the innovative use of AI in XYZ campaign. Big shoutout to the team whose creativity, dedication and problem solving turned a wild idea into X% increase in sales for the client and an award-winning night to remember. Here's to pushing the boundaries even further next year!"
2. Share the spotlight
Be sure to acknowledge your team and collaborators while celebrating the collective effort.
Example: "We did it! Our XYZ Agency team took home the Mumbrella Award win! It’s amazing to see all the hard work and countless whiteboard sessions paid off. Special thanks to [Name] for their creative genius and [Name] for their strategic insights. But of course, this recognition belongs to everyone involved for all their efforts!"
3. Show gratitude, genuinely
Skip the generic thank you notes. Instead, mention how the support impacted you, the team or the project.
Example: "Grateful for the incredible support from our clients and partners to be shortlisted for the Mumbrella Awards. Your trust fuels our creativity and drive, and your support meant that we could take a big swing in our XYZ campaign. This nomination wouldn’t have been possible without your backing. Onwards and upwards!"
4. Be honest and personal
Your LinkedIn network values authenticity. Share a personal anecdote or a lesson learned.
Example: "This Mumbrella Award nomination is a testament to everyone’s passion and perseverance. From brainstorming in coffee shops to last minute revisions in the back of an Uber, every moment has been worth it. Yeah there were times we doubted ourselves, and we had to overcome some big hurdles, but what we learned was that our “Yes, and…” mindset kept the team going. It’s been a bonding journey!"
5. Embrace the near misses with optimism and grace
Didn’t snag the win? No worries. Reflect on the journey and the growth of you and the team.
Example: "While we didn’t take home the Mumbrella Awards trophy, being nominated alongside industry giants is a win in itself. Huge congratulations to all the winners! We’re proud of the strides we’ve made, the boundaries we pushed on XYZ campaign and the lessons learned along the way. Here’s to being even stronger next year.
Remember – always celebrate your successes, no matter how big or small. Just be sure to be genuine and authentic when you do.
Good luck and have fun on the night!
#MakePeopleBetter