Inspirational business women to celebrate success

Inspirational and innovative Australian business women are being encouraged to celebrate their success and enter the 2013 Telstra Business Women’s Awards.

Entries are now open for the prestigious awards that recognise business women whose passion, creativity and achievements inspire other women to reach their own goals.

Kate McKenzie, Group Managing Director Telstra Innovation, Products and Marketing and Telstra Business Women’s Awards Ambassador, said the awards offer women an exceptional opportunity for public recognition of their achievements and as a result, raises their profile and increases their business opportunities.

“Since 1995, the awards have celebrated the inspiration, determination and innovation of thousands of Australian business women right across different industries from banking to agriculture, retail and healthcare, at local, national and international levels,” Ms McKenzie said.

“The awards provide an opportunity for outstanding Australian business women to meet and share ideas with their peers, connect with women outside their sector and build new networks.

“The awards also highlight the importance of women harnessing and sharing knowledge through mentoring. Last year’s survey of awards alumni found three-quarters were mentoring other women, which is essential to inspiring and encouraging the next generation of business women to realise their potential and exceed their aspirations.”

Carolyn Creswell, founder of Carman’s Fine Foods who was named the 2012 Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year, also urged business women to make 2013 the year they nominate their peers or enter the awards themselves.

“The awards are a wonderful way to encourage women to see what others have been able to achieve and then step forward and say ‘I can do it!’” Ms Creswell said.

“The entry process is very professional and detailed, you leave no stone unturned. It is a chance to take a breath and remember all the incredible things that have happened along your journey to date. Our career is a journey and not just a destination - we need to remember that and celebrate the journey we are on.”

According to Ms Creswell, the awards have significantly increased Carman’s brand awareness, with research showing “around seven per cent of customers eat Carman’s products because they heard my story following my Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year award win.”

Nominations for the state and territory awards can be made at www.telstrabusinesswomensawards.com. Entries for the 2013 Awards are now open and can be submitted until Tuesday 25 June.

The awards are open to business owners, women in the private and corporate sector, and the government and community sectors. There are also awards that recognise business innovation and young business women.

For finalists and winners, the awards also offer a share in more than $200,000 in cash and prizes.