{"id":34245,"date":"2025-11-11T09:39:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-11T09:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/about.zealous.co\/?p=34226"},"modified":"2025-11-26T12:10:49","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T12:10:49","slug":"how-to-approach-judges-for-competitions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/insights\/how-to-approach-judges-for-competitions\/","title":{"rendered":"How to approach judges for awards &amp; competitions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group toc has-base-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c385debf wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p><strong>This article covers:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#start-with-strategy\" title=\"\">Start with strategy, not names<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#timeline\" title=\"\">Timeline: Start earlier than you think<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#research\" title=\"\">Make your research count<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#craft-pitch\" title=\"\">Craft your pitch (keep it brutally brief)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#make-personal\" title=\"\">Make it personal (or don&#8217;t bother)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#clear-about-ask\" title=\"\">Be clear about the ask<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#whats-in-it\" title=\"\">Answer the real question: What&#8217;s in it for them?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#look-credible\" title=\"\">Look credible (especially if you&#8217;re not famous)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#follow-up\" title=\"\">Follow up (but know when to stop)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#common-mistakes\" title=\"\">Common mistakes to avoid<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Your judging panel is the difference between 50 submissions and 500. Between being taken seriously and being dismissed as &#8220;just another open call.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Get it right, and you&#8217;ll attract the creators you actually want. Get it wrong, and you&#8217;ll spend months wondering why no one bothered to apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Below you&#8217;ll find practical tips on how to build a panel that matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"start-with-strategy\"><strong>Start with strategy, not glitzy names<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The temptation is to make a wishlist of famous people and start firing off emails. Don&#8217;t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you approach anyone, figure out what your panel actually needs to achieve. A good judging panel creates genuine value for the people submitting to your call. The best combinations mix practicing artists or creators, organisations supporting them, and occasionally the press. If you have sponsors, consider including them &#8211; but only if they bring relevant expertise. An art buyer from a financial firm works. Their CEO who&#8217;s life-long passion is golf probably doesn&#8217;t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Think about complementary perspectives, not just impressive CVs. Five painters will give you five similar viewpoints. A painter, a curator, a collector, an arts journalist, and a gallery director will give you depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7185aa6c wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:8px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p class=\"has-body-font-family has-medium-font-size\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"triangle-exclamation\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-triangle-exclamation\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M256 32c14.2 0 27.3 7.5 34.5 19.8l216 368c7.3 12.4 7.3 27.7 .2 40.1S486.3 480 472 480L40 480c-14.3 0-27.6-7.7-34.7-20.1s-7-27.8 .2-40.1l216-368C228.7 39.5 241.8 32 256 32zm0 128c-13.3 0-24 10.7-24 24l0 112c0 13.3 10.7 24 24 24s24-10.7 24-24l0-112c0-13.3-10.7-24-24-24zm32 224a32 32 0 1 0 -64 0 32 32 0 1 0 64 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span> <strong>Fostering diversity &amp; inclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The makeup of your judge panel is paramount in getting diverse individuals to submit. If candidates cannot see a reflection of themselves in your judges, they are unlikely to engage with you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s an easy mistake to make &#8211; but your panel composition directly determines who applies. If candidates can&#8217;t see themselves reflected in your judges, they won&#8217;t engage with you. This isn&#8217;t about tokenism; it&#8217;s about signal. A homogenous panel signals &#8220;this isn&#8217;t for people like me&#8221; louder than any marketing copy can overcome.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"timeline\"><strong>Start earlier than you think<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Approaching judges weeks before you need them is unlikely work (and might actually give them the impression you are disorganised).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Start 3-4 months before judging begins. High-profile individuals book their calendars months in advance. Beyond that, you&#8217;ll need time for follow-ups, replacements when your first choices decline, and course corrections if you&#8217;re not hitting your diversity targets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If judging happens in March, begin outreach in November or December (skip sending emails on religious holidays!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7185aa6c wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:8px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p class=\"has-body-font-family has-medium-font-size\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"calculator\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-calculator\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 384 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M64 0C28.7 0 0 28.7 0 64L0 448c0 35.3 28.7 64 64 64l256 0c35.3 0 64-28.7 64-64l0-384c0-35.3-28.7-64-64-64L64 0zM96 64l192 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32l0 32c0 17.7-14.3 32-32 32L96 160c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32l0-32c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32zm32 160a32 32 0 1 1 -64 0 32 32 0 1 1 64 0zM96 352a32 32 0 1 1 0-64 32 32 0 1 1 0 64zM64 416c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32l96 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32s-14.3 32-32 32l-96 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32zM192 256a32 32 0 1 1 0-64 32 32 0 1 1 0 64zm32 64a32 32 0 1 1 -64 0 32 32 0 1 1 64 0zm64-64a32 32 0 1 1 0-64 32 32 0 1 1 0 64zm32 64a32 32 0 1 1 -64 0 32 32 0 1 1 64 0zM288 448a32 32 0 1 1 0-64 32 32 0 1 1 0 64z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span> <strong>The Numbers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plan to approach 15-20 potential judges to secure a panel of five. Response rates for cold outreach average 10-15%, rising to 30-40% for warm introductions. For very high-profile individuals &#8211; those regularly featured in national media &#8211; expect rates close to 1%.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Some judges who initially say yes will need to withdraw due to scheduling conflicts. Having time to find replacements means you&#8217;re not scrambling at the last minute or settling for whoever responds first.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"research\"><strong>Make your research count<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Emailing recognisable people at random is not going to end well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spend time researching potential judges to make a genuine connection between what you&#8217;re doing and their actual interests. Ian McKellen advocates for gay rights and ageing respectfully &#8211; that&#8217;s your hook if you&#8217;re running something aligned with those causes. Generic flattery about their &#8220;impressive career&#8221; shows you don&#8217;t really understand them (and will end in spam).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Find the thread between their work and your programme&#8217;s purpose. Your panel composition should align with <a href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/insights\/defining-your-purpose\/\" title=\"\">your programme&#8217;s core purpose<\/a>. Make it specific. Make it real.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"top-post-cta\" class=\"wp-block-group top_post_cta has-base-2-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-ead219762bcc1c462ed6c2056d53965a has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-34d7f7af wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:8px;background:linear-gradient(103deg,rgba(242,145,160,0.7) 0%,rgba(187,215,242,0.73) 70%);margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-base-2-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-35626ede75d32280e57e9f0344fb15d5 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-e4a18999 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:8px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-contrast-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8536a955ce3b9176b8984c5730bb22c9\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0.2rem\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"list-check\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-list-check \" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" style=\"font-size:1.4em\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M133.8 36.3c10.9 7.6 13.5 22.6 5.9 33.4l-56 80c-4.1 5.8-10.5 9.5-17.6 10.1S52 158 47 153L7 113C-2.3 103.6-2.3 88.4 7 79S31.6 69.7 41 79l19.8 19.8 39.6-56.6c7.6-10.9 22.6-13.5 33.4-5.9zm0 160c10.9 7.6 13.5 22.6 5.9 33.4l-56 80c-4.1 5.8-10.5 9.5-17.6 10.1S52 318 47 313L7 273c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0l19.8 19.8 39.6-56.6c7.6-10.9 22.6-13.5 33.4-5.9zM224 96c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32l224 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32s-14.3 32-32 32l-224 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32zm0 160c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32l224 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32s-14.3 32-32 32l-224 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32zM160 416c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32l288 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32s-14.3 32-32 32l-288 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32zM64 376a40 40 0 1 1 0 80 40 40 0 1 1 0-80z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center cta_text content_mid_cta has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-c41f21bc37c7849d15c85a341bf756f3\">Download launch checklist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Never miss a critical step: 300+ tasks across 8 phases, from securing judges to winner announcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button primary-cta\" id=\"host-launch-checklist-mid-cta\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/awards-resources\/competition-launch-checklist\/\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.156), 1rem);\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"envelope\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-envelope \" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M48 64C21.5 64 0 85.5 0 112c0 15.1 7.1 29.3 19.2 38.4L236.8 313.6c11.4 8.5 27 8.5 38.4 0L492.8 150.4c12.1-9.1 19.2-23.3 19.2-38.4c0-26.5-21.5-48-48-48H48zM0 176V384c0 35.3 28.7 64 64 64H448c35.3 0 64-28.7 64-64V176L294.4 339.2c-22.8 17.1-54 17.1-76.8 0L0 176z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span> Get Checklist<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"craft-pitch\"><strong>Craft your pitch (keep it brutally brief)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Anyone with status gets swamped with proposals. Respect their time from the moment you approach them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow the rule of threes: a maximum of three emails, containing three paragraphs, made up of a maximum of three lines each.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7185aa6c wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:8px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p class=\"has-body-font-family has-medium-font-size\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"pen-nib\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-pen-nib \" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M368.5 18.3l-50.1 50.1 125.3 125.3 50.1-50.1c21.9-21.9 21.9-57.3 0-79.2L447.7 18.3c-21.9-21.9-57.3-21.9-79.2 0zM279.3 97.2l-.5 .1-144.1 43.2c-19.9 6-35.7 21.2-42.3 41L3.8 445.8c-2.9 8.7-1.9 18.2 2.5 26L161.7 316.4c-1.1-4-1.6-8.1-1.6-12.4 0-26.5 21.5-48 48-48s48 21.5 48 48-21.5 48-48 48c-4.3 0-8.5-.6-12.4-1.6L40.3 505.7c7.8 4.4 17.2 5.4 26 2.5l264.3-88.6c19.7-6.6 35-22.4 41-42.3l43.2-144.1 .1-.5-135.5-135.5z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span> <strong>Three paragraphs max<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-29a8626f wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list is-style-checkmark-list\">\n<li>Why you&#8217;re contacting them (link it to their work).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What you&#8217;re organising \/ the commitment and what you are offering them for their time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An offer to provide more information + your thanks<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>That&#8217;s it. No life story. No 600-word essay about your passion for the arts. No massive preambles about &#8220;reaching out&#8221; or &#8220;hope this finds you well.&#8221; (that can be your close).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7185aa6c wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:8px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p class=\"has-body-font-family has-medium-font-size\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"triangle-exclamation\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-triangle-exclamation\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M256 32c14.2 0 27.3 7.5 34.5 19.8l216 368c7.3 12.4 7.3 27.7 .2 40.1S486.3 480 472 480L40 480c-14.3 0-27.6-7.7-34.7-20.1s-7-27.8 .2-40.1l216-368C228.7 39.5 241.8 32 256 32zm0 128c-13.3 0-24 10.7-24 24l0 112c0 13.3 10.7 24 24 24s24-10.7 24-24l0-112c0-13.3-10.7-24-24-24zm32 224a32 32 0 1 0 -64 0 32 32 0 1 0 64 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span> <strong>Fostering diversity &amp; inclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep language straightforward when reaching out to specific judges. Short, clear sentences allow communities who struggle with complex, flowery language (such as those with dyslexia) and save readers time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"make-personal\"><strong>Make it personal (or don&#8217;t bother)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Never mass email judges or potential partners with generic messages. Your pitch needs to start with something that resonates personally with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s what this looks like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c385debf wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p><strong>Subject:<\/strong> Judge opportunity for [Programme Name] \u2013 2 hours, March 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Email:<\/strong><br><em>Hi [Name],<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>I loved the work you did advocating gay rights\u2014your speech at Pride in Perth was inspirational. We&#8217;re currently organising an award to celebrate the diversity of the gay community and would love you to help us select the winners.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The commitment is straightforward: review 25 submissions online between 1-31 March (2 hours maximum, dip in and out as suits you). In return, we&#8217;re offering [compensation\/exposure\/cause alignment] and the chance to discover brilliant emerging talent.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Happy to share more details if this interests you. Would this work for your schedule?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Best,<br>[Your name]<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Notice what&#8217;s missing: marketing speak, unnecessary formality, vague compliments. It&#8217;s direct. It&#8217;s specific. It&#8217;s respectful of their time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"clear-about-ask\"><strong>Be clear about the ask<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Vagueness kills judge recruitment. Knowing your process before approaching anyone is vital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your introductory email needs these specifics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-checkmark-list\">\n<li><strong>Timeline:<\/strong> Start and end dates for judging<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Time commitment:<\/strong> How many submissions they&#8217;ll review and how long it takes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Process:<\/strong> What they&#8217;ll be scoring and how<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s how to frame it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-base-background-color has-background\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><em>&#8220;We know your time is precious, so we&#8217;ve made the process as simple as possible. We&#8217;ve chosen an <a href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/awards-platform\/\" title=\"\">awards management platform that streamlines the judging process<\/a> to make scoring as easy as possible. Judging should take a maximum of two hours. You&#8217;d be scoring a shortlist of 25 five-minute short films online between 1-31 March. You can dip in and out during that period &#8211; it needn&#8217;t be done in one sitting.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The entire judging experience matters, from first contact to final scoring. <a href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/insights\/the-ultimate-guide-to-managing-submissions\/\" title=\"\">Learn more about creating smooth judging workflows with our full programme guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7185aa6c wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:8px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p class=\"has-body-font-family has-medium-font-size\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"lightbulb\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-lightbulb\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 384 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M272 384c9.6-31.9 29.5-59.1 49.2-86.2c0 0 0 0 0 0c5.2-7.1 10.4-14.2 15.4-21.4c19.8-28.5 31.4-63 31.4-100.3C368 78.8 289.2 0 192 0S16 78.8 16 176c0 37.3 11.6 71.9 31.4 100.3c5 7.2 10.2 14.3 15.4 21.4c0 0 0 0 0 0c19.8 27.1 39.7 54.4 49.2 86.2l160 0zM192 512c44.2 0 80-35.8 80-80l0-16-160 0 0 16c0 44.2 35.8 80 80 80zM112 176c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16c0-61.9 50.1-112 112-112c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16c-44.2 0-80 35.8-80 80z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span> <strong>Modern Platforms Make A Difference<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Modern submissions platforms automatically track judge progress, send reminder emails, and provide technical support. When approaching judges, being able to tell them they&#8217;ll have dedicated support if they encounter technical issues builds confidence in your professionalism. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-2-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-515c3f106323f79451d2306e7d591c2e has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-34d7f7af wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:8px;background:linear-gradient(143deg,rgba(127,219,202,0.61) 21%,rgba(255,107,107,0.45) 74%);margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-base-2-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-a010d6200a7e32bad37e80b21d4e1c95 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32abe225 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:8px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center cta_text content_mid_cta has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-b167b480f0a97ca07872b7020eb348f6\">Want more articles like this?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Give this one a like<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a763ec69 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wpulike wpulike-animated-heart  wpulike-is-pro\" ><div class=\"wp_ulike_general_class wp_ulike_is_restricted\"><button type=\"button\"\n\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Like Button\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-id=\"34245\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-nonce=\"9e63926a76\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-type=\"post\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-template=\"wpulike-animated-heart\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-display-likers=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-likers-style=\"popover\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-append=\"&lt;svg class=&quot;wpulike-svg-heart wpulike-svg-heart-pop one&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 32 29.6&quot;&gt;&lt;path d=&quot;M23.6,0c-3.4,0-6.3,2.7-7.6,5.6C14.7,2.7,11.8,0,8.4,0C3.8,0,0,3.8,0,8.4c0,9.4,9.5,11.9,16,21.2c6.1-9.3,16-12.1,16-21.2C32,3.8,28.2,0,23.6,0z&quot;\/&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;&lt;svg class=&quot;wpulike-svg-heart wpulike-svg-heart-pop two&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 32 29.6&quot;&gt;&lt;path d=&quot;M23.6,0c-3.4,0-6.3,2.7-7.6,5.6C14.7,2.7,11.8,0,8.4,0C3.8,0,0,3.8,0,8.4c0,9.4,9.5,11.9,16,21.2c6.1-9.3,16-12.1,16-21.2C32,3.8,28.2,0,23.6,0z&quot;\/&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;&lt;svg class=&quot;wpulike-svg-heart wpulike-svg-heart-pop three&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 32 29.6&quot;&gt;&lt;path d=&quot;M23.6,0c-3.4,0-6.3,2.7-7.6,5.6C14.7,2.7,11.8,0,8.4,0C3.8,0,0,3.8,0,8.4c0,9.4,9.5,11.9,16,21.2c6.1-9.3,16-12.1,16-21.2C32,3.8,28.2,0,23.6,0z&quot;\/&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;&lt;svg class=&quot;wpulike-svg-heart wpulike-svg-heart-pop four&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 32 29.6&quot;&gt;&lt;path d=&quot;M23.6,0c-3.4,0-6.3,2.7-7.6,5.6C14.7,2.7,11.8,0,8.4,0C3.8,0,0,3.8,0,8.4c0,9.4,9.5,11.9,16,21.2c6.1-9.3,16-12.1,16-21.2C32,3.8,28.2,0,23.6,0z&quot;\/&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;&lt;svg class=&quot;wpulike-svg-heart wpulike-svg-heart-pop five&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 32 29.6&quot;&gt;&lt;path d=&quot;M23.6,0c-3.4,0-6.3,2.7-7.6,5.6C14.7,2.7,11.8,0,8.4,0C3.8,0,0,3.8,0,8.4c0,9.4,9.5,11.9,16,21.2c6.1-9.3,16-12.1,16-21.2C32,3.8,28.2,0,23.6,0z&quot;\/&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;&lt;svg class=&quot;wpulike-svg-heart wpulike-svg-heart-pop six&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 32 29.6&quot;&gt;&lt;path d=&quot;M23.6,0c-3.4,0-6.3,2.7-7.6,5.6C14.7,2.7,11.8,0,8.4,0C3.8,0,0,3.8,0,8.4c0,9.4,9.5,11.9,16,21.2c6.1-9.3,16-12.1,16-21.2C32,3.8,28.2,0,23.6,0z&quot;\/&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;&lt;svg class=&quot;wpulike-svg-heart wpulike-svg-heart-pop seven&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 32 29.6&quot;&gt;&lt;path d=&quot;M23.6,0c-3.4,0-6.3,2.7-7.6,5.6C14.7,2.7,11.8,0,8.4,0C3.8,0,0,3.8,0,8.4c0,9.4,9.5,11.9,16,21.2c6.1-9.3,16-12.1,16-21.2C32,3.8,28.2,0,23.6,0z&quot;\/&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;&lt;svg class=&quot;wpulike-svg-heart wpulike-svg-heart-pop eight&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 32 29.6&quot;&gt;&lt;path d=&quot;M23.6,0c-3.4,0-6.3,2.7-7.6,5.6C14.7,2.7,11.8,0,8.4,0C3.8,0,0,3.8,0,8.4c0,9.4,9.5,11.9,16,21.2c6.1-9.3,16-12.1,16-21.2C32,3.8,28.2,0,23.6,0z&quot;\/&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;&lt;svg class=&quot;wpulike-svg-heart wpulike-svg-heart-pop nine&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 32 29.6&quot;&gt;&lt;path d=&quot;M23.6,0c-3.4,0-6.3,2.7-7.6,5.6C14.7,2.7,11.8,0,8.4,0C3.8,0,0,3.8,0,8.4c0,9.4,9.5,11.9,16,21.2c6.1-9.3,16-12.1,16-21.2C32,3.8,28.2,0,23.6,0z&quot;\/&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp_ulike_btn wp_ulike_put_image wp_post_btn_34245\"><svg class=\"wpulike-svg-heart wpulike-svg-heart-icon\" viewBox=\"0 -28 512.00002 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path\n\t\t\t\t\t\td=\"m471.382812 44.578125c-26.503906-28.746094-62.871093-44.578125-102.410156-44.578125-29.554687 0-56.621094 9.34375-80.449218 27.769531-12.023438 9.300781-22.917969 20.679688-32.523438 33.960938-9.601562-13.277344-20.5-24.660157-32.527344-33.960938-23.824218-18.425781-50.890625-27.769531-80.445312-27.769531-39.539063 0-75.910156 15.832031-102.414063 44.578125-26.1875 28.410156-40.613281 67.222656-40.613281 109.292969 0 43.300781 16.136719 82.9375 50.78125 124.742187 30.992188 37.394531 75.535156 75.355469 127.117188 119.3125 17.613281 15.011719 37.578124 32.027344 58.308593 50.152344 5.476563 4.796875 12.503907 7.4375 19.792969 7.4375 7.285156 0 14.316406-2.640625 19.785156-7.429687 20.730469-18.128907 40.707032-35.152344 58.328125-50.171876 51.574219-43.949218 96.117188-81.90625 127.109375-119.304687 34.644532-41.800781 50.777344-81.4375 50.777344-124.742187 0-42.066407-14.425781-80.878907-40.617188-109.289063zm0 0\" \/><\/svg><\/button><span class=\"count-box wp_ulike_counter_up\" data-ulike-counter-value=\"\"><\/span>\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"whats-in-it\"><strong>What&#8217;s in it for them?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you have a budget, or are you asking for free help?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re charging entry fees and have revenue, compensating judges appropriately shows respect for their expertise. Payment varies widely based on time commitment and judge profile. \u00a3200-500 for reviewing 2-3 hours of submissions is reasonable for emerging professionals. Established industry leaders might expect \u00a3500-2,000+ depending on your programme&#8217;s profile and reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have no budget, find creative ways to reward those who&#8217;ve given their time generously and ensure your programme is driven by a shared purpose with the judges you are approaching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow has-merriweather-font-family has-large-font-size\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"quote-left\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-quote-left\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M0 216C0 149.7 53.7 96 120 96l8 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32s-14.3 32-32 32l-8 0c-30.9 0-56 25.1-56 56l0 8 64 0c35.3 0 64 28.7 64 64l0 64c0 35.3-28.7 64-64 64l-64 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64l0-32 0-32 0-72zm256 0c0-66.3 53.7-120 120-120l8 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32s-14.3 32-32 32l-8 0c-30.9 0-56 25.1-56 56l0 8 64 0c35.3 0 64 28.7 64 64l0 64c0 35.3-28.7 64-64 64l-64 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64l0-32 0-32 0-72z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><br>The more you demand of your judges, the more valuable what you give them should be. If you have no resources, your best option is making the time commitment as small as possible.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>What you offer depends entirely on who you&#8217;re approaching. Think about what that individual would genuinely appreciate. Is it expanding their reach? Being associated with a specific cause? Discovering talent they might work with later? Doing good with their time? (Judges who&#8217;ve recently retired often value the latter.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Offering to feature judges in blog articles and across social media appeals to some &#8211; but has no intrinsic value to those whose profile already surpasses your own. If you&#8217;re offering social media exposure as part of your value proposition, judges will want to know your actual reach. <a href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/insights\/marketing-your-competition\/\" title=\"\">Building your audience through strategic marketing<\/a> matters before you start recruiting high-profile names.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some programmes offer judges early access to the submission pool, allowing them to discover talent they might commission or collaborate with later. Digital platforms make this feasible by providing secure, time-limited access with proper intellectual property protections for submitters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7185aa6c wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:8px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p class=\"has-body-font-family has-medium-font-size\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"triangle-exclamation\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-triangle-exclamation\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M256 32c14.2 0 27.3 7.5 34.5 19.8l216 368c7.3 12.4 7.3 27.7 .2 40.1S486.3 480 472 480L40 480c-14.3 0-27.6-7.7-34.7-20.1s-7-27.8 .2-40.1l216-368C228.7 39.5 241.8 32 256 32zm0 128c-13.3 0-24 10.7-24 24l0 112c0 13.3 10.7 24 24 24s24-10.7 24-24l0-112c0-13.3-10.7-24-24-24zm32 224a32 32 0 1 0 -64 0 32 32 0 1 0 64 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span> <strong>Fostering diversity &amp; inclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some communities cannot afford to give their time for free. Try to offer struggling communities something tangible to have their voice represented on the judging panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn <a href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/insights\/building-inclusivity-into-your-competition\/\" title=\"\">more about building inclusivity across your entire programm<\/a>e.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"look-credible\"><strong>Look credible (especially if you&#8217;re not known)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don&#8217;t have a recognisable brand, appearing credible becomes essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Include a link to your competition website or pitch deck in your email. Make sure whatever you send looks professional. Send your email from a business email address &#8211; sending from a personal Gmail account could be a red flag. Especially if it&#8217;s an address you registered as a student, like luvzthemcatz2002@gmail.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other elements that build credibility: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-checkmark-list\">\n<li>An offer to speak further with direct contact details (be ready to actually take that call). <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A footer including your name and position. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A registered address. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Company or charity registration number if you have one. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Names of any recognisable judges you&#8217;ve already secured.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>That last point matters. If you&#8217;ve already secured one respected name, leading with that in follow-up emails significantly improves your response rate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"follow-up\"><strong>Follow up (but don&#8217;t stalk!)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s highly unlikely you will get a response to your first email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Send a follow-up 3-5 days later. Keep it short &#8211; you&#8217;re just highlighting your previous message. The best approach is replying to your original email so your first message appears below your new one. Copy-pasting looks messy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Include any notable developments since you first reached out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&#8220;Since my last email, we&#8217;re thrilled to have welcomed Stomrzy to the panel and have been featured in the FT.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7185aa6c wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:8px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p class=\"has-body-font-family has-medium-font-size\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"lightbulb\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-lightbulb\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 384 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M272 384c9.6-31.9 29.5-59.1 49.2-86.2c0 0 0 0 0 0c5.2-7.1 10.4-14.2 15.4-21.4c19.8-28.5 31.4-63 31.4-100.3C368 78.8 289.2 0 192 0S16 78.8 16 176c0 37.3 11.6 71.9 31.4 100.3c5 7.2 10.2 14.3 15.4 21.4c0 0 0 0 0 0c19.8 27.1 39.7 54.4 49.2 86.2l160 0zM192 512c44.2 0 80-35.8 80-80l0-16-160 0 0 16c0 44.2 35.8 80 80 80zM112 176c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16c0-61.9 50.1-112 112-112c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16c-44.2 0-80 35.8-80 80z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span> <strong>The Three-Email Rule<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If there&#8217;s still no response, send a second follow-up 5-7 days later. Your third and final email should come 7-10 days after that, and it needs to explicitly state it&#8217;s your last contact: &#8220;I realise you may be busy with other projects, so this will be my final email.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t send more than three emails. After that, you come across as pushy. Some people won&#8217;t respond, and that&#8217;s fine &#8211; they are busy. Spend you energy on finding someone else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Get an introduction wherever you can<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Finding an email address isn&#8217;t always straightforward. It&#8217;s worth reaching out on social media first to ask permission to contact them &#8211; but keep that pitch ultra-brief. Ideally, though, you&#8217;ll find someone who knows the individual, or knows someone who knows them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Warm introductions dramatically increase response rates compared to cold outreach. But don&#8217;t ask your contact for the judge&#8217;s email address (they won&#8217;t share it). Send them your complete pitch email to forward. If interest develops, you&#8217;ll get connected directly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mid_post_cta has-base-2-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-83858da6ced582519ce63fcfd9662766 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-34d7f7af wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:8px;background:linear-gradient(103deg,rgba(242,145,160,0.7) 0%,rgba(187,215,242,0.73) 70%);margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<div id=\"mid-cta-a\" class=\"wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-base-2-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-f0a12e20b216dfc8dc951a5929df682a has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-e4a18999 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:8px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-contrast-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-decc535b6327c1f7126198669a05008a\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0.2rem\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"envelope-open-text\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-envelope-open-text \" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 576 512\" style=\"font-size:1.4em\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M288 33.9L96.4 175.8 254.5 293c5.3 3.9 11.2 6.9 17.5 8.7L272 464c0 5.5 .5 10.8 1.3 16L96 480c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64l0-239.9c0-20.3 9.6-39.4 25.9-51.4L254.5-21c9.7-7.2 21.4-11 33.5-11s23.8 3.9 33.5 11L518.1 124.7c7.2 5.3 13.1 12 17.4 19.6-2.5-.2-5-.3-7.5-.3L436.6 144 288 33.9zM320 240c0-26.5 21.5-48 48-48l160 0c26.5 0 48 21.5 48 48l0 224c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48l-160 0c-26.5 0-48-21.5-48-48l0-224zm80 16c-13.3 0-24 10.7-24 24s10.7 24 24 24l96 0c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24s-10.7-24-24-24l-96 0zm0 96c-13.3 0-24 10.7-24 24s10.7 24 24 24l56 0c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24s-10.7-24-24-24l-56 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center cta_text content_mid_cta has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-8a0ce27d23f7e9cc6f0d594f1d06f2d9\">Insights like these straight to your inbox<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Receive weekly tips from our founder to grow your program\u2019s impact; regardless of what tools you use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button primary-cta\" id=\"host-weekly-tips-mid-cta\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/insights\/weekly-awards-and-competitions-insights\/\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.156), 1rem);\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><\/span> <span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"envelope\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-envelope \" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M48 64c-26.5 0-48 21.5-48 48 0 15.1 7.1 29.3 19.2 38.4l208 156c17.1 12.8 40.5 12.8 57.6 0l208-156c12.1-9.1 19.2-23.3 19.2-38.4 0-26.5-21.5-48-48-48L48 64zM0 196L0 384c0 35.3 28.7 64 64 64l384 0c35.3 0 64-28.7 64-64l0-188-198.4 148.8c-34.1 25.6-81.1 25.6-115.2 0L0 196z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span> Subscribe to Insights<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mid-cta-b\" class=\"wp-block-group hide has-contrast-color has-base-2-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-ca05ccdaab1def85577cb2a6d6db569d has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-e4a18999 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:8px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-contrast-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c35947b2679f7e019645ffbfe224e3d2\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0.2rem\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"chart-line\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-chart-line \" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" style=\"font-size:1.4em\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M64 64c0-17.7-14.3-32-32-32S0 46.3 0 64L0 400c0 44.2 35.8 80 80 80l400 0c17.7 0 32-14.3 32-32s-14.3-32-32-32L80 416c-8.8 0-16-7.2-16-16L64 64zm406.6 86.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3s-32.8-12.5-45.3 0L320 210.7 262.6 153.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0l-96 96c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l73.4-73.4 57.4 57.4c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0l128-128z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center cta_text content_mid_cta has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-77a2863cd996b074853fbd2c95c9a19c\">Calculate when submissions will arrive<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Ever wondered if your award will hit its submission targets? Or how your program compares to industry standards?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button primary-cta\" id=\"host-submissions-projection-mid-cta\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/insights\/submission-projection-calculator\/\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.156), 1rem);\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><\/span><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"calculator\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-calculator \" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 384 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M64 0C28.7 0 0 28.7 0 64L0 448c0 35.3 28.7 64 64 64l256 0c35.3 0 64-28.7 64-64l0-384c0-35.3-28.7-64-64-64L64 0zM96 64l192 0c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32l0 32c0 17.7-14.3 32-32 32L96 160c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32l0-32c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32zm16 168a24 24 0 1 1 -48 0 24 24 0 1 1 48 0zm80 24a24 24 0 1 1 0-48 24 24 0 1 1 0 48zm128-24a24 24 0 1 1 -48 0 24 24 0 1 1 48 0zM88 352a24 24 0 1 1 0-48 24 24 0 1 1 0 48zm128-24a24 24 0 1 1 -48 0 24 24 0 1 1 48 0zm80 24a24 24 0 1 1 0-48 24 24 0 1 1 0 48zM64 424c0-13.3 10.7-24 24-24l112 0c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24s-10.7 24-24 24L88 448c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24zm232-24c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24s-10.7 24-24 24-24-10.7-24-24 10.7-24 24-24z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span> Calculate submissions<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"common-mistakes\"><strong>Common Mistakes To Avoid<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-base-background-color has-background\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><strong>Don&#8217;t send mass emails<\/strong> with &#8220;Hi!&#8221; or generic greetings. Every judge will spot a template immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-base-background-color has-background\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><strong>Don&#8217;t approach judges too close to your deadline.<\/strong> &#8220;Can you judge 50 entries by next Friday?&#8221; is asking for rejection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-base-background-color has-background\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><strong>Don&#8217;t promise exposure to judges whose profile surpasses your own.<\/strong> Telling someone with 500K Instagram followers that you&#8217;ll &#8220;give them exposure&#8221; on your 2K follower account isn&#8217;t compelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-base-background-color has-background\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><strong>Don&#8217;t over-explain your personal story<\/strong> in the initial email. A 600-word essay about how you came to organise this competition isn&#8217;t what a potential judge needs. it&#8217;s not about what you care about, it&#8217;s about what they care about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-base-background-color has-background\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><strong>Don&#8217;t ask for email addresses directly<\/strong> when seeking introductions. Send your contact the complete pitch to forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-base-background-color has-background\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><strong>Don&#8217;t give up after one email.<\/strong> Even interested judges may miss your message. Two follow-ups is standard. Three is your maximum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-base-background-color has-background\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><strong>Don&#8217;t sacrifice diversity for convenience.<\/strong> If your first five positive responses create a homogenous panel, keep recruiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more on <a href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/insights\/most-common-award-issues\/\" title=\"\">what can go wrong across your entire programme, see our complete guide<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"finally\"><strong>The bottom line<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting recognisable individuals to judge your programme provides real value to candidates. They needn&#8217;t be celebrities &#8211; respected professionals in their field work just as well, sometimes better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But anyone who&#8217;s a leader in their industry will be busy. Industry data suggests you&#8217;ll get one positive response for every 10-15 people you contact with cold outreach. Those numbers improve to 30-40% with warm introductions, and get significantly better if you approach judges 3-4 months in advance rather than weeks before judging begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Making sure <a href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/insights\/planning-the-selection-process-for-your-competition\/\" title=\"\">your judging process is simple<\/a>, quick, and well-structured increases your odds of success. Find people who will empathise with what you&#8217;re trying to achieve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be brave. Be tenacious (without being pushy). And whatever happens, be polite regardless of the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Explore our <a href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/awards-resources\/\" title=\"\">full library of programme management insights<\/a> for more guidance on running successful competitions and awards.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-9972a97b wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:8px;border-top-style:none;border-top-width:0px;border-right-style:none;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-style:none;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-color:#bf3ea2;border-left-width:4px;background-color:#f4e7f180;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-26ac2763 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\"><span class=\"wp-rich-text-font-awesome-icon wp-font-awesome-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"kiwi-bird\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-kiwi-bird\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 576 512\" color=\"#ae3485\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M291.2 388.4c31.2-18.8 64.7-36.4 101.1-36.4l55.7 0c4.6 0 9.1-.2 13.6-.7l85.3 121.9c4 5.7 11.3 8.2 17.9 6.1S576 471 576 464l0-240c0-70.7-57.3-128-128-128l-55.7 0C355.9 96 322.4 78.4 291.2 59.6 262.3 42.1 228.3 32 192 32 86 32 0 118 0 224 0 295.1 38.6 357.1 96 390.3L96 456c0 13.3 10.7 24 24 24s24-10.7 24-24l0-46c15.3 3.9 31.4 6 48 6 5.4 0 10.7-.2 16-.7l0 40.7c0 13.3 10.7 24 24 24s24-10.7 24-24l0-50.9c12.4-4.4 24.2-10 35.2-16.7zM448 200a24 24 0 1 1 0 48 24 24 0 1 1 0-48z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>We can help!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">Zealous makes judging painless<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button primary-cta\" id=\"host-tour-bottom-cta\"><a rel=\"\" target=\"\" class=\"wp-block-button__link has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/demo\/judging\/\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.156), 1rem);\">Experience judging tour<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline secondary-cta is-style-outline--2\" id=\"host-product-bottom-cta\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/submissions-management-platform\/\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.156), 1rem);\">View product &amp; features<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"tertiary-cta has-medium-font-size\" id=\"host-8-others-bottom-cta\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">But we&#8217;re not alone in the space &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/resources\/best-award-management-software\/\" title=\"\">here are 8 others you may wish to consider<\/a> (even if we would prefer you choose us!).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:0\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Want us to write more content like this? Give it a like<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-space-between is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-9366075c wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-368c6775 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:0\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wpulike wpulike-animated-heart  wpulike-is-pro\" ><div class=\"wp_ulike_general_class wp_ulike_is_restricted\"><button type=\"button\"\n\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Like Button\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-id=\"34245\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-nonce=\"9e63926a76\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-type=\"post\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-template=\"wpulike-animated-heart\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-display-likers=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-likers-style=\"popover\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-append=\"&lt;svg class=&quot;wpulike-svg-heart wpulike-svg-heart-pop one&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 32 29.6&quot;&gt;&lt;path d=&quot;M23.6,0c-3.4,0-6.3,2.7-7.6,5.6C14.7,2.7,11.8,0,8.4,0C3.8,0,0,3.8,0,8.4c0,9.4,9.5,11.9,16,21.2c6.1-9.3,16-12.1,16-21.2C32,3.8,28.2,0,23.6,0z&quot;\/&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;&lt;svg class=&quot;wpulike-svg-heart wpulike-svg-heart-pop two&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 32 29.6&quot;&gt;&lt;path d=&quot;M23.6,0c-3.4,0-6.3,2.7-7.6,5.6C14.7,2.7,11.8,0,8.4,0C3.8,0,0,3.8,0,8.4c0,9.4,9.5,11.9,16,21.2c6.1-9.3,16-12.1,16-21.2C32,3.8,28.2,0,23.6,0z&quot;\/&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;&lt;svg class=&quot;wpulike-svg-heart wpulike-svg-heart-pop three&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 32 29.6&quot;&gt;&lt;path d=&quot;M23.6,0c-3.4,0-6.3,2.7-7.6,5.6C14.7,2.7,11.8,0,8.4,0C3.8,0,0,3.8,0,8.4c0,9.4,9.5,11.9,16,21.2c6.1-9.3,16-12.1,16-21.2C32,3.8,28.2,0,23.6,0z&quot;\/&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;&lt;svg class=&quot;wpulike-svg-heart wpulike-svg-heart-pop four&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 32 29.6&quot;&gt;&lt;path 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xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M13.982 10.622 20.54 3h-1.554l-5.693 6.618L8.745 3H3.5l6.876 10.007L3.5 21h1.554l6.012-6.989L15.868 21h5.245l-7.131-10.378Zm-2.128 2.474-.697-.997-5.543-7.93H8l4.474 6.4.697.996 5.815 8.318h-2.387l-4.745-6.787Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-outermost-social-sharing-link-label screen-reader-text\">\n\t\t\tShare on X\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group au_row is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-527f440d wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border au_img\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44104 lazyload\" style=\"border-radius:40px;object-fit:cover;width:80px;height:80px\" data-src=\"http:\/\/mused.co\/wpadmin2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/11\/guy-armitage-zealous-1.webp\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group au_txt_block wp-container-content-9dbf05af has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c4ee154b wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/team\/guyarmitage\/\" title=\"\">Guy Armitage<\/a> is the founder of <a href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/?utm_source=guy_armitage&amp;utm_medium=blog_footer&amp;utm_campaign=founder_insight&amp;utm_id=founder_insight\" title=\"\">Zealous <\/a>and author of &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/everyoneiscreative.org\/?utm_source=guy_armitage&amp;utm_medium=blog_footer&amp;utm_campaign=founder_insight&amp;utm_id=founder_insight\" title=\"\">Everyone is Creative<\/a>&#8220;. He is on a mission to amplify the world&#8217;s creative potential.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\"><strong>How far in advance should I approach judges for my competition?<\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p>Start reaching out to potential judges 3-4 months before judging begins. High-profile individuals often book their schedules months in advance, and you&#8217;ll need time for follow-ups and replacements if your first choices decline. For programmes running in March, begin your outreach in November or December. This timeline also gives you flexibility to adjust your panel composition if you&#8217;re not achieving the diversity you&#8217;re aiming for.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\"><strong>How many judges should I approach if I need a panel of five?<\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p>Plan to approach 15-20 potential judges to secure a panel of five. Response rates typically sit around 10-30% even with well-crafted pitches, and some judges who initially express interest may need to withdraw due to scheduling conflicts. Having a longer list also allows you to be selective about creating a balanced, diverse panel rather than accepting the first five people who respond.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\"><strong>Should I pay judges for their time, and how much?<\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p>This depends entirely on your budget and the time commitment required. If you&#8217;re charging entry fees and have revenue, compensating judges is appropriate and respectful of their expertise. Rates vary widely: \u00a3200-500 for reviewing 2-3 hours of submissions is reasonable for emerging professionals, while established industry leaders might expect \u00a3500-2,000+ depending on the programme&#8217;s profile. If you have no budget, keep the time commitment minimal (under 2 hours) and offer meaningful non-monetary value like profile exposure, networking opportunities, or supporting a cause they care about.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\"><strong>What makes a good mix of judges for a competition panel?<\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p>A strong panel combines different perspectives: practicing artists or creators, organisations supporting the sector, media or critics, and potentially sponsors if relevant to your field. Crucially, your panel must reflect the diversity of communities you want to attract. If submitters can&#8217;t see themselves represented in your judges, participation drops significantly. Aim for diversity across multiple dimensions: career stage, geography, background, specialism, and demographics.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\"><strong>How do I find email addresses for high-profile judges?<\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p>Start with their official channels: organisation websites, LinkedIn profiles, or artist representation. If direct contact isn&#8217;t available, reach out via social media asking permission to email them (keep this pitch ultra-brief). Better still, find someone in your network who knows them, or knows someone who knows them. Ask your contact to forward your pitch email rather than requesting the judge&#8217;s email address directly. Warm introductions dramatically increase response rates compared to cold outreach.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\"><strong>What should I do if a judge doesn&#8217;t respond to my emails?<\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p>Send a maximum of 2-3 follow-up emails spaced 3-5 days apart. Your first follow-up should be brief, simply highlighting your previous message and noting any developments (new judges secured, press coverage, etc.). Your final email should explicitly state it&#8217;s your last contact, giving them an easy out: &#8220;I realise you may be busy with other projects, so this will be my final email.&#8221; After three attempts with no response, move on. Persistence beyond this point comes across as pushy and could damage your reputation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\"><strong>Can I approach judges on social media instead of email?<\/strong><\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p>Social media can work as an initial touchpoint to request permission to email them, but it&#8217;s rarely effective for the full pitch. Platforms like Instagram or Twitter lack the space for proper detail and can feel overly casual for professional requests. LinkedIn is slightly better for professional contexts. Use social media to make initial contact (&#8220;We&#8217;re organising [programme] and would love to discuss a judging opportunity with you\u2014may I email you details?&#8221;), then move the conversation to email where you can provide comprehensive information and appear more credible.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Getting partners involved and securing high-level individuals to help you select winners is no easy task. But having someone recognisable on your panel is a big perk for candidates who want their work seen. Here are our top tips to appeal to judges you would like involved in your programme.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":59328,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"wp-custom-template-post-org-insight","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[499],"tags":[910],"class_list":["post-34245","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-insights","tag-managing-awards"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34245","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34245"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34245\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59328"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34245"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34245"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34245"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}