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- Easy, quick to launch<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Most affordable in terms of cost of tools<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Online forms like Google forms<\/a>, Jotform<\/a> and Wufoo<\/a> are great to kick things off. You can start collecting your application forms immediately without any training and unlikely to have any technical difficulties. The downside is that if you’re asking applicants to submit images, videos and have a judging panel, you’ll need to think about how you’re going to collect these files and put them together for the judges to review and how you’re going to keep managing the scores. If you’re only expecting a few submissions or your application form is simple, online forms are great, but if you’re asking for different file types, taking fees etc you’ll need to look for other tools and think about how to integrate this manually into your process. Online forms are great when you’re not expecting many submissions, have simple entry requirements and want to launch asap with low barriers to entry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Project Management tools<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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- Great for keeping on top of the general overview of the project, especially for managing specific tasks<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lower learning curve if you’ve already use this tool for other projects<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Trello<\/a>, Asana<\/a> and Monday.com<\/a> are some Project Management tools would allow you to track your entries and manage your judging process. You’re able to break down the various tasks in a centralized place to communicate and coordinate with others. Its a great tool if you’re already using it as it can be launched immediately with no extra training (lower learning curve). However, be prepared to set aside some time and using your technical hat for creating spreadsheets (judges scores), presentations (for collating entries), and keeping on track of all channels of communication from judges and applicants that may be in multiple places. This may be prone to some human error whether it is being updated. Project Management tools are excellent to keep on top of all the tasks involved in managing your initiative and keeping the process itself organized but you’ll still need some tools external to this.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nCustomer Relationship Management tools<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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- Managing your contacts and their activities in one place made accessible for all internal parties<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Automations and further streamlining process through some integrations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
One of the great advantages of using a Customer Relationship Management software is that all your data concerning your contacts will be in one place and your team won’t need to learn a new tool either. If your stakeholders are already in your database, all that information is already available too which means no one should be missing any crucial information about that candidate\/judge and its all accessible from one place. Some integration with other tools are available too, which might be useful if you’re also tracking payment. However, expect some manual if you require a sophisticated judging process e.g. scoring criteria or if judges are asked to score videos, images and forms together, as these need to be prepared by administrators and will have to be updated accordingly. Overall, a great tool for managing the overall project, keeping data in one place, having consistent communication between both external and internal parties that may have a low learning curve if you’re already using a CRM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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