How to win at the Xero Awards: Tips from the judges
At Xero, we believe it’s important to reward our accounting, bookkeeping and ecosystem partners for their hard work and perseverance. That’s why we recognise and celebrate them at the Xero Awards.
Entries are open until 18 October 2019 so don’t miss out on your chance to share and celebrate your success with Xero.
We’ll announce the finalists on 12 November, right before Xerocon London 2019 and the winners will be revealed at an exclusive ceremony in February 2020.
This years finalists will be selected by a combination of leaders at Xero and industry experts. Here’s what they’re looking for in successful award entries.
Making the most of Xero and our ecosystem
Damon Anderson is Director of Partner and Product for Xero. He’s focused on making sure our accounting and bookkeeping partners have everything they need to make the most of digital transformation.
When it comes to the awards, Damon is keen to see, “firms that have harnessed the full breadth of Xero and our ecosystem apps to grow revenue while driving down costs – and that have done so in a creative way.”
Exceptional client experiences
Glen Foster, Director of Partner Sales for Xero, is committed to helping firms find solutions to streamline their day to day processing so they can offer their clients more.
So it’s not surprising that Glen’s looking for entries that showcase exceptional client experiences.
“I’m looking for how firms are using technology to deliver exceptional client experiences. I’m keen to hear stories and see data that supports how partners are adding value to their clients,” says Glen.
Innovative thinking supported by technology
Della Hudson FCA is a Chartered Accountant and author of ‘The Numbers Business: how to build a successful cloud accountancy practice’. She was voted in the Accountancy Age Top 50 Women in Finance in 2019.
When looking for successful Xero Awards entries, innovation is key, says Della. “I love seeing what is happening at the cutting edge of our profession so I’m hoping to see lots of innovative thinking supported by technology. Not just tech for the sake of it but how it is helping clients in the real world.”
Creating a positive environment for your team
Ashleigh Gibson is Partner Marketing Manager at Xero. She’s passionate about educating and empowering the Xero partner community to get the most out of technology and provide a better service to their clients while creating a positive environment for their team.
“I’ll be looking for firms that are making a real difference to their team and clients. They’ll be able to demonstrate that they’re moving with the times and building a practice that serves the needs of businesses not just of today, but of the future.
“A key part of that is fostering a positive environment for their own people and empowering them to provide an excellent experience for their clients,” says Ashleigh.
Adopting Xero with client needs in mind
Matt Flanagan is a cloud business systems specialist, working in close partnership with forward thinking accountants to support their transition to cloud accounting and developing relevant advisory services.
Keeping clients at the forefront of everything you do is what Matt is looking out for: “I’m looking for firms or individuals who really are executing their plan of Xero adoption and associated apps based on a real understanding their clients requirements.
“Also a commitment from the firm to ensure that their existing Xero base are kept updated of all the new features that are periodically added to Xero to ensure their clients are always receiving the most from the Xero and apps platform,” concluded Matt.
Problem-solving apps
Ben Johnson is Partnerships Manager at Xero. He leads Xero’s engagement with banks and fintechs to help bring financial services onto the Xero platform. He’ll be judging the Xero app partner entries.
“The Xero App Awards are a wonderful opportunity to be recognised by Xero. I’ll be keeping an eye out for apps that truly solve problems for small businesses and their advisors.”
There are awards across multiple categories, giving all Xero app partners an opportunity to apply and be considered.
Pace of change
Julian Buck is Director of Partner Services at Xero. He’s focused on enabling Xero accountants and bookkeepers to migrate their clients on Xero smoothly and rapidly.
When it comes to the Xero Awards, Julian is looking for partners who have deployed Xero at pace. “I’m particularly impressed with firms that have used Xero to bring about efficiencies to their own business and brought tangible benefits to their clients in a short space of time. So it’s about the results but also the pace that these results have been realised.”
How to enter the Xero Awards
Successful entrants will be promoted to over 3,000 industry peers at Xerocon London 2019 and invited to the exclusive Xero Awards ceremony in February 2020. Plus, you’ll receive marketing material to help promote your success to clients, prospects and the press.
The accounting and bookkeeping winners get a premium listing on the Xero Advisor Directory where you can be easily found by businesses looking for an award-winning advisor.
The app winners will receive a dedicated spot on Xero’s marketplace to attract more business.
If you think your practice or app deserves an accolade check out the award categories, criteria and eligibility requirements – then submit your entry before 18 October 2019.
You can enter yourself or your firm into any of the awards you qualify for. If you need help identifying which categories you’re the right fit for, you can download our support packs:
Xerocon London 2019
Xerocon London will take place on 13-14 November. Get 20% off your Xerocon London 2019 ticket! Just use promo code XC20 until 30 September 2019. (This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.)
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Source: Xero Blog
