Let me start at the beginning. Before Christmas, I submitted an application to the JFC Innovation Awards for businesses in rural Ireland. The call for applications fit me to a tee. Here's what they were looking for:
"The aim is to reward these companies [those using social media] and highlight the potential that social media has in attracting new customers and increased business. So, if you have a business idea or if you have already set up a business in rural Ireland, you should enter the JFC Innovation awards. While the winners will take away €40,000 in prizes, everyone who enters will get an opportunity to receive mentoring for their business. "
There are five categories. A winner will be chosen in each individual category (I'm in social media) and then there will be one winner overall. Depending on what level of "winner" you are you may get cash prizes and free PR/marketing or a mentor for your business. I could use all/any of the above, clearly.
I was interviewed by 3 panellists in February for the award and thought I totally blew it. I'm a scientist after all. A business/crafty interview was totally new to me and I just didn't know how to read people. As it turns out I was wrong and Fluffy Sheep Quilting is a finalist in the social media category. The awards (and announcement of the winner) will be in mid-May in N. Ireland. In preparation, each finalist has a video made that highlights their business and interviews the business owner. They sent the questions ahead of time so you could have a think about your responses (thank goodness!!!). There will be a 1 minute video at the awards ceremony and then each business owner will receive a 3 minute video to use as promotional material for their shop. It's brilliant and mind numbing all at the same time. Panic sets in.
In the end, I had a great time making this mini film, primarily due to the two lovely guys who made it all so easy. Thanks, Star Systems. You were brilliant. You can see a few of the editing shots and a still photo on their blog here and here from our day today. I'm already blushing!
42 comments:
That looks exciting. Well done in being a finalist. Di x
How exciting! I hope you win. Best wishes!
Wow that is so exciting - well done on being selected as a finalist - will be keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you!
So exciting! I have everything crossed for you and can't wait to see that film!
That's great news & well deserved!! Fingers crossed for the win - you're already top grade in my book!!
oh! that's fantastic!!! I wish you all the luck! it would be so great if you won!
Wow! That is so exciting!!! Good luck and I can't wait to see the film. You look very lovely in the photo on their website :)
omg - you go girl - hope you do really well - you deserve it - fingers crossed xx
Holy fecking crap!! How bloody awesome is that? Ooh ooh, we'll get to hear what you sound like. *g* I always get accents way wrong. I know there's much more fabulous business opportunity things afoot here but that's what I'm focusing on. And that my quilt is on your line. Heh heh. Brilliant news, dude, I'm so excited and pleased for you. Best of luck! xox
Oh my god! That is so exciting! Good luck!!
Very exciting Cindy, now we will have a film star at the meeting Saturday week. Lots and lots of luck
Fantastic! I'm so rooting for you! But wait...where's Molly? :-)
Congratulations!!! You look adorable and the shop looks adorable and the guys seem adorable lol ! Good luck - I am rooting for you!!
Looks like freaking good fun to me. Cute guys never ring my doorbell to hangout. Why not?!
I am rooting for you! Good idea to put a fluffy puppy in shot, no one will be able to resist!
Woohoo! Congrats C! I'm so glad I knew you before you become famous!! I wish you all the very best in the competition. Jxo
How exciting!
Wow, this is so exciting! I so hope you win, and I cannot wait to see the video. You look great in the picture on their blog.
How very exciting! Congratulations on being chosen as a finalist! Please post a link to the video when it's ready. :)
How brilliant - all the very best in the final.x
very exciting :-)
how totally awesome!!!! Congrats, fingers crossed. Hope you win!
That is awesome!! Congratulations and good luck! Looking forward to seeing the video :)
Oooh blimey. Good for you beautiful, I'd have totally freaked out at that... Will we ever get to see the film? Hope so!!! Fingers crossed for you x
Oh the best of luck with this! I really hope you win!
That's it, next stop the Oscars :oD Congrats on making the finals, and good luck!
Oh how brilliant - congratulations - I have everything crossed and sending you some more kissy-kissy good luck xxxx
EEEEK how totally awesome!!!
Best of luck for the awards!! Xx
wow, congrats on being a finalist and fingers crossed u win xx
How exciting. I hope you win but even if not, well done on getting this far.
Wow, so exciting. And we'll done for making the finals. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!
Oh congratulations Cindy - that is amazing news!! Sending you lots of luck( well you're in Ireland so I'm sure you'll do fine) and today looks like it was fun. Oh and you've named Molly!!
Oh how exciting for you! Congratulations!
Congratulations! And Good Luck!!
Sounds like you had a fun time, hope you win!
Ooo how exciting for you! Keeping everything crossed that you win!x
This is brilliant, Cindy! Congratulations and good luck :) keeping my fingers crossed for you!
You let them leave!??
Gorgeous - if the stills are anything to go by the rest must be marvelous! Great to wear the other national costume - an Arran cardi! Very rural Ireland!
Good luck and congrats for getting thus far!
wow, that is so exciting! good luck!
How wonderful! Archie and I are keeping our paws and fingers firmly crossed for a win!
Oh Cindy this is wonderful news. I'm so happy that you are a finalist and will already have won something and gained a new experience fingers crossed that you win first prize xxx
Cindy you looked great and I can't wait to hear more. Since I have tried to Skype with you I know how uncomfortable this was for you. Great job!!!! And the shop looked great, bright and fresh. Just lovely
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