Given that I have been working with the Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards for 13 years now, you might think that the excitement has waned a bit over the years. However, it is fair to say that, with seven weeks to go until this year's event, I am already chomping at the bit to get cracking. It is another ten days before judging takes place and I can start work on researching and contacting our shortlisted nominees and I just can't wait to find out more about the stories behind

Do Research people with whom you have any kind of business relationship. This is not as sinister as it sounds but means that you can note their interests and concerns and find out what makes them tick. Keep up to date with issues for your industry. There is any number of special interest groups and joining relevant ones can be extremely informative. Contribute to discussions if you have something to say. Such comment can help to position you as someone of interest and/or know