Tips: how both small, local companies and big, global brands can win international business awards
Winning prestigious global business awards, like Best in Biz Awards International, is an aspiration for companies of all sizes, from small local businesses to large international brands. These global business awards not only bring recognition but can also enhance a company’s reputation and credibility in the marketplace. Awards recognition elevates your brand perception, providing unparalleled exposure that larger competitors often pay a premium for. For small businesses, it’s a particularly cost-effective and worthwhile investment to outsmart the competition, boost sales, and attract top talent. So, how can both small local companies and big international brands position themselves as contenders for these sought-after global business accolades?
If you’re a small business that’s hesitant to enter major industry awards, you’re not alone. You might assume you can’t compete with larger companies. The good news? This is almost always not the case. Small businesses often possess unique strengths – agility, deep client relationships, niche expertise, and compelling origin stories – that can actually be a significant advantage in the award judging process. Most awards are open to entries from businesses of all sizes – big or small. That means the judges want to hear from – and recognize – you.
Globally, there are various types of business awards programs and business awards categories available, ranging from local and regional awards to national and international recognition. Understanding the business awards program and business award category that best fits your business can increase your chances of winning.
- Local Business Awards: These are often given to smaller, local companies, beloved by local communities, with a local following and a significant local market presence.
- National Business Awards: These can be awarded to companies of any size that demonstrate excellence across various business practices.
- Global Business Awards: These are international awards recognizing companies worldwide for their excellence in various business domains.
Winning a business award is more than just a trophy on the shelf. It can significantly impact a company’s growth and reputation:
– Winning a business award can enhance a company’s credibility. Customers and clients often view award-winning companies as more reliable and trustworthy.
– Business awards can increase a company’s visibility in the industry. Prestigious business awards provide opportunities for media exposure and public relations initiatives, which can lead to increased recognition from peers and potential customers.
– Winning business awards can boost employee morale and motivation. It’s a form of recognition for their hard work and dedication, which can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
Business awards for small companies
Small companies may feel at a disadvantage compared to larger corporations when it comes to business awards, but there are strategies they can use to increase their chances of winning business accolades.
Small businesses often have unique qualities that set them apart from larger competitors. Whether it’s a niche product, exceptional customer service, or a strong community presence, highlighting these unique aspects can make a compelling case for business awards. Small businesses are often excellent at demonstrating authenticity, clear impact, and a compelling narrative via personal stories of growth, innovation on a lean budget, and direct client testimonials. Leveraging your unique small business qualities can create a powerful award submission that truly stands out.
Business awards are given to companies that show excellence in specific areas, such as innovation, customer service, or growth. Best in Biz Awards International, for instance, is a unique business awards program, in that the business awards are judged by prominent members of the press and industry analysts, which adds to their prestige.
– A well-crafted business award application is crucial. Highlight your achievements, provide evidence of success, and align your strengths with the award criteria. Use testimonials, case studies, and data to support your application.
– Building relationships within the industry can increase your chances of being noticed. Attend industry events, engage with media, and connect with past winners to gain insights and build a network that supports your business award application.
Business awards for large corporations
Big brands often have more resources at their disposal, but they also face stiff competition for business awards at their size. Here’s how they can stand out.
Big brands should emphasize their leadership role in the industry. Highlighting innovations, market impact, and strategic initiatives can demonstrate why the brand is a leader in its field and deserving of a business award win.
International awards often look for companies that have a significant global impact. Showcasing international achievements and how the brand has influenced global markets can strengthen an application.
Understanding what the business award values and aligning your business award application to these values can be a game-changer. If the business award category is focused on sustainability, for example, emphasize your brand’s sustainability efforts.
Common mistakes that can prevent companies from winning prestigious business awards
Whether you’re a small business or a big brand, certain common mistakes can hinder your chances of winning.
Each business award has specific criteria. Ignoring these or failing to address them in your application can lead to disqualification or a lower evaluation score.
Assertions without evidence can weaken your business award application. Provide robust evidence to support your claims, whether through data, testimonials, or case studies.
Most prestigious business awards have strict deadlines. Submitting your business award application late can disqualify you from consideration, so ensure you manage business awards timelines and deadlines effectively.
Understanding the business awards application process can help you prepare a strong submission.
Start by researching the business award and understanding its selection criteria. Prepare all necessary documents and materials well ahead of the deadline.
Tell your company’s story in a way that is compelling and aligns with the business award’s values. Highlight achievements and impact, focusing on how your company might stand out among the other business awards entrants.
Before submitting your business award entry, seek feedback from peers, coworkers or mentors. They can provide valuable insights and help refine your application.
Winning prestigious global business awards, like Best in Biz Awards International, is achievable for both small local companies and big international brands. By understanding the business award landscape, preparing a strong business award application, and avoiding common pitfalls, companies of all sizes can position themselves for success and business award wins. Whether it’s enhancing credibility, increasing visibility, or motivating employees, the benefits of winning prestigious business awards are significant and can propel a company to new heights.
Remember, it’s not just about winning a business award and placing another trophy on your company’s business awards shelf. The business awards application process itself can provide valuable insights and opportunities for growth and improvement.
Searching for more business awards tips?
For business award submissions in various vertical or industry areas:
For executive awards and leadership awards submissions: How to win in executive and leadership awards
For submissions in sustainability and green categories: How to reward your employees’ sustainability efforts with prestigious business awards
For technology giants and tech start-ups: Why tech companies should apply in prestigious business awards
For technology innovations award submissions: How to highlight your company’s or product technology innovations in prestigious business awards
For product award submissions: How to showcase your product innovation, client ROI and success in your business award entry
For AI technology innovations and AI product submissions: How to highlight your AI leadership and AI innovations through AI awards and prestigious business awards
For entrants from Poland: Jak prestizowe nagrody biznesowe moga pomoc firmom (po polsku)
How-to tips on submitting in prestigious business awards:
Selecting business awards categories: How to choose the most appropriate business awards categories for your company
Writing your business awards entries: How to craft award-winning business awards entries
Business awards deadlines: How not to miss any critical business awards deadlines
Business awards entry fees: Are business awards even worth the entry fees? (We’ll spoil it: the answer is a resounding, yes!)
Once you have won a prestigious business award like Best in Biz Awards: Tips for maximizing the ROI of prestigious business awards
About Best in Biz Awards
Since 2011, Best in Biz Awards has been among the most prestigious business awards in North America and globally, and it remains the only independent business awards program judged by well-known writers and editors from various top-tier publications. Best in Biz Awards International, now in its 13th annual edition, honors companies from around the world in more than 100 company, department or tam, executive, product and CSR, environmental, marketing and media categories.
From Associated Press to Yahoo Tech’s David Pogue – and including Businessweek, CNET, Consumer Affairs, Fast Company, Financial Times, Forbes, Fortune, Inc., Network World, PC Magazine, Reuters, San Francisco Chronicle, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Wired and more – Best in Biz Awards each year is judged by prominent reporters and editors from the most respected publications.
From ADP to Zappos, past winners in Best in Biz Awards span the spectrum, from the most recognizable global brands through local mom-and-pop shops and Shark Tank sensations to some of today’s most cutting-edge start-ups. Other notable winners over the years have included: 1-800-Flowers, ADP, Aflac, AT&T, Best Western, Burger King, Chipotle, crocs, Dell, Dyson, Epson, Ernst & Young, Experian, GoDaddy, Hilton, HP, IBM, LifeLock, Microsoft, National Association of Realtors, Planet Fitness, Safelite, Sandisk, Santander Bank, Sheraton, StubHub, Symantec, UnitedHealthcare, Walmart, Wells Fargo, YMCA, and more.
For more information about Best in Biz Awards, see our About page; or read more about our North American program and International program.
For the full list of Company categories offered in the 15th annual Best in Biz Awards, see Company categories.
For Product categories winners in the 14th annual Best in Biz Awards, see: 2024 Company category winners.