Are LA's Best Business Awards All They're Cracked Up to Be? A Grizzled Entrepreneur Takes a Peek

So, let’s dive right into the glitzy world of business awards in Los Angeles. With my morning coffee in one hand and a skeptical eyebrow raised, I'm here to dissect whether these shindigs are genuinely worth their salt or just another excuse for a fancy dinner and a pat on the back.

City Best Awards Versus The Local Heroes

Starting with the City Best Awards Los Angeles, which claims to spotlight the crème de la crème of LA’s businesses. Sounds impressive, right? But hold your horses—how do these stack up against the local disruptors and workhorses recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal's Disruptor Awards and the Los Angeles Works Awards?

Well, in my experience, the City Best Awards have a flair for the dramatic, focusing quite a bit on the sizzle rather than the steak. Meanwhile, the Disruptor Awards and Los Angeles Works Awards seem to dig deeper into the actual impact businesses have on our vibrant community.

The Big Fish in a Big Pond

Now, let’s not forget the heavy-hitters like the Best of Small Business Awards™ and EY Entrepreneur Of The Year. These aren’t just pat-on-the-back ceremonies. They’re arenas where titans clash. National and even global recognition can catapult a business from obscurity to market dominance.

And yes, while it’s thrilling to see LA firms strut their stuff on the big stage, one has to wonder if the local awards provide more tangible benefits to businesses. After all, isn't it better to be a big fish in a small pond rather than just another contender in the ocean?

What’s in a Name? Comparing the Impact

• City Best Awards: Great for networking, but do they offer real value?
• Disruptor Awards: Perfect for innovators looking to shake things up.
• Los Angeles Works Awards: They’re about community impact; does your business help LA thrive?
• Best of Small Business Awards™: If you win this, you’re not just a business; you’re a powerhouse.
• EY Entrepreneur of the Year: Like the Oscars for entrepreneurs, minus the red carpet.

In wrapping up this section, while the glitz of national awards is alluring, the local accolades might just offer more bang for your buck, especially in terms of local networking and community integration.

The Verdict: Are These Awards Worth Your Time?

As someone who’s juggled multiple hats—from tech maven to art aficionado—I say take these awards with a grain of salt. They're fantastic for rubbing elbows and getting your brand out there, but the real question is: do they help you sleep better at night knowing your business made a difference?

So, What's Next for Aspiring Award-Winners?

If you're gunning for recognition, by all means, aim for the stars—be it the City Best or EY Entrepreneur of the Year. But remember, the true measure of success is how your customers rave about you, not just a plaque on the wall.