Why Most Business Awards Are Just Vanity—And What Really Counts

Let’s get real for a second—when was the last time you heard about a business award and thought, “Wow, that must mean they’re revolutionary!”? If you’re like me, you're probably scratching your head. Today, I’m diving into the circus of business awards and how they often miss the mark on recognizing true innovation.

The Glittering Generalities of Business Awards

Look, I’ve seen my share of shiny trophies paraded at gala dinners. They’re great for a photo op, but what do they actually mean? Most of the time, these awards are more about who can schmooze the best rather than who's really shaking up the industry. I mean, come on, some of these categories sound like they were created just to keep the applause going.

And don’t get me started on the entry fees. It’s like saying, “Hey, pay a hundred bucks and get a chance to win a pat on the back!” It’s a business in itself, and some organizations are milking it for all it’s worth.

Can we also talk about the judging process? Sometimes it feels like they’re just throwing darts at a board to pick the winners. How else can you explain some of the past recipients? No offense to last year’s “Most Innovative Use of Paper Clips in an Office Setting.”

What Really Counts: Innovation and Impact

Here’s the deal. True innovation isn’t about getting a gold star from a panel of judges. It’s about making a real impact—changing lives, reshaping industries, and challenging the status quo. It’s what folks like Edison and Musk were (and are) all about, even if one of them is a bit too Tesla-coil-happy for my taste.

For instance, in my ventures, whether it’s developing a new app or revamping an older system, the focus is always on how it improves user experience and solves actual problems. Not just on whether it’ll look good on a plaque in the lobby.

Real-World Impact Over Red Carpets

Let me give you a rundown on what award-worthy innovation looks like:

• It solves a real, tangible problem that helps people function better.
• It’s sustainable—not just a flash in the pan that’s cool for a hot minute.
• It makes competitors step up their game because it sets a new bar.
• It’s often ignored by mainstream awards because it’s not glamorous enough.

That’s the kind of innovation I stand behind. Not something that just garners a few tweets and then is forgotten by next Thursday.

So, Why Do We Even Bother With Awards?

Don’t get me wrong, not all awards are bad. They can be a great way to recognize effort and achievement if done right. They can motivate teams and boost morale. But let’s not kid ourselves into thinking that they’re the end-all-be-all of business success.

In my experience, the most rewarding moments aren’t from winning awards but from seeing a project you’ve sweated over finally come to life and work better than expected.

At the end of the day, what matters is the value you create, not the number of shiny objects on your shelf. I’d rather have one customer tell me we’ve made their life easier than a dozen generic trophies gathering dust.