WINNING BIG

Observability, AI Workloads, and the Future of Responsible Engineering: Insights from Meta’s Maneet Bansal

Maneet Bansal, Meta engineer and longtime awards judge, shares his perspective on AI infrastructure, observability, and cybersecurity. He argues that AI workloads require fundamentally different infrastructure than cloud systems, making transparency and responsibility more important than ever. He also warns of blind spots in cybersecurity and stresses the need for industry wide guidelines. With AI challenges shifting daily, Bansal believes agility is the true advantage. His personal interests, from poker to books like The Courage to Be Disliked and The Coming Wave, add a human touch to his technical insights. Learn more on his Judge Profile.

Why Recognition at Work Is Strategic, Not Just Symbolic

Recognition reduces turnover, strengthens trust, and helps close the recognition gap that affects women. This blog uses professional data from Gallup, Harvard, Aon Hewitt, and Inc. to explain why workplace recognition for women is not optional but a proven business strategy.

Tariffs 2025: A B2B marketing strategy story about turning pressure into positioning

Tariffs in 2025 are reshaping B2B marketing strategies as much as balance sheets. Smart firms are reframing value, using transparency, and keeping marketing signals alive despite budget stress. This blog highlights how to adjust campaigns and messaging in the face of economic pressure.

According to LinkedIn You Can’t Build B2B Trust with a Billboard (But You Can Win It With an Award)

Business awards might seem like fluff, but they’re actually one of the most effective ways to create trust inside the B2B buying funnel. Unlike broad brand awareness or another round of paid ads, awards based on peer and customer validation provide a proof point that decision-makers actually care about. Based on insights from LinkedIn’s 2025 Influence Report and years of marketing and award experience, this blog breaks down why winning the *right kind* of recognition might be the move your pipeline has been missing.

They Didn’t Just Win. They Shifted the Whole Vibe

This year’s Sustainability Awards didn’t just reward green talk — they spotlighted businesses turning eco-innovation into serious business results. From SSA Marine’s zero-emissions transition to ClimeCo’s carbon strategy know-how, these highest-scoring nominations are showing how sustainability drives growth. The blog breaks down common threads across top companies, highlighting how transparent, data-driven ESG work gets noticed and rewarded.

Who is Your CRO? Everyone Needs a Chief Recognition Officer

Recognition isn’t a one-off compliment—it’s a business strategy that deserves its own leadership role. This blog makes the case for hiring a Chief Recognition Officer or, at the very least, building a structured recognition plan. With hard stats and soft anecdotes, Russ shares what works, what fails, and why it matters. From award wins that turn into sales leads to simple weekly shoutouts that boost morale, this piece shows how small recognition acts can spark huge returns.

7 Things to Explore Now to Make Your 2026 Marketing Way Less "Meh"

This blog lays out seven overlooked marketing moves to test before budget season kicks in. From building your own branded awards program to trying interactive content and exploring SMS campaigns, these ideas are built for directors of marketing and comms pros looking for strategic plays that actually move the needle. It's not just about being flashy — it's about using this moment to test smart.

She Made a Difference. You Noticed. Now What?

The Herizon Awards now include both $5 public shoutouts and a full annual awards program to recognize women making a difference. This blog post, written by founder Russ Fordyce, explains why this personal and impactful recognition matters — and how to get involved as a nominator or sponsor.

Chiropractic, Creativity, and Closing Campaigns: Why Unblocking Your Back Might Unblock Your Brain

Marketers are under pressure to perform creatively, consistently—and with results. But burnout, bad posture, and brain fog can throw off everything. This blog explores how chiropractic care (and a few other self-care strategies) might be the reset your body—and campaigns—need to win more often, with more clarity.

5 Easy Ways to Reconnect With Customers and Strengthen Sales Relationships

Awards programs offer an easy, authentic reason to reach out to customers. These five ideas show how teams can use recognition, insights, and shared experiences to build trust and spark meaningful conversations. Each suggestion is rated for time and budget impact to help you choose what works.

TRUST ISN’T CLAIMED. IT’S AWARDED.

Smart businesses don't just claim trust—they earn it through awards. This blog explores why winning business awards builds credibility, drives growth, and strengthens brand recognition. Whether a startup or an enterprise, awards demonstrate real-world recognition and strategically boost your business's reputation, attracting talent and opportunities.

Fortress Cybersecurity Awards 2025 Recap — Real Wins, Real Work

The 2025 Fortress Cybersecurity Awards recognized exceptional companies addressing genuine security challenges through clear strategies and measurable impacts. Notable winners included Infoblox, BNY Mellon, and Braden Business Systems for their leadership in DNS protection, financial infrastructure, and hybrid IT innovation. Judges prioritized real results and tangible examples over industry buzzwords. This recognition offers winners enhanced visibility, credibility, and strategic promotional resources. Teams working diligently behind the scenes now have a powerful platform to showcase their achievements.

Why Every Brand Should Copy Apple’s Awards Playbook

Apple’s Design Awards are a masterclass in how to build brand love, boost partner value, and energize an entire community. By spotlighting the best in design, they’ve created a branded awards program that fuels their ecosystem with goodwill and market-ready case studies. It’s a move any company with customers or partners should copy. Recognition turns into retention, referrals, and revenue. If you're not giving awards, you're probably missing a huge opportunity.

How Winning Business Awards Supercharges Your Demand Generation

Winning a business award isn’t just a vanity play — it’s a serious demand generation booster. From credibility boosts to content goldmines, awards have a real, measurable impact on marketing.

5 Super Simple Ways Marketing and HR Can Team Up to Score Big with Employee Recognition Awards

Want to score big with employee recognition awards? This blog spills the beans on how marketing and HR can team up to make it happen. From building a shared awards calendar to letting HR shine in nominations, it’s all about collaboration. Marketing can hype up surveys with fun comms, while HR brings the culture cred. Celebrate wins internally first to boost morale, then amplify them externally. With a sprinkle of planning and a lot of teamwork, you’ll snag awards that boost retention and attract talent. Check out Business Intelligence Group’s programs for a head start!

Trust Seals and Awards: Do They Really Help? Oh, You Bet They Do

Ok, so trust might feel like an abstract thing, but for your marketing and PR campaigns, it’s kind of everything. Trust seals and awards can give potential customers, partners, and press that little nudge they need to take you seriously. They’re subtle, they’re strategic, and frankly, they just work. This blog digs into where to use them, why they matter, and how they help you stand out without shouting. Especially helpful if you’re trying to prove ROI without putting on a slideshow.

Ganbatte! A Not-So-Fancy Way to Keep Your Marketing Career from Spiraling

Ok so, marketing and PR professionals might feel like they’re stuck in a blender most days — deadlines, TikToks, and endless client "asks" spinning out of control. That's why Ganbatte, the easygoing Japanese mindset about steady effort, still hits home. In this blog, we break down why "keep moving" matters more than "be perfect," and how resilience, community, and embracing imperfection can pretty much save your career (and maybe your sanity too).

Why Nominating Your People for External Awards Might Be the Best Move You’ll Make This Year

Nominating your people for external awards doesn’t just make them feel good—it boosts motivation, improves retention, and builds credibility for your brand. Recognizing top talent through awards, both physical and digital, gives them lasting motivation and positions your company as a leader that values excellence.

Customer Experience Trends: Lessons from the 2025 Excellence in Customer Service Awards

The 2025 Excellence in Customer Service Awards winners show that the best brands are putting customers first, investing in AI-powered support, delivering real solutions, strengthening internal teams, and scaling without losing their personal touch.

CTRL+C Your Way to Glory: Writing Award Noms for People Who Usually Debug, Not Delight

This blog breaks down how software engineers can write killer award nominations without spiraling into existential dread. It offers simple, slightly funny advice on turning code accomplishments into compelling stories for judges who probably don’t speak fluent Python.

How to Write a Fortress Cybersecurity Awards Nomination That Judges Actually Remember

Writing a Fortress Cybersecurity Awards nomination? Here’s a quick, honest look at what actually helps—real metrics, simple stories, and advice from inside the awards process.

Meet Our 2024 All Star Judges: The Pros Who Made the Magic Happen

Meet the exceptional professionals celebrated in Business Intelligence Group’s first-ever All Star Judges Recognition Program. These judges brought consistent expertise, insightful evaluations, and professional enthusiasm to our awards programs. Each honored judge receives a Verix digital certificate, boosting their professional brand online. Discover how digital certificates work, why judges love them, and how you can join this remarkable panel.

A View from the Top: 2025 Artificial Intelligence Trends from the Winners Perspective

The 2025 Artificial Intelligence Excellence Awards highlight innovative AI solutions across industries. Winners include companies like 7Learnings GmbH for predictive pricing and Darktrace for AI-driven cybersecurity. The awards emphasize transparency and crowd-sourced judging, making them a credible benchmark for businesses.

What’s New With Sammy?

Big news—The Sammys just leveled up. With brand-new Left Brain and Right Brain categories, blockchain-secured certificates, and more ways to win, these aren't your average marketing awards. Whether you're crushing it in creative or driving tech innovation, now’s your chance to shine. Entries close May 30, 2025—don’t wait!

3 Reasons the We Love Tech Awards Stand Out

The We ❤ Tech Awards are more than just another industry accolade—they're a gateway to real exposure and influence in the tech space. Winners don’t just receive a trophy; they get featured across Evan Kirstel’s social media network of over 550,000 industry professionals, ensuring their brand gains massive visibility. With press announcements, blockchain-backed certification, and an opportunity to engage with top decision-makers, this award program offers an advantage far beyond the traditional. If you're looking to boost your brand recognition and credibility, now's the time to get involved. Nomination deadline: March 28, 2025.

Inside the Minds of 2024’s Cybersecurity Leaders: What It Takes to Win in 2025

Cybersecurity never stands still, and neither do the companies that lead the charge. If you’re eyeing the 2025 Fortress Awards, take a look at what separated the winners from the rest in 2024. This post breaks down the key trends—like Zero Trust, cloud security, compliance automation, and AI-driven threat detection—that made an impact.

Here Is What Employees Think Compared to Last Year

Employee satisfaction is still high, but small declines in salary perception and recognition signal potential challenges ahead. This blog breaks down key data insights from our Best Places to Work Awards, highlighting where leaders should focus to keep employees engaged. Want the full breakdown? Download the full report to see the trends that matter most.

Boosting Your Award Nomination: How Our Social Media Posts Help You Shine

An award nomination isn’t just an industry pat on the back—it’s a marketing tool waiting to be used. Yet, many companies don’t leverage it. Our latest blog explores how booster posts amplify nominations, increase engagement, and open new business opportunities. We break down simple ways to make the most of your award recognition and show how a single post can put your brand in front of decision-makers. Don’t just sit on your nomination—use it to grow your credibility, brand visibility, and network.

How to Spot a Fake Award: Clues That Scream “This Was Bought, Not Earned!”

Fake awards are everywhere, and they make it harder to recognize truly outstanding companies. This guide helps spot the warning signs of awards that aren’t earned but bought, from shady judging processes to meaningless titles. Blockchain-based digital certificates provide a transparent and verifiable way to ensure that awards are authentic.

Choosing the Right Award: What’s the Best Fit for Your Business?

Picking the right award matters. Company-wide awards build reputation, product awards drive sales, and individual awards keep your employees engaged. Choose wisely, and your business (and your team) will thank you.

The Ripple Effect of Recognition: How CEOs Can Highlight Individuals to Drive Company-Wide Success

Recognition drives engagement, boosts morale, and keeps employees around longer. CEOs of mid-sized companies can see real results by celebrating new hires and early-career professionals.

Desk to Professional: How to Make Your Next Video Look Incredible with Minimal Gear

Recording professional videos from your desk or phone is easier than you think. With tips on lighting, background, captions, and more, this guide will have you looking polished without spending a fortune.

The Power of Recognition: Why Leaders Need to Prioritize Employee Appreciation

Discover why employee recognition is a game-changing strategy for leaders aiming to boost productivity, engagement, and retention. Learn actionable steps to create a culture of appreciation and drive business success.

10 Award Pages That We Love

This blog highlights 10 award pages that turn company recognition into an art form—and one that’s missing the mark. Whether you love bold visuals, clean layouts, or trust-building stats, these examples will inspire your next awards page update.

Here Are the Five Weirdest Emojis to Use in Social Media

Emojis, especially the unconventional ones, can work wonders for your brand’s social media strategy. From robots to tacos, these tiny icons are ready to drive engagement and spark creativity in your campaigns.

3 New Ways to Generate an Endless Supply of Original Content for Your Marketing Calendar

Constantly producing fresh content for B2B marketing is challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. These 3 innovative strategies – unleashing employee volunteering stories, mining valuable data insights, and launching an industry award program – will ensure you have a steady stream of engaging, original content for your 2025 marketing calendar. Learn how companies like Salesforce and Google succeed with similar approaches.

Last-Minute Tips for Standout Award Nominations

Submitting an award nomination at the last minute can be stressful, but you can still make it shine. In this post, we share five quick tips to make your entry stand out, even on a tight timeline. From highlighting your “why” to adding real-world testimonials, these tips help you get the best results fast.

Turn Good Vibes into Great Results: How the Laws of Karma Can Elevate Your Career and Business

Not all of the 12 principles of karma directly apply to business, but the most relevant ones—such as The Great Law of Cause and Effect, Responsibility, Growth, Patience, Connection, and Humility—offer powerful lessons for success. In marketing, entrepreneurship, and life as a parent, these principles shape the way we approach problems, manage teams, and plan for the future. In "Turn Good Vibes into Great Results: How 6 Karma Laws Can Elevate Your Career and Business," you’ll learn how to integrate these karmic laws into your professional and personal life for a more rewarding and impactful existence.‍

How to Turn Your CEO into an Influencer

Turning your CEO into an influencer on LinkedIn is a smart strategy to boost your brand’s visibility, build trust with customers, and open doors to new opportunities. Start by developing a personal brand, optimizing their LinkedIn profile, and consistently sharing valuable content. Engage with other industry leaders and leverage tools like LinkedIn Live and articles to amplify their reach. Strategic networking and showcasing achievements will also solidify their authority. It’s not just about posting—it’s about creating a trusted, authentic voice that resonates with your audience. The payoff? Increased brand awareness and a stronger industry presence.

9 Reports and 1 Insider Tip to Ask Your Product Management Team for to Win More Awards 

Looking to boost your company's awards success? Discover the 9 essential reports from your product management team that can provide invaluable insights for crafting winning award entries. Plus, get an insider tip that can set you apart from the competition. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your brand and achieve recognition in your industry!

I Got a Guy for That

Tired of losing out on prestigious awards? Let an awards expert help you craft winning entries that showcase your achievements. With decades of experience, I'll guide you through the entire process, from selecting the right programs to telling your story in a compelling way. Get ready to shine.

Why Your Competitors Keep Winning Awards (And How You Can Too)

Tired of watching your competitors sweep up all the awards? Discover the insider secrets that will help you turn the tables. Learn how to craft compelling stories, leverage data, and build a lasting reputation that will have judges begging to give you an award. Keep reading or else!

Behind the Curtain: Demystifying the Likert Scale

Unlock the secrets behind the Likert scale and discover how this powerful tool, developed in 1932, revolutionized attitude measurement and remains a cornerstone in survey research. Get insider tips on making your nominations stand out and understand the advantages of this granular, sensitive, and balanced scale. Dive in to enhance your understanding and improve your chances of winning!

The Art of Humblebragging: A LinkedIn Showcase

Ever scrolled through LinkedIn and stumbled upon a post overflowing with emojis and award logos? You're not alone! Award announcements are a staple of the platform, and mastering the art of sharing your company's wins can be a powerful marketing tool. In this blog post, we dissect four recent LinkedIn posts that showcase different approaches to promoting an award win, all with a professional and engaging tone. From building trust and authority to leveraging awards to generate leads, we provide actionable insights and tips for crafting your own award-worthy announcement. So, if you're looking to make a splash on LinkedIn and showcase your company's achievements, don't miss this informative post!

From Townsville to the Boardroom: 3 Important Business Lessons from the Powerpuff Girls

Who would've thought that a cartoon could hold the key to business success? Discover how the Powerpuff Girls can transform your marketing strategy. This blog uncovers surprising business lessons hidden in the heart of Townsville. Learn how innovation, teamwork, and adaptability – as exemplified by Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup – can supercharge your career.

The Science of Winning: How Businesses Can Use Maslow's Hierarchy to Develop An Award Strategy Aligned with Business Goals

Tired of losing out on prestigious business awards? It's time to rethink your strategy. Our latest blog reveals a groundbreaking approach that combines psychology and business acumen. Discover how Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs can be your secret weapon for crafting award-winning submissions. Learn to elevate your company's reputation, build stronger relationships, and ultimately achieve business excellence. Don't miss out on this game-changing insight!