Are you competitive? I am, always have been. In fact, I learned long ago that if I couldn’t do something well, I wouldn’t do it at all. Of course this led to me missing out on things, and as I’ve grown wiser, I’ve relaxed a whole lot (some of you will smile to read that.) But recently I’ve had a couple of friends’ company’s land in the Inc. Fastest Growing. That is a real coup and very impressive. And my first thought was not congratulations, but instead why not me? Until I realized that that has never been and is not now, my intention. I’ve never wanted to manage people and prefer a virtual office with a talented team at my disposal on an as needed project basis. I am a coordinator and big picture creator, instead of a manager!
How many of us measure ourselves against inappropriate benchmarks just because someone else we know has gotten there. Do you want an Emmy, but aren’t a TV actor? Maybe you want a cotY award, but aren’t a contractor (yeah, I know you thought it was fashion, no it is Contractor of the Year.) Decide what your real intention is with your business and determine the most suitable benchmarks, awards, and recognition from there.
Winning awards takes work. It means presenting your accomplishments, often filling out lengthy applications and submitting your business to outside scrutiny. It isn’t for everyone. It can help grow your business, but there are no guarantees. It is also typically subjective judging by a panel, rarely strictly a numbers decision. Does it add credibility, absolutely! Is the award or recognition, industry based or consumer based? Who is your market and what will this gain you beyond a warm fuzzy feeling and a statue or plaque to display? Most importantly is this a benchmark that you wanted, makes sense, and fits your business growth?
Know your talents, define your market, serve your niche, and measure your success in terms that matter to you and are realistic in your market.
