Navigating the Business Award Landscape

How to Avoid Scams and Ensure Legitimacy

At Shakespeare Communications, we’re proud that many, if not most, of our clients have won awards – from female entrepreneurship to winning Virgin Radio’s Best Burger in the UAE. But how can you tell if an award is legitimate, meaningful and worthwhile?

A respected industry award cements your business acumen, raises your profile amongst your peers, your customers and your investors – but some are simply not worth entering.

In recent years, the UAE business awards landscape has become increasingly crowded, with numerous organisations offering accolades to companies for their achievements and contributions.

While legitimate business awards bring valuable recognition and credibility, the rise of scams in this space warrants a renewed degree of caution. We receive email requests from award companies almost every day, and our clients frequently seek our advice on whether or not to enter.

Businesses must be diligent in assessing the authenticity of awards to avoid falling victim to deceptive practices and financial scams.

Start by thoroughly researching the entity presenting the award. Legitimate awarding organisations are often well-established, reputable entities with a history of recognising excellence in the industry.

Our founder, Ananda, is proudly involved with judging the annual MEPRA awards for example, a respected and legitimate award highlighting professionalism in the region’s PR sector.

Check the award organisation's website, social media, review its past award recipients, and look for any credible endorsements or affiliations.

Legitimate awards have well-defined criteria for eligibility and selection. Be wary of awards that lack transparency in their evaluation process or have vague criteria. Request detailed information on how nominees are assessed, and ensure any award on offer aligns with your business's achievements and values.

Many scams involve exorbitant entry fees or additional costs associated with receiving the award. Legitimate awards typically have transparent fee structures and provide clear information about any associated costs upfront. Exercise caution if an award requires payment for entry without offering clear value in return.

It’s normal to pay for a table at an award ceremony, for example – after all, you get a meal and entertainment, too. But if an ‘award’ entry criteria includes paid inclusion in a supplement, for example, it’s worth being wary.

Analysing the list of previous winners can offer insights into the legitimacy of the award. If the awarding organisation has a history of recognising well-known and respected businesses in the industry, it is likely to be more credible. Reach out to past winners if possible to inquire about their experiences with the award.

Scam awards often use unsolicited emails or cold calls to lure businesses into applying. Legitimate award programmes typically do not aggressively seek participants like this. Be cautious when receiving unexpected communications about an award, especially if they require immediate action or payment.

Legitimate business awards are often endorsed by industry associations or recognised within specific sectors. Verify the award's reputation within your industry by checking for endorsements, testimonials or mentions in industry publications. A reputable award should have a positive standing within the business community.

Scam awards may use misleading logos or materials to create an appearance of legitimacy. Examine the award's branding, logo, and promotional materials closely. Legitimate awards invest in professional design and clear branding, while scams may have inconsistencies or poor-quality materials.

Finally, there’s no harm in seeking advice from your PR firm, colleagues, industry peers or business advisors before committing to any award submission. If the award is reputable, chances are others in your industry will have heard of it or have insights to share. Discussing the legitimacy of an award with knowledgeable individuals provides valuable perspectives.

While business awards can be a powerful tool for enhancing reputation, it is crucial to approach them with a discerning eye. By conducting thorough research, scrutinising award criteria and seeking input from trusted sources, you can navigate the business award landscape with confidence and avoid falling victim to scams.

Staying vigilant and making informed decisions will ensure any recognition garnered is not only meaningful - but also a true reflection of your company's achievements.