Popularity is not always an indication of quality

Let’s just call it what it is – “Best of” contests are nothing but a joke. They are nothing but advertising ploys by newspapers and magazines to sell ads in special sections. I can say that because I worked in newspaper advertising and I ran several of these contests.

But that’s not what this is about. This about the ones who fall for the fact that being dubbed the “Best of” something actually means they are the best of that particular category. Now, some, a rare few, truly are, but they are few and far between.

These local “Best of” contests are just popularity contests, much like being named Homecoming Queen or Prom Queen. It’s who can get the most votes. It’s not based on your quality of work or work product. Not even a business’ reputation. It’s who can get the most people online to vote for them. And I won’t fall for it or beg my friends and family endlessly to do it. Therefore, I never win and my competition always does and always will.

And that pisses me off to no end. Because I know I’m better when it comes to social media & digital marketing.

There I said it. Actually, I typed it. I know I am. Look at my work product, look at my client list. Look at who calls me up to ask for my advice, asks me to collaborate on local projects, sit on committees….they are calling me, not them. And yes, I cringed when I typed that out because if you know me, that’s not something I would normally say out loud.

Yet, I’ve never been awarded a “Best of” title in my town.

My clients have won “Best of” titles and my company has had clients win the “Best Website” and “Best Facebook Page” categories for some of these local contests but does ME Marketing Services or myself take any credit? Nope. We are never mentioned nor do I ask to be. Why? Because it’s about my clients. Maybe that’s where I fail – because I don’t seek the “fame and glory” some of these other local companies do. I currently partner with one of the region’s oldest local marketing company (who came to me to outsource social marketing for a client, by the way) and they works like I do – for the clients, not seeking the credit or praise for himself or his company. THAT is how a business owner or company should work.

Yes, I published a few posts asking for votes for this “Best of” contest. I hated doing it. It felt so wrong. To be honest, I only did it because these other competitors were doing it and I figured I might as well.

“Best of” anything should be based on WORK PRODUCT AND REPUTATION, not popularity. If I win an award of any kind, I would hope it would be based on that. I work hard to walk the talk and produce for my clients and because of it, 2016 is looking to be our best year yet.

I firmly believe that respect is a lot more important, and a lot greater, than popularity. – Julius Erving