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Trophies are easy to buy; credibility is not. We sit down with Russ Fordyce, Chief Recognition Officer at Business Intelligence Group, to unpack how modern awards can be rigorous, transparent, and genuinely valuable for marketers under pressure to prove results. From volunteer judges with track records to blockchain certificates that verify logos across the web, Russ explains how trustworthy recognition turns into search-friendly proof that buyers and even AI systems can validate.

We dig into why the old models struggled—small panels, popularity contests, and murky criteria—and how a distributed, community-led approach fixes scale and fairness. Judges review a manageable set of entries, earn micro-credentials for service, and are themselves evaluated for quality. That structure keeps standards high while opening doors to niche categories that big shows ignore. Along the way, Russ shares memorable wins, from a solo founder behind BenjiLock turning recognition into Shark Tank momentum, to TD Bank’s creative use of enterprise tech across immersive learning and Roblox engagement.

For marketers navigating the shift from classic SEO to generative engine optimization, this conversation hits the heart of what works now: white-hat proof. Verified awards create durable authority signals that LLMs and search systems can trust, supporting your brand story with evidence rather than ad spend. If you’re building in B2B tech and feel drowned out by bigger budgets, you’ll find a pragmatic path forward through community, validation, and disciplined storytelling.

Ready to earn visibility instead of renting it? Subscribe for more conversations like this, share with a teammate who needs a credibility boost, and leave a review to help others find the show. Want to get involved? Go to we love techawards.com or visit bintelligence.com and check out my awards program at welovetechawards.com

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