I recently received an award that I found to be REALLY cool!

We live in a world where it is EXCESSIVELY difficult to Stand Out.

It doesn't matter "what" you do, it's a challenge to get seen.

However, some individuals DEEPLY understand what it takes to Stand Out.

Perhaps the best Team I have seen both Stand Out and help others Stand Out is Balcón217.

They are what you could call a Dream Team in the world of Marketing, led by Adrian and Maria Salazar.

To help you understand what makes them amazing, let me tell you about the Award they recently gave to some specific individuals (including myself!)

For context, I have a LOT of Awards that I have Won and been Nominated.

Last year I received 20 total, and so far this year I have received 12 for my work.

That doesn't include anything from prior years.

Many different types of Awards fill this roster.

I've received awards as an individual, for my writing, my speaking, my education of others, my advising, and my coaching.

I've been in the Top 50, Top 10 Top 5, and even Hall of Fame Lists.

I've been asked to be in Magazines, and I've been asked to be the Cover Feature of Magazines.

I've gotten awards for being Inspirational, Creative, Innovative, Adaptable, Sustainable, Excellent, Influential, Impactful, Visionary, Trailblazing, Entrepreneurial, and even for being an Extraordinarian.

With this, I'm also a Top Creator in multiple communities.

All of these things are pretty cool in many ways.

However, I have found that, over time, many of these Awards just... don't Stand Out.

I am truly Honored, don't get me wrong, but after a while, they blur into each other.

The only reason I can even write about most of them is because I have a cheat sheet on my LinkedIn that has them all documented!

However, this award created by Balcón217 TRULY Stands Out from the other awards.

What makes it so Unique?

They created a Story around the award, they made it One-Of-A-Kind, and it feels REAL.

Most awards kind of end up being the same, whether it is a physical trophy or plaque, part of a magazine feature, or a digital award.

It is whatever the award is, your name or organization, and usually something acknowledging the awarding body like a logo or name.

Outside of this, there isn't much to distinguish one from another.

You could swap a logo or a name and, honestly, no one would be the wiser.

However, this award from Balcón217 is VERY Different.

First off, they truly understand their Audience.

This specific award is for "Austin Icons".

If you know ANYTHING about Austin, Texas you know this - Austin is Weird.

It has been a central focusing Ideal for the city for decades.

There is even a phrase that Austinites regularly say and see everywhere:

"Keep Austin Weird".

So, they decided to do a different type of award.

This isn't a digital award you can post on a profile, or something you hang on the wall, or put on your desk.

No, what is more Texan than a giant Belt Buckle?

That is right, they created a Belt Buckle Award!

You, of course, could display it... if you wanted.

OR you can do the Texan thing and wear it as your Belt, and show it off for the world to see!

Indeed, it is a hefty piece of metal too, truly something that is Quality and I wouldn't be afraid to wear.

However, it gets better!

Instead of just a name and what the award is for, they asked "What is Iconic about Austin?"

On the award, you can find some of these Features that are alluded to:

Willie Nelson, a symbol of Austin's musical legacy, has left an indelible mark on the city's musical landscape with his soulful melodies and rebellious spirit, inspiring generations of artists and music lovers alike.
The Diversity of Music that pulsates through the streets of Austin, where a tapestry of genres interweaves to create a rich and eclectic sound.
The Indie Films that flourish in Austin's creative atmosphere, where filmmakers and cinephiles gather to celebrate cinematic innovation and storytelling.
Austin Tacos, a beloved culinary tradition, represent more than a delicious experience - they embody the city's laid-back charm and multicultural spirit.

It is unlike ANYTHING I have ever received.

However, it's still not done, because the award came with a document that feels like Adrian and Maria are writing to "you" as an Individual.

"Display this tribute buckle proudly because you and your team have contributed to our city's unique, vibrant essence and future success."

Most of the time when you receive an award, it feels like there is nothing else after it.

What we are seeing with this document though is that there is a genuine feeling of Respect and Recognition beyond just the award.

It feels more Personal, which is unique in today's world.

So many things in life today are Cookie-Cutter, and they "feel" that way as well.

This, though, truly feels Unique and Exceptional, and you can tell that Adrian and Maria dedicated time to get this right.

They made sure that this would get SEEN.

Just from the award itself, I can see that they understand Marketing.

They know what it takes to Stand Out.

However, I think perhaps most importantly, they understand the Humans they interact with.

I've had the pleasure to see some of the work they have done for their Clients, and it is apparent that this trend is Masterfully done in ALL the work they do.

Truly, some changes are coming in the world of Marketing, and you should check out their work before everything turns upside down.

You can find their website here: https://www.balcon217.com

So, I would like to say something personal to Adrian and Maria, as they have done with this Award.

You both are Truly Phenomenal at what you do.

It is not an easy task to Stand Out, yet you have accomplished it with Ease and Grace.

This Award you have created is a Masterclass in how to be an Icon.

May you both continue to be Blessed and forever Stand Out!

This Is How To Stand Out! - A Recent Award I Received And Celebrating Balcón217, The Team Behind It

A Recent Award I Received And Celebrating Balcón217, The Team Behind It

What will you write today?