Incentive - October 2008 - (Page 19)

COVER STORY nature hikes, horseback riding, deep-sea fishing, surfing and relaxing on the beach. “Hawaii is an incredible destination for our program, so we’ve decided to return again this upcoming year. Our long-term goal is to move the trip around the world. It’s a global forum, and we plan on a rotating schedule that will include the United States, a European destination, Asia and Latin America. Over time, we would like to get to all the different geographies to ensure that we embrace one of our core Cisco philosophies of globalization,” says Castle. The Value of Face Time Although the group enjoyed these activities during its first Hawaiian incentive travel program, interestingly it was the face time with the leadership team that was valued the most, says Castle. Business roundtables were arranged that consisted of sales winners and two top-level executives. Business issues facing the sales force were identified beforehand, and the group was asked to come prepared to discuss these issues. “It was the intimateness of the conversation that struck them. Individual contributors in this company of 65,000 people, working in remote offices in the field, were able to have business discussions with the executive team. These roundtables were rated as the thing that would incentivize them the most in the future,” says Castle. The roundtables were so successful that more of them will be added to this year’s program. The winners themselves found the recognition programs to be of more value than they ever expected, both personally and professionally. As Cisco Chairman’s Club winner, Marc Donnelly, notes, “One of the benefits you get from actually attending Chairman’s Club is exposure to the key execs that run the company. But secondly, careerwise, it’s really beneficial. I’ve already noticed my profile has been raised significantly.” Also this year, keeping true to Cisco’s commitment to social responsibility (see sidebar p.18), a volunteer activity is being planned on the island that attendees will have the chance to partake in. “Last year was our first incentive trip and we were new to the process. We asked, ‘How can we improve it?’ and giving back was something we’ve decided to incorporate,” says Castle. Like most programs, the Cisco Hawaii incentive was not without a few tactical challenges. Thirty hours before the awards recognition dinner, Maritz received a call that the headliner act, a Grammy award-winning R&B singer, who was to play following the dinner, was going to have to cancel due to an illness that would not permit him to fly. “The Maritz account executive and account manager were very proactive, one researching new entertainment options, and the other making standby travel preparations for the new, yet to be named, entertainer,” Castle says. Cisco’s needs were very specific in that they wanted an entertainer who could perform an acoustic concert, due to the intimate dinner setting. There was also limited production equipment available on the island. “Although these limitations may have been seen as insurmountable obstacles for other companies, Maritz has strong relationships within the entertainment industry. They were able to find the perfect performer, who just happened to be on his honeymoon on the neighboring island of Kauai. Pat Monahan, the lead singer for the band Train, agreed to perform at the awards recognition dinner. The concert was an outstanding success,” Castle says. Rain covered the island one day, and some thought this day might be a complete washout. Just the contrary was true. It turned out to be a highlight for many. “There were some whales nearby, which forced all the dolphins into the bay,” Castle says. “There were more than a hundred dolphins there swimming and jumping, and about seventy-five of our attendees went into the water to swim with them. It was one of those experiences you could never purchase. Our rain day turned into this amazing experience, courtesy of Mother Nature.” Send comments to feedback@incentivemag.com Consumers Employees Dealers Sales Team do you want to knock them off their feet? Motivate them all with the help of Sony’s Online Premium Incentive Resource Center. One simple click gives you complete access to the latest knowledge and must-have products to motivate each of your unique audiences, with: I Monthly updates on new and exciting program ideas I The latest product offerings from Sony I How-to guides for all of your incentive programs I Calendar of events to see Sony’s products visit incentivemag.com/sony Sony. A brand everyone knows for rewards everyone loves. incentivemag.com | October 2008 | Incentive | 19 http://www.incentivemag.com/sony http://www.incentivemag.com/sony http://www.incentivemag.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Incentive - October 2008

Incentive - October 2008 Contents Editor's Note Headlines Cover Story: Face Time with Senior Executives is the Top Motivator of Cisco Systems' Chairman's Club Winners Incentive Interview Safety Incentives: Safety Drives a Limousine Service's Motivational Efforts Case Study Primer Learning: Diving into Incentives for the Mind Enhances Both Loyalty and the Bottom Line Research: Travel IQ Travel News Florida Coast to Cost Caribbean Escape Potentials Here and Now Gadgets & Power Tools: High-End Roars Seen at the Motivation Show Advertisers Index Off the Cuff

Incentive - October 2008

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