Incentive - February 2009 - (Page 48) AWARDS brush the crumbs from their chin, and enjoy the “melt in your mouth experience” (sense of taste). This was more than just a gift—this was a brand experience. And you know what? You would spend a lot less on that cookie campaign than on producing a TV commercial and paying for the airtime, in the hopes that someone in your target audience actually sees it and is paying attention. The fact is: Who wouldn’t welcome a new USB drive, calculator, quality pen…and perhaps the most popular item employees feel important and appreciated, through incentive and award programs, are more likely to gain a competitive advantage over companies that overlook these programs. The reason: happy employees = productive employees and productive employees = company success. Ideally, companies should design their incentive programs to reach as many employees as possible and not just a select few. An incentive program that rewards everybody for something is the best strategy. Rewards can be assigned based on point values, assuring those that work the PPAI Embraces Incentives By Alex Palmer Happy employees = productive employees, and productive employees = company success. of the season—a stress ball? Recipients, advertising your brand for pennies an impression, will use these kinds of items day in and day out, ensuring the longevity of your sales message. hardest are rewarded the greatest, nevertheless make sure there is something for everyone, and when you can, keep it inexpensive. Many companies falter trying to budget for over-the-top, expensive items. However, as the old adage goes, “It’s the thought that counts.” And we all know, sometimes it is not about what you get, but how it is given. In a recession, it becomes even more challenging to contribute to the economy by selling your products and services while maintaining a productive workforce—thereby keeping your company in the black. However, promotional products can help you advertise in a nontraditional, more cost-effective way, and incentives can help you motivate and engage employees to help stimulate a productive workforce. Together, they are sure to be a life preserver in choppy economic waters. For more information about Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) or to find a promotional consultant in your area, visit www.promoideas.org. Send comments to feedback@incentivemag.com T Win With Promotional Products As Incentives In December 2008, the nation’s unemployment rate bolted to an average of 7.2 percent, the highest level in 16 years. Moreover, the employees who have not been laid off are scared, and considering the crunch, probably a bit overworked. As companies decrease their labor costs by reducing their number of employees, they should increase their investment in the employees they retain—bearing in mind that without employees, a business cannot run. Additionally, if employees are frozen in fear, or at least distracted by it, they are not going to be as productive or engaged. As times toughen, employee recognition and retention are going to be critical for businesses to succeed and thrive. Studies show that companies that ensure their he definition of “promotional products” was expanded at last month’s PPAI Expo. The Promotional Products Association International (PPAI)’s annual trade show and education event, held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, featured the “brand. Pavilion” for the first time. The sectioned-off area featured an “upscale aesthetic” and a long list of incentive brands, including Bulova, Bose, Fuji, Apple and Movado. With companies looking to source more products from an increasingly limited number of suppliers, there has been more interest from promotional products reps to familiarize themselves with incentive merchandise. So in addition to the brands themselves, there was educational information available for buyers to learn about how to include incentive rewards in their product offerings. By most accounts, the “brand. Pavilion” was a success. “I was very pleased with the show. We saw a lot of people and the people we saw were interested and willing to learn,” says Jimmy Beyer, national sales manager for Sony Electronics, which had a booth in the Pavilion. “The people who came off the floor to go into the ‘brand. Pavilion’ kind of prequalified themselves.” The Expo also featured some high-energy entertainment. In addition to a concert by the rock band Styx, the event also included [X] Jam, a motocross exhibition with a live DJ. 48 | Incentive | February 2009 | incentivemag.com http://www.promoideas.org http://www.incentivemag.com
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