Incentive - January 2008 - (Page 70)

AWARDS reat motivators never hit the snooze button, even though parts of the business might keep them up at night. And, probably no category of incentive merchandise causes more insomnia than electronics. New products hit the motivational market with mind-blowing speed and are quickly redeemed in a neverending loop. Every day, the gadgets get better, smarter. They do more. And meanwhile, prices are dropping—really fast. Your challenge is to stay aware of what’s coming next and where it’s coming from. It’s a tall order, for sure, but it can be achieved. And by offering the right electronics at the right time, you’ll be a more effective motivator. G THE SEARCH FOR THE Why Tech Matters Ask any expert, and you’ll hear the same: Electronics is the sweet spot in the wide world of incentive merchandise. Winners revel in the trophy value of the latest high-tech gadgets and also appreciate the utility of electronic goods in their everyday lives. Buyers and managers respond by including electronics whenever possible. “Technology has GOLDEN GADGET How to find the greatest electronic gifts By Ben Chapman always been the number one redemption category,” says Ira Ozer, vice president of business development for Hazelwood, Mo.–based Meridian Enterprises. For example, Ozer says, participants in a sales incentive program at New York–based Information Builders, a global business intelligence software company, redeem more than 70 percent of their award points for electronics. “There’s so much innovation, and the products are always changing,” observes Rick Blabolil, president of Chicago-based Marketing Innovators. “New electronic gadgets keep coming to the market, and the appetite for new trendy items is almost insatiable. It’s like each progressive generation that hits the workforce is looking for more out of technology.” Two of his most enthusiastic clients come from different industries. One is a technology manufacturing company and the other is a financial institution. In both cases, the employees are “very progressive young people who want to stay on the bleeding edge,” he says. “They’re after the latest cell phones and digital cameras. And then three 70 | Incentive | January 2008 | incentivemag.com http://incentivemag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Incentive - January 2008

Incentive - January 2008
Contents
Editor’s Note: Out of SITE
In The News
Cover Story: Include a Meeting, Improve Morale
Case Study: DHL Delivers Recognition
Incentive Primer: How To Use Promo Products
How Bob Nardelli Rallied Chrysler’s Dealers
Incentive Interview: Ken Blanchard Says Be Nice
TV’s Extreme Makeover Motivates Giving
Pre-Employment Motivation
The Daycare Dilemma
Happy Employees Shouldn’t Mix with Sick Employees
Incentive Research: Consumer Promotions Report
In Her Shoes: Winning Approval Of Flextime
Travel News
Field Report: Barcelona
Field Report: Bermuda
Golf: Follow The Pros
potentials Here and Now
Watches As Jewelry
Awards: Online Gift Cards
Tech Gadgets for 2008
Last Word: Stanley Bing Bashes Bully Bosses

Incentive - January 2008