How to Finish the Year Strong
August and September are critical times for business owners and sales professionals. While the final quarter of the year is quickly approaching, many are also thinking ahead to the following year. It can be difficult to find a balance between focusing on meeting quarterly quotas while also preparing for the year ahead.
Even though preparing for the next year is important, it’s also essential to focus on your current business and close the year strong. Here are some strategies to help you increase your momentum and move into the new year with your best foot forward. (more…)
4 Traits of Successful Channel Incentive Programs
Data-Driven
When it comes to channel incentives and channel loyalty, it’s important to first start with the basics: where are you, and where do you want to go? The first step is to understand where you are, as well as how & why you got there in the first place. Many times, there are patterns in data that can tell you some important things about your business. By taking a closer look at the data, you’re able to identify the issues and then create a solution to fix them.
Personalized
Not all rewards are created equal. All employees have different tastes, preferences, and dreams, and your incentive program should reflect that. Research has shown programs that give employees or reps the ability to choose their own rewards prove to be more effective than those with generic prizes.[bctt tweet=”Not all employee rewards are created equal.” username=”motivateme”]
A points-based system allows participants to earn in a variety of ways while working for something they’ve put on their personal wish list. A step further would be to add a unique travel experience incentive for top performers – an added bonus to go the extra mile and instill competition.
Simple
Simple – to the participant. Success in a channel incentive program starts with high participation, and participation increases when the program is easily understood. This begins with a well-designed program and is amplified with a stellar communications program. When the program is laid out in a way that’s easy to understand, chances are you’ll be more successful from the start.
Attainable
Of course you want your participants to set their sights high. This, if achieved, is a win-win for everyone. But it’s key to make sure the milestones you choose are challenging, yet attainable. A good starting point to understand where challenge meets reality is – you guessed it – in your data.
Going back to your data further drives home our first section: your channel incentive program needs to be data driven, without a doubt. Without using proper business intelligence tools, how will you pinpoint the problems you need to solve?
Remember, the most successful programs are well-designed, crafted with thoughtful development. They are easy to understand, personal, and most importantly, attainable. Because no one likes a goal they’ll never reach.
Need to get started with your data-driven program? Learn more about our approach.
The Critical Piece of Meeting Planning You’re Missing
You’ve done your research, laid out your objectives, and designed your ultimate meeting experience. You’ve planned your accommodations & communications. (or, you’ve hired us to do all of this for you.)
What could possibly be left? (more…)
Welcome to Our Team, Rebecca!
In late June, we warmly welcomed a new team member to the Motivation Excellence family. Below is the press release announcing our newest Business Development Director, Rebecca Steiner.
Rebecca Steiner has been hired by Motivation Excellence, Inc., an engagement and incentive company focused on inspiring people to achieve excellence. Rebecca will work directly with clients developing solutions that will improve business results. (more…)
Designing Your Meeting Experience
2016 meeting trends have shown that people no longer want to sit in a stuffy conference hall and listen to a boring presentation. (But really, is this trending? Who has ever wanted this?)
According to the 2016 Successful Meetings annual poll, nearly two thirds of meetings planners said the “need to create a compelling meeting experience” for attendees was one of the most important trends to follow in order to create effective meetings in 2016. Take your meeting, product launch, or trade show to the next level by following these guidelines.[bctt tweet=”Creating a compelling meeting experience is one of the top trends among meeting planners.” username=”motivateme”] (more…)
Employee Spotlight: Jen
Each month we will be highlighting one of our amazing employees. We’ll ask them some work-related questions and also some not-so-work-related questions – hopefully, you’ll be able to see why we think we’ve got the best people around.
Today, our spotlight is on Jen Hurley, Travel Billing Services Director.
Why Cash Incentives Fail
Your program participants (your salespeople, your channel partners, your employees!) are at the heart of your business, and having an effective engagement strategy to motivate them is critical. Many companies continue to provide their top performers with cash incentives (bonuses) in recognition of their hard work, with the assumption that these employees will spend these extra dollars on something “extra” – something fun and luxurious, something they wouldn’t normally purchase for themselves.[bctt tweet=”Having an effective engagement strategy to motivate your employees is critical.” username=”motivateme”] (more…)
How to Launch a Killer Channel Incentive Program
Delivering the Sales Results You Need Now
by Leslie Remenek, Business Development Director
In today’s highly competitive marketplace, it is a challenge in itself simply to attract and influence customers to buy your products. (more…)
Group Travel Incentives: Shared Experiences that Motivate & Provide Value
Did you know that 46% of U.S. businesses use travel incentives? Whether you’re looking to accelerate sales of selective product lines, fast track new products, or simply distinguish your best and most loyal customers, incentive travel is an extremely effective motivator. (more…)
Travel Advisories: How We Deal With Warnings & Alerts
Whether you’re planning a travel experience for your sales team, employees, or channel partners, we want you to know: we’ve got you. When you book a travel program with us, you’re not only getting world-class service, you’ll be receiving years of experience and a vast network of travel partners. Here are some ways we avoid – and react to – various travel adversities.