Incentive Programs can Motivate Employees and Boost Sales

Boosting sales is a primary goal of all businesses, and the sales force is the primary source of harnessing those sales. But, unfortunately, sales are not a bottomless well.

Because of these facts, companies invest both time and money in designing and implementing effective incentive programs to motivate and reward employees and sales teams for their efforts and accomplishments in finding and procuring sales.

Something as simple and inexpensive as a handwritten thank you note can be just as effective as a cash reward explains Miranda Brookins for eHow.com. “Written notes are cost-effective and can be personalized to recognize specific individual accomplishments.”

Another incentive idea is gift cards. Utilizing local businesses, such as restaurants, coffee shops, and book stores, will be convenient for the employee and appreciated. Brookins advises offering the “gift cards in various denominations so that the more an employee sells, the higher the value of the gift card he receives.”

Still, other incentives suggested by Brookins include paid time off, a work-time happy hour at a local establishment, an overnight vacation or weekend paid vacation and stock options.

The incentive rewards don’t have to be elaborate or expensive, but they do have to be sincere. Employees recognize and value ‘real’ appreciation of their efforts and successes. Each company should design unique incentives that will help boost employee loyalty, productivity, and retention.