Tips on How to Create Effective Employee Incentive Programs

COMMUNICATE – Use all the ways possible to know how your employees feel. Have them fill out evaluation forms, and encourage them to voice out their opinions. Make it a point to know them personally so that you'll also be able to read between the lines.

EXTERNAL AND INTRINSIC MOTIVATION – Both are important if you wish to properly motivate your employees. It's impossible for one to stand without the other. External motivation can be provided by giving away cash and other similar incentives like travel packages and gift checks. Intrinsic motivation can be provided by establishing company loyalty, aligning their goals with that of the company, and giving them sincere compliments when they do something exceptionally well. A simple pat on the back can do wonders to a person's self-esteem.

MONITOR, MONITOR, MONITOR – Changes in an employee's preferences may differ due to changes in the economy. Priorities may differ because of a change in lifestyle. Thus, it's important to constantly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of your program.

SHORT TERM VERSUS LONG TERM BENEFITS – Be aware of which incentives would work better for motivating people to achieve short term goals and which ones would work for long-term goals.

GIVE REWARDS INSTANTLY – If an employee does something well, give him the reward he deserves immediately. Don't delay because your employees might think you're begrudging them of the reward they deserve.

Tips on How to Create Effective Customer Incentive Programs

KNOW YOUR TARGET MARKET – Are you sure you know what your target market is? Determine everything about them from general demographic factors like age, gender, income class, to the little but important details like which colors or designs they prefer and so forth.

COMMUNICATE – Again, do everything you can to know what's on your customers' mind. Have them fill out survey forms, and to make sure that they'll answer these, give them incentives to do so.

Keep in mind that although you truly need to spend money for both incentive programs to work, you don't need to spend a lot because big capital doesn't necessarily equate with effectiveness. Creativity and resourcefulness still counts so it's definitely possible to have a successful incentive program without denting your company's pockets too much.

REWARD CUSTOMER LOYALTY – Know who your loyal customers are. And when you've identified them properly, make sure that you reward them accordingly. Let them know that you're aware of their loyalty to your company and that you're giving them a reward because you appreciate it.

GIVING AWAY REBATES – Be careful when using rebates as an incentive strategy for your customers. Due to numerous controversies surrounding rebates, more and more consumers are feeling discouraged and reluctant to take advantage of rebates. If and when you do use them to encourage customers to patronize your products or services, make sure that you use a simplified process for your customers to redeem their reward: don't dangle a carrot if you don't plan to give it away in the first place.

GIVING AWAY PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS – Promotional products are always welcomed by all kinds of customers. Be sure, however, that you give them something useful – even if it's only in the aesthetic sense. If you skimp on the costs and design, your incentive strategy might end up backfiring on you.