At the conclusion of an incentive program, it is important to assess how successful it was. Did you get the results you wanted? One of the best ways to judge the program's effectiveness, besides considering your own observations, is to get feedback from the reps and administrators involved. You want to be sure that your directions were communicated clearly and at the right intervals, that the rewards were appealing and sparked interest and drive, that your team members felt supported and prepared to take on the challenges being presented, that the program boosted morale, team effort, energy and creativity, etc.

What were the weaknesses, if any? Did the program meet or fall short of participants' expectations? And of course, you must consider the bottom line impact on sales. Another important thing that cannot be overlooked is whether there may have been any outside influence that you did not have any control over. For example, has the industry experienced an increase in pricing? Was the product or service new, or has there been longstanding consumer awareness and recognition of it? Have there been any fluctuations in the company's marketing campaigns? All of these questions can basically be broken down into different areas, such as goals, budget or administration. In each area, identify what worked and what didn't so you have concrete information to help you develop your next incentive program.

I have outlined a list of different activities and they have been categorized for your convenience.

Group Building

1. Movie day—bring popcorn

2. Water-skiing/Lake trip

3. Join the city softball team

4. Go watch a professional team sport

5. Miniature golf

6. Volunteer opportunities

7. Cold-calling contest

8. Work-at-home week

9. Have the CEO address the sales staff

10. Racecar contest

11. Bring in a comedian for sales training

12. Fun, harmless practical jokes

13. Joke of the day to start a meeting

14. Bring in take-out for reps staying late

15. Laser tag

16. Ropes course

17. Bowling

18. Free lunch for the first sale of the day

19. VM broadcast about someone's personal success

20. Company Olympics

Company Socials

21. Luau

22. Fiesta

23. Ice cream social

24. Barbeque

25. Pizza party

26. Customer appreciation day

27. Four-day weekend

28. Bring in donuts

29. Company newsletter about the success of the week

30. Dress up like Santa and hand out gifts

31. Thanksgiving or other holiday party

Esteem Building/Awards

32. Best phone demeanor

33. Best dresser

34. Most creative close

35. Best sales week

36. Most improved

37. Best team player

38. Most cold calls

39. Most new clients

40. Best customer service

41. Top attitude

42. Special note or email

43. Telegram

44. FedEx special note

45. Thank-you card

46. Personal pat on back

47. Lead part of a training meeting

48. Personal goal-setting meeting

49. Suggestion box

50. Personal call from CEO

Simple compliments like…

51. You're incredible.

52. You're a good…

53. I believe in you.

54. Great job!

55. You made my day.

56. Hug.

57. Thank you for …

58. I'm proud of you.

59. Perfect.

60. You're awesome!

61. Well Done.

62. Great!

63. Excellent!

64. I knew you could do it.

65. I trust you.

66. Spectacular!

67. Outstanding!

68. I'm your biggest fan.

Friendly gestures like…

69. Smile

70. Warm handshake

71. Pat on the back

Individual Building

72. Daily contact with praise

73. Let them off to take their children to school on the first day

74. Free calls on company cell phones

75. Motivational plaque

76. Health club membership

77. Lotto wheel

78. Drive CEO's car for the week

79. Shirt/Hat with logo

80. Special parking spot

81. Photo with CEO

82. Remodel office

83. Disneyland trip

84. Porsche for weekend

Personal Development

85. Books

- As a Man Thinketh

- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

- Swim With the Sharks

- How to Win Friends and Influence People

- Maximum Influence

- The Power of Your Subconscious Mind

- Think and Grow Rich

- Psycho-Cybernetics

- The Magic of Thinking Big

- Learned Optimism

86. Videos

Remember the Titans

Miracle

Rocky

Chariots of Fire

Apollo 13

Field of Dreams

Mr. Holland's Opus

Seabiscuit

The Right Stuff

The Rookie

87. Audios

- The Secrets to Manifesting Your Destiny

- Lead the Field

- Unleash the Power Within

- The Psychology of Selling

- Magnetic Persuasion

- Present with Power

- The Strangest Secret

- Exponential Success

- The Science of Personal Achievement

- The Psychology of Winning

88. Travel Incentives

- Hawaii

- Upgrade to first class

- Local hotel with dinner

- Limo to airport

- Las Vegas

- Bermuda

- Cancun

- Caribbean cruise

- Free miles to fly

- Tahiti

- Hotel suite upgrade

- Australia

Monetary Rewards

89. Large-screen TV

90. Computer

91. DVD player

92. $100 bill

93. Lottery tickets

94. Restaurant gift certificates

95. Cashews

96. Take the rep's family to dinner

97. Department store gift certificate

98. Movie rental gift certificate

99. Costco certificate

100. Bookstore gift certificate

101. New suit