10-Step Process Overview

STEP 6 - SELECT REWARDS & RECOGNITION

Having identified your target audience and designed the program structure, you can now determine the type of awards.

• What is most likely to motivate the participants?
• Do they have children?
• Are they sports enthusiasts?
• Do they travel extensively?
• What have they done or earned before?

A common trap is for the award provider to select awards they prefer rather than awards the recipient would like. Before finalizing your decision, you may want to survey your participants to see what is most motivating to them.

1. Value. There are several aspects connecting the value of the award to the participant.
   
   First is personal relevance. Participants will ask,"Is this worth my effort?"
   
   Next is trophy value. This relates back to Hierarchy Of Needsand to what level individuals will aspire to gain unique experiences or special items to fulfill their needs and desires. Participants find it more psychologically rewarding to picture themselves relaxing in some exotic destination than paying bills
   
   Last, the award's actual market value may be different than the perceived value if the award is not wanted or needed. Awarding a set of luggage to a participant, who just bought a set, negates the $600 market value, because the participant has no use for a second set of luggage. Or a participant, who is a savvy shopper, may compare the taxable award amount to a discounted retail price of a similar item and be unhappy with discrepancies.
   
   
2. Choice. The key aspect to award selection is to offer maximum appeal to participants by offering a wide choice. Expanded consumer choices are driving the current economy and you'll see this phenomena carried over into the reward expectations of your target audience.
   
   
3. Convenience. Everyone desires this. No one has time to handle unnecessary administration or has patience for time delays. Both participants and the program sponsor need the award opportunity to be simple and easy to administer.

• Regardless of the specific award vehicle(s) you select, do not miss the opportunity to publicly acknowledge the individuals or groups who are stretching to new levels of achievement. Luncheons, letters, plaques, celebration meetings and public recognition of achievements are extremely important and inexpensive additions to your incentive campaign.

Next step - STEP 7: Promote The Program
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