Resource Library

This paper explores the different types of consumer, dealer, and aftermarket incentives used in the automotive industry. It also looks at how advertising agencies view incentives. It examines traditional incentive strategies and concludes with advice on program implementation.... [ read more ]

A summary of research by the ISPI (International Society of Performance Improvement) on the impact of incentive programs and the essential implementation steps necessary for success. Shows how helpful incentive and motivation programs can be in terms of engaging employees and improving performance.... [ read more ]

‘Repeat business or behavior can be bribed. Loyalty has to be earned’ - Janet Robinson While Ms. Robinson may have been referring to brand loyalty or product loyalty as opposed to customer loyalty programs in the above quote, her words illustrate a very important concept. Incentive programs don’t start with built-in loyalty and customer buy-in. Without question, incentive programs need to generate loyalty – not only from senior management, but also from the customers they’re trying to entice. An effective program will excel for both management and customers when it is built with a foundation that provides a clear vision for success. In fact, many established programs have been assembled using five critical building blocks that inspire brand loyalty among customers. ... [ read more ]

Founded in 1973, Society of Incentive and Travel Executives (SITE) is the only international, not-for-profit, professional association devoted to the pursuit of excellence in incentives, a multi-billion dollar global industry. SITE provides educational seminars and information services to those who design, develop, promote, sell, administer, and operate motivational programs as an incentive to increase productivity in business. Currently SITE has over 2,100 members in 87 countries, with 35 local and regional chapters. Members represent corporate executives, incentive companies, destination management companies, travel & event planners, official tourist organizations, transportation companies, hotels and resorts, cruise lines, trade publications, and supporting organizations such as restaurants and visitors attractions. ... [ read more ]

Founded in 1962, the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) is the leading international association dedicated to improving productivity and performance in the workplace. ISPI represents more than 10,000 international and chapter members throughout the United States, Canada, and 40 other countries. ISPI's mission is to develop and recognize the proficiency of our members and advocate the use of Human Performance Technology. Assembling an Annual Conference & Expo and other educational events like the Institute, publishing books and periodicals, and supporting research are some of the ways ISPI works toward achieving this mission. ... [ read more ]

Keeping employees happy, productive and loyal is essential to the long-term health of any company. But generational differences in the workforce tend to complicate matters when it comes to essential elements of employee engagement such as rewards and recognition... [ read more ]

Tom McMullen, writing recently on the Hay Group blog, notes that a recent study of World@Work members found only 11% of organizations conduct a formal ROI assessment of their reward programs. However, 48% of respondents said they planned to more rigorously assess... [ read more ]

Given that the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) is charged with advancing the science of incentives, it surveyed industry professionals to obtain their opinions about the more salient trends affecting the industry during 2009 and leading into 2010. The IRF asked these professionals questions on trends with regard to incentive travel programs, merchandise non-cash programs, and budget changes forecast for 2010. Findings indicate that the trends are stabilizing for each of the core issues since March 2009. However, the trends remain significantly lower than in 2008. Survey participants expect more domestic than international destinations, "slightly smaller" budgets, and shorter stays for incentive travel in 2010. A majority of participants also expected decreased award values on the merchandise side. ... [ read more ]

Eight years ago, the $100 million candy company launched a biennial cruise incentive program, which has generated consistent sales increases and helped build a unified sales force. Each cruise is developed through a cooperative effort by Goelitz's sales management and marketing teams. The company's regional managers then introduce the programs and keep excitement building throughout the year. ... [ read more ]

To create a better synergy between those who choose suppliers (a dealer's parts department) and those who specify the product (the service department), the Aftermarket Division developed the "After Market Achievers" incentive program in conjunction with MotivAction, the Minneapolis-based full-service marketing company. The campaign rewarded parts and service managers, dealership employees, and field representatives for achieving specific goals. ... [ read more ]

Yvette Widdicombe, vice president of distributor Jack Nadel, Inc. (UPIC: NADELINC) in Palo Alto, California wanted to pamper her employees with a unique gift. After much thought, she decided on lounge pants with an accompanying spa bag and shirt.... [ read more ]

The audience KitchenAid targeted for this promotion included sales associates at retail appliance stores and KitchenAid account managers. Choosing the right incentive to appeal to this diverse group was a challenge. To reinforce the Western theme of "rounding up" sales, the awards included a choice of Omaha Steaks and a variety of "leather" products--shoes, luggage, briefcases, watches with leather bands, coats, etc. ... [ read more ]

Fortis chose a group travel program to accomplish their goals. Knowing their sales force consists of mostly well-traveled and highly cultured individuals who are offered a variety of travel incentives, Fortis knew the program destination would be key to their success. After analyzing the competition, Fortis chose Vienna, Austria, a high-end European destination known for its music, art, culture and history. Fortis Health leveraged this beautiful city's most notable image--music--with the development of its theme: Listen to the Sounds of Vienna. ... [ read more ]

LJ Hooker Financial Services was established in December 2003 to provide a mortgage broking service to real estate vendors and customers. LJ Hooker had informal relationships with 5000 agents and associated staff in Australia and another 1200 in New Zealand. Across the industry, the relationship between mortgage brokers and their referral contacts was largely based on cash transactions and varied widely in terms of process and value. Cash offers were vulnerable to competitive offers and ad hoc and different cash commission structures meant working with multiple managers and administrators without the benefit of a cohesive strategy or transparent management overview. LJ Hooker required a more structured platform to deploy their strategy to align real estate and finance broking to maximum effect.... [ read more ]

Manufacturers are sometimes cautious about the use of their brands in special markets. Obviously they want to maintain their brand integrity and avoid any impact consumer sales channels. This white paper from the Incentive Marketing Association (IMA), however, suggests that with basic safeguards in place, special markets like the incentive industry are “a win for the supplier, a win for the company, and a win for the employee.”... [ read more ]

This white paper delves into the mechanics of sales incentive programs, providing managers with useful information to design successful sales initiatives at their own companies and providing their corporate decision makers with hard evidence.... [ read more ]

The Marketing Agencies Association (MAA) provides members, primarily executives at promotion marketing agencies, with professional support, management development, research, and a forum for the exchange of ideas. The MAA website also provides a search function for marketers looking for a professional marketing agency.... [ read more ]

Measurement is a key element in any performance improvement effort and particularly to the development of any incentive or recognition plan. The intent of this paper, published in October 2010, is twofold: First, it updates a performance measurement methodology originally published in 1992 called the “Master Measurement Model of Employee Performance”; second, it addresses how to measure the short and long-term impact and ROI of incentive and recognition plans. This paper is targeted primarily at professionals who design incentive and reward programs, whether they are organizational staff or external consultants, as well as for those that support and implement the programs, whether they conduct training, deliver the rewards and incentives themselves, or manage the programs. ... [ read more ]

Results from the study Awards Selection: Insights from Managers, conducted by the Forum for People Performance Management and Measurement, sheds light on the efficacy of 12 distinct motivational tactics used by HR and marketing managers across many industries to achieve 10 specific organizational objectives.... [ read more ]

This report presents a series of cases involving companies that implemented sales incentive programs. It makes a case for the use of post-hoc or post-program measurement of ROI to demonstrate the impact of the programs on sales performance.... [ read more ]

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) the world's largest association of meeting planners, and meeting-industry suppliers, makes articles, books, and other research materials available through the MPI Resource Center. The resource center serves as a clearinghouse of information related to the meetings industry, and for a fee, depending on the nature of the research. MPI can offer information and articles on meeting planning companies, or rent lists of MPI members who provide professional meeting planning services. MPI publishes a monthly magazine, The Meeting Professional. MPI's publishing lineup also includes an annual membership directory that capsulizes late-breaking industry news. MPI has five special-interest groups, including one dedicated to sales and marketing. MPI maintains a "special interest group" for independent meeting planning companies. This group is currently the organization's fastest growing membership segment. MPI also publishes a monthly magazine, The Meeting Manager, which members receive free. MPI operates an online communications system, MPINet through CompuServe, which, as a networking and information resource for meeting planners and suppliers, allows meeting professionals to communicate with each other in a "private forum.” ... [ read more ]

The program was built around a point system. Wholesaler showroom personnel earned one point for every two sales; counterpersons received a point for every six sales. Points were redeemable for merchandise from an "MVP Awards Extravaganza" catalog. ... [ read more ]

A study on employee motivation and performance in the hospitality industry that looks at strategies for reducing employee turnover. ... [ read more ]

To assist dealers in meeting goals, Ford implemented a multipronged strategy that included launching new models, realigning prices for key models, increasing management support, re-evaluating advertising and promotion, and introducing "The Chairman's Challenge" incentive campaign. ... [ read more ]

The National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) serves the sporting goods industry by providing information, education and cost-saving services. In addition, NSGA serves as the voice of the retailer/dealer, speaking out on issues that affect sporting goods retailers/dealers. NSGA speaks out in its own publications, through its Board of Directors and by taking active roles in issues-based coalitions. ... [ read more ]