AMPlifying Your Message: In-house

No matter how impressive the incentive program, it will fail without a strong promotional campaign. The participants must be aware of the program and place it into their priorities in order for it to succeed. Brainstorm and form a central, cohesive, and creative theme that engages the participants and ties into the goals. Short sentences, action verbs, and clever slogans are great ideas to help keep the program in mind.

Launch Tools to Get the Word Out:

• Teaser: A letter or email telling your audience that something important is coming up. Include a small promotional product relating to the theme.

• Official Announcement: Make sure to clearly outline the program’s objectives, rules, and the awards.
  

• Kickoff: Try to reach as many participants as possible through various methods of communication. Use common areas for posters and videos. The internet can be used to send email messages from higher-ups. The company can hold informal rallies or give away CDs/DVDS promoting the program.
  

• Enrollment: Make sure participant information is accurate so all incentive materials and awards are delivered in a timely manner. Determine if administration or an outside company should handle the task of managing the program.
  

• Progress Reporting as Motivational Reminders: Send participants updates on their progress through email, online statements, or regular mail. Remind successful participants of what they are working for and for their colleagues that are behind, give them friendly reminders or advice for encouragement.

• Congratulatory Letters: Send everyone a letter from top management giving thanks for their efforts in supporting the program. Celebrate the achievements of the winners with a personal letter commending their excellent work.

The third quarter of each year is the time when most organizations are budgeting and planning for the next fiscal year… and should be including ways to promote their goals and vision for the company to their most important asset- their employees. Who do you need to motivate in order to achieve your goals for 2009?