Top 10 Sales Incentive Solutions in 2010

Sales managers know that salespeople love to win. Salespeople know that winning in a tough economy requires far greater effort, and they want their hard work to be rewarded and recognized by their managers. While sincere praise has its place, a well-deserved reward will lead to a boost in motivation and a greater commitment to stay at higher performance levels. Designing and running successful incentive programs demand a fine balance between art and science. To help sales managers identify the top sales-incentive solutions, Selling Power has chosen the top 10 incentive solutions that are known to deliver consistent bottom-line results.

Bass Pro Shops
Bass Pro Shops will appeal to anyone who enjoys the outdoors and seeks the best equipment for fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, and boating, plus famous-name, must-have clothing for all these activities. Add gift certificates to any of the Bass Pro Shops restaurants or its Big Cedar Lodge — a premier wilderness resort on Table Rock Lake with lodges, cabins, restaurants, riding stables, marina, and a golf course — to complete your incentive package. www.basspro.com

Best Buy® Gift Cards
Best Buy Gift Cards make a great incentive for reaching sales goals, winning contests and completing training. Let your sales teams choose the incentives that really motivate and inspire them: home entertainment and consumer electronics from Best Buy. With online ordering available, the program offers quick order. Corporategiftcards.BestBuy.com or call 1-877-370-1234.

Canon
For every hardworking salesperson who deserves a reward or incentive, Canon has a product to fit his or her lifestyle: digital cameras, SLR cameras, photo/multifunction printers, scanners, VIXIA HD camcorders, and calculators. Whether you”re showing customers how much you appreciate them, acknowledging how much you value employees, or recognizing channel partners for their teamwork, recipients will treasure these gifts. And Canon has an easy way to help you recognize the most deserving individuals: Canon”s Corporate Gifts Website, at www.usa.canon.com/corporategifts.

Esco
For more than 75 years, Esco has helped organizations create that special award that recognizes top performance, incredible success or achievements, or phenomenal contributions to a cause. Whatever the incentive goal, let Esco help you create that shining symbol — the one that can”t be purchased but must be earned. Its designers deliver unique and creative designs, and craftsmen ensure that your awards are made to the highest-quality standards. Need help with communication, administration, or Web-based solutions? Esco can assist with that, too. www.escoinc.com

ITAGroup
Since 1963, ITAGroup has been a dedicated leader in helping the world”s largest companies engage and motivate their sales forces, employees, channel partners, and customers through integrated, full-service, sales-incentive strategies; recognition initiatives; meetings; and events. Partnering with client companies from assessment through post-operation analysis, ITAGroup has built a worldwide reputation forinnovation, integrity, and results. In fact, the company backs its recommendations with a performance guarantee. www.itagroup.com

Maritz
The world has changed; have your incentive strategies? Your people are the smartest and fastest way to solve today”s unprecedented challenges. Maritz is a leader in studying the human sciences in business, and it applies its research and insights to every program. Maritz creates sales-incentive solutions that increase sales productivity and profitability, reinforce effective sales behaviors, and increase or maintain market share. Maritz can help you move your people and your business. www.maritz.com

Nike
The right gear can make a huge difference in your performance and comfort. You can shop Nike”s complete collection of footwear, apparel, and equipment specifically designed for your sport. Gear up at NIKETOWN, NikeFactoryStores, NikeWomen, Nike Store locations, NikeStore.com, and NIKEiD.com. Register online for Nike”s members-only store and exclusive access to limited-edition shoes. Enjoy free returns on all orders. Be a part of the design process and express your style by customizing your Nike product at NIKEiD.com. www.nike.com

Perks
Perks.com, an innovator of global, automated, sales-incentive solutions, helps leverage incentive budgets to maximize ROI. Through its global Web-based portal, Perks delivers personalized dashboards to all team members for an instant view of their overall performance and objectives, no matter where they are located. Perks” real-time reporting makes the typical spreadsheet reporting system look like something out of the middle ages. Increasing your team”s productivity and reducing your costs are at the core of Perks” value proposition. www.perks.com

Rymax
Rymax Marketing Services goes beyond clients” expectations to ignite potential, enhance communication, and drive behavior. It focuses on solutions to maximize the performance of employees, customers, and channel partners. Rymax is the incentive industry”s largest manufacturer”s representative for over 200 brands, giving it unparalleled access and value with an extensive array of brand-name merchandise. Rymax also provides additional services, including employee recognition programs, customer loyalty programs, and corporate gifts, to ensure client satisfaction. www.rymaxinc.com/sp

SVM
Show employees at all levels that they are appreciated for their hard work with gift cards. This quick, easy, and meaningful incentive demonstrates the company”s willingness to invest in its employees. Gift cards offer a unique gifting experience, allowing your recipient to select a gift of their choice while enhancing a positive relationship with the company. SVM has over 150 gift-card brands to meet the diverse lifestyles in your organization. www.svmcards.com