Author: Jeff Edwards

As Vice President of QIC, Jeff oversees daily operations as well as the company’s strategic marketing initiatives. He has 20+ years in the incentive and recognition industry with prior lengthy experience in retail marketing/advertising and consumer loyalty.

Forecasting Incentive Success

February 18, 2015 by

Forecasting Incentive SuccessWe don’t get much winter weather in Memphis.  It does get cold, but as with ice and snowfall – that is a relative term.  Even the cold is short lived however, and if you wait a couple of days things usually are much improved.  For example, we are expecting temperatures around zero tonight and tomorrow night with snow and ice on Friday.  Saturday’s forecast includes rain and temperatures in the 60’s.

We started this week with sleet, snow and ice and some of the lingering effects are still with us.  Temperatures during the day are in the upper twenties so it has taken a couple of days to dissipate, but sunny skies assisted with that yesterday and today.  Compared to other areas of the country that routinely measure feet of snowfall and sub-zero temperatures we aren’t even in the conversation.  Even so, inclement weather can be terribly disrupting when it isn’t routine.

Driving to the office and home this week has been interesting and a bit exciting.  As I considered my roadway experience some thoughts emerged that parallel incentive program implementation.  A safe and timely commute depends on several factors – all of which are important.

  • Be Informed- Know what to expect. Do your homework in the planning stages – like staying informed of current weather conditions and the immediate forecast.
  • Have a Plan- Just as you should consider road conditions. Don’t take the same route because you always do.  Lay out the best route for success.
  • Take it Slow- Rushing an incentive program launch can have negative results – just like driving too fast on icy roadways!
  • Continually Reassess- Monitor progress and make adjustments. Don’t be hesitant to tweak program rules – but make sure your changes are based on sound analysis.
  • Get Feedback- Find out how the program is perceived by recipients. Just as you should watch other drivers to determine how road conditions are affecting travel.
  • Have the Right Vehicle- Some vehicles don’t handle icy roadways well – just as some incentive vehicles aren’t going to be the best choice for some applications. My motorcycle has been in the garage all week!

How can we help?  Contact us at 800.621.9745 or here to discuss your existing or planned incentive program.

Demonstrating Appreciation

January 16, 2015 by

Recently I had reason to review Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and was pleased to discover this Compensation Café article by contributing author Derek Irvine (check out Derek’s blog here – highly recommended).  Maslow’s summary of needs, wants, fulfillment and self-actualization is well known and certainly relevant to employee recognition and improving employee engagement. Last… Read more »

Reflecting on Thanksgiving and Appreciation

December 3, 2014 by

Even though the Thanksgiving holiday is almost a week past, memories are still fresh enough that many are still talking about the good food, fellowship and festive spirit enjoyed.  Our appreciation of the blessings we often take for granted is heightened as we reflect on time spent with family and friends. Thanksgiving and appreciation for… Read more »

Recognition and a Consideration of Culture

August 21, 2014 by

It has become almost cliché when discussing recognition to speak in terms of a “culture” of recognition, “culture” of safety, “culture” of appreciation, or “culture” of excellence.  There is good reason for this (I also use the term often), as “culture” conveys a system-wide permeation of common values, behaviors and beliefs. Culture as defined by… Read more »