Are you looking to motivate your sales team and reward top performers? An incentive trip might be just what you need. And it's never too early to start planning. In fact, the earlier you start, the better your chances of a successful and unforgettable experience. Planning ahead can make all the difference in terms of productivity and motivation, and can also save you money in the long run. So, let's dive into some tips and tricks for getting ahead on your incentive trip planning and boosting sales performance.
It’s a common misnomer that project planning takes more time. Good project planning is guaranteed to reduce stress, create efficiency and lead to better team harmony. It's never too early to start planning incentive trips. There is higher-than-ever demand for destinations hosting team offsites and digital nomads, so gone are the days of easy last-minute planning. You may think that it's a hassle to start planning now, but I can assure you, advance planning is a lifesaver!
But the most important reason for early incentive trip planning is to motivate your team. There's no better way to encourage your sales force to work harder than dangling the prospect of a tropical vacation in front of them. Trust me, everyone wants to work a little harder for a chance to sip a mai tai or mocktail on the beach or ski down a mountain slope.
Planning a corporate incentive trip can be a daunting task, but starting early can save you a lot of headaches down the line. Here are some tips to help you get ahead:
Planning your sales incentive trips in advance has many benefits that go beyond simply saving time and stress. The biggest perk of early planning is having a solid grasp on the budget. Nothing can ruin an incentive trip faster than running out of money and allocating budget to the “wrong” priorities. By getting ahead of the planning curve, you'll have plenty of time to assess the costs of the incentive trip, create a budget, and ensure you spend money where it matters most.
Another advantage of early planning is that it allows you to get early buy-in from your executive and accounting teams. This means you can avoid any unpleasant surprises that could crop up down the line. Having everyone onboard from the outset ensures that you're not making costly changes later that can potentially derail the whole incentive trip.
Planning ahead also gives you the time and opportunity to assess potential internal and external contingencies that could affect your incentive trip. There are many variables that can have an impact on your trip, but by being aware of them in advance, you can better position yourself for quick pivots if necessary.
If you can get all of the pieces in place, finalizing logistics becomes a breeze. You can avoid scrambling to find the perfect venue only to find all of your favorites are booked, or missing out on exciting activities because your favorite vendors are unavailable.
Incentive trips are such a great way to motivate and reward your team for their hard work. But, if you don't plan ahead, you can end up making some common incentive trip planning mistakes. Here are a few things to watch out for:
Problem: Not getting early buy-in from your executive and accounting team.
Solution: Before you start planning your incentive trip, make sure to get approval from your executive team and involve your accounting department in the process. This will help you avoid any surprises down the line.
Problem: Picking locations in extreme weather zones.
Solution: While it might be tempting to pick a destination based on its exotic appeal, don't forget to consider the weather. Make sure to pick a location with weather conditions that are conducive to your planned activities. We all want to believe “that thing” won’t happen to us, but the reality is, things do happen. Reduce risk wherever possible.
Problem: Forgetting you’re a host.
Solution: Remember, you are the host of the event and your attendees will look to you for guidance throughout the trip. Make sure to be present and engaged at all stages of the event to ensure your attendees have the best possible experience. Greeting guests with calm, joy and charm will set the stage for the entire event. If you’re stressed out and overwhelmed, your guests will feel it and it can negatively impact their experience.
Problem: Communication is not a priority.
Solution: Communication is key to a successful incentive trip. Make sure to communicate all details of the trip in advance, and provide attendees with all the necessary information they need to prepare for the trip. Think of everything you would want to know before you pack your bags, head to the airport, arrive at the hotel. Get ahead of your guests and help them think through what they will need to enjoy the experience.
Sales people can be a tough crowd; in particular, top sales experts are used to living the high life and typically have high expectations. But that's exactly why you should put extra effort into planning your sales incentive trip. It's not just a reward for hard work – it's an opportunity to inspire your team to perform even better and boost your bottom line. Afterall, sales drive your business!
The unique goal of an incentive trip is to pamper, thank, and inspire your top performers. Every decision you make, from the hotel to the activities, should support this goal. Think Four Seasons hospitality, but on steroids! You want your team to feel like royalty from the moment they arrive until they reluctantly leave.
And don't forget, a happy sales team is a productive sales team. If you treat them right, they will go above and beyond to exceed your expectations. Plus, an unforgettable incentive trip can keep them motivated long after they return to the office. So, don't hesitate to go all out with your incentive trip for employees. Whether you opt for a tropical paradise, an exotic adventure, or a luxurious escape, make sure it's an experience your team will never forget. And who knows? Your corporate incentive trip could be just what your team needs to take their performance to the next level.
Want to get a jump on your next incentive trip? Let’s chat and inspire your team with an unforgettable performance reward!
