Every corporation has incentive programs and new ones are starting all the time. So what do you do next? How do you get a conversation started with your client?

It's really much easier than you think. In any conversation you have with a client end with this phrase:

Can I help you with any recognition or incentive programs?

I can't count the number of times I've been working on a project and I casually mention what I'm doing to a friend and they answer "why didn't you tell me?". So often the help you need is right in front of your face but you just didn't stop to ask. This is the same with your corporate clients. For whatever reason they have a mental image of what projects you can help them with. Open their eyes to a new way you can help them.

Who Do you Contact in a Company?

The four main areas where program originate are:

• Executive Level
• Sales Department
• Marketing Department
• Human Resources 

Just about any program can start with someone at the executive level but they will not be responsible for managing the program. Sales departments run internal sales programs although they may also start a channel or distributor incentive program. The marketing department could be responsible for anything from an external sales program to a consumer program. Human resources is the main focus for service award programs or recognition programs. They may also start safety programs or this may be handled by the production department.

November and December are big corporate gift periods. In general this will be handled by each department individually so you have essentially 4 opportunities within every company to start pitching to.

Learn more about Corporate Gifts, Recognition Programs, and Incentive Programs.

Are you a big shot?