The mind is very powerful and the influence of suggestion over it is just as strong. Often times, our minds have the tendency to affect the outcome of events before they even happen.
A recent article on Lifehacker entitled What We Expect Is What We Get explores new findings about the “Placebo Effect” and how people’s preconceptions about things and events influence how they turn out. While there are obviously other factors that go into the overall experience, a person’s attitude and perception have a lot to do with how they FEEL it went. As an incentive planner, you can use this to your advantage when coordinating incentive rewards.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a cruise?
Lavish? Extravagant? Adventurous? Once-in-a-lifetime? For many, a cruise is the ultimate experience in decadence. Deluxe accommodations, fine dining, non-stop entertainment, and exotic ports of call are all under one roof. Would it surprise you to know that the overall cost of a cruise is considerably less expensive than a comparable hotel stay with less of the amenities included? On average, the savings can range in upwards of 40% vs. a hotel trip for the same length of time. In addition, since most amenities are included in the price of the cruise fare, there’s little need for supplements or allowances. This not only makes the trip more pleasant for the employee but removes a significant burden from your Accounting Department.
More importantly, (and here’s where you use expectations to your advantage) your attendees will have assumed you’ve spared no expense to reward them for their hard efforts. For a good majority who have never been on a cruise, it’s a dream vacation that seems out of reach. The reality is that it is very much within yours and making it happen will not only make them feel special but also instill a sense of pride and loyalty to your organization that will be reaped for years to come.
When it comes to fulfilling high expectations, it’s hard to go wrong with a cruise. With an ample variety of destinations, ships with every amenity you can think of (and some you never imagined), and a wide selection of itinerary lengths, a cruise is your ideal solution for incentive travel rewards.
