Whether your clients want to engage or praise employees, it’s always a good time to put reward and recognition programs on your radar.

While many companies may think twice about investing in recognition programs with the economy gone bust, the smart ones realize that even in tough times, recognition is crucial. It sends the message that recipients are valued, it reinforces desired behavior and it leads to improved performance.

Daryll Griffin, president of Norcross, Georgia-based distributor Accolades, Inc. (UPIC: ACCINC) says distributors can reap the rewards of creating outstanding recognition programs for their clients—if they do it right. “Recognition is not just a product—it is an entire appreciation program that includes an award,” Griffin says.

“We specialize in awards. It’s one of the biggest parts of our business,” she continues. “Recognition is very powerful, whether it’s a spoken word or the biggest award. Telling or showing people that you appreciate what they’ve done is a very humanistic thing to do.”

PPB asked Griffin to dish on what she’s learned about awards and recognition programs. Here are some of her top pointers:

There are several criteria with awards. “Always consider the recipient, the meaning, objective or purpose, the presentation and when you’ll need it.”

The type of award matters. “Think beyond traditional wall plaques. The more custom the award, the greater value it has to the client and recipient. Look at the theme or HR plan and design a complete program that involves an award and also other components.”

Don’t get bogged down by misconceptions. “Most distributors think awards are too expensive. They say, ‘I can never sell a $100 or $500 award.’ It really depends on the company or organization doing the recognition. It also depends on the budget, theme and rationale for giving it.”

Save budget talk for last. “If you’re working on a true recognition program, you’ll talk about budget last. If you work with a trophy shop, budget is one of the first things. Budget should always be discussed—it has to be—but it’s not one of the leading parts of the conversation.”

Public presentations are best. “The most powerful type of recognition takes place in front of your peers. If your boss hands you a plaque and nobody sees it, it doesn’t have the same wow factor.”

When you need employee awards and custom recognition gifts.  Visit our main site www.GallantGifts.com or www.AwardsbyGallant.com