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Many businesses find themselves in a rut at some point. Work morale might be down, productivity goes down, and maybe sales revenue goes down. Management needs to come up with ways to fix the problem and encourage their employees, including sales contests. They can learn how sales contests can be fun and motivate workers.
As with other competitive events, sales contests are usually fun for the participants. The employees' competitive spirit and desire to win should increase their productivity and boost sales. New employees to the company and employees who have been struggling with their work might benefit from contests as they are a fun way to boost individual and team morale. If management decides on team competition, they can hopefully expect improved collaboration and a strengthened camaraderie between workers. The increase in number of potential clients and a boost in sales revenue remain the ultimate goal for these contests.
Management should choose the contest that best fits their needs or will benefit the company the most. Individual competition can be head-to-head (ie battle between two employees on who can make the most cold calls or set up the most client meetings) or where each individual tries to beat their own performance records (ie. break the record for most sales made in a week). Team competition can have team vs. team competition where employees from different departments compete against each other. Managers can also set up a bracket type contest where the winning team advances to the next round over a course of 2-3 weeks.
Before the contests begin, the rules and criteria need to be established and clearly communicated to the participants. For example, set a benchmark of a certain number of sales by the week's end. Don't put too much pressure on the participants but rather encourage them to do their best. Consider giving the employees visual boards to keep track of their progress. Management should hold periodic discussions where each worker's overall performance is evaluated and also ask for feedback about the contests.
The business and sales department heads should decide on the prizes before the contest starts. Make sure the prizes are realistic and fit the company's budget. The most common prizes are trophies or plaques with the winner's name printed on them. Gift cards and cash bonuses remain popular prizes as well. Other practical prizes include paid days off, a vacation package or points toward airline tickets, and electronic items such as Bluetooth speakers or smartwatch.
For more information on how sales contests can be fun and motivate workers, please contact one of our representatives at Brand RPM.