Any company that is reviewing its incentives and bonuses needs to keep an eye on the bottom line while simultaneously trying to find the best value possible for their spending dollar. It is simply a question of economics, but that does not necessarily mean that an affordable trip to Nebraska is going to seem attractive. A cruise on the other hand is almost always a great travel option worth considering and can be surprisingly affordable. Here’s why cruise travel should be on the incentive plan of any company with travel incentive options:

• Incentive cruises are all inclusive, meaning that they are incredibly easy to budget.
• All inclusive means no need to give spending money and collect receipts or give out a prepaid company credit card.
• Cruises are almost universally considered to be enjoyable which probably explains why they have been around for so long.
• Cruises can change the recipient(s) perceptions of the company dramatically, and not in the same way that a ‘fun’ vacation to Nebraska might do the same. A partner might become more amenable to agreements, an employee more loyal, a supplier more reliable, and so on.
• Regardless of the outcome of a cruise, the recipient is likely to sing the praises of the company to any and all that will hear. Nothing beats good word of mouth, nothing.

If you have your own planning business and have suffered over the summer, you’re in good company. Almost every business has reported less business. Even though things are picking up for most people at least to a small degree, things may have changed permanently for planners. You might have to change your methods, advertising, and even your day-to-day business activities to stay lean but productive.

However, one of the best things you can do for yourself–and your clients–is stay positive. Of course you have heard that all summer long. But there is a reason for this you may not have heard from anyone else. Besides keeping yourself emotionally and mentally healthy, it helps you keep your customers. Read the rest of this entry »