The 10 Most Extreme Incentives

I'm constantly hearing how bad the economy is. How nobody is spending money. How businesses are closing, forcing people out of jobs. Isn't there any good news?

Now is the perfect time to get into you own business!

But, how will you attract new customers, clients, and associates to join you?

It used to be common, and still is in many cases, to use incentives such as rapid booking discounts, referral payments, refund checks, and so on. And they're all still widely-used.

But, the times are changing, and the internet is evolving. New products and services are rapidly becoming available, and they now require new, exciting incentives to get the potentials to buy or join up! Some companies, especially the home-based ones, are big on incentive marketing. They are looking for as many options as possible to throw at people, to convince them to join them on their own routes to success.

So, just what exactly are these new internet marketers using to convince people? Some of them are going to extreme lengths!

1. Supermarket gift certificates. With the downturn in the economy, and some struggling to put food on the table, supermarket gift certificate or savings are very much appreciated. And a very unusual award or thank you gift for just about anybody now.

2. Exclusive accompaniment. Another great incentive is to give something extra with the product or service that has to do with that product or service. Such as some blank cd's for a cd burner, luggage for a vacation, or glass cleaner for a computer monitor. It's sometimes that little extra something that makes people choose your item because the others don't come with that or any extra.

3. Store gift certificates. A fun and encouraging thank you gift for referrals is the store or mall gift certificate. Referral thank yous just are never enough, after all. In fact, you're lucky to even get a verbal thank you for some companies! Some, however, know that a certificate to your favourite store would really encourage you to refer as many people as possible! At $25 each referral, it might really start adding up!

4. Casino benefits. If you sell travel, and the person books a trip to Atlantic City, casino coins or coupons would be very enticing as a thank you, or as an incentive to book with you. Also, a Las Vegas vacation can be advertised with a limited-time-only $500 casino benefits special if you book before Labor Day, or something. That would certainly create a lot of interest in booking a Las Vegas vacation with you!

5. Personalized item for immediate or first few responses. Most people love to see their names on things. And the option of having something with your name right on it makes it a unique and very special incentive. Your name on the pocket of a polo shirt, or the inside of a book make them both very exciting incentives which are special to you. And, to have the author sign the book with a brief note added? That's really exciting! Suddenly, it becomes considerably more valuable than it would be unsigned!

6. Gasoline cards. Well, when gas was over $4.00 a barrel this would have been more of an enticement. But I think it still works very well, as many people in today's economy would like to save in every place possible, including at the pumps.

7. Restaurant gift certificates. Perhaps the store option wasn't good enough. People still like to go out to eat, so why not try a restaurant gift certificate or savings? Again, these are perfect for referral thank yous.

8. Jewelry. This may not be one of the most common incentives, but it certainly is one of the most rewarding to the recipient. Imagine having a contest, or just a thank you gift for buying the super upgrade package, and getting a $2,500 diamond ring, or a $400 watch. Of course, don't let those numbers scare you. You don't have to PAY that much to get them. That's only what they're worth!

9. Serial items. A sneaky way to get repeat customers is to start a series of related items, and allowing a new one to be purchased at each consecutive visit. think of this as book volumes, or a set of small kids' meal toys.

10. Travel. One of the newer options also. But this one is taking the incentive marketing scene by storm! Offering a 3-day vacation just for showing up to a sales presentation meeting, and an 8-day vacation if you join, is definitely an exciting incentive! Perhaps, you can even have a contest or game with the winner getting a fabulous vacation! Even better if all attendees get a little thank you gift.