Saying it with chocolate

There are a few of them out there...people who don't like chocolate.

But for most of us, the rich flavor of a good chocolate makes any occasion better. Odds are, most of your employees and customers feel that way, too. So it only makes sense to treat them to the sweet stuff whenever you want to send a special message.

As a confirmed and unrepentant chocoholic, I am here to offer you some tips for slipping some chocolates into your thanks, congrats or invitations.

A gift of chocolate is perfect for:

• Saying thanks for a job well done
  
• Welcoming a new employee or team member
  
• Reminding employees about special events, such as Safety Month or a Customer Service initiative
  
• Rewarding new customers for their business
  
• Creating a memorable token for attendees to take home from conventions, meetings, grand openings or other significant events

In these days of tight budgets and vanishing perks, the sweet taste of a chocolate candy bar might be the sweetest way to tell employees or customers they matter to your business.

Motivating with humor...why a giggle may work better than a pat on the back

When you're trying to keep your employees motivated and engaged at work, but budgets are tight, consider the immortal words of Samuel J. Snodgrass, as he was about to be led to the guillotine, Make 'em laugh!

(Okay, so it was actually the late great Donald O'Connor in Singing in the Rain, but you get the message...)

The same message Snodgrass, via O'Connor directed towards actors and movie-makers applies to managers and supervisors. When times are tough and stress is high, when it comes to employee motivation, "Make 'em laugh!"

Example:

Someone has done a great job and you want to give them an award certificate. You could choose a standard "wow, you did an outstanding job certificate" Yawn. One more paper to file (or deep six.)

Or you could choose a ready-to-print certificate and have someone creative compose a funny award name and maybe a verse or limerick to convey your gratitude or admiration for what they've accomplished. THAT will make 'em laugh, AND get hung on the wall. Simple twist, big difference in the impact!

Another example

It's an employee anniversary or some other milestone, and you want to give them a small gift to let them know you appreciate their contribution. You could give them a pin or other token that proudly proclaims the number of years worked (does ANYONE actually wear those???)

Or, you could give them a pen that talks back to them, a silly desk toy or a Magic Eight Ball Desktop Advisor that will help with all those "tough decisions."

Which one will be used and looked at...the pin or the toy? Which one will actually motivate? It's simple...which one will Make 'em laugh??

It doesn't cost a lot to keep your employees happy. Just a giggle and a chuckle, a funny card, a silly toy -- and the sincere thank you behind it.