Cash is bad … for using as a premium or incentive.

If you give a cash bonus, a cash prize or a cash incentive, here is what happens:

The recipient spends it!

The recipient will spend the cash on groceries, a credit card bill, or this month’s mortgage – and your cash is quickly forgotten.

Instead of offering cash, offer something with long-term memory value.

For example, give a trip. The memories of a trip will last a lifetime – and the memories are always associated with you.

Give them a children’s book. Every time their child reads the book, they’ll think of you.

Give a memorable evening out complete with a limo, a nice meal, and a show.

Give a banquet in their honor.

Give a watch, a special pendant, clothing, a plaque, or anything that has longer-lasting memory power than cash.

You’ll want the maximum leverage from your premium or incentive.