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Have you ever received an award? Any award — a plaque, medal or even a simple certificate in recognition of your achievement in any field? Organizations such as schools, offices, government services and the military periodically hold award programs. These organizations aim to give due credit and recognition to individuals who did what was expected of them over a specific period of time, thus, positively contributing to the success of the organization by attaining various goals. Over the years, this kind of reward system has been practiced by various organizations to recognize outstanding achievement and excellence.

Hard work, perseverance and loyalty. These qualities are usually rewarded with various awards and recognition. Award programs have been institutionalized in schools, government units, offices and even the military. Recognition is given to individuals who have performed their duties and responsibilities exceedingly well over a specified period of time. Because these individuals helped in making their organizations better and stronger, recognizing their efforts is a way of giving thanks — a common practice in society even in the good old days.

Award programs are introduced as early as their first year in formal education, as outstanding students are given medals or certificates for getting excellent marks in a subject. Awards are also given in other extra-curricular activities such as sporting events, theater, and other subject specific tourneys such as spelling bees and marathon math contests.

Award programs are not just practiced in the academe but also in corporate settings such as in private companies and other government institutions. With the awards come other incentive program packages that deserving individuals can get. For instance, when you win an ‘Employee of the Year Award’ you not just get certificates or medals but also cash incentives and even scholarship grants for further study for you and your loved ones.

You will find many companies specializing in awards such as lapel pins, tie-tacks to extravagant rings and expensive watches. Look for samples on the Internet to get to know what award will suit the outstanding individuals of your organization. There are many samples available and the awards can be customized and personalized to suit your taste.

If you run a business, you know very well that you are interdependent on many others for the success of your business: clients, partners and contractors, among others. One of the best ways to thank these very important people, and to build and maintain good relations with them is to give corporate gift baskets. A gift basket shows the recipient that they are valued by your company, and will go a long way towards encouraging repeat business. Most businesses rely on repeat business - yours is no doubt one of them. A gift basket can build and strengthen these ties between you and your customers.

There are many ways to go about giving corporate gift baskets. First, think about what kind of budget or price range that you are willing to work with. How much can you spend per basket? An extremely nice gift basket can cost upwards of 250 dollars, while there are many smaller ones that are still quite sweet and tasteful that cost a quarter of that amount.

The second thing you should think about is what the gift basket you give should contain. Many gift baskets give a very standard offering of meat, cheese, luxury foods or candy, but you can always personalize it a little. Find a company that is willing to help you prepackage them, and when you do this, you can slip things like your corporate logo printed on a mug or a letter opener into the package. Remember that the primary goal of the gift basket is to make you and your company memorable to the people that you interact with and in doing so, foster repeat business and goodwill.

Don’t be timid about getting creative with your gift baskets. Add items that relate to your industry into the gift basket. What does your company sell or offer in terms of goods and services? Some industries will lend themselves to this more readily than others. The object though is to make sure that the person getting the basket be pleased with the gift.

You can opt to send just your largest clients, or to send them to your entire Rolodex. Not every basket need be opulent, you can give different baskets to different clients depending on the level of business you do with them. A gift basket doesn’t have to be enormous to get the message across.

Think about the message you want your gift basket to give your clients, and do your best to ensure that it conveys that message clearly. Your thoughtful gift can bring in a lot of business to your company.

Good volunteers are hard to find. For all the good intentions of most of them, it’s rare to find ones who really throw themselves into the cause and go above and beyond expectations. However without a little acknowledgement from the organization, volunteers can feel taken for granted and get burned out. Here are a few ways you can show how much you appreciate the people who work for you.

Say Thank You

This should go without saying, but it’s surprising how many organizations forget this little bit of courtesy. This doesn’t mean the off the cuff “thanks” that we all toss out without thinking. When a volunteer does something exceptional, take the time out to express your gratitude. This reminds both the volunteer and yourself how important this person’s contributions are to the organization.

You can take it a step further and give them something material yet inexpensive. A handwritten note or card adds meaning to your gesture. E-cards are another free option that let you show your feelings toward your valuable workers.

Banquets

Arrange a party to show everyone how much you care. It gives everyone a chance to relax and have fun and doesn’t have to be expensive. Schedule a pot luck or see if you can find an organization that can donate food or party supplies. Make decorations that reflect your organization’s theme. For example, a charity that helps children might have pictures of the kids you’ve helped on the walls or at the tables.

There are lots of great themes that can make it feel like a real celebration and not just some boring company party. Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Day, indoor “beach” parties, 50s nostalgia or other fun ideas make it a fun event.

Recognition Awards

Although non-profit organizations are often looking for ways to save money, sometimes it’s worth a few dollars to really make a statement about the value of your volunteers.

Engraved recognition awards give your special volunteer a keepsake they can treasure for years. You might choose a basic company award or spring for an elaborate crystal trophy. There are lots of affordable options out there.

Combine the last two ideas and present your recognition awards at a banquet in the recipient’s honor. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate affair but the volunteers will appreciate the extra step you take.

Whatever you choose to do, find some way to let your volunteers know how much they are worth to you. Even dedicated people may move on to organizations where they are more appreciated. Contrary to popular belief, volunteers aren’t unpaid workers. They are employees who have chosen to accept compensation in less tangible forms such as job satisfaction and appreciation for their efforts.

Don’t undervalue these members of your organization. Whether you opt for recognition awards or simple pats on the back, let them know how you really feel.

Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on recognition
awards, visit http://www.Allstar-Awards.com/.