Your choice of crystal awards defines how recognition is remembered. An effective award is one that people recall long after the occasion, whereas an ineffective award results in even the most significant achievements being treated as a standard occurrence.
Awards represent the pinnacle of the occasion emotionally. The recipient remembers walking up to receive their award, not the meeting or schedule. For this reason, selecting the right EDCO corporate crystal awards requires far more consideration than simply flipping through a catalog at the eleventh hour.
Although crystal awards convey prestige and achievement, they do not consistently deliver as such unless certain common pitfalls are avoided. Here are mistakes to avoid:
1. Focusing Only on Price
Price is important; however, never allow it to dictate your decision regarding your selection. Thin crystal and/or poorly finished, cheaper awards will inevitably disappoint.
As stated by the Incentive Research Foundation, well-designed recognition programs result in higher levels of employee engagement and retention. Thus, cutting corners on the design of your award could detract from your overall goal.
You can balance price with quality. More often than not, a reasonable budget for an award will produce an award that the recipient will proudly display for years.
2. Choosing the Wrong Size or Design
There are two common mistakes made when selecting awards. One is to award a trophy that is too small, the other is to award an overly flashy trophy. While the former is perceived as insignificant and thus unimportant, the latter is seen as impractical.
Think about where the award will be displayed – whether on a desk, shelf, or in a case. Awards with simple, balanced designs age well and are less likely to appear outdated as compared to those with trendy shapes that will soon seem dated.
3. Overlooking Personalization Details
Personalized awards are not just a nicety – they provide the recipient with a sense of significance and importance. This is due in part to the fact that names, dates, and details are critical components of recognition.
Gallup has shown that employees who receive recognition that is relevant and sincere tend to have higher motivation and productivity. Errors in misspellings or vague wording, which can be easily accomplished during the engraving process, can immediately negate the positive impact created by the award.
Provide sufficient lead time for proofing to ensure that the engraving is thoughtful, accurate, and done in a timely manner.
4. Underestimating Lead Time
In addition to personalization, there is another mistake that can be made when creating custom awards. Rushing is an avoidable mistake. Custom awards require lead time for production and shipping, particularly during peak seasons.
Making late decisions limits the number of available choices and may increase costs. Give yourself sufficient lead time to allow you to make quality decisions.
5. Mismatching the Award With the Event Tone
As previously mentioned, awards should complement the purpose and nature of the event. For example, a classic crystal award may be suitable for a corporate anniversary, whereas a modern prize would be more suitable for a sales kickoff.
If the wrong type of award is selected, it will come across as awkward and out of place. Think about the audience, the environment, and the message you want to send.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize both quality and meaning, rather than just cost, when selecting awards.
- Select an award size and style appropriate for display locations and recipient preference.
- Personalization errors can undermine recognition.
- Allow ample time for planning and ordering to ensure the best outcome.
- Ensure the award’s design and tone are a match for the event and audience.
- Present awards with care and intention to create a memorable experience.
