How to Motivate Your Employees (and Clients) This Summer!
An Invitation from the Albuquerque Sol to Company Leaders in New Mexico
Most companies and offices in New Mexico have a year end “Holiday Party” and perhaps 1 or 2 other gatherings in the office a year. These events are fun for some, but not for all, but generally serve their purpose. There is often the issue of whether or not to bring a +1 and if you need a babysitter…. And all those logistics.
This summer, people will take a week off perhaps or a long weekend or two to try to recharge. But that is the extent of most people’s summer break from the office, and frankly it is not enough to help raise morale at the office and keep people motivated to perform at their best while the weather is so nice outside in the Land of Enchantment.
We All Peek Out the Window
We spend more time looking through our window (if we are lucky enough to have one at our office) thinking of how we can’t wait to do something outdoors. Let’s face it, we live in a beautiful place with incredible weather and an endless amount of cool things to do outdoors. However, all summer, we are indoors from 9-5 with little motivation.
What is becoming a more common effective practice these days is hosting “Kid-Friendly” outings for staff, clients, partners and their families. Often, this needs someone dedicated to planning this event, and making sure that EVERYONE (parent, kids, clients) will enjoy it. That’s a tough job to accomplish, whether or not that is your job’s role. This event could be a BBQ, a pool party or a picnic in the park. It could also be a sporting event… but I’ll get back to that! J
So why aren’t these events being hosted by many companies in New Mexico? Here are the 3 main reasons I have found:
1. There is not enough time to plan for the event
2. There is not enough budget for an additional event or no budget at all
3. There is nobody to make the effort to do it
Perceived Value is the Most Important Thing to Your Staff
Value is only as good as perception. What I mean by that is that if you give someone a $20 Amazon gift card, they perceive a $20 value that they can use in a transaction. They will be appreciative for that $20 that they didn’t have before. They will make a purchase and unless it’s a groundbreaking purchase that will change their life, (hard to do with $20) it will be forgotten quickly. Not to mention, you are supporting Amazon and not a local business that helps create jobs here in New Mexico and improves our quality of life.
If you give someone a memorable experience, the perceived value of that action skyrockets! Think about the last time you went to the movies. Were your feelings/emotions the same as the last time you ate a $10 Green Chile Cheeseburger w/ fries from Chili’s? They are about the same cost, but they make you feel differently. A green chile cheeseburger for you at your desk could brighten your day (for a little bit) and fill you up, but is it the same feeling as after you and your significant other last went to the movies? The dollars spent were the same but the huge difference is that the experience was completely different. TPS Reports and Emails on your computer can’t compete with good ole fashioned Hollywood entertainment!
Sport is the Best Kind of Entertainment
The same holds true for sporting events. Sporting events take us to a different place. The fresh air and beautiful New Mexico evenings are the perfect environment for a night out with friends, co-workers, kids and our superiors at the office. Soccer, even moreso, transports us to this world of non-stop action and fierce athleticism and competition on beautiful grass. Let’s face it, if you don’t play soccer already, we at least all know someone who does play soccer. It’s the most popular participation sport for both kids and adults in New Mexico. Soccer just has it’s way of captivating you and taking you to that special place for 2 hours.
Budget or no budget the Albuquerque Sol has something great and memorable for you, your employees, your clients AND your whole family
Here at the Albuquerque Sol, we have a complete turn-key solution that overcomes those three main reasons why these types of events aren’t happening in your company.
1. We can plan these events for you with very short turnaround times. We have all the pieces in place for a turn-key event for you right away. We even have tools to help you communicate the event to your team members and clients.
2. We have special group prices specifically for company group outings to Sol games. For as little as $6 per person (depending on the size of the group) you can bring out a group to a Sol game. We have packages that have just tickets, packages with tickets & food & beverage or packages with catered food options
a. No budget at all… no problem! You can still enjoy a group night at a Sol game. Our group ticketing software allows you to send out an email to all of your employees and they can pay for their tickets individually, while still enjoying the same group discounts. Contact Us for more details on this program
3. We have a dedicated group sales team devoted to making your event run smoothly. No need to have an event planner, we do it all for you. Or, if you have one already, we are here to help when you need us.
A Game Day Experience at a Sol Game is Truly Memorable and Unique
From the involvement of locally operated non-profit foundations and charities to the locally cooked food and locally popped popcorn, a Sol game is a truly ‘New Mexico’ experience that your entire staff, their families and your clients will savor.
You will reap the rewards on Monday… when the team is back in the office!
Yours in Soccer,
Ron Patel
President – ABQ Sol FC
P.S: Send an email to Greg Allen, our head of Group Sales at [email protected] or call him at 505-510-2555 to see how you can improve the morale at your office.
P.P.S: Your staff deserves more chances to get out of the office and have a great time together. This will show them that they are appreciated don’t underappreciate your staff