Personalization is a big part of our every day lives. From the way we travel and the cars we drive to how we reward those who work for us, it’s all about making people feel like they are not just a number. And while gift cards may not have been considered a personal reward option in the past, today they have certainly proven that when it comes to the power of personalization, they too can get the job done.

Personalization is all about strengthening relationships by creating unique product offerings or experiences for each and every customer. Nowadays, when you buy a book or movie online, not only does the website address you by name, but often they recommend other books or movies you may like based on previous purchases. It’s this type of exchange that shows a consumer that as a company, you know them, understand them and want them to ultimately find exactly what they want and need.

So how can you apply this same approach to the world of corporate rewards and incentives? While it’s impossible for you to get out there and hand pick a personal gift for every member of a team of 500, you can still reward them in a way that is just as meaningful. Cash bonuses are always appreciated, but a gift card that is well timed with the right message attached to it can certainly get the team motivated too. In fact recognizing the actual work that was done can often be more valuable to the employee than the actual value of the gift.

Hbc Gift Cards has really taken the concept of personalization to new levels. With each gift card, you can add your own imagery and personal message, which really allows the recipient to feel like the card is meant just for him or her. And the best part is that recipients can then redeem the card for something they really want – something they will have an emotional connection to for years to come.

So what about things like electronics, travel vouchers and cold hard cash? Are these traditional favourites still good incentives options too? Well they can be. But what Hbc Gift Cards really allow you to do is offer more than a reward, it lets you offer an experience. And it’s an experience that you get to be part of too. From choosing different graphics for different departments to tailoring the message in just the right way, you have total control and flexibility over your own rewards and incentives program.

While rewards and incentives options are changing everyday, so too are the perceptions regarding gift cards. Gone are the days when they were considered impersonal gestures.  Today, these tiny tools pack a huge punch when it comes to personalization and results. You can give them to customers, employees and anyone else who helps you build your business. And when recipients get to redeem their gift card for that sweater, camera or CD they’ve had their eye on, it’s as if you went out and personally picked it for them.

If you’re a small business and having a hard time figuring out how to incent employees, take a look at this article. It has some great ideas for ways a small business can create incentives for staff without dishing out big bonuses.

Read the full article here.

Interested in going from a shade of light green to a darker one?

Here are a few ways to make your life greener and our planet cleaner.

The Green Mile

We all need to get from point A to point B, but there are ways to do it in a more eco friendly way. If you’re currently driving to work in an SUV by yourself, you can instantly upgrade to a darker green by adding one passenger to your car or taking public transportation a few days a week. To be medium green, trade in the SUV for a hybrid or ride your bike to work. Remember, it ain’t easy being green.

Get Your Greens

When it comes to food, some goods make us greener than others. Local organic food is a greener choice because it doesn’t use harmful chemicals or pesticides and isn’t transported in gas guzzling trucks like store-bought goods. To go from light to medium green, shop at farmers markets and buy organic. To go a shade darker, start growing your own veggies in your backyard.

Home Sweet Green Home

Your home is a really great place to get greener. If you’re the light green type who has been recycling and using energy efficient light bulbs, you can really kick things into high gear by switching to energy star appliances and windows. If you want an even darker green abode, try switching to formaldehyde-free kitchen cabinets and non-toxic paint. And when it comes to the yard, the grass really shouldn’t be greener. Get a shade darker by limiting lawn chemicals and fertilizers.