Japanese People as well as Japanese companies are well-known for being meticulous in their attention to detail.
This is nothing new and the tradition of focus on the fine details has been observed for centuries within Japanese art forms, ikebana (flower arrangement), kabuki theatre, ukiyo-e woodblock prints, and certainly when it comes to the preparation and presentation of its cuisine.
In a way, incentive planning in Japan is sculpted no differently than that witnessed over centuries in Japanese traditional fine art.
In catering to and providing motivational ideas and unique travel experiences to Japanese companies, the key to success is crafting each incentive trip, each sales convention and each award ceremony in a unique fashion, while meticulously planning banquets, shows, welcome gifts, and tours in a way that is personalised for the specific client.
If your client is in the automobile industry, why not show them first-hand what their SUVs can do off-roading over the dunes of the Sahara? If your client is in the fashion industry, why not take them to the fashion capital of the world, to witness a designer fashion show up close and personal for inspiration?
Certainly, all of us in the incentive business are witnessing travel budgets scaled down as the effects of the sluggish economy set in, and all of us have been forced to cut corners in the planning stages to adapt.
But unique, personal, incentive travel on a smaller scale with attention to detail and personality can go a long way in overcoming financial limitations, and in creating an unforgettable experience for your clients.
Personalised, name-inscribed welcome gifts from the tour destinations’ locals can go just as far in creating memories and motivation as bringing in the most expensive pop star to close out your tour.
After all, while expensive shows and acts may not appeal to everybody, sincere and thoughtful hospitality displayed through small details will connect with 100 percent of your clients` guests.
No two incentive programmes are the same, but I urge all incentive managers to incorporate the Japanese philosophy into their work: success lies not only in the method but in the fine details.
