Class:
Internal Promotion
Objective:
To increase sales and
production over previous year, improve morale during stressful time
of year, and recognize individual contributions.
Strategy and
Execution:
Instead of the
"Crisis Corridor" nickname for the hectic final three months of the
year for this catalogue-publishing company, the theme became
"Pandemonium," illustrated by "Amanda the Panda." Bright red
theme-imprinted cardigans were given to all 325 employees to kick
off the promotion. Departments "on deadline" wore cardigans so
others would "steer clear" or "lend a hand." The panda mascot also
initiated a development and achievement program which led to a
"Panda pick" from the panda piñata. This achievement was also noted
on a company-wide message board. In the panda piñata, fortune
cookies offered free goodies including lunch for two, movie tickets,
and free weekends at a resort hotel. Every other week, the panda
mascot visited each employee with a small gift, including a samurai
sword, pair of Chinese slippers with emblem, paper coolie hat,
automatic chop sticks, clip on panda, oriental fan, Chinese finger
trap and panda weepul.
Results:
All ten
publications achieved their sales and production deadlines, with
some exceeding sales goals; this enabled the company to ship and
bill an additional 100,000 catalogues. Over 30 employee suggestions
were received, with 11 adopted, saving the company
$8,800.
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