Softcat x Cisco
Sailing for success with a sales incentive travel programme.
Taking Softcat and Cisco on a voyage of ‘Ciscovery’ in Mauritius.
A vendor alliance sales incentive peaking in an exclusive experience that aligns with the premium tech brand Cisco.
The sales incentive was designed to educate, inspire and engage the Softcat sales team and create stronger relationships with Cisco.
It was a year in the build-up to this once-in-a-lifetime experience in Mauritius. Excitement was created with nautical-themed, office-based sales days and a halfway celebration, all topped with 5 days of bliss at a 5-star destination.
◆ 22 sales days across 11 UK offices
◆ Half-Year Mini Celebration at Sexy Fish, London, for sales team leaders.
◆ The sales incentive peaked with a jam-packed, luxury trip to Mauritius for 23 people.
◆ Included a CSR Activity giving back to a local community and wildlife.
◆ Moments of surprise and delight throughout.
What they say.
The challenge.
Cisco is a major technology manufacturer working with Softcat as a sales and distribution partner. The challenge was connecting Softcat to Cisco, positioning the brand above other leading tech providers and turning Softcat employees into advocates.
Finding a way to win hearts and minds is no easy feat, and a year-long sales incentive programme was just the fix. The aim was to present Cisco as a premium brand and hone in on the theme ‘voyage of discovery’ or “Ciscovery”. The play-on-words led to the tagline, “Set sail for success with Cisco”, helping to shape the incentive experience and theme.
The delivery.
The premium destination of Mauritius allowed the nautical theme to come to life and won the hearts of the Softcat sales team with the experience of a lifetime. Although Cisco and Softcat have been sales partners for many years, incentive rewards are crucial to strengthen relationships and keep the Cisco brand at the top of mind.
There were several rounds of activations each quarter to create excitement and drive determination amongst the sales team. The planned activities included a Mauritius-themed sales day and a halfway celebration, finishing with winners receiving 5 days of bliss in Mauritius.
The incentive winners received a VIP experience from the beginning, starting at Heathrow, which continued across all 5 days. Home for the next few days was The Lux Grand Baie resort, where new luxury meets tropical island living.
Special little touches and moments of delight were intertwined, such as gift vouchers at the airport for shopping, room drops with flip-flops, information packs, champagne and snacks, and spa and shopping credit at the resort. Everything was branded down to the smallest detail: branded and themed cocktails, menus, transport and all the experiences had special personalised touches.
The 5-day agenda was a balanced mix of excitement and relaxation. The activities showcased the best of Mauritius with added aspects of culture and giving back to the community with a CSR activity. It was a few action-packed days of speedboats, sunset Catamaran cruises, floating rum bars, fine dining, and local culture. The trip concluded with a special visit to the conservation reserve Ebony Forest. Softcat winners could explore the forest and leave their legacy by planting trees.
The impact.
The brief for the incentive trip was 100% met. asembl. designed and delivered a bespoke premium itinerary that fit the nautical theme of “A voyage of Discovery, Sail to Success with Cisco.”
Throughout the year-long activity, the Softcat team were made to feel special and became Cisco advocates. All parties obtained value from the incentive, resulting in positive word of mouth and enhanced relationships and memories between Softcat employees and Cisco partners that will last a lifetime.
