The Incentive Program for every new employee is basically the same program as “The Employee Challenge Program.” It allows the new employee to get involved immediately and to earn extra income.

The new employee will market to his family and friends by giving them the card that states: “Now you have a Friend at __________. SAVE $3.00 Just because your Friend is a Valued Employee at __________.” The employee will sign the card and it will expire 30 days from when they get the card.

New employees want their family and friends to know about their new job and the “Valued Employee Program” gives them an ideal opportunity to let their family and friends know that they work at your restaurant. It’s a Win/Win/Win Situation because:

• their family and friends receive a discount;
• the new employee feels important and
• the business attracts new customers.

To be the most effective, it is important that you sit down with the new employee and “train” them on how they are going to distribute the “You have a Friend” saving certificates. Do not assume they will know what to do. You also need to discuss “numbers” of the saving certificates that they are going to give to their family and friends; and by when they are going to get it done. Remember that goal-setting is a very powerful force and it is just natural for the new employee to accomplish more if you help them to set goals. You should actually discuss specific names and write them down along with the goal date for having the saving certificates placed with their family and friends. Also discuss how much additional money that they can make and teach them how to “sell” their family and friends into coming into the restaurant immediately.

To Exceed the Expectations of the guests, your employees must perform extraordinary service on a regular basis. Employees won’t strive to "Exceed the Expectations" of guests simply because you tell them to. You need to show them what it takes to Exceed the Expectations of the guests.

It is suggested that every new employee be given “Dinner For Two” at your Restaurant so they can experience first-hand what “WOW, Exceptional Service!” really is. I would also recommend that the individual that is going to train the new employee, after the manager does the initial training, be assigned as their server. The new employee will base his opinion of “WOW, Exceptional Service!” upon this dining experience. Once they’ve experienced it, it is easier to give.

Think about it. Is there any better way to train a new person? Do you have employees that can “dazzle” this new employee? If you want to set the proper example, shouldn’t this be the finest meal that the employee has ever eaten? Is this new employee going to be aware of your high standards for employee performance?

If you are going to expect this employee to provide extraordinary service, this dining experience must set the example for them to follow and to pattern their performance after it.

This must be a “performance” the new employee would want to follow. After this dinner, they should be excited and motivated. They should be anxious to start and be proud to be part of this service team, as well as, part of the restaurant team.

The new employee should be required to fill out a very detailed “Guest Satisfaction Survey” outlining the outstanding features of their dining experience, as well as, suggestions for improvement. It should be required to have the “New Employee” make at least one suggestion for improvement concerning their dining experience.

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