Creative Ways to Reward Your AE for Closing Their Biggest Deal Yet

Account Executives (AEs) are the heart of any successful sales team. Their ability to connect with prospects, build trust, and close deals directly impacts your bottom line.

When an AE closes a significant deal—especially one that moves the needle for your business—it’s worth celebrating. But how do you reward their hard work in a way that feels meaningful and motivational?

This blog explores creative ways to reward your AEs when they close their biggest deals. These ideas go beyond simple bonuses, focusing on thoughtful gestures that acknowledge their effort and inspire continued success.

1. Public Recognition: Celebrate Their Win Loudly

Acknowledgment can be a powerful motivator. When an AE closes a big deal, take time to celebrate their achievement publicly.

Ideas for Public Recognition:

• Team Announcements: Share the success during a team meeting or in a company-wide email, highlighting their hard work and the impact of the deal.
• Social Media Spotlight: Post about the AE’s achievement on LinkedIn or your company’s internal communication platform.
• Award Ceremonies: Create a "Top Deal Closer" award and present it in front of peers.

Why It Works:
Public recognition shows the AE that their efforts are valued by the company and encourages others on the team to aim for similar achievements.

2. Experiential Rewards: Create Memorable Moments

Monetary rewards are great, but experiences create lasting memories. Consider gifting your AE an experience they’ll cherish.

Examples of Experiential Rewards:

• Concert or Event Tickets: Offer tickets to a concert, sports game, or theater show they’d enjoy.
• Weekend Getaway: Arrange a weekend stay at a luxury hotel or resort for them and a guest.
• Adventure Activities: Gift them an experience like skydiving, a cooking class, or a wine-tasting tour.

Why It Works:
Experiences leave a lasting impression and show you’re invested in rewarding their personal interests, not just their work achievements.

3. Professional Growth Opportunities: Invest in Their Future

Top-performing AEs often value opportunities to grow in their careers. Rewarding them with professional development resources can have a lasting impact.

Ideas for Professional Growth Rewards:

• Courses and Certifications: Fund a sales training program or a certification they’re interested in.
• Conferences and Events: Cover the costs for them to attend industry conferences or seminars.
• Mentorship Opportunities: Arrange for them to have one-on-one sessions with a senior leader or external expert in the field.

Why It Works:
By investing in their growth, you show your AE that you care about their career trajectory, not just their sales numbers.

4. Personalized Gifts: Show You Know Them

A personalized gift demonstrates thoughtfulness and appreciation. The key is to tailor it to the AE’s personality or interests.

Examples of Personalized Gifts:

• Hobby-Related Items: If they’re into fitness, consider high-end workout gear. For a foodie, a gourmet gift basket or a cooking gadget might be perfect.
• Custom Keepsakes: A customized trophy, plaque, or framed certificate commemorating their achievement.
• Subscriptions or Memberships: Offer a subscription to a streaming service, book club, or monthly snack box.

Why It Works:
Personalized gifts show you’ve paid attention to their preferences, making the reward feel genuine and meaningful.

5. Time Off: Reward Them with Rest

Closing a big deal often comes after weeks or months of hard work. Rewarding your AE with time to recharge can be both thoughtful and effective.

Ways to Offer Rest:

• Extra Paid Day Off: Give them a day (or two) to relax and enjoy their success.
• Workcation: Offer them a chance to work remotely from a desirable location for a week.
• Half-Day Fridays: As a short-term reward, consider giving them several Fridays off early.

Why It Works:
Time off shows you understand the effort they put in and value their well-being. It also helps them return to work energized and motivated.

6. Team Celebrations: Share the Joy

Closing a major deal often involves support from other team members, such as SDRs, marketing, or operations. Organizing a celebration for the entire team recognizes collective effort while putting the spotlight on the AE.

Celebration Ideas:

• Team Lunch or Dinner: Host a meal at a popular local restaurant.
• Office Party: Celebrate in the office with food, music, and awards.
• Remote Team Event: For distributed teams, consider a virtual happy hour or sending care packages.

Why It Works:
Team celebrations foster camaraderie, boost morale, and show everyone that success is a shared achievement.

7. Monetary Rewards: Bonuses with a Twist

While bonuses are a common reward, adding a creative element can make them more memorable.

Examples of Creative Bonuses:

• Tiered Bonus Structure: Offer additional rewards based on how far the AE exceeded their quota.
• Gift Cards: Pair the bonus with a gift card to their favorite store or restaurant.
• Charity Donations: Allow them to donate a portion of their bonus to a charity of their choice.

Why It Works:
Adding a personal or charitable twist to monetary rewards makes them feel more thoughtful and impactful.

8. Upscale Work Tools: Upgrade Their Gear

High-performing AEs often spend a lot of time with their tools. Reward them by upgrading their workspace or providing cutting-edge equipment.

Examples of Upscale Tools:

• Premium Headphones: Noise-canceling headphones like Bose or Sony models for better focus.
• Ergonomic Desk Setup: A high-quality chair or standing desk.
• Top-Tier Tech: An upgraded laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

Why It Works:
Enhanced tools not only show appreciation but also help improve their productivity and comfort at work.

9. Leadership Opportunities: Recognize Their Potential

For AEs with leadership aspirations, offering a chance to mentor or take on a leadership role can be a highly motivating reward.

Ideas for Leadership Rewards:

• Team Mentorship: Encourage them to mentor junior team members.
• Project Ownership: Assign them as the lead on a strategic initiative.
• Internal Recognition: Highlight their leadership qualities during team meetings or reviews.

Why It Works:
Leadership opportunities signal trust and investment in their growth, aligning their success with your organization’s future.

10. Customizable Rewards: Let Them Choose

Sometimes, the best reward is giving your AE the flexibility to pick what matters most to them.

How It Works:

• Reward Menu: Present them with a curated list of options, such as time off, a tech upgrade, or an experience.
• Points System: Allow them to earn and redeem points for various rewards.
• Open Choice: Provide a budget and let them choose how they’d like to use it.

Why It Works:
Customizable rewards ensure the AE gets something they truly value, increasing the impact of the gesture.

Final Thoughts

Rewarding your AEs for closing significant deals goes beyond monetary incentives. Creative, thoughtful rewards not only show appreciation but also motivate and inspire continued excellence.

By aligning the reward with the AE’s preferences and career goals, you can create a lasting impression that boosts morale and strengthens loyalty. Remember, celebrating success is not just about the reward—it’s about recognizing the effort and dedication that made it possible.