Outline a strategy. Build the foundation of the incentive program carefully. Decide on the methodology to be used. Focus on and detail who is the target audience, and anyone else who will be affected by the program. Decide if the program is going to be employee or management driven.
Employee driven programs are the best and easiest to carry out.
Decide on the budget. Insure there are adequate resources available before starting the program. A program involving sales personnel will be different and usually costs more money. Establish quantifiable and qualitative goals that can be measured. Try to keep it as simple as possible.