Year: 2017

3 free iPhone and Android apps that pay you money to shop

Posted on by Kick Writers

I’ve been a dedicated shopper since I was a teenager. Okay, so maybe dedicated is just a nice way of saying that when I was in high school, I wanted to spend as much time as I possibly could at my favorite stores, looking at new tops, trying on jeans, and chatting with the sales associates about which season I am (I’m an Autumn, BTW).

android apps that pay you to shopIt’s hard to imagine now that I have kiddos and a career, but I spent a lot of time at malls, often just to be seen and hang out. My girlfriends and I would start most weekends with our regular Friday trip to the food court, then we’d hit up American Eagle, Forever 21, PacSun—you know, the teen classics. Occasionally we’d buy something. but usually we’d just browse—that was the joy of shopping! A joy that has now become a lifelong dedication to having fun while I survey the racks—although not nearly as often as I used to.

These days, while I still like to get together with my BFFs and go for a Sunday browse through the mall, my shopping sidekick is usually my smartphone, a few favorite apps, and a toddler. If someone would have said to my teenage self, “Someday, there will be iPhone and Android apps that pay you money to shop your favorite stores,” first, I would have asked, “What’s an Android?” But, once I wrapped my head around the future of technology, I would have said, “Pinch me, I must be dreaming!”

I mean, getting paid to go to stores I love to go to anyway…could there be anything better? In my opinion, not really—except maybe sharing my three favorite free iPhone and Android apps that pay money with you, so we can all spend more time out in the stores having fun and earning rewards together! Before I get started with my list, though, maybe you should pinch yourself so you know you’re not dreaming!

Receipt Hog: An Easy iPhone and Android App That Pays

I was drawn to this app right away because of the name. I pictured a cute little pig carrying a purse brimming with receipts, trying to collect as many as she can. That’s not exactly how this apps works, although gathering receipts is part of it. You don’t have to hold onto them and keep them all to yourself, though.

Instead, like all my favorite shopping rewards apps, you can use Receipt Hog when you go out shopping with your ladies. All you have to do is take a photo of your receipt after making a purchase. It could be for groceries, new clothes, makeup at Target, light bulbs at Home Depot—everything is eligible.

Also, like all the best free shopping apps that pay, this one makes earning rewards fun. After you take a picture of your receipts, you get to take a paid survey or play a cool little slot machine game for prizes or coins. These are then traded in for cash or Amazon gift cards. Fun and easy!

Ebates: Get Paid Money From an iPhone or Android App

The name for this one makes me think back to my shopping days in high school, specifically to the times that my friends and I couldn’t find something we wanted at our favorite stores so we had to fire up AOL and look online instead. When we still couldn’t find something at a traditional web store, we looked for it on eBay!

Except for the name—Ebates—this app doesn’t have much in common with eBay, but my ladies and I like to use it just as much. With Ebates, you can get up to 25 percent cash back on things you buy from your favorite stores. Oh, and, coincidentally, you can also get cash back on some eBay purchases, too! I guess I’m not the only one who thinks about eBay when she hears Ebates.

Shopkick: The Best iPhone and Android App That Pays You Money to Shop

The name Shopkick makes me think about myself out shopping, wearing a karate suit and kicking items into my cart as I go like some kind of shopping ninja. Shopkick is another great iPhone and Android app that pays you money to shop at your favorite stores—and even pays you to grocery shop.

It’s a little different than the other two I like to use, though. With my other two apps, the rewards only add up once I’ve made a purchase (or ten). With Shopkick, I get points (called kicks, hi-ya!) for the shopping activities I do every day, like walking into my favorite stores, scanning barcodes of featured items, and, of course, buying and trying out new brands and products. It’s my high school self’s dream come true!

Here’s a pro tip if you just can’t decide which app to pick: you can use multiple rebate apps to maximize rewards. For example, I like to use Shopkick while I’m in the store, racking up points that I can cash in for gift cards later. Then, when I get home, I like to take pictures of my receipts and double my rewards by claiming them both on Shopkick and Receipt Hog. It’s a win-win!

I might be dating myself but, when I was in high school, spending hours looking at every rack in Forever 21, apps weren’t quite yet a thing. Little did I realize then that iPhone and Android apps that pay you money to shop at your favorite stores would become a reality, one that would help me take my shopping game to the next level.

It’s a lot of fun to use these apps, too. Shopkick is my favorite, though, because you can literally earn rewards for shopping anytime, anywhere; it turns every trip to the store into a little scavenger hunt for points. It also has a really active social networking scene; you can go on Shopkick’s Facebook page to share tips about shopping or other daily mom stuff (like what the heck to feed your picky eaters). In fact, I’ve never thought about this before, but it feels a little bit like it used to back in the day hanging out at the mall with my girls!

Ready to explore the best iPhone and Android apps that pay you money for shopping—and have fun doing it? Download Shopkick for free and join a community of loyal Shopkickers who’ve already discovered the rewards of shopping with us.

And, if you love social media as much as you love being a rack hound, join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for daily shopping inspiration.

Image courtesy monkeybusinessimages

Free Android and iPhone Apps That Make You Money While You Shop

Posted on by Kick Writers

I consider myself a solid shopper — efficient, focused, and fast. Grocery runs? I treat them like a personal race. In and out. Cart full. Mission complete. But honestly, shopping has always felt more like an obstacle between me and the fun stuff — work, family, fantasy football. 

That changed when I discovered shopping apps that actually pay you to shop. Suddenly, errands feel more like a game — complete with points, missions, and yes, real rewards. My wife and I even turned it into a friendly competition. Here are three of my favorite money-making apps for iPhone and Android: 

1. Shopkick – Best All-Around App for Earning While You Shop

Available on: iPhone & Android
Why I use it: Shopkick turns every trip to Target, Walmart, or the grocery store into a scavenger hunt. You earn “kicks” just for walking in, scanning items, or making a purchase. Those kicks turn into free gift cards. Easy. Fun. Surprisingly addictive. 

Bonus: I keep Shopkick open while I’m out—push notifications let me know when there’s a chance to earn nearby. It’s the one app I consistently use every week. 

 

2. Mobee – Mystery Shop for Coffee Money

Available on: iPhone & Android
Why I use it: Mobee gives you “missions” to complete at local stores — things like answering questions about service or snapping a quick photo of a display. Most missions earn 250–750 points, and 500 points = a gift card. I usually cash out for Starbucks. 

Pro tip: It feels like playing Inspector Gadget in real life, and the missions are easy to fit into regular errands. 

 

3. Slidejoy – Make Money from Your Lock Screen

Available on: Android only
Why I used it: Slidejoy replaces your lock screen with rotating ads. You don’t even have to interact with them — just swipe like normal and earn passive income (up to $10–$15/month). 

Heads up: It’s Android-only. I had to say goodbye when I switched to iPhone, but while I had it, it was a fun, set-it-and-forget-it app. 

 

Now, my weekly Target runs are part shopping trip, part point-chasing challenge. I use apps for everything — from checking fantasy scores to booking flights — so it only makes sense to add “getting paid to shop” to the list. 

 

Ready to level up your errands?
Download the Shopkick app and start earning free gift cards with every store visit. 

Why the Best QSR Rewards Programs Must Be Mobile

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Why the Best QSR Rewards Programs Must Be Mobile

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Quick service restaurant (QSR) brands have a lot of opportunities in today’s fast-paced market, but must be poised to take advantage of them—and in a way that resonates with consumers. Consumers aren’t as patient as they used to be. Many no longer sit through commercials, send letters, or wait more than a few days to receive their online orders. It stands to reason, then, that QSR brands, with their efficiency-based business model, are particularly appealing to them.

However, with that speed comes a challenge: a consumer’s decision about which QSR brand to patronize is often made in mere seconds. QSR brands have a very slim window of opportunity to appeal to potential customers. This is why their rewards programs must be mobile, so they can be as accessible as the brands themselves.

Rewards programs that make life more convenient for QSR customers can be powerful drivers for increasing market share. Consumers want to be able to collect points, find locations, and get more information on company products right from their phones. QSR brands that offer those resources, via rewards programs on a mobile app, are the ones who will have the edge in the split-second decisions about tacos versus burgers and fries.

The Factors Affecting Which QSR Brands Consumers Choose

QSR brands face a challenge that’s entirely unique to them when compared to other models in the foodservice industry: When consumers choose a QSR brand, they do so impulsively. One study showed that less than half of those who dined out at a QSR left the house with the main intention of eating at one. Generally, when someone is destination dining, i.e. when their specific reason for going out is to eat at a restaurant, they do so with full-service restaurants. QSR brands are usually just one stop that a consumer will make while they’re out shopping, running errands, or headed to an ultimate destination.

Specifically, consumers choose QSR brands based on:

Convenience:

Convenience is the number one factor in why a consumer chooses one QSR over another, with 48% of eaters choosing a restaurant based on simplicity alone. This encompasses many considerations, like short wait times and accessible locations. It can also include the availability of online menus and ordering opportunities that allow consumers to place an order in advance and pick up their items without having to wait.

Loyalty:

Despite the fact that only about half of consumers specifically went out with the intention of eating at a QSR, once they had made the decision, about 78% knew exactly where they wanted to go. This indicates that quick service customers are a loyal group and tend to stick with brands they are familiar with.

Food preference:

Menu options were a factor for about 32% of consumers that chose a QSR, for obvious reasons. One area where this is becoming more significant is that an increased number of consumers are now seeking options with less artificial ingredients, which is why many in the industry are eliminating everything from GMOs to additives and preservatives. As ingredients are very important to customers, being able to give them this information via mobile can help create an edge.

Price:

While price would be expected to be a primary driver in QSR decision making, it’s surprisingly low on the list. In fact, it was noted that only 12% of consumers use price as a primary motivator.

When setting up a QSR rewards program, it’s important to understand why consumers choose QSR in the first place: convenience. If the consumer must go to a website, keep receipts, or hold onto a punch card, you’re probably not going to see a lot of engagement through the program. Customers should be able to easily participate and enjoy the benefits without having to take a lot of steps to use them. A mobile rewards program is ideal for this as it delivers your brand’s message when the consumer is most likely to pay attention to it.

Following Consumers With a QSR Mobile Rewards Program Campaign

These days, rewards programs must be mobile to make an impact. Mobile rewards programs offer your brand the ability to deliver timely messages while the consumer is likely to visit a QSR. Taco Bell is one such brand that has used the convenience of mobile rewards apps to improve conversion—even using it to boost participation in a fundraising event—and is constantly testing out new avenues to drive market share.

A recent example of this occurred through the brand’s mobile-based Location for Good campaign. Taco Bell used its smartphone-based rewards program to notify users of an upcoming event designed to raise funds for its Live Más scholarship. Users of the rewards app were notified via a personalized mobile ad that portions of the purchases of the Doritos Locos taco would be paid into the program over a two-week period. The message was sent when users were close to a participating location. As a result, the brand increased store visits in the US by about 170,000 in two weeks. One out of every four of their rewards users participated.

As convenience was the primary driver, sending a targeted, personalized message as consumers were close to a location improved their fundraising efforts. This is a strategy all QSR brands can use to increase sales and market share as the power of mobile will allow them to leverage convenience as a conversion driver.

What Customers Want From the Best QSR Mobile Rewards Programs

Mobile rewards programs aren’t simply beneficial for gaining the consumer’s attention through timely advertising. Nearly one-third of consumers use mobile almost every time they visit a QSR. Many of these rewards programs offer amenities that consumers want, which can be used to increase the size of their order and the frequency of their visits. The most engaging features are:

Menu browsing:

Consumers who use mobile rewards apps want to be able to review all the offerings of a location on their phones. This should also include ingredients, calorie counts, and other specifics about menu items.

Location searching:

This is possibly one of the easiest parts of a mobile app to leverage thanks to the regular use of GPS via smartphones. Consumers want to be able to search for locations, not in a specific zip code or city but, instead, they want to be able to view location options based on where they are physically located in the moment.

Order placement:

The most important aspect of QSR brands’ delivery is the speed of service. Consumers do not want to wait in long lines for their food. This is why mobile options that allow them to order and pick up quickly are highly appealing.

Rewards tracking:

Of course, the main reason a consumer will use a rewards program is to gain points for their purchases. As such, they want to join programs that give them the opportunity to track rewards easily. Using mobile allows them to easily collect and track their rewards points without having to save receipts or carry a membership card. Easy access to their rewards encourages them to participate.

One surprising statistic about those who frequently visit QSR brands is that 85% would visit certain QSR brands more often if the QSR offered apps that improved their experience. That tells us there is a lot of opportunity not just for sales in QSR apps, but for gaining market share via these apps as well.

How Offering Mobile Rewards Programs Benefits QSR Brands

Aside from simply getting consumers through the door, mobile-based rewards programs offer brands additional opportunities to grow their market share, engage customers, and increase revenue. Mobile-based programs allow QSR brands to follow customers through their day, giving them the opportunity to create an ongoing relationship. Interacting with a consumer through a rewards program can:

Increase basket size:

The convenience of mobile ordering and menu browsing can create a major avenue for stores to increase sales. Taco Bell reported seeing a 30% higher average checkout via mobile when compared to in-store ordering. Giving consumers more time to browse the menu, at their convenience, is likely a strong reason why more money is spent via this avenue.

Drive future visits:

Using mobile location-based advertising can encourage undecided consumers to choose a specific location. As most consumers who choose QSR don’t decide ahead of time, in-the-moment advertising allows brands to reach out to them during that short window of opportunity. As it was noted that QSR customers are often very loyal, sometimes getting them through the door once is enough to keep them coming back time and time again.

Create permissive use:

Rewards programs are ideal for gaining an attentive audience for advertisements, as consumers expect to receive them and opt-in as part of the program. This allows QSRs to reach out to them for future promotions and events, which creates an ongoing benefit for both the user and the brand.

Improve brand perception:

When a rewards program is used in conjunction with a fundraiser, like in the example of Taco Bell, this creates a unique opportunity to allow consumers to give back by shopping. The mobile notification of the event makes it convenient, encouraging more customers to participate. And, effectively marketing the event improves public perception of the brand.

Offer customer insights:

Another benefit that can’t be denied is the data which can be leveraged by offering mobile-based rewards programs. Instead of just knowing which stores make the most revenue, brands can gain actionable insights to see exactly where these consumers are coming from and increase their advertising in those areas. For example, if the brand notices a high number of consumers coming from a nearby shopping plaza, they may decide to distribute flyers or put up signs in that area to improve conversion. The data gained from mobile rewards programs can then be easily used to inform future marketing plans.

These are just a few of the reasons why mobile shopping rewards programs work for QSR brands. Mobile is the key, though, as consumers don’t research QSR brands in advance. They decide on the go, as they’re out and about completing their daily tasks. As the only opportunity you’ll have to connect with them may be via mobile, this is the medium you must leverage for delivering your brand’s message. To reduce the expense of this while taking advantage of the benefits, some QSR brands choose to partner with third-party apps.

Third-Party Apps and QSR Brands

When trying to decide how to roll out a mobile campaign, marketers generally have two choices: they can create an in-house app or they can partner with a third-party solution. Sometimes, they choose to do a combination of the two by using their own app in conjunction with one or more additional platforms. This is the approach Taco Bell took during its scholarship campaign. It’s also one frequently chosen by brands that have underperforming in-house rewards apps.

The problem with effectively leveraging a mobile app created solely for an individual QSR is adoption. To gain users for a branded app, you have to get them in the door in the first place. That’s not practical for reaching out to a customer who has never tried your brand because QSR customers tend to stick with what they know—unless they’re given a reason to try something new. However, third-party apps that combine rewards programs from several different brands can be used to reach new target audiences.

As a third-party app will often combine many different brands under one rewards program, consumers will likely be using them when they’re out shopping. This creates a cross-marketing opportunity: when that consumer decides to go to a QSR, they’ll probably turn to that app for a suggestion.

Using a third-party app also helps offset the cost of launching an app while simultaneously exposing your brand to that app’s existing and active audience. This is how you can get your brand’s mobile message in front of consumers who may have never tried it before. Leveraging third-party relationships can allow you to take advantage of everything mobile advertising has to offer—without having to worry about the tricky element of adoption.

It’s clear that one of the best opportunities for QSR brand growth comes from mobile rewards programs. QSR patrons make the decisions of where they’re going to eat in only moments. If you can get your brand’s message in front of them during those moments, you can get them through your doors. A high performing third-party app can be your best ally in taking advantage of a mobile rewards program.

Shopkick’s platform is designed specifically for working with customers on the move. Our partners see the benefit of mobile rewards programs through access to our diverse, active audience. To get in touch with our team about how you can become a partner, contact us today.

Posted in b2b

Join the #HolidayShopkicking Twitter Party for a chance to win major prizes

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We’re counting down to Black Friday and Cyber Monday with an epic #HolidayShopkicking Twitter Party!  Join us on Monday, November 20 at 10am PST (1pm EST) for the chance to win gift cards and major prizes to start your holiday shopping off with a bang.

 

What’s a Twitter Party?

A Twitter Party is a chat on Twitter where people come together to share stories and advice, and can win prizes all hour long!

Follow Shopkick on TwitterSTEP 1:

Follow @Shopkick and the conversation through the party hashtag #HolidayShopkicking.

 

 

Question Screenshot on Shopkick Twitter Party STEP 2: 

Look out for numbered questions from @Shopkick to answer. Questions will come in the form of Q1: [Question].

Ex: Q1: Are you joining the party?

 

User responding to Twitter Shopkicking Party

STEP 3:

Reply to each question with the hashtags #HolidayShopkicking and #Sweepstakes in the format A1: [Your answer].

Ex: A1: Of course I’m joining the party! #HolidayShopkicking #Sweepstakes

 

Our favorite answers will win prizes throughout the hour

Holiday Shopkicking Twitter Party prizes

We have some great prizes lined up for Twitter party winners! The grand prize is a 4K TV which will be perfect for watching the game or binge-watching your favorite show in super high definition. Other prizes include a Hallmark keepsake ornament gift set, Watch Station gift box set, a $100 gift card to Boxed, and four $50 gift cards to Carter’s and Oshkosh. We’ll also be giving away gift cards to Walmart, Amazon, Starbucks, and Best Buy, plus thousands of kicks!

You can read the official rules here.


Can’t see the form properly?
Open it in a new tab.

 

Don’t forget: you need Shopkick to get kicks! Don’t have the app? Download it today!

How Retail In-Store Apps Are Reshaping Modern CPG Marketing

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Although it’s a hot topic, in-store advertising is not a new or rare practice. Consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands do it all the time since retail spaces are often the best locations for them to grow. Typically this is done by negotiating the best spot on the shelf or by putting up in-store displays and ads. However, it is becoming more common for brands to advertise in-store using mobile apps.

rewards program apps for retail storesThese apps can interact with beacons within a retail location, delivering offers to the consumer once they are within a certain proximity to the store, working in accordance with GPS tracking. This is particularly effective since 59% of consumers are using their mobile devices while they’re out doing their weekly grocery shopping.

While advertising through a mobile app offers a direct line to the customer, it still needs to effectively grab their attention. Brands must find ways to leverage in-store experiences to get consumers interested in trying their products. Finding a unique slant on this is paramount to creating a successful campaign. Luckily, more than a few brands have built effective conversion strategies and have created unique experiences that you can use with your in-store mobile marketing plans.  

How Top Brands Leverage In-Store Mobile Advertising

In-store mobile-based marketing is a relatively new marketing avenue, so many brands are approaching this medium with pilots. In-store events, advertisements, and offers have been developed by many different brands with varying levels of success. Additionally, in-store beacon technology is enabling these campaigns to be more successful.  These are some of the tactics that the most successful brands use to take advantage of these innovations:

  • Exclusive location-based offers: One way that Best Buy drove adoption of its rewards program was by using it to push in-store mobile marketing offers. Consumers who downloaded the app would receive exclusive offers when they went to the store. Once they entered a store, they were also able to unlock rewards points that they could use on purchases and exclusive deals.
  • Cross-marketing opportunities: Often, there are in-store marketing opportunities from advertising alongside related products. For example, if you set up a beacon that advertises creamer or sweetener near the coffee aisle, the consumer will have more incentive to purchase it. The consumer may have come into the store to purchase a specific item, but now their app has enticed them to purchase additional products.
  • In-store engagement: One thing that can really get consumers involved in-store is to get them to play games or interact with the brand via their mobile device. Ace Hardware does this through in-store sites where consumers are encouraged to text a phrase to them, at which point they receive an offer in return. Their app engages consumers by acting as a virtual scavenger hunt, which can improve conversions.

Using in-store beacons to reach a customer on his or her mobile device increases the likelihood that consumers will try out a new brand. At the very least it drives brand recognition, as in-store mobile experiences are particularly memorable. This is because consumers are engaged in using the app, so they’re more likely to remember the brand than if they were just passively watching television or browsing a website.  CPG brands can model their in-store campaigns after those that other successful brands use. This helps ensure that their in-store messages have a lasting impact.

Tips For Building An In-store Campaign

Several brands have already found unique ways to leverage in-store marketing through mobile apps—and more are catching on. Consumers are responding to it too. For example, 70% of consumers in the CPG-focused Mobile Audience Insights Report reported that they decided to purchase a product for the first time after viewing mobile-based advertising. That number has nearly doubled since 2013. Nearly 70% also reported using their mobile device to research a CPG brand prior to purchasing it at a retail location.

Mobile advertising is changing the way that consumers shop, which is why you should change the way you leverage mobile in-store apps. That means creating a campaign that encompasses the following:

  • A value-driven approach: Value-driven doesn’t necessarily mean discounts. Instead, it means that the message gives the consumer something, whether it’s a reward, information or simply an enjoyable experience. Basic advertisements have large impacts in-store, but they are not long lasting. However, advertisements that engage the consumer by interacting with your brand tend to have a greater overall impact.
  • Proper consumer targeting: In-store advertising still needs to be focused on specific consumers. Consider two different consumers that are shopping in the same store. One is purchasing diapers, baby formula, and wipes. The other is purchasing a frozen pizza and a two-liter bottle of soda. Those purchasing behaviors allow you to draw conclusions in order to properly target the right consumer. So, if your brand is selling disposable baby bottles, then the first consumer is your ideal target. If your brand is selling chips, on the other hand, you’d likely want to target that second consumer. An app with high conversion potential will give you the data you need to make decisions like that.
  • Is not heavily focused on discounts: Simply offering one-time coupons via an app may get you a one-time sale, but it’s not a powerful brand converter. Relying too heavily on discounts is a mistake. This is because it generally only attracts price-conscious consumers. It can also lower the way your brand is perceived. In-store apps should leverage rewards rather than discounts as a way of gaining consumer attention.

Mobile in-store advertising is changing the way brands target and convert consumers. This type of advertising allows your brand to follow consumers through their purchase journey, reach them at the right moments, and increase the likelihood that they will try your brand. Several brands have already used this successfully by creating unique personalized and interactive campaigns that pull in users.

As beacon-based advertising technology and mobile geolocation are both relatively new, it’s best to choose to work with a company that already has some understanding of the industry.

One thing that these brands do is leverage partnerships with third-party experts who understand the unique opportunities presented by mobile apps. As beacon-based advertising technology and mobile geolocation are both relatively new, it’s best to choose to work with a company that already has some understanding of the industry. This is where third-party shopping apps come in.

Third-party shopping apps allow you to access these in-store marketing opportunities quickly, without having to create an expensive, long-tailed marketing campaign. These apps also give you access to a database of active users who want to connect with your brand. For any company that wants to make a stronger in-store impact through mobile marketing, third-party platforms are the ideal choice.  

Shopkick is a unique shopping app that allows its partners to leverage all of the best parts of in-store mobile advertising. To work with us and increase your in-store conversion, contact our team today.

Image courtesy Pixabay user kc0uvb

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3 ways to unlock your greatness

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James Smilkstein, Brand Partnerships

Once upon a time, there were creators, and there was an audience. One group led and one group followed. Then the world changed…

I recently had the opportunity to hear from some of the world’s greatest minds. Iconic leaders and experts including Sir Richard Branson, Steve Forbes, Jack Welch, Robin Wright, Simon Sinek, Guy Kawasaki, Malcolm Gladwell and Gary Vaynerchuck took the stage at The Synergy Global Forum in New York City.

This powerful lineup of innovators discussed topics including leadership, purpose, strategy, efficiencies, growth, and marketing. Although each speaker set their own agenda, each speaker shared the same core values demonstrating gratitude, empathy and optimism.  These core competencies enabled them to thrive as leading motivators to an audience that was captivated by creativity and the thought of leaving a meaningful legacy.

I encourage readers to embrace the following takeaways as they embrace new challenges seeking a richer sense of fulfillment.

Dr. Daniel Goleman, a psychologist and NY Times bestselling author took the stage to talk about emotional intelligence. He defined this as “the capacity to recognize the impact our own feelings have on ourselves and to tune into the feelings of those around us, to manage our emotions and our actions, and to interact skillfully with the people around us.”

Through his studies he has understood that leaders with emotional intelligence are better equipped to inspire and mobilize others towards making a positive impact in the world. When distinguishing competencies amongst star performers, Dr. Goleman learned that jobs of all kinds comprised of 33% IQ and Technical Skills while 66% leaned in majority favor of emotional intelligence. Among jobs in leadership a slim 15% was factored in IQ and technical skills while a whopping 85% was weighted in emotional intelligence. His theme is simple – a group’s effectiveness is not measured by the sum of IQ’s but rather the level of harmony where they understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Takeaway:

If you want to have an emotionally intelligent conversation with someone, eliminate any distractions. That includes your phone. Focus on the person in front of you. If you ask someone how their weekend was or how they feel, then listen actively. Feel what they feel. Try to understand their strengths/weaknesses. This builds up trust, and as the trust matures so do the open doors for people to take risks. It’s these risks that contribute to a greater level of harmony.

The most energetic of the bunch was Jack Welch. He lit up the stage! As the CEO of General Electric, he grew revenue from $27 billion to $130 billion from 1980 to 2001. Some of his notable quotes included,

  • “Find a better way, everyday.”
  • “Be positive, it turns people on.”
  • “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”
  • And he must have said this at least 6 times, “You want your workplace to be the fun, cool kid’s basement”

What he means is are you making your working environment fun? Is your company the place that everyone wants to be? Do you create a culture that allows people to be themselves so they can thrive? Well at Shopkick, we are for sure the fun cool kid’s basement. Take a look for yourself.

team holiday photo

 

SKNY party shot

 

In addition to fostering a positive environment, Welch credits candor for his sustained success. Acting with integrity is your brand. It’s your reputation and what people say about you behind your back is the true reflection of how you make people feel. Whether it’s within the walls of work or not, the ability to be open and honest with people creates trust. A trust that opened the door for empathic interactions, all of which allowed Welch to express his vision that grew the company’s revenue by over 380% during his tenure.

Takeaway:

Trade on your personal brand, your legacy. Doing the right thing, is always the right thing. Celebrate the small victories. Laugh more at company parties as happiness is addicting. Encourage happy hours. Make your workplace and culture the fun, cool kid’s basement.

Last on stage was one of the world’s most distinguished and illustrious entrepreneurs – Sir Richard Branson. Some will say what’s even more impressive than the 400+ ventures he owns, are his awards and accolades including Time magazine’s “Top 100 most influential People in The World”.  His perspectives of gratitude, putting people first, and curiosity has and will continue to shape the world.

When asked for his checklist for leaders who create extraordinary companies he’s quoted as “If they are great motivators of people; if they’re always looking for the best in their staff; if they’re praising, not criticizing; and if they create products that people who work for them feel really proud of. … If the leaders are people who listen and don’t always want to hear their own voice; [if] they get ideas from their employees and write them down. “It sounds simple,” Branson said, “but make sure your people are really happy…Leadership is literally being a human being.”

Branson also publicized his 6-word motto that’s been a driver in his prosperous life. “Screw it. Let’s just do it” he said. This attitude comes from his belief that every minute of your life is meant to be enjoyed. Do not spend time and energy towards dreadful feelings of “Ohhh, I’ve got to do this today.”

Takeaway:

Always look for the best in people. When your heart is into it –  screw it, just do it. Take one risk a day.

…So the world is changing. Now more than ever groups are collaborating, innovate thinking is leading to actionable execution and the boundary between creators and everyone else is blurring, and will soon disappear altogether. We are all one people and this is our one world. #OneTeamOneDream.

Celebrate Walmart.com with a $75 gift card. Enter to win now!

Posted on by Kick Writers

Need another reason to be excited about Walmart.com coming to Shopkick?  Now you can earn kicks for your Walmart.com purchases through the Shopkick app AND get a chance to win a $75 Walmart.com gift card!  Shopkick will choose two winners every day between November 7 and November 15.  Think about what you could do with YOUR $75 gift card!

Kick back, shop, and enjoy free two-day shipping on this season’s hottest items.  Even better, take advantage of free same-day pickup, online grocery ordering, and everyday low prices at Walmart.com while entering for your chance to win!

Here’s how to enter to win your Walmart.com gift card:

1. Open Shopkick and find Walmart.com under the Stores tab

walmart.com store list in shopkick app

2. Tap “Shop” to open Walmart.com through the Shopkick app

walmart.com store details in shopkick app

3. Make a purchase! Each purchase grants you 6 kicks per $1 spent and one entry to win

get kicks and walmart.com gift card in shopkick app

See the official rules here.

Did you know you can earn kicks with online shopping on Shopkick? Watch this video to see how it’s done.

Don’t have Shopkick yet? Download it here and get started earning rewards today!

 

You asked, we delivered! Walmart.com arrives on Shopkick

Posted on by Kick Writers

Brace yourself: Walmart.com is here just in time to help you get extra kicks for your holiday shopping. Starting today, you’ll earn kicks when you purchase online at Walmart.com through the Shopkick app.  You’re about to be that much closer to earning your next gift card!

Here’s the scoop on Walmart.com

Walmart.com is the online version of your neighborhood Walmart store.  You’ll find more than 1,000,000 products and Walmart’s same “Always Low Prices” philosophy, all from the comfort of your couch.  Shop online for everything on your normal Walmart shopping list, including things like gifts, clothing, electronics, photos and  groceries!

Get great deals with Walmart.com and Shopkick

Follow these steps to start earning your free gift cards while getting the best deals on Walmart.com:

1. Download the Shopkick app
2. Find Walmart.com under online stores
3. Shop to your heart’s content

shopping walmart.com through shopkick

Order your favorite products online and pick them up at your local store, or get them delivered right to your door.  You can even order photo prints and pick them up in as early as one hour!  No time to pick up your order?  Walmart.com offers free 2 day shipping on tons of awesome items.

Love finding a good deal?  Walmart.com is so committed to low prices that if you find a lower price from an online retailer they will match the price!  

Happy Shopkicking!

Have you earned kicks by shopping online on Shopkick yet? Watch this video to see how it’s done.

Don’t have Shopkick yet? Download it here and get started earning rewards today!

The Best Gift Card Deals to Earn Holiday Shopping Rewards

Posted on by Kick Writers

When I sit down and make my Christmas gift list each holiday season, I usually make two categories. The first one is for family and friends: my kids, my husband, my sister in Chicago, my BFF from college. Everyone on this list gets a thoughtful, individualized present that I spend hours picking out while sipping hot cocoa in front of my laptop.

gift card deals for holiday Christmas shoppingThe second list, though, is what I like to call my gift card list. This list is usually for acquaintances, like my co-workers, neighbors, teachers at my boys’ school. I want to express my thanks for them being in my life, of course, but I don’t have the time to really dive deep and get them personalized presents. So, gift cards it is!

During the holidays, the gift card list can be a wonderful thing for those of us on a budget because most of my favorite stores (and I’m guessing yours, too), offer gift card deals this time of year. You know the type: buy $100 in gift cards and get $25 free. In my world, you don’t look a free gift card horse in the mouth; I take advantage of these deals whenever and wherever I can! That particular free gift card deal isn’t the only one out there, though! And, if you’re on a budget like I am, it literally pays for you to know about all of them.

Christmas is a time of togetherness and sharing; when it comes to saving money on our holiday shopping, we’re all in this together! That’s why I want to share some of the best free gift card deals for the holidays with you so that you and yours can have as merry a time gifting everyone special in your lives as me and mine.

Gift Card Granny: One of the Best Gift Card Holiday Deals

Last year, my gift card holiday shopping list reached a record high of 17 people. My boys are growing up, which means their world now includes soccer coaches, multiple teachers, tutors, and carpool moms. And my sweet kiddos want to make sure our family shows all of those people how much we appreciate them.

While gift cards may not be the most personal gift, with a little thought, you can still make the recipient feel extra special—and stay on budget. My favorite way to do this is through a site called Gift Card Granny. Gift Card Granny actually buys unwanted gift cards from people and then sells them online at a discounted price.

Here are some of the deals I found the last time I looked, although the available deals do vary as cards are sold and new ones purchased:

  • TJ Maxx: 8% off
  • Whole Foods: 9% off
  • Olive Garden: 14% off

  • Sephora: 17% off

  • Fandango: A whopping 21% off

That’s a pretty diverse set of offerings—and a diverse range of discounts. But, if you have 17 people on your gift card list like I do, saving those little percentages really adds up to big savings!

Costco and Sam’s Club for Deals on Christmas Gift Cards

I’ve heard rumors about other boy moms who are somehow raising three strapping young men without a membership to a warehouse store like Costco or Sam’s Club, but I’m still kind of skeptical that it’s possible. I know those types of stores are invaluable for our family, especially when it comes to making sure we have the mountains of snack foods we need to satisfy their infinite appetites!

Another area where our membership to a warehouse store helps out is during the holidays when it’s time to start checking people off of the gift card list. Costco and Sam’s Club sell gift cards in bulk at a discount rate the same way they sell cheese poofs in giant containers or 100-roll packs of toilet paper. In other words, you have to buy a lot of gift cards, sure, but you get them all at a discount. Think two $100 gift cards for $149.99. Deals like that are pretty common at warehouse stores.

Why Shopping Rewards Apps Offer the Best Deals to Earn Holiday Gift Cards

There comes a day each holiday shopping season when I look at my list and then at my budget and then back at my list in disbelief. It’s just part of the process; I’m sure you’ve been there, too! Luckily, there’s actually a way to get free gift card deals without spending any money at all or, at least, not more than you normally do when you go shopping.

Luckily, there’s actually a way to get free gift card deals without spending any money at all or, at least, not more than you normally do when you go shopping.

I’m talking about how Christmas shopping with smartphone apps can brighten your holidays. There are plenty of shopping rewards apps out there that will help you earn free gift cards for a wide range of activities, including taking surveys about your shopping experience, completing tasks such as taking photos of displays in stores, or for behaviors you do all the time, like buying products or even just walking into stores. You can even find free apps that pay you to grocery shop, which in my house means the never-ending work of feeding three hungry boys can add up to free gift cards for people on my holiday shopping list.

Of all the best gift card deals for the holidays, my personal favorite falls into this last category. It’s a shopping rewards app called Shopkick, and I actually use it year round to earn points, called kicks, cash them out, and start accumulating gift cards for Christmas presents. What’s especially nice about Shopkick is that it’s very user-friendly and fun. When you get awarded points for going to certain stores, scanning certain items, and making purchases, every shopping trip turns into a fun scavenger hunt that makes it easy to stick with Shopkick year round. Take it from me, there’s no better gift to give your budget this year!

Learn how you can start earning free gift cards for the holidays before your next trip down the grocery aisles. Download Shopkick’s free app and get ready to be wowed. Welcome to the fun, Shopkicker!

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Image courtesy Milkos