Happy Father's Day

At a recent visit to my mom and dad's home, I found a small treasure sitting on the kitchen table. It was a vintage postcard of Vancouver, the kind that flipped open to reveal different landmarks of the city. I have seen them before, and have always liked them for their vintage hand-painted look, and it’s fun comparing the images to today's sites. The images show how truly young Vancouver was, from Georgia Street, Stanley Park and City Hall.

I smiled at the postmark, which read, “Postage: One Cent, Without Message.” As I read the familiar handwriting, “Mrs. N. Helm, from your son Elmer”, I realized with amazement (and a few tears) that this card from my dad to my nana must be from the late 1940s!

Wow, how lovely, I thought, as I read how he arrived in Vancouver (from Nanaimo), all is "swell" and that he went to a dance the first night. Knowing my dad and his love for jiving to this day, this made me smile through the tears and did not surprise me at all.

I shared with my dad how much I enjoyed reading the postcard and seeing the images, as well as the kind words to his mom. Knowing how much joy it brought me, he gave me the postcard and I now have it displayed in my kitchen for all to see and read.

With Father's Day just last week, I am grateful and am appreciative for the love and support that I, my husband, and our children continue to receive from my dad and my mom.

Thank you, Dad.
Love your daughter,
Janet

Plant from Maxem Eyewear Employee Plant Growing contest

Can you imagine being recognized with a gift for cleaning out your office’s fridge or changing the light bulbs in the warehouse? One of the forward thinking companies we work with, Maxem Eyewear, does just that.

You may not recognize the name of this 30-year old family company, so named for the family’s first two grandchildren, but you probably own a pair of their sunglasses- many brands are under the Maxem Eyewear umbrella.

Maxem's commitment to creating a vital and rewarding work environment was evident when we visited them recently for an art direction meeting. The meeting, in CEO Melanie Martin’s office, was a great success as we learn more about the company’s values, vision and how they build their corporate culture. The office overlooks the rooftop gathering place for employee events and an amazing view of the waterfront in North Vancouver. Their graphic designer, Mike, shared with us that he and some colleagues play a rather competitive game of croquet on a plot of grass outside the office. (Note to self – park on the west side of the building!) We also heard that on occasion they have cleared out the warehouse to make way for a hockey game.

After the meeting, heading down the stairs, we walked past a large south-facing window, lined with terracotta pots. Inside the pots, each marked with employee names, were small seedlings growing to various heights.

Melanie explained that an HR colleague started the very popular plant growing contest. Each year, the employees are given seeds, a pot, and instructions. Hearing about the care the employees take in their strategic placement of the planters-as the plants cannot leave the building-had me noticing terra cotta seedlings everywhere!

From the stories we heard about the contest and how each winner is chosen, it is clear this is an easy and cost effective way companies can have fun, build camaraderie, and a little healthy competition.

Another thing that struck me while walking through their open office space was what looked like a contest/draw of some sort set up on the second floor. Sure enough, it was a draw -to celebrate employees who go above and beyond their regular duties. On a partition board in a central location was a bulletin board decorated with an image of a pineapple with sunglasses and the cut-out letters “EYE SEE YOU”. The small sheets of paper posted to the board were each a personal thank you, written by a peer, recognizing a coworker. Each month a name is drawn from the posted notes and the recipient receives a gift card, say to a local coffee shop. Wow, I thought, being recognized for cleaning out the office fridge, changing light bulbs. I love it, and how easy and cost effective to implement is that!

As Melanie walked us to my car (talk about service), and said good bye, I glanced back at the building to see yet another plant strategically placed way up high (a ladder must have been used), on a different window sill!

I smiled and thought, “Kudos Melanie and everyone at Maxem Eyewear for creating a fun and rewarding place to work.”

Listed below is all you need to implement these fun and easy ideas from Maxem Eyewear that cost just pennies to start.

Do you have a successful employee recognition idea you would like to share? I would love to hear from you. Feel free to email me or leave your comments below.

Call me today if you need your own signature contests designed just for your company, reflecting your vision, goals and values.
Janet


TO GET STARTED WITH THE PEER-TO-PEER DRAW
What you will need:

• Title - something catchy, fitting for your industry, company and culture- “EYE SEE YOU” is perfect for an eyewear company!


• Paper - Small pieces of paper printed with a space for name, date, what they did and/or why, and submitted by.


• Draw box from a craft store or dollar store


• Bulletin board to post the winner, specially decorated, of course, as well as all the entries. It's extra an reward and incentive for everyone to be able to celebrate all the fabulous acheivements.


• A central location to set up the bulletin board and draw box


• 12 gift certificates on hand, one for each month's draw, so no one is running out last minute to get the prize.

TO GET STARTED WITH THE PLANT GROWING CONTEST
What you will need:

• Terracotta pots 4” from a dollar store, plant store, or hardware store


• Soil, from a plant store or hardware store


• Seeds- pick something easy that chances are will grow: beans grow well and are an excellent symbol for a financial company


• Sunny spot to put the planters


• Prizes for Tallest, shortest, no show (didn’t germinate), or... be creative and have fun!


• Prizes again can be simply ribbons, or coffee cards. The camaraderie and experience for everyone is the reward.

Out of the mouths of babes: a lesson in true appreciation

In my continued commitment to stay fit, I decided to try Karate with my children. My two sons love it, and I wanted to try something new to shake up my running routine.

I have to say I am pleasantly surprised with the classes.

As well as the fitness bonus–yes, I was sore for the first couple of days–there is an unexpected learning lesson for me. Every month, Sensei Ron introduces a new word to the class. The kids learn the explanation, share examples in class and are required to go out and practice that word for the month, bringing in and sharing more examples each class.

For the month of April the word is: appreciation, “thankful for the little and big things in my life”

Last class, Sensei Ron asked us how we have been recognized lately. “Not, ’hey, how ya doin’’ recognized, but how have you been appreciated?”

Out of the mouths of babes came:

• “a friend laughed at my joke and I felt happy”


• “a teacher said my work was good, and I was proud”


• “my mom thanked me for helping her with the dishes, and I felt helpful”

They beamed as they spoke! Wow, I thought to myself, here it is right in front of me–the truth that is basic human nature: to be recognized and valued allows us all to shine to the best we can be.

Sharing this with companies is my passion, and it couldn’t be more perfect than to hear this truth from children- this group is around 7-14 years old, with 2 of us adults, a little older.

Any company can change the world by changing the way they do business by simply recognizing their employees using compassion. When I look at our clients, the most successful companies in North America, it is no coincidence that their success is due to the fact that their CEOs recognize their employees.

Join the Recognition Revolution, one thank you at a time.

Recognize someone today with a ‘thank you’, a ‘nice job’, a ‘well done’, and just watch what shows up!

Making it easy for you to say thank you, click here for a free PDF download of our Thank You cards to print, and have ready at your fingertips. Anytime, anywhere, you can say thank you.

Thanks, Sensei Ron.
Janet

Spring Cleaning

© Andria Lo / Orange Photography

Wave Award for National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Northern California Chapter

Maybe it’s the remains of the sugar buzz from the Easter weekend or the number of hard boiled, food coloring-stained eggs my boys made and I ate this week, but I am feeling as though Spring has finally arrived here in Vancouver.

Spring to me means wearing my Levi’s jeans cuffed, no socks with cute flats, t-shirts, vintage belts and purses-no need for coats and jackets, and my favorite spring to do, Spring Cleaning!

My coach Isabelle, of Leapzone Strategies, and I created an amazing mind map last Thursday about the evolution of my company and the excitement of the new directions and value we are providing our customers.

As most of you know, I love what I do. Redefining gift giving recognition in the corporate world and spreading this passion is more important than ever. I am hearing more and more from new customers about their frustration trying to find the right recognition ideas that are truly unique, of value, and innovative, that also enhance their brand, without adding advertising costs or more work for HR departments.

So, I am Spring Cleaning -
Answer these questions and see if you are ready to Spring Clean with Janet Helm.

• You know recognition is not the framed certificate, not a coffee card, or a generic glass award, but just don’t have the time to look into new, better ways of doing this?
  
• You don’t want to play the guessing game anymore and want to know, not guess, that your gift giving choices are inspiring, motivating, and appreciating sincerely.
  
• You don’t have time to source ideas in hopes of them being approved, you just want to look good for having found the right ideas the first time.
  
• You know 100% without a doubt, that your recognition is increasing your revenue, enhancing your brand image, without added marketing or HR operating costs?

© Andria Lo / Orange Photography
Wave Award for National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Northern California Chapter

Do you, like the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Northern California Chapter, who presented the above award--full of symbolism, meaning, and their brand color--to great fanfare, want to provide recognition in an innovative way that fits your brand? If you are ready to increase sales and customer loyalty without added advertising costs or more work for your HR department… Spring Clean with us.

Call me directly at 604-730-2600 and share your frustrations, so we can turn around your recognition.

Happy Spring,
Janet

Tartan Week 2009

As I sit here in my vintage tartan blazer, I am excited to spread the word about Tartan Day on April 6. In New York, this year’s Tartan Day Parade, complete with more than 1,675 participants and 570 drums and pipes, will be Saturday, April 4, with Tony Award winner and celebrated Scottish actor, Alan Cumming as the parade Grand Marshall. The event has grown a full Tartan Week, with a fashion show, the parade, and many other Scottish-themed events, all centered around Tartan.

At Janet Helm, we are definitely mad for plaid. We have been designing tartan and producing scarves for companies since 2004 when our first made-to-order design was created for Coca-Cola's chairman to give as gifts during the World Economic Forum in Davos Switzerland.

Since then, we have taken a modern twist to traditional patterns with contemporary designs for companies including VersaCold, Colliers, City of Vancouver, Haywood Securities, and Concert Properties.

Tartan has been a huge hit, as there is wonderful symbolism behind the gift- family, unity, friendship, community- a great message our clients want to share with their employees and customers.

With the economy in turmoil, the message couldn't come at a better time, as companies are looking for creative and meaningful ways to recognize their employees and show appreciation to customers with a limited budget.

So it seems natural for us at Janet Helm to make it easier than ever to give with meaning. For a limited time, until Tartan Week April 6, you can have your own tartan for the special price listed below.

Imagine your own tartan, made-to-order, designed and produced as scarves, complete with your personal message on an enclosure card, gift boxed just for you.

Minimum order is only 100 scarves and your investment is only $95 CAD each.

See our website for more information.

Be a Part of it - Tartan!
Janet

Influencial Women in Business Awards Gala

On March 4, I was thrilled to be among the over 400 people who attended the 10th annual Business in Vancouver Influential Women in Business Awards here in Vancouver at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel ballroom.

This year’s honorees were Colleen Nystedt of MovieSet Inc., Jane Peverett, a Corporate Director, Tracey McVicar of CAI Capital Management, Julia Kim of Phillips Hager North Investment Management, and Tamara Vrooman of Vancity.

Carole Taylor, former B.C. Minister of Finance and MLA, was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

As the award sponsor, I was excited to share in honoring the successes of these award winners, as well as celebrating all women in business.

The awards, hand blown glass figures by artisan Susan Gottselig, featured figures with arms raised in the air and swirls of red and pinkish tones, reflecting the occasion and recipients perfectly. Enclosure cards with a personal message from Business in Vancouver provided a personal touch. Information on the artist added meaning.

Each honoree shared with us their insights into what it took for her to achieve success.
Not always glamorous as we might think, the authenticity was great reminders for us all.

Colleen Nystedt- “You like me. You really, really like me!” Starting her speech with a nod to Sally Field’s infamous Oscar speech, Colleen reminded me not to be afraid of change, and that tenacity and persistence are paramount.

Carole Taylor- While a new mother, and working on Canada AM, Carole would wake at 2am for a feeding, and get to work for 3am and many times during her speech thanked her husband, Art. (former city of Vancouver mayor Art Phillips) She reminded me of the support I get from my husband Trevor, who would drive from North Vancouver to downtown bringing our first new baby to my office for feedings.

Jane Peverett shared with us networking is not a dirty word, but that a genuine exchange of hellos (at appropriate times) can be the beginning of strong, amazing friendships and business relationships for a lifetime. I let Jane enjoy her day and am excited to have met with her to network this week here at our studio.

Tracey McVicar, who entertained us all, reminded me that a sense of humor is key and paramount in success, especially during the tough times.

Julia Kim reminded me to trust- to take chances, and to take chances with others.

Tamara Vrooman reminded me to not be afraid to apologize if you have done something wrong. She took over as CEO of Vancity just before the start of the economic breakdown, and they had the grace to apologize and ensure that the few members who held severely affected portfolio items because of Vancity’s advice were looked after.

I shared our table with my right hand Jen Hiebert, my sister Denise Helm, web editor of Victoria Times Colonist, my business coaches Isabelle Mercier and Margarita Romano, who all reminded me having support in my life is paramount and an important part of my success.

BIV hosts, Cheryl Carter and Regan McDonald’s energy and genuine passion for the annual event is one of the many reasons I am so proud to be involved. They reminded me to have fun, and bring my passion for what I do to work everyday.

Nomination forms for next year’s awards will be posted online at www.biv.com in April.

Cheers!

Janet

Celebrating Women in Business!

Here are two great events happening in Vancouver next week, both celebrating women, that I am excited to share with you. If you know of any other events, please leave a comment below. We'd love to hear about more!

The 10th Annual Business in Vancouver's Influential Women in Business Awards luncheon will be held Wednesday, March 4, at The Fairmont Waterfront in Vancouver. I am excited to attend to celebrate the success of women in business in BC, and hear from this year's honorees, who will be impressive, I am quite sure. Carole Taylor, Former Finance Minister of BC and BC MLA, is this year's Lifetime Achievement Award winner.

Visit Business in Vancouver’s website, for a list of all honorees.

I am proud to be a part of this event as the award sponsor, and am looking forward to being inspired by all the women attending.

Forum for Women Entrepreneurs’ Gala 2009 is Celebrating Women in Sport. The dinner celebration is Monday, March 2, from 5:30 – 10:00 pm, also at Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, featuring inspiring words from The Honourable Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia, and athletes like Silken Laumann, Catriona Le May Doan and Lilo Ljubisic. Visit FWE's website for more information.

Come join us if you can!
Janet