International Women's Day!

We've come along way baby!

I am grateful for all the amazing women I have in my life.

My mom first comes to mind. I am thankful she continues to share with me her experiences, her thoughts, and her generosity. I am grateful for my sisters Denise and Ramona who introduced me to Elton John's music and bell bottoms. (I’m dating myself I know, but I’m dating them too- hee hee) They both continue to inspire me with their genuineness.  I’m grateful for my good friends, many I've had since high school- ladies who ground me and I can always count on to tell ‘er like it is. I’m grateful to have such awesome clients- leaders, many pioneers in their industries- smart, tough women who lead with compassion.

Tonight I'm celebrating International Women's Day by attending Dress for Success Vancouver's gala fundraiser.  Check out Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, and the Influential Women In Business Awards to experience another organization and event celebrating women.

On International Women's Day I wish all women a day filled with much love, laughter and peace.

Love Janet

photo from John Oxley Library. State Library of Queensland

What's The #1 Reason People Quit Their Jobs?

BRUTAL FACT

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, it's because people 

do not feel appreciated.

Showing your appreciation doesn't need to be difficult, awkward or time consuming, just genuine.

Are latest issue of Giving shares quotes from amazing biz leaders who understand the importance of meaningful recognition as well as a few gift solutions 

for your upcoming occasions 

— ideas they'll love!

Another reason to be Thankful- Better Health!

When we express gratitude, a result is good health.

When you're in an appreciation mode, your life is healthier.

When you're in a negative mode your life is not healthy.

What I find awesome about this is more and more companies are seeing the benefits 

of being grateful and are creating attitude 

of gratitude cultures!

 

Being grateful not only makes you feel better, it makes everyone around you feel better.

It is a fact- expressing gratitude & thankfulness brings good health!

What else? Giving is free! 

Giving can be as simple as a wave to your neighbour, holding the door open for the person behind you, 

plugging the parking meter ( this happened to me! Experience my story of how giving a "gift" a day 

changed and continues to change my life. )

Does this all sound a bit Pollanna-ish? Why not try it first before you dismiss it.

Share results with me here by posting a comment.

January is National Thank You Month!

January is National Thank you Month! 

Most of us know, people rank being appreciated at their job as more important than the 

amount they earn when it comes to their overall job satisfaction- so start thanking today!
Start off easy- no cards required as

post it notes make great thank you cards- 

really no tac is needed! Post on ipad, computer station, lunchroom.

Ensure your thank you is immediate. 

Better late than never doesn't necessarily work in this case. 

Within 48 hours is a good measure.

Be specific. 

"Thank you for ensuring our deadline was met." 

The message shows you noticed, and care and the person 

knows how they helped- being able to easily repeat the action again!

Have fun thanking this month!

Happy Holidays -12 Days of Christmas

 12 Drummers Drumming photo by Janet Helm

Just over 12 years ago I started my company because I knew there were people who understood 

the power of appreciation in the workplace. 

That giving was so much more than what is in the gift box and that

recognition when done strategically and genuinely will enrich lives, motivate, inspire and create loyalty. 

12 years later I am thrilled and grateful I continue to collaborate with business leaders who experience bottom line results because of their recognition practices.

 

This year's holiday card is the last in our series, 

The 12 Days of Christmas.

To see the entire series see below and here.

Yes, my sons are relieved they won't have to pose for future holiday cards and

I am excited for what is next at Janet Helm- as in 2012 we are 

introducing new solutions to help our clients continue to give creatively and with meaning.

 

This holiday season I wish you and yours a season filled 

with much peace, love and laughter.

Janet

Stylish Way to Logo

Instead of embroidered logos use

private woven labels. We create our clients' logos as quality woven labels then sew them into the recognition gifts we design and produce for them. Woven labels inside jackets, on blankets, in scarf seams are a stylish and subtle way to brand your gift, not to mention the recipients are more inclined to wear them!

Remember your recognizing your employees and customers with a gift not a promotional item.

Think Outside The Gift Box

Some of you know I adore contemporary design, so when I saw this gingerbread house I was thrilled to see someone thinking outside the "gingerbread house kit" box if you will!

This holiday season before you rush to make decisions, I encourage you to think outside the standard gift box.

 In our recent issue of Giving we share ideas and tips to help you with your holiday giving. 

Read the heartwarming and genuine story behind Colliers tartan we designed for them.

Instead of paper, give eco-friendly wood gift cards

as they will stand out from the crowd as well as

send earth friendly holiday wishes.

Check out more ideas here or call me directly 604 730 2600

To modern meaningful giving!

Janet

 photo of gingerbread house compliments of paperseed



photo courtesy of paperseed