What to Know Before You Give

In the current issue of Corporate Meetings & Events I share questions to ask before you invest in purchasing your gifts, awards and incentive solutions.

Share with me your ideas and suggestions by posting a comment here.

To modern meaningful recognition.
Janet

Influential Women

Once again I was thrilled to be the award sponsor for The Influential Women in Business Awards-
Business in Vancouver's annual event celebrating women leadership.

The awards are human glass figures, hand blown with outstretched arms symbolizing leadership and celebration. Each piece stands 11" high and is one of a kind. During the creative process, glass ribbon swirls of reds, pinks and purples are included which is a subtle and stylish way to reflect the event's branding.
The awards reflect the genuine appreciation of Business in Vancouver, make an impact when presenting on stage and in photographs, and are a unique award that stand out from the rest- just like the recipients.

 

Providing gift packaging that is sturdy, safe for travel and fashionable is an important detail as I want the gift giver's experience to be effortless and the recipients' gift experience to be a happy one from start to finish. (having to think about how to get the award back to the office in 

one piece would not continue the experience!) 

Thanks Lucy Cameron for the photos!

Initially when we looked at base options, I  felt using a mass produced glass base would take away from the sculpture look I was going for, so each base is also hand blown, then etched with the event, date, and recipients' names. Gift cards with Business in Vancouver's logo on the front and space for their personal message of gratitude inside is another detail that continues the experience for both the giver and recipients. The card also shares more information on the commission and the artist.



Read more about the inspiring women honored on
page 27 and 28 of BIV's March 20, 2012 issue

What occasion do you have coming up where you want the awards to reflect your genuine gratitude?

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