Janet Helm - Recognition Revolutionist

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Ask Janet

Have a question about recognition, gift giving,

appreciation in the workplace?

Ask Janet! It's as easy as 1. 2. 3.

1. Submit your question to studio@janethelm.com

In subject line type, "Ask Janet"

2. Enter your name, email, website, company name,

type of business and city.

3. Ask away! Keep your question brief; a sentence or two will do. If we need more information, we will be sure to contact you.

Every other week, we will choose a question.

If your question is chosen, you will receive our gift set of JH Thank You cards,

as well your question may be published in our Giving Newsletter!

PS If you do not want your name and company discussed,

please refrain from submitting your question. Thank you!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Summer Giving

It is summer!

Even though for many this is the time of year for fun in the sun, get aways with family and friends,

I know the pressure is still on you to find gifts for your upcoming occasions. Our recent issue of Giving

shares ideas to help- new solutions ideal for your incentive campaigns, recognition programs,

and your December holiday occasions-imagine if that "to do" was off your list sooner than later!!

I also know how each occasion you need to raise the bar, how your choices must impress and inspire. I know you need to wow 'em, all ensuring your genuine appreciation is achieved.

So pour yourself a tall cool beverage and enjoy our recent issue of Giving

to get your growing "to do" list off your plate and on to ours- after all it is what we do every day!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Tips to Ensure your Giving is Easy, Meaningful & On Budget

Remember- it isn't what's in the gift box, but what it represents -your appreciation.

Choosing wisely ensures your sincerity is sent and your recipients feel valued and recognized.

Here are a few tips to ensure your giving makes the impact you want- to inspire, motivate and genuinely thank recipients.

1-Plan ahead- leaving choices to the last minute will not only disappoint recipients but can actually confuse them- especially if the gift does not reflect your culture and or brand or if personal giving- reflect the recipients’ taste and style. Hurried choices typically mean rush charges from either manufacturers or having to pay for overnight delivery vs. ground – which are big wastes of your budget.

2- Give meaning – More and more companies want their gifts to have meaning, symbolism- a good story! Choose gifts that give back to causes or charities of your choice. Choose causes and gifts that tie in with your company culture and vision. For example Coca-Cola has given fleece blanket gifts, letting recipients know the blankets were made from recycled coke bottles.

3- Hand written messages go a long way.

Have thank you cards handy and be specific in your appreciation so the person can repeat the action!

Looking for more effective and successful

recognition solutions?

Browse our ever evolving Ready to Give gift line or

To effective, genuine recognition!

Janet

image courtesy of Ludwig Design

Monday, June 27, 2011

Teaching is a Gift Indeed! Thank You

"Schooool's Out For Summerrrr.

Schooools Out Forever!"

On the drive home from school, I was a little shocked both my sons knows the first verse to Alice Cooper's song, but ended smiling with gratitude, as I listened to them share highlights from their year, how proud they are of their school, their teachers, and classmates.
Earlier in the day I attended their individual class award ceremonies where each teacher takes the time to share a student's trait they are most grateful for. Now, most know I cry at the drop off a hat, but to see tears of joy flow from teachers and parents alike was lovely. I was reminded how grateful I am for the friendship and support from other parents, the genuine care from teachers, their principal who leads with love, and for the enthusiasm, and school spirit from all the staff.
I am grateful for both my sons' teachers who encouraged and guided them with love and care.
Experiencing today how much the children trust, respect and care for their teachers, I am grateful.
Thank you Mrs. K and Miss I!
To the entire staff, kudos!
Have a restful summer and see you in September!
Janet

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Thanks Dad! Happy Father's Day!

My Dad circa 1950s

"He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it." -Clarence Budington Kelland

"Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is soap-on-a-rope." -Bill Cosby

"Dad, your guiding hand on my shoulder will remain with me forever." -Author Unknown

"We have so much to be grateful for. Be grateful always and all will be great, always." -Elmer Helm

Thank you Dad, for sharing with me the power of giving-always encouraging me to live life as if it is my last day, with love, kindness, and gratitude to myself and others.

Love Your daughter,

Janet

A recent photograph of my Mom and Dad.

The photograph shows him receiving the Good Neighbours Awards presented by the Association of Neighbourhood Houses, where he worked for 37 years

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Win in Business by Being Nice- A Better Way to Lead

Peer-to-peer recognition is among an employer’s most powerful, cost effective tools for engaging employees.When employees are actively encouraged to notice and appreciate the behaviors of their colleagues that contribute to the company’s success you as a leader will create an environment that
is guaranteed to excite, inspire your team to give their best every day. Being nice, doesn’t’ mean being a push over, soft or vague. To be clear being nice and smart and having fun is easier than you think.
Here are 7 easy and free tips you can start today
1 Be specific in your appreciation. "Thank you for ensuring our deadline was met." "Thank you for staying late to finish the proposal, the client loves it." The message shows you noticed, and care.
2 Thank immediately. Make it easy for yourself by having a few thank you cards on hand- an extra effort detail vs. an email.
3 If you do use email to show appreciation, cc the CEO, or manager outlining how the employee's effort helped the company. Again, you will be seen as a team player.
4 Smile with eye contact.
5 Today, visit face to face at least 2 people who report to you. Tell them one great thing they do to make your job easier.
6 When you see a colleague who looks confused or overwhelmed, don’t walk by. Engage them. Ask how you can help.
7 Start a daily act of Kindness campaign either just for yourself, or better yet with your team, or entire organization. Track the results in a journal, blog or online community.

As a leader you must first look at your own behaviour. Show your daily appreciation and watch your team environment become stronger as people happily, enthusiastically carry out your goals. Recognition done right doesn't take a lot of money, it takes listening, creativity, and the ability to say
thank you.

Share with me ways you show your appreciation. Post your comment and you will be entered to win a gift set of our signature Thank You cards!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Bottom Lines and Plaid- What do they have in Common?

Most of the companies we work with have one thing in common- they all have a corporate culture that is uniquely their own, bringing out the absolute best in their people who end up going above and beyond- helping the companies achieve their goals- efficiently and happily.

Recognizing employees for what they do well is a part of

our customers' culture.

One of our most popular recognition solutions we provide to enhance a culture is our signature custom made tartans.

"Tartan?" You may ask, "What?" "Why?"

Tartan is a huge hit with our customers as the symbolism behind the crisscross pattern- family, unity, friendship, community- is a genuine connection they have within their company and want to share this with their employees and customers.

How can a tartan be uniquely your own?

It can be as wild as you wish! See Don Cherry's suit!

(no we didn't design that one!)

It can be created in your corporate colors- See DDB ad Agency's tartan (we did design), then produced wool scarves for clients and employees.

Note the craftsmanship in the tailoring details and woven label adds subtle branding.

It will reflect your culture, values. Read Coca-Cola’s

and F5's enclosure card messages below.

"Created exclusively for The Coca-Cola Company, this tartan is a symbol of friendship.Throughout history, tartan has served a s distinct fabric that represents special connections."