Janet Helm - Recognition Revolutionist

Happy Mother's Day Mom

2013-05-10T13:02:00.003-07:00

This photo I took of my Mom and Dad earlier this year

when my Dad received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, always reminds me of the quote,

"Behind every great man there is a great woman."

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

Love Janet

Gifts for Golfers

2013-04-21T16:16:00.000-07:00

Need fresh gift and award ideas for your corporate golf tournaments?

Our recent issue of Real Giving shares some ideas.

http://janethelm.com/realGiving_spring_apr2013-WEB.html

Some Companies Always Show Their True Colors

2013-03-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

They also like to stand out in a crowd!

As you can see at Janet Helm we have designed custom tartans for a variety of corporations-

some big, some small, cities, universities, real estate firms and even a shopping mall!

What do they all have in common?

Gratitude for their employees who they depend on,

and their customers who purchase their goods and services.

Tartan symbolizes loyalty, unity, community, membership, and achievement. These are more than just words for our clients, but a genuine reflection of who they are and what they stand for.

Custom scarves are just one accessory we produce.

Ties, umbrellas, fine porcelain and even rubber boots
are just a few other ideas.

The possibilities are truly endless.
Can you imagine your own tartan?

Tell us more about the occasions you have coming up where you want to

show your true colors and stand out in a crowd!

Spring Events- Fun & Bright Ideas

2013-03-07T09:55:00.000-08:00

Spring is just around the corner.

Along with green grass and cherry blossoms comes

your Spring events.

From celebrating Earth Day, Bike to Work Month to finalizing sales campaigns, we know

you are looking for fresh gifts and awards.

Check out our latest issue of

Real Giving

for innovative, fun ideas!

www.janethelm.com

Celebrating Women in Business!

2013-02-28T18:08:00.000-08:00

Each year Business in Vancouver

seeks nominations of British Columbia's most outstanding business

women in private or public sector companies to honour them for their achievement.

Honourees are chosen based on the criteria of professional accomplishments, influence, and business community involvement.

I am grateful and proud to be the award sponsor of this important event.

To learn more about this year's honouree's and the annual celebration

click on link below.

http://www.biv.com/events/biv/iwib

If you are attending the event, let me know as would enjoy

connecting with you.

Janet

Will you be Celebrating your Employees March 1

2013-02-25T14:28:00.000-08:00

Since 1995 Employee Appreciation Day is celebrated the first

Friday in March.

Will you be celebrating?

It's not too late to show your genuine appreciation.

Hand written notes of thanks are inexpensive and very effective.

If you don't have thank you cards handy, use

brightly colored

post it notes and stick to monitors, doors, cubicles, have fun with it!

You can download our thank you post cards here for free.

Get thanking - and watch what shows up.

Share results here by posting a comment.

Your gifts of thanks need to say, "I value you."

Is it time to rethink your rewards?

Are you looking for new, meaningful ideas? I would love to roll up my sleeves, collaborate with you, to design options

that say, " I value you!"

2013-02-13T16:17:00.004-08:00

One of our most popular

heartfelt recognition solutions and why companies value

the concept!

Happy New Year

2013-01-19T09:30:00.001-08:00

New Year's Day treasure hunting and building

sculptures in Victoria!

It's already well into January! Wow, time does fly!

I hope your year, 2012 was filled with gratitude,

peace and of course fun.

I'm grateful for 2012.

Thankful for the wins- checking off three personal and biz experiences off my bucket list.

Grateful for the challenges, as it is in the challenges

I grow personally and the business rises to another level.

2013 is already a busy and exciting one,

collaborating with existing and new companies,

leaders who value recognition and understand the importance of celebrating excellence.
Check out what's new at Janet Helm this year.

I wish you an amazing year filled with new opportunities,
good health and happiness!

Janet

Holiday Greetings from Janet Helm

2012-12-19T19:20:00.001-08:00

As I reflect on another amazing year I want to take the time to

thank you and wish you and yours a festive holiday

season filled with much love, laughter and gratitude.

Merry Christmas!

Janet

Is it Necessary to Give Corporate Gifts in December?

2012-12-04T07:24:00.001-08:00

"Is it really necessary to recognize my

employees and customers with gifts in December?"

This is a question that comes up a lot.
The answer: "Absolutely not!"
Remember, genuine appreciation can't be forced.
We've all received gifts that are disappointing or puzzling and that is
not what you want to convey to the people most important
to your success!
Consider these alternatives:
1- Don't make last minute rushed choices. Instead, send handwritten
messages of gratitude. The message can be simple: "Thanks for making this another great year. Wishing you, Bob and your family a holiday season filled with fun."
Writing notes does take time, but the personal attention can mean more than an expensive, rushed choice.
2- Book a time in late January when the dust has settled (go ahead and mark it down right now) to revisit your employee and customer recognition. Well-chosen gifts that reflect your culture and brand creatively and genuinely don't need to be expensive, just well thought out in advance!
3-Consider other months besides December when your gifts won't be competing with other corporate gifts and are guaranteed to stand out!
January is a good month as you can use a Fresh Start theme: gift ideas can be leather accessories including journals and passport holders with your logo embossed on the front or custom-designed calenders.
Spring is another great time for recognizing employees' contributions or clients' value to your business: golf balls in attractive logoed wood boxes or hikers pack are just two ideas.
Fall/Thanksgiving gift ideas include: small desk-top pumpkins with a custom hang tag wishing all a festive season, a gift set of thank you cards or stylish tartan scarves.

As I always say, "it's not what's inside the gift box that matters, but what it represents - your genuine appreciation."
Let me know how you recognize your employees and customers creatively and
genuinely!
Janet

Holiday Gift Giving

2012-11-06T18:10:00.003-08:00

'Tis the season for peace, joy and gratitude!

Our Holiday Gift Guide is here!

We are here to help you give modern meaningful gifts this holiday season.

Making a Difference Can Be Easy

2012-10-22T12:40:00.001-07:00

Making a difference can be easy!

When it comes to sincerely recognizing your team,

it doesn't have to be a lot of work or expensive, just meaningful.

Share your gratitude with a simple thank you. Try it.

Click here

to start thanking with our pretty Thank You Post Cards

Share results with me by posting a comment.

Interested in learning new insights on

recognition strategies that work?

Call me today at 604-730-2600.

Sincerely,

Janet

Holiday Gift Giving Guide- Sneak Peeks

2012-10-11T09:43:00.001-07:00

Our Holiday Gift Guide Sneak Peeks are here!

Our Holiday Gift Guide is almost complete- in the mean time w'eve

added sneak peeks- images and ideas for you on Pinterest!

Click on link below and we will send your our

Holiday Gift Guide!

Looking for ideas? Share here how we can help!

Happy Giving!

Janet

Inexpensive Ways to Stylishly Extend Your Brand

2012-09-17T13:46:00.000-07:00

My clients often ask me to design custom tissue paper and ribbon with their logo on them. I do like the look, but share with them that most manufacturers have minimums so you have to order large quantities, making the idea expensive. If you know you will use the ribbon and tissue in a timely matter it is worth it as is a stylish and effective way to extend your brand. If you know you won't use the ribbon and tissue that quickly-within 4-6 months (logos change, and storage can be an issue) I suggest a few other solutions.

1- Choose tissue, wrap, bags and ribbon in your corporate colours.
You can have fun mixing colours and it won't be expensive.

2- If sustainability is important to you, use natural, recycled ribbons, and tissues. (Your recycled paper insert cards should also let recipients know their gift has been wrapped with eco friendly items.)

3- If you know you will be storing or shipping your gifts avoid using ribbon at all as it always gets crushed. You want your gift to arrive the same way it left your hands, so instead create gift box sleeves that fit around the lid of the gift box. This was a solution we at Janet Helm created to ensure our clients' signature tartan scarf boxes arrive exactly the same way they left. (as we know before the recipients receive their gifts so many other people handle them- from a shipper, receiver, the odd border inspector, purchaser, managers, just to name a few!)

Gift sleeves created for Colliers tartan scarf gift boxes

Keep in mind, if you have more than one location- all locations should be using the same gift wrap, tissue and ribbon. This keeps your brand experience consistent with employees and customers as well as saves people time from running out to buy ribbon and tissue!

Have a gift wrap or giving challenge or question?
I would love to hear from you. Post a question or comment here.

Happy Giving!
Janet

Grateful for Blown Car Turbo!

2012-09-05T10:03:00.000-07:00

Morning at Heffley Lake, BC

I'm back at 'er this week after spending most of August on holiday, enjoying the beauty of British Columbia with family and friends. I'm grateful for the good food, good wine, good conversations and good belly laughs I shared around campfires, on decks and docks. What I find myself most grateful for though is my car breaking down in Cache Creek on the way back from Barkerville. I'll spare you the lengthy hot afternoon details and skip to us arriving by tow truck to Kamloops. The sun had set, and we were all a little cooler and calmer. We checked into a hotel for the night and I quickly realized I left my phone charger in my car which was now in the auto shop locked up for the night. At this point, I took it in stride, shrugged, and opened a beer.(I remembered to grab those out of the car!) I sat on the deck and asked a couple of hotel guests if they had a charger I could borrow. As my phone charged, we proceeded to introduce each other and share our, "what brings you to Kamloops" stories. Into our conversation I found out their four year old son has leukemia. With the hospital next door to the hotel, I found out many people stay there while visiting family and friends. I remember saying that night as I kissed my sons goodnight, "thank you for the blown turbo." I was reminded how grateful I am for my sons' health and that there is no good, no bad just how I react to a situation and every moment of the day is an opportunity for gratitude.
I am grateful for my blown turbo!

Janet

Good Leaders Harness the Power of Appreciation

2012-08-01T12:42:00.002-07:00

How does client or employee recognition affect business success?

Check out my and two other industry experts' answers in this issue of

Business in Vancouver's

Ask the Experts column.

Join us!

2012-06-25T19:37:00.002-07:00

In this issue of Real Giving I invite you join us on our blog, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. Become part of our community to receive free: fresh gift ideas, trends in the industry, my inspirations and creative solutions, instantly, as I see them!

It's an easy way to be inspired, learn and connect with other like-minded "realgivers."

We've also just added a few fresh recognition ideas to our Ready to Give gift line and I would love to hear what you think. And if you are looking for something specific, or want to see more of let me know!

Remember, the more you can give thanks to others, the more you will bring the appreciation back to you.

I am excited to be connecting with you!

Happy Father's Day!

2012-06-14T17:28:00.002-07:00

My Dad 1950's

Happy Father's Day Dad!

"Janet, be happy, have lots of fun, and

always be grateful."

Thanks Dad for setting a wonderful example of how to enjoy life.

Sharing A Gift Project

2012-06-02T19:03:00.000-07:00

photo by Janis Nicolay

We've been working with Coca-Cola since 2003 when we first designed their very own tartan. The criss cross plaid pattern symbolizes family, community and unity- all words that reflect Coca-Cola.

So when the call came to design cuff-links for their Artic Home campaign, we were excited to roll up our sleeves with them. Photographs of actual polar bears were used for inspiration. Gift cards sharing the story of the commission and the symbolism and reason for the commission was included- all for a great cause!

Visit our Facebook page to see more recent projects.

Gratitude Attitude

2012-05-29T14:35:00.000-07:00

Before you start your day,

give a gift of thanks for waking up!

During your day,

give a gift of gratitude- thank the person who helps you most often at work.

Before you go to bed,

give a gift of thanks, by sharing one thing that made you smile during the day.

So who is willing to give it a try and share results?

Post your favorite gifts and what happened as a result- the powerful impact it made on your business and life. Giving a Gift a Day will make a difference in your life and in your company!

Read my inspiration for creating our Giving Project.

To giving gifts,

Janet

photo courtesy of Ludwig Interior Design

Is It Summer Yet?

2012-05-16T16:49:00.000-07:00

Well even it it's not quite summer, the weather sure feels like it (finally!)

and we can't wait to share our summer must have gifts!

Check out our current issue of Giving for fresh, fun ideas

for your upcoming

recognition occasions and events!

Mother's Day

2012-05-11T12:35:00.002-07:00

1950s photograph of my mom

Happy Mother's Day Mom!
Love Janet

Sharing a Custom Gift Project

2012-05-02T16:54:00.000-07:00

Teck Resources- a company who truly values recognition with meaning is always a pleasure to collaborate with.

Their objectives for this project: Provide gifts for local and international government officials and executives involved in the opening of a new copper mine in Chile.
Gifts are to be made of copper and be suitable to display on a desk.
Gifts are to be unique reflecting Teck's genuine appreciation.

Strategy: We designed hand blown glass paperweights with real copper leaf floating inside. We also designed copper coins with artwork of the local Chilean church where the mine exists, the Teck logo, and the event information in both Chilean Spanish and English. The coins were added into the glass during the manufacturing of the glass pieces.

The result: "Janet, that is why we call you. You are such a great resource and we can always count on you to design unique gifts. Thank you!"

This was a meaningful project to collaborate on and I was thrilled with the final results.

What to Know Before You Give

2012-04-14T10:18:00.000-07:00

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

2012-03-31T10:55:00.002-07:00

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?