Thursday, April 30, 2009

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


Thursday, April 16, 2009

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