Building a brand is something every business regularly focuses on. From excellent customer service to high-quality products, brand reputation is everything you do to retain customers. This reputation directly impacts your customer’s behavior toward your company. Making sure that you better your brand will help you stay in business. By producing high-quality interactions with clients and customers, you are building your brand reputation.
Donations are a great way to show your customers how much you care about their needs. Giving something away is about adding value to your community, no matter if it is time or money. The joy we get from giving our products to those in need helps us to better our brand by investing in our community. By building this reputation, we continue to help those around us and also make our brand better.
We
recently had the opportunity to give back to an organization that
understands the importance of community service: the Red Barn
Academy.
Our mission here is to help reinvent broken lives from addiction and crime by teaching hard work, discipline and integrity in a farm setting.
Red Barn Academy is a therapeutic community for substance abusers and behavioral change. A therapeutic community is based on the concept of mutual self-help. The motto at Red Barn Academy is “each one, teach one.” Everyone in our community has gifts and knowledge to share; we can learn and improve together. A therapeutic community is a residential treatment model with increased responsibility and independence. Red Barn Academy is a highly structured organization run by staff and current students (“Peers”).
The Haws family had a desire to give something back to the community – the original plan [back in 1976] was to construct a working community farm, within the master planned development, to help keep the feeling of the farm in Farmington. After development of the farm, The Haws family experienced their own personal tragedy related to addiction. This life-altering family loss set in motion their desire to help other families and individuals struggling with addiction a place to turn for help.
Why name tags?
The Red Barn Academy received metal name tags with engraved names from Coller Industries to help them in their cause. Each name tag features a first and last name engraved in gold on a mirror red name tag. Rounded corners and a magnetic fastener complete the professional look for each name tag.
Justice Tiedermann has first-hand knowledge about how Red Barn Academy works. “I am a student here at Red Barn Academy. I’m a recovering meth addict, and I’ve been here for two years now. Before coming to Red Barn Academy, I was a liar and manipulator who could hardly stand the sight of myself, let alone hear my own name. However, being here at Red Barn and just practicing doing the next right thing and working hard, literally working for either our moving company, our construction, and our property management, and pushing through those hard days of either blistering heat or bitter cold, I have developed a sense of confidence to where I can look in the mirror and be proud of who I see, and wear my name on my chest with pride.”
Tiedermann, a Senior Student on the Corporate Development team, said, “This [name tag donation] will help us provide a sense of professionalism and confidence within our students.”
Like the Red Barn Academy, we believe that name tags help with professionalism and confidence. Developing a positive reputation requires consistency. The Red Barn Academy understands this should include wearing matching name tags. Wearing a name tag featuring your brand also helps your customers know that you have their best interest in mind. (P.S. We think they look great!).
From the material to
the printing, every aspect of your name tag is reviewed by our team
repeatedly to make sure you are getting the best product. And, with
our satisfaction guarantee, you will always get high-quality name
tags. But what does that mean for you? Here are some easy ways to
tell that you are getting the best quality for your company.
We want to help you
understand why you need high-quality name tags. Remember, your name
tag reflects your brand’s value and trust. Companies are more likely
to succeed when they focus and commit to a high-quality image and
business model. Author of Out of the Crisis, W. Edwards Deming wrote,
“Create constancy of purpose toward improvement of product and
service, with the aim to become competitive, to stay in business and
to provide jobs.”
How do high-quality
name tags help with showing a brand’s commitment to its customers?
For a lot of professions, appearance is a crucial factor in this quality. Maintaining your commitment to quality is easy with a uniform and the proper name tag. Whether you choose a daily business attire like a suit and tie or a matching polo shirt for each of your employees, don’t forget that name tag.
From branding to color matching, name tags, like uniforms, help to symbolize your quality. Creating a positive influence with your brand means guaranteeing that all of your business’s services and products are consistent. Employees and customers know when that consistency is not present. Make sure to choose name tags that reflect your brand’s commitment to quality. Once accomplishing this, showing that you commit to quality is easy.
What makes high-quality name tags a must for your business?
A name tag helps to create a connection between you and your customer by providing identification of employees and other staff. This name tag also lets your customers know you are here to help and that your objective is to service their needs. There are several basic features to high-quality name tags that provide value to both your name tag and your brand’s identity.
Materials
Durability is a must when it comes to name tags. Both our plastic and metal materials are thick and sturdy. No matter your color choice, we guarantee that our name tags, when treated properly, will last a long time. After all, it’s important to keep your branding clear and easily recognizable.
Engraving and
Printing
Smooth, neat
printing and engraving show off your brand and individual identity
best. Our printing/engraving processes benefit your business by
providing clear and definable names and logos. From full-color
printing (yes, bleeds included) to the engraving of someone’s title,
your name tags will always be of the highest possible quality to show
off your business.
Fasteners
Even the fastener on a name tag helps reflect your company’s standards. Each fastener choice we carry only aids in the presentation of your chosen name tags by keeping them firmly fixed to uniforms and other employee attire. Our Deluxe Magnetic Fasteners hold through thick material and multiple layers of clothing, making them our most popular choice. Everything we offer not only is permanently attached to each name tag, but it will help your high-quality image stand out from your competition.
Extras
Choosing extras on both material types (plastic and metal) will increase the value of your name tags and increase your brand’s value. Features like frames, doming, rounded corners and beveled edges provide finishing touches that show off your logo and other branding you have on your name tags. Each extra you add to a name tag improves its quality and thereby improves your company’s value and brand.
Are
your current name tags just not holding up to match your branding and
company image? You should always make sure they meet your business
standards and goals. With us, you can order a product
example before
placing a large order of name tags. This way, you get to see how much
quality you get from our name tags, and you also get to experience
our extraordinary customer service before making your purchase.
The
Life is Good Company gets it right with its tagline,
“Do what you love. Love what you do.” As they say, doing what you
love is a way of life. And we agree. Taking pride in what you do is
essential for your success. Both personally as well as
professionally.
The Merriam-Websterdictionary includes two positive definitions of pride. One, “reasonable or justifiable self-respect,” and two, “delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship.” These definitions provide us with a better understanding of why we need to take pride in our work. When we have successes in life, taking pride in a job well done shows others that we have the self-confidence to achieve our goals and dreams. We can continuously show others how they can also achieve their successes.
To
help you with your business success, here are some pointers on how to
take pride in your work. So now you can love what you do.
Know the Value of Your Position
Every person at every business has an important role they play in that company’s success. Once you know your role, make sure you find meaning in it. And, taking pride in that role will help you love what you do. Taking pride in your work is an important role for any professional at any level. Learn your job and what it takes to succeed in that position. Once you have that knowledge, you can seek to improve constantly. Someone who takes all the necessary steps to improve themselves will always be someone who can take pride in their position at work.
Build a Reputation for Good Work
Always
be looking for any opportunity to build your reputation. Doing a job
well done is only half the battle. Make sure that no matter what you
do, that you are always giving everything you have to your job. No
matter your position or standing in your company, doing good work is
sure to help others see their value in the company. Being a positive
influence will help you take pride in your job. Show a hunger for
learning what your company has to offer, and you will not go
overlooked for growth opportunities your company may offer. Engage
with your job and find that you not only take pride in a job well
done but also that you love what you do.
Presentation Matters (Put Your Name on It)
You own it. Your name is on it: Everything that your company does, awesome or pathetic, it has your name on it. People contribute to the success and failure of projects, companies and their colleagues. It matters. Everything that you do. That trivial piece of work for a client, your contribution to a large-scale project or a part to play in a flawless delivery, you own that success; be proud of that.
From
dressing for success to taking pride in everything you do,
presentation matters. And don’t stop with your pressed shirt and
tie, add something that will make you stand out from everyone else:
YOUR NAME. The easiest way to accomplish this is a name tag!
By wearing name tags, or other identification, newer employees and other team members in the company are more apt to recognize each other. Name badges also provide accountability for all of your employees. When wearing name tags, it requires that your employees accept responsibility, one, for their actions and two, for the way they treat your customers.
Owning Your Success
Your
job should always be something you can take pride in. So, from
building trust with those around you to looking the part, learn
to love what you do. Invest in yourself and keep learning how to
accomplish what you need to do your job well.
Every year Coller Industries makes an effort to recognize its employees during the holiday season. In turn, this translates to donations to various parts of our community. So, we started donating to Granite Education Foundation, and to date, have given over $57,000. The annual contribution to GEF is one of the donations that we deem the most valuable. As employees here at Coller Industries, it is a delight knowing that our employer is so generous and giving to our community.
We are giving to the schools, the children, and most importantly, we are providing for our future. The knowledge that this money goes to help the children in our community is what keeps us giving. It isn’t about the money; it’s about the future of our kids and where they will lead us because they were able to obtain a good education.
GEF recipient Lisa Foster with Gary CollerGary Coller with GEF recipient Emily Lehnardt
“We donate because it’s the right thing to do,” said Gary Coller, Coller Industries’ President. “We do it for the children in our neighborhood. They make us more responsible in the community. And hopefully, our customers appreciate when they see that we give back.”
Well said, Gary! These donations make us more responsible, and also make us more aware of the needs in our communities. From needing name tags in school and other places of business to needing a helping hand to members of our community, people can always find Coller Industries in the act of giving.
The Coller family and their employees take pride in knowing we have reached out to our surrounding community. We will continue to do so in the hopes that we are helping our friends and neighbors. And we are also aiding in the education and celebration of our children.
Why Honor Teachers?
Research shows that students with high performing teachers can progress three times faster than students with low performing teachers. Effective educators can influence the climate of the entire school. Their commitment, passion, expertise and creativity are infectious. Students love them because they make learning fun and engaging. Administrators love them because they get results. Parents love them because they affirm their student’s potential.
In the face of increasing class sizes and insufficient funding and resources, the majority of Granite District teachers are dipping into their own pockets and their own time to bridge the gap for their students. Educators are finding progressive and engaging solutions to institutional problems and changing the world, one child at a time.
Being a professional educator is not an easy job, and sometimes it can even be thankless. But, thanks to these amazing teachers and administrators, public education continues to excel.
Whether it’s in your own school community or a neighboring Granite District School, we believe there is nothing more important than improving a student’s life. We strive to lift lives and assist in providing resources to bolster education by uniting individuals, organizations and the business community with the will, passion, expertise and resources needed to solve problems. We are dedicated to giving Granite District students a hand up. That’s a difference you can count on.
The foundation recognizes and honors superior educators, true classroom heroes, the men and women responsible for molding and preparing our children to meet the challenges of the 21st century. These individuals have a track record of improving student achievement, using innovative instructional strategies and making a difference in the lives of students. They are among a select few highlighted annually as Excel Outstanding Educators who are making a difference in Granite School District classrooms.
Each year, Granite Education Foundation supporters gather to recognize outstanding teachers, administrators and community members whose personal commitment and contribution impacts 68,000 students in the Granite School District. The Excel Award is given to nine teachers and one administrator that school administrators, colleagues or students nominate. Nominees make the presentations while enjoying dinner, silent and live auctions. These raise funds for valuable programs and services that GEF sponsors throughout the year.
A presenter asks each award recipient to join them on stage to receive their award. They were also given a $1,000 check and other generous gifts. Each Excel Award recipient received a sculpture, designed by local Utah sculptor, Matt Glenn. This sculpture comes in two parts. The bottom portion has the four Granite Education Foundation hand icons from their logo. They symbolize educate, give, volunteer and advocate. The top portion is a student’s hand reaching for a teacher’s hand. Recipients can remove this piece and turn it over so that the teacher’s hand extends up toward the student’s hand.
“I look forward to this every year, it’s an honor to be around great educators and dedicated professionals who support them,” said Gary.
“Educational awards, such as the GEF Excel Award, are awesome because children are the future,” said Hannah, Coller Industries’ Customer Service Manager. “Teachers are important and deserve this recognition for what they do for our children. Watching the videos of each teacher and their stories and how they make a difference in the kid’s lives was the best part of the evening.”
How We Show Gratitude & Appreciation
These are big words: gratitude, appreciation, community. And their meanings are even more significant! From product donations to monetary help, the time we spend investing in education, our children and our community means a great deal to us. Sometimes it isn’t about the name tags, it’s about helping our community.
We value education here at Coller Industries, and we want to make sure that everyone gets the education they need. This includes family, friends and neighbors alike. Making students a priority; from our community to you, donations create unity.
In a nutshell, “We donate money for clothes and shoes for the kids in the Granite School District. Then we get to honor these great teachers for their excellent work by presenting the award on behalf of Coller Industries and the Granite Education Foundation,” said Hannah.
Coller Industries is proud to be a part of this process. While our role is small in comparison to these educators, we are still happy that we get to take part. Our children’s education has a direct impact on our business as we like to focus on working in our community. Helping out our local community is a large part of what defines the generosity of Coller Industries Incorporated.
Saying Thank You to Granite Education Foundation
We believe in giving toward the education of our children and our future. And because of that, we have enjoyed receiving something back. Each year, as a thank you for our time and money, Granite Education Foundation has some of their school children write and send a personal thank you. We are always thrilled when our special letter arrives.
Every year around this time, Coller Industries receives a special package. Inside this package are not only handwritten thank you Valentines, but also lots and lots of love. We receive these cards due to our annual donations to the Granite Education Foundation. And every year, our hearts are filled with gratitude and appreciation for those in our community.
Included each year along with thank you cards from students and parents is a wonderful letter from the foundation:
“Hey, Valentine!
Exchanging heartfelt messages on Valentine’s Day is a well-loved tradition. While the earliest Valentines were little more than hastily scribbled notes, today we can choose from thousands of varieties, each designed for a specific relationship in our lives. A hundred years ago, only sweethearts exchanged Valentine’s Day cards, but the practice has spread to encompass friends, family, colleagues and supporters.
The Granite Education Foundation and students from throughout Granite School District wanted to express our heart felt thanks for your continued generosity and support. Enclosed you will find hand made Valentine’s Day cards that our students created with YOU in mind. In our opinion, YOU’RE AWESOME SAUCE, Valentine! Thanks for believing in our mission and for the extra boost you give students. We couldn’t accomplish what we do without YOU.
Thank you with all our heart!”
Other letters have also stated, “The Granite Education Foundation has been established to supplement the excellent programs in Granite District’s schools, to help provide the highest classroom opportunities for each child, and for teacher excellence awards. Know that you are helping dreams come true.”
Coller Industries also received a thank you letter from Brent Severe, CEO of the Granite Education Foundation. It read as follows:
“Thank you for investing in futures through your generous donation to the Granite Education Foundation for programs in Granite School District. Because of you, more students can pursue an education in an environment that cultivates excellence. Your generosity creates possibilities, and your kindness nurtures engaged learning which will enrich education opportunities for our youth.”
These actions we make each year fill our hearts with gratitude and appreciation for those around us. Those who strive every day to make a difference in the world. So, yes, we receive thank you cards. But we feel that we are the ones who should be the most grateful. And that, in essence, is why we give donations.
While our role is small in comparison to each of these educators, we are beyond happy that we have been able to take part in this fantastic award opportunity. And we want to say thank you to the GEF for all of the outstanding work they do for our education system here in Salt Lake City, Utah. Our community and children benefit every day from their kindness and dedication toward learning.
Coller Industries also donated metal name tags for the committee members to wear during the event. These laser engraved name tags are easy to use with magnetic fasteners.
From video apps to professional development, networking while working from home takes focus and planning.
You
think that you have it all figured out, right? Then life gets in the
way. Whether it’s an illness or a family matter that takes
precedence over being in the office, you might be asking how you can
keep your networking alive and well when you are out.
It
doesn’t have to be hard to network while away from an office or
other business setting. Using available tools will help you gain
control over your networking. And by using these tools, your remote
working experience will be better than you expect.
We
live in a time where networking is one of the primary keys to making
a business work. And, when you use networking properly, not only will
your business flourish, but it will also make an impact in your
community. So, here are several easy ways to make sure that your
networking while working from home doesn’t fall short.
Staying in a Routine
Whether
it’s setting up a home office (desk and computer included) or just
making sure you keep to regular hours, staying in a routine will help
with networking while working from home. First things first, make
sure getting dressed (and even putting on a name tag) remains part of
your daily schedule. This routine should also help you keep out
distractions, like TV or phone use. If you have kids, make sure you
sit down and talk to them about your working hours.
Video Conferencing and Phone Calls
While
getting together may not always work for other people, you still need
to make yourself available for face-to-face connections. These
connections should include video and phone calls. And, by using
online tools and apps to increase the time you spend talking to
people, your networking will still thrive even if you are using a
home office.
Keep Messaging Alive (Texts, Emails or Apps)
Just like video conferences, sending written exchanges is still a great way to network while working remotely. Texts, emails or using other apps to stay connected are important to any business. You can communicate with employees, colleagues and customers alike via these online channels. Make sure when using this form of communication that you remember to edit your text before hitting send. When it comes to networking, you need to make sure you are putting your best foot forward, and your grammar and voice in these emails are important.
“Meet” Colleagues for Coffee or Drinks
Staying
social is just as crucial as using video or phone calls when working.
Your social efforts may be limited to a video chat through your
favorite social media channel or another easy-to-use app. But, these
connections are just as important to your networking goals.
Make an effort to remember birthdays and congratulate colleagues on a work or life accomplishment during the next team call. When you learn about upcoming vacations or weekend plans, make it a point to ask them how their trip went. Remembering the small things will make everyone feel appreciated and more connected.
Use Social Media
From
LinkedIn Groups to Reddit, utilize every platform you can when using
social media for networking. Make sure your profile is designed
appropriately for networking and then jump in. Most social media
sites are easy to use and require very little time to set up. Just
remember to keep your networking goals in mind while using social
media. Without focus, you can end up surfing instead of working.
TIP: Join a LinkedIn Group that can benefit from your specific knowledge and skill set.
Continue Professional Development and Pursue Your Hobbies
Keep learning. And keep dreaming. From hobbies (like crafting holiday wreaths) to distance learning, your brain is your most valuable asset when networking while working from home. Keep yourself sharp in your understanding of how your business needs to run. And, keep your creative side available to combat any stress or distractions.
Overall, remember that networking while working from home isn’t as hard as some people think it is. Keep your goals in mind, and keep working. You’ve got this!
