In Case of Emergency, Contact Info on Cell

You have likely heard the recommendations to add ICE to your cell phone contact directory–great if it can be accessed! Yes, if something happens to you, an emergency contact can be identified by checking your phone for an ICE listing. However, many use the security code feature, so the directory would not be available. He’s another idea…

Some devices offer the opportunity to place owner information on the main screen. This is where you should consider adding your ICE contact information. It is quite visible when my Blackberry is locked. Why is it important to me to mention this? Well, as an insurance agent I am committed to ensuring that people are protected financially when something happens to them. I also feel compelled to help deal with minimizing risk such as getting quick access to someone close at the time of a medical emergency.

Thanks to @adampatterson (a contact on Twitter.com) whose comment this morning reminded me I had wanted to pass along this ICE info. Adam found a cell phone with no home number located on it.

You can follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/TonyRatcliffe.

**This message is an expression of the author’s personal opinions. The companies represented by Antony (Tony) Ratcliffe of Ratcliffe Wealth & Risk Management, as an independent agent/broker in Alberta, Canada, will not be held liable in any way for the opinions expressed herein.

Passions Resolved

Questions often asked of me, and by me, relate to identifying my target market and my ideal client. This is not always an easy task, but over time the answers have become clearer.

My passions are distance education and personal financial security. I do both, and they fit together nicely. It allows me to associate with those interested in these areas such as faculty, course developers and designers, graduates from professional programs, and security/risk management professionals who understand the need to protect their own financial security (in addition to that of their employers). These passions evolve from my past career experience, my postsecondary educational studies and teaching, and my desire to help clients create a personal financial security plan to build and protect their wealth.

You will see my focus in those areas, including attending conferences and joining online discussion groups. Resources will be developed on my site to address these interests. However, I do welcome clients from all walks of life whom are genuinely interested in creating a personal financial security plan. It is especially rewarding to connect with those with whom I have worked or taught in the past.

In the near future, I will be entering my 5th year as a financial advisor. I also continue to teach as an online instructor for the University of Calgary. Emergency Planning for Industry was taught in the spring, and Risk Assessment is scheduled for January 2009. Does it feel right working as a financial advisor and an online instructor? It sure does!

By the  way, I welcome the opportunity to speaking with anyone about financial services or course development/teaching.

 

 

**This message is an expression of the author’s personal opinions. The companies represented by Antony (Tony) Ratcliffe of Ratcliffe Wealth & Risk Management, as an independent insurance agent/broker in Alberta, Canada, will not be held liable in any way for the opinions expressed herein.

Remember Remember the 5th of November!

I have been in Canada for 43 years now after emigrating from England. It was just last year that I discovered the celebration of a British tradition here in Edmonton: Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night. The history dates back to 1605 when 13 young men conspired to blow up the Houses of Parliament with gunpowder on November 5. Guy Fawkes was caught early that day, tortured, and executed. That night, bonfires were lit to celebrate the King’s safety, and Bonfire Night has remained a tradition each November 5, along with fireworks and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes on bonfires. A short description of The Gunpowder Plot and Bonfire Night makes for interesting reading.

Tonight’s celebration, in Edmonton, is organized yearly by the Alberta St. George of England Society. It was held at the Shrine Temple, 14510-142 Street. Upon arrival, members and other attendees were greeted by the effigy of Guy Fawkes and Society Vice President, John Tancred. Tradition has seen children walking the streets with an effigy seeking “a penny for the Guy” from others, so they could purchase fireworks. Tonight, John was not bashful in asking for a penny or a loonie!

After watching the lighting of the bonfire, the effigy of Guy Fawkes was paraded around and then thrown in. This was followed by a brilliant fireworks display. We then moved into the hall for baked potatoes, apple cider, and hot chocolate.  I’m going to throw in a quick estimate of 100 people, but I could be off.

Photographs can be found here.

Does Web 2.0 dilute the power of interpersonal communication?

Web 2.0 has become part of my way of communicating with friends, clients, prospective clients, and others interested in what I have to say. It is no surprise that Keith Rosen’s article caught my attention. “When Technology Disconnects Us: How Sales 2.0/Web 2.0 Is Diluting The Power of Interpersonal Communication” was published in Sales Xchange, a newsletter of the Canadian Professional Sales Association.

The article suggests that Web 2.0 activities are having a negative impact on our relationship with clients, potential clients, and managers. (I will take that to also include colleagues.) Rosen stated, “it’s diluting our ability to connect powerfully on a deeper level, the level that long term relationships are fostered.” Contrast this with the view that Web 2.0 brings us closer together for a stronger relationship. I just watched a talk given by Mena Trott, described as “the founding mother of the blog revolution,“ titled “How blogs are building a friendlier world.” The page hosting the talk indicates, “she realized that giving regular people the power to share our lives online is the key to building a friendlier, more connected world.”

If we consider that people often like to do business with those they like and trust, it seems to make sense that getting to know a lot of people through Web 2.0 activities may lead to a stronger business relationship down the road. The face-to-face touch, such as with personal meetings, Meetups and Tweetups, does help, but a lot of the communication takes place virtually. Having taught and studied online, I can also attest to the powerful online communities that can be developed.

I would like to have seen more discussion of the Web 2.0 and Sales 2.0 activities to which he refers. Further, I do not question the validity of the personal meetings. However, as a consumer, how do you feel about successful Web 2.0 activities leading you to future business relationships?

**This message is an expression of the author’s personal opinions. The companies represented by Antony (Tony) Ratcliffe of Ratcliffe Wealth & Risk Management, as an independent insurance agent/broker in Alberta, Canada, will not be held liable in any way for the opinions expressed herein.

Photography May Cause Concerns

In his blog entry, “Scared of social media? Follow Batman’s lead,” Mack D. Male (Mastermaq) wrote about the fear of social media and described something he experienced at Century Hospitality Group’s new establishment, Hundred Bar Kitchen. Mack’s concern was that he was questioned about taking photographs inside the restaurant without permission, and he identified management’s apparent lack of familiarity with social media. The photos were for Sharon Yeo’s review, “Strikingly Pedestrian: Hundred Bar Kitchen.”

Mig14 responded with “Social Media: Not Everyone’s Cup of Tea ,” supporting management’s right to question the photography. She wrote, “If a business does not want me to come in and take pictures, or make a recording, or live blog my experience, that’s also their prerogative…. The BUSINESS has the right to refuse media (any kind of media) from producing content about that business without permission.”

As I read these posts, one point stands out, and it is not specific to social media. While they certainly want the public to visit, Hundred is still private property and management does have the right to dictate what activities may or may not occur on the premises. I support the above comments of Mig14. There are a lot of things that would be unacceptable, and signs are not going to be posted to address them all. Taking photos of your table and guests may be generally acceptable in some restaurants, but it still requires management concurrence. Yes, circumstances may imply it is acceptable, and servers may assist you taking photos of guests at your table, or you might be in a private area. Other may be doing it around you. However, I believe you should make sure it is okay and just ask for permission. I appreciate that Mack has reasons for not wanting to announce his purpose in advance, but I doubt that mainstream media would just take photos without it being  breaking news story.

Privacy issues are important to businesses. If other patrons are concerned about their photo being taken (whether it is happening or not), it can result in lost revenues when they leave or fail to return. What would be the response if an inopportune photo were to be taken and published? Management has an obligation to protect themselves from possible losses (risk management) and should be given the opportunity to address concerns in advance. When asked, and the purpose explained, a positive response would be expected (although not guaranteed). Management might just want to ensure that other patrons will not be photographed. That was the only concern when I recently sought permission to videotape in the restaurant area of one of our fine hotels.

It is difficult to stop after-the-fact reporting in social media or elsewhere, but something to keep in mind is that a return visit may not be allowed. The open invitation to the general public to visit the establishment may be revoked to an individual.

For those interested in this story and further exposure to Mack’s passion for social media, the Mastermaq blog is one to follow. Mig14 will be added to my list, and Sharon Yeo’s ‘Only Here for the Food’ whets my appetite.

 

**This message is an expression of the author’s personal opinions. The companies represented by Antony (Tony) Ratcliffe of Ratcliffe Wealth & Risk Management, as an independent insurance agent/broker in Alberta, Canada, will not be held liable in any way for the opinions expressed herein.  

 

 

 

 

 

Points to Ponder

I am sharing 4 points that I presented last night to those I met in Speed Networking. This event is a periodic event of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. It is an opportunity to meet a variety of people in a business networking setting.

Since I only had about 45 seconds with each person, the following points were made in pretty much this brevity. Of course, I welcome the opportunity to discuss them in more detail with you, or you may wish to discuss them with your current advisor.

1. Term life insurance rates are now lower, so review your needs and coverage.
2. Life insurance, yes, but protect your most valuable asset—your ability to earn a living.
3. Insurance policies can include a Return of Premiums.
4. Guaranteed investments and income for life may make sense.

**This message is an expression of the author’s personal opinions. The companies represented by Antony (Tony) Ratcliffe of Ratcliffe Wealth & Risk Management, as an independent agent/broker in Alberta, Canada, will not be held liable in any way for the opinions expressed herein.

Social Web Meetup

The kick-off meeting of the Social Web Meetup was held last night with a good turnout of about 17 of us. Using social media for marketing is a focus of the group, but a range of interests were represented. From my perspective, we are talking about community building from which marketing opportunities present themselves to businesses and individuals. Discussions certainly led to participants learning about the skills offered by others.

Walter Schwabe of fusedlogic created this Meetup. Walter’s business and passion is social media, and I have worked with him to create my social media strategies. It was fitting that Walter would create this group and I would join.

Our guest presentation was from Ken Plumb of Pderas. Ken introduced and demonstrated his company’s product, ourCEWS, which they describe as “a leading internet communication tool that assists organizations in building powerful integrated social communities.” The website further presents that the “ourCEWS philosophy is to create business strength using the power of your most valuable assets, your people.” Most, if not all, of the participants were familiar with one or more ways to engage in social media, and Twitter was certainly popular with many. While we are familiar with interaction with others socially and in other organizations, ourCEWS takes advantage of the the opportunity to engage employees within their workplace.

Following the presentation and a networking break, I had an opportunity to introduce myself and my affiliation with Financial Management (North) Inc., the organization that kindly allowed us to use their training room. Financial Management (North) is a Managing General Agency. They contract with insurance companies and provide a range of services to independent brokers such as me. We then broke into two groups and discussed social media. We have some very knowledgeable and talented people in the group, and I know that relationships will develop through this Meetup and affiliated communities.

More photos are at http://picasaweb.google.com/RatcliffeWealth/SocialWebMeetup

 

**This message is an expression of the author’s personal opinions. The companies represented by Antony (Tony) Ratcliffe of Ratcliffe Wealth & Risk Management, as an independent agent/broker in Alberta, Canada, will not be held liable in any way for the opinions expressed herein.

Edmonton Tweetup

“Wealth” is not just financial. I value the friends and acquaintances who share a wealth of knowledge through networking. You may have heard of social media and Twitter. Twitter is known as micro blogging. Well, Edmonton Tweetup brought members of this online community together for the second time, on August 14, 2008, at The Billiard Club for a social evening.

I had the pleasure of meeting Julie Duczynski, a recent graduate of the University of Alberta with an Art and Design degree. She specializes in painting but also does design,  illustration, gallery exhibitions, and more. We talked about social media, networking, and her passion for the arts. Julie has recognized the benefits of networking for marketing and to open new interests in the arts. Julie’s contact is cry.ofthe.giraffe[at]gmail.com.

Yes, someone will be questioning the relevance of this type of blog entry to my primary business. Well, my business is built based on developing relationships and trust, and my site and blog allow you to get to know me a little better. I am pleased to have learned more about other Twitter users at this enjoyable social and look forward to the next one.

England Pavilion at Heritage Days

For the final day of Heritage Days 2008, my wife, Lupe, and I volunteered at the England Pavilion that was presented by the Alberta St. George of England Society. We served delicious sausage rolls, Cornish pasties, and scones to visitors. Lupe and I recently joined the society, as I was born in England. Thanks to all of the  hardworking volunteers whom made this and the other pavilions so successful, and to those who took time to visit and enjoy all that Heritage Days has to offer.

Mahatma Gandhi’s Words of Wisdom from Dr Shall Sinha

Mahatma Gandhi’s message was presented in the first person by Dr Shall Sinha at the Rotary Club of Edmonton Riverview’s July 29, 2008, meeting. This was my first Rotary meeting, and I was certainly inspired by the topic of the speaker. Let me relate this to my blog! There is a definite reference to wealth. This will be longer than a normal blog entry, as I feel there is something of particular value to share.

Dr Sinha has been studying the life of Mahatma Gandhi since he was a child, is a leading expert on his life and work,  and is dedicated to spreading Gandhi’s Words of Wisdom. I encourage everyone to visit his website and consider his speaking topics and books.

During the talk, I picked up on one signficant point that I wanted to share. It related to Gandhi recording every penny spent, and it went on to refer to him keeping track of his time. I asked Dr Sinha to elaborate, and the extended blog entry contains his response to me:

“Gandhi started keeping an accurate record of every single penny that he spent and reviewing the list weekly in order to examine as to how he could eliminate any unnecessary expense. First he discovered that he could move to another room that had more space, more ventilation, and was also less expensive. Then he discovered that he could eliminate a good deal of bus expense if he moved to a room central to the places that he needed to travel to in his daily routines. Next it clicked on to him that if he walked to the places that he had to go he would get the exercise which would benefit his health.

In other words, in that case he did not have to find additional time for ‘exercise’. Also, he discovered that he was able to know the city better by walking than by taking the bus. Next he bought an inexpensive stove and started making tea, porridge and sometimes soup, thereby eating outside only in the evening and saving a good deal of the cost of lunch and breakfast. Bit by bit he was able to reduce his original weekly expense by two-thirds within a matter of six months. Impressed by this ’success’ he started the practice of keeping an accurate account of the time (minutes) that he spent on different activities. He wrote down some material on small pieces of paper and stuck them on bathroom walls that he could read and memorize while brushing teeth or changing clothes. Then he started keeping a note of the books/articles that he read and reviewed them weekly to check if he was investing his time reading the ‘right’ materials. He was so influenced by this practice that he maintained it all his life and encouraged all his associates to practice it.

The keeping of an accurate account of finances played the most important role because he discovered that one who is sloppy in keeping accounts is also sloppy in keeping his ‘word/promises’. In other words, keeping an account reflects the integrity of the person. And I have noticed this with almost every person that I have met in my life.”

Thanks, Dr Sinha, for passing along the words of wisdom.

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