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.

Canadian Network for Innovation in Education

Canadian Network for Innovation in Education (CNIE) was created through the merger of the Canadian Association for Distance Education (CADE) and the Association for Media and Technology in Education (AMTEC). I know that many in my social communities are involved with training, education, media, technology, etc., so I wanted to introduce CNIE to those who are not familiar with it. There are two journals included in membership: the Journal of Distance Education and the Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology. The  journals are even available online without membership! Please have a look at the site and consider joining.

As you know, my academic credentials include the Master of Distance Education degree and an Advanced Graduate Diploma in Distance Education (Technology). Expect to see more initiatives from me relating to my passion for education in insurance and other financial services.

 

 

**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.

Business Building Workshop in Canmore

Continuing education opportunities fit with my passion for lifelong learning. I just returned from a wonderful Business Building Workshop held in Canmore at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre. Thanks go to Financial Management for sponsoring this event. Financial Management is the Managing General Agency with which I associate, and one of their services is providing educational opportunities to independent insurance agents/brokers.

The fee charged to us was a donation to Habitat for Humanity. At the opening of the workshop, it was announced that Financial Management had reached the cumulative goal of $100,000. We learned about the volunteer work being done and the role of Habit for Humanity as a builder and mortgage lender.

Our opening keynote speaker was Richard St. John, author of “8 To Be Great: The 8-Traits that Lead to Great Success” and “Stupid Ugly Unlucky and Rich: What Really Leads to Success – And It’s Not Smarts, Looks, or Luck.” Two new books for me to read! The 8-Traits are identified on his website: passion, work, focus, push, ideas, improve, service, and persist.

Break-out sessions I attended included key areas of focus for our lives, providing services to seniors, the basics of our business, and working effectively with underwriters. The second day commenced with a presentation from Anthony Morris, a global sales coach and keynote speaker who works exclusively with the financial services industry. The day concluded with keynotes from Steve Gilliland, “Enjoy the Ride,” and Andrew Brash, “My Journey to Everest.”

What a wonderful time!