Guaranty Association Benefits Company

We've all heard of the dangers of lead-based paint. If you are a general contractor or renovation, painter, plumber, carpenter or electrician, this is a question you probably treated when working on structures built before 1978. activies renovation in older structures such as sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips. If the structure is a house, establishment of day care, school, or other building where children are present, it is important for you to do what you can reduce the risk of lead contamination during activities renovation.

To help protect against this risk, the EPA issued a "renovation, repair and painting (RRP)" rule. Basically, the rule states that, regardless of the number of employees, there must be at least one certified renovator on every job where lead-based paint is present who is trained to follow lead safe practices. These certified renovators must be trained by instructors approved by the EPA. Compliance with the EPA is in full effect as of April 2010.

To be certified, a contractor must submit to EPA or their EPA-approved state program and pay the fee. The eight-hour course is taught by a training provider approved by the EPA. After certification, the contractor must follow strict guidelines when renovating old buildings. Renovators must contain the work area to prevent the spread of dust and debris. This applies to work outside as well. All windows and doors should be closed and covered doors, while the floors should be covered to contain the dust. The EPA also has cleaning requirements and specific certification upon completion of the task. See EPA publication "Small Entity Compliance Guide Renovate Right" for more information about the rule and compliance.

If you think that you are exempt from EPA fines, you may want to reconsider. Here are some examples of how the EPA has begun to apply this rule with EPA permission "Press News 05.04.2012 Headquarters"

"On March 20, 2012, Valiant Home Remodelers, a new window Jersey and the coating company, agreed to pay $ 1,500 to resolve violations of not following the rule of PPR during a window replacement project and siding a house in Edison, NJ. Valiant Home Remodelers failed to contain renovation dust, contain waste, and train workers on lead safe practices. "

" February 21, 2012, Johnson Sash and Door, a home repair company in Omaha, NE, agreed to pay a $ 5558 fine for failing to provide the owners or occupiers of dwellings constructed before 1978 with information about the dangers of lead pamphlet approved by EPA or for confirmation written before the renovations to five homes. The complaint also alleges that Johnson failed to obtain initial certification before making renovations to these residences. "

Do not be hit with heavy fines! Take action now to become a certified renovator. Not only will you protect your bottom line, you protect your customers. Have you taken additional safety measures regarding lead-based paint during renovation?

How do you spend on groceries each month? Gas? Mobile phones? Car insurance? I recently made a list of my monthly expenses in preparation for a meeting with my financial advisor. How my list looked after completing this task not so fun? Like most people, my home mortgage was at the top. Food and gas were also right up there. However, I was surprised to see car insurance down, below cell phones and the internet!

Interesting, no? For something that has a reputation for being expensive, is really relative to your other living expenses? Consider this, according CarInsurance.com, the average person will spend about $ 94,000 on car insurance during their lives. How it compares to your iPhone or a daily stop at Starbucks? You might be surprised ...

• The use of a 32GB iPhone from 21 to 75 years, buying a new phone every six years, you run $ 72,000. Compulsive valuation and heavy data users should pay more. *

• Hitting Starbucks each morning for a $ 4 latte will cost $ 88,000 over 60 years. Make your coffee at home will almost cover the cost of your car insurance for life. *

Most people can not "live" without their cell phone or the daily dose of caffeine. I hope the same is true for car insurance. The recession has made us all a little savvier with our money, but does not compromise on the cover to save a little money. If you shop or plan to buy online, get a quote from a qualified professional in the business. A trusted agent choice is a good place to start

Here are some ways to save money on car insurance :!

1. Going paperless and pay online (and on time) could earn you a higher quality credit.
2. Porter higher deductibles on comprehensive and collision coverage could save you money.
3. Finish driver training or an accident prevention course can be a great way to learn safer driving habits and save money.
4. many carriers offer a discount to young drivers who earn good grades.
5. Vehicles with Anti-Theft and retained liabilities options can reduce your premium.

Remember, the reductions vary by insurance company to contact an independent agent today to learn more about discounts available to you. For more information on insurance discount, you can check another of our blogs, insurance discounts with no coupon required.

So what do you think? If you had to choose, would you give your vanilla latte every morning to the security and protection insurance?

* Vallet, Mark. "Your life auto insurance bill: $ 94,000" Www.carinsurance.com November 29, 2012.

The new year is a time for making resolutions to improve your life. We pledge to eat better, exercise, spend more time with our children and improve our general well-being.

In 2013, I want to ask each of you to take some time to also review your insurance coverage. Yes, I know it does not sound very exciting, but I promise you that will give you the peace of mind for the new year. It will also help protect your home, cars, jewelry, and other assets.

When was the last time you reviewed your coverage? Most of us see our policy when we have to file a claim - when the toilet on the flow or you lose your favorite shows. It is time that we rustle in the file cabinet to find our policy. We dust off the paperwork and realize that we have no cover for lost items of jewelry or we have a franchise that is far beyond our means. Be proactive now and review your coverage

The following recommendations are for review :.

• Watch the policy of your own and check your coverage and policy limits, located on the declarations page of your policy. Some questions :?
  • What is the limit of the policy for my structure, personal property and loss of use
  • If my house burned to the ground I would have enough money to replace my house and property?
  • what is the coverage that I have water damage?
  • do I have any protection for my foundation?
  • Are my cutlery content on a basis of replacement cost

If you feel that you are underinsured or are unsure what is covered and call your insurance company or agent and review your policy.

• Check your deductible on your homeowners and your auto insurance policies. Can you afford the deductible in case of disaster?
• are your adequately protected valuables? Do you need separate coverage for the wedding ring of your wife or piece of art in your living room? What type of coverage you have for antiques and firearms?
• Contact your insurance representative if you made additions or improvements to your home can increase its value.
• Review your liability limits on your auto and homeowner policies. Your assets properly protected?

Do not wait until the tree is in the middle of your living room! Take a look at your policy and contact your independent insurance agent or representative and discuss your coverage. Have a great and prosperous year!

In current economic crisis, people are looking for every way to save an extra dollar or two. With gas prices around $ 4 per gallon, putting off gassing your car to squeeze every extra mile out of your vehicle before the next fill-up may seem a good way to save money, but there vacuum line of long-term effects.

we all know that running out of gas is still possible if we push this gas gauge too far, leaving us stranded on the side of the road . At that time your options are to start walking, hoping to come across a gas station, or to call a friend (or AAA) to bring you a little gas to get you back on your way . This is always frustrating and happens at the most inopportune moment generally. That said, this is not the only danger of the vacuum line.

According to Consumer Reports, driving your car on a nearly empty tank can cost much more in the long run than filling. Fuel pumps supplying gas from the tank to the engine, and the fuel pump using gas to cool the motor of the fuel pump. If you are running on empty, the fuel pump will suck air which can heat up the pump. This can cause the pump to wear, meaning costly repairs to your vehicle. In many new cars, the fuel pump is located in the fuel tank, so you will not only replace the pump, but the gas tank as well. This repair can cost hundreds of dollars more to leave you without wheels while a mechanic made the necessary repairs.

Another side effect run on low fuel is clogging your fuel filter. Sediment can build up in an additional fuel tank, and this sediment settles to the bottom. If you leave the sink of the gas gauge to almost empty when sediment gets sucked into the fuel pump, thus clogging the filter and require more costly repairs.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your fuel pump and avoid costly repairs.

• do not let your gas tank get below ¼ of a tank.
• do not count on the your vehicle's gas monitoring system as driving habits can seriously affect the amount of gas you use.
• If you need gas, be sure to fill before you start on your way to avoid a problem when unexpected delays occur, such as traffic jams or long stretches of road with no gas station.

Although the supplement to fill every week can cost you an extra $ 40 or $ 50, it's better than having your car break down on the way to work. Between repair costs, being late for work, and having to find a temporary replacement vehicle, the cost of failure far outweighs the additional savings of not fulfilling immediately.

For more information on driving on empty, visit the Consumer Reports website. Do you run regularly low on gas? Have you ever run out of gas? Share your story!

Some days you wake up to a beautiful day with a smile on your face and then something goes wrong and instantly your mood changes. Or sometimes you wake up, a dark sad mood and just not want to get out of bed Regardless of what you put into this moody, you must get out of your system, so things may start looking brighter. I know we've all had those days so I thought I would find some tips on how to move only in a bad mood at the door and welcome the sun!

• You to Move it, Move it -. exercise can improve your mood by relieving tension, increase energy and growing optimism
• Enjoy -. hot bubble bath, hot chocolate or coffee, home of the face, small gift shop ... the small things could give you the boost you need
• Tell Cheese - surround yourself with pictures of people and things you love. I have lots of pictures displayed at work, in my house, on my phone, etc. Not just to show my lovely nieces and nephews or my amazing friends and family, they are also to lift my spirits. ! A look at them and I instantly felt my facial muscles pushing a smile
• Sniff some odors - inhaling the smell of lavender or orange can reduce anxiety and improve your mood
• Go to a quiet place - .. even if it is just the office bathroom, take a few minutes to sit in a quiet space can do wonders
• Get some sun - a boost of vitamin D can keep the blues away. Head outside for a brisk walk around the block. If this is impossible, the station you are near a window for a few minutes (and ignore the stares of fellow)
• do yoga -. Some hip openers could be the answer to a brighter day. Think it's impossible to do yoga in a cabin or other small work space? Think again
• Laugh - .. There is no possible way you can have a laugh and be moody yet
• My favorite ... Jam to the beat - when I need a little pick-me-up, I crank the tunes and sing (if you can call it that) at the top of my
lung

moods are contagious, so do yourself and those around you a favor and make your positive and optimistic mood! There are so many other ways that you can bust the bad mood. What is your secret?

radon. While perhaps not as well known as carbon monoxide he cousins ​​or natural gas, odorless, colorless, tasteless is just as deadly. Naturally produced from the decay of uranium in the soil, rock, and water, it has been proven to be the second leading cause of lung cancer next to smoking. Studies show that radon can also cause emphysema, hardening of tissue irregularities lungs, pneumonia, and chromosome that lead to birth defects.

Do not live near a power plant or travel in a foreign country to have radon exposure. It is a natural element that is produced in the open ground under your house. Because it is a gas, it moves through cracks and holes in the foundation of your home, through floor drains, sump pumps, construction joints, and even the tiny cracks or pores in the hollow block walls. Radon can be found in any building at any time of the year. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Office of the Surgeon General, radon in the home is responsible for about 20,000 cancer deaths each year lung.

The Survey of national residential radon EPA shows radon levels are regularly present in approximately six million households in the United States. A high level of radon be nothing or greater than 4 pCi / L (picocurries per liter). According to the EPA, the concentration of the average indoor radon for America's homes is about 1.3 pCi / L If you find that the level of radon in your home is at or above 4 pCi / L (picocurries per liter), you should seek professional help and identify a good strategy to reduce the radon for your home. The average cost of radon mitigation in a typical house can vary depending on the solution you choose, but generally does not exceed many repairs / maintenance costs of the home you have faced as owner in the past.

Testing your home is the only way to know what your home radon levels are. There are no immediate symptoms that alert you to the presence of radon and it generally takes years of exposure before any surface problems. Keep in mind that high levels of radon have been found in every state. According radon.com, an average of 1 every 5 homes has high levels of radon. Visit the website to see the levels of your state. There is no need to panic or move to another state - this is not that kind of problem. It is, however, something you need to test and treat if necessary. If, after testing your home, you find that your home has high radon levels, there are ways to reduce them to acceptable levels for less than $ 500. Some common mitigation techniques are: ..

• Sealing cracks and other openings in your house foundation
• Sub-slab suction - remove radon from laden air from under the foundation of your home
• Improve ventilation in your home.
• Installing a sump system in the basement.

If you want or need the assistance of a professional, there are several resources for you to use. You can use the list of certified radon attenuators for your state, you can reference the Web page of the EPA radon testing, or you can reference these resources useful EPA and radon.com.

Have you ever tested your home for radon? How did you wrong?

Almost all of us have probably had some kind of encounter with lightning. At one time or another, we have ignored the danger of a storm to finish that last bit of gardening or putt on 18 ^e green. We tend to believe that the chances of lightning strikes we are small, but how foolish we can be. It is, in fact, the number two killer storm (after the flood) in the United States, causing more deaths than tornadoes and hurricanes.

cloud to ground lightning is extremely fast, hot and powerful. Lightning discharge occurs over the duration of 100 milliseconds, heating the air around it to 15,000 to 60,000 Fahrenheit and carrying a peak power up to 30,000 amps. Yet people are repeatedly prepared to accept the risk of coming into contact with something so deadly.

A 1997 report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has analyzed 35 years of lighting injuries and mortality data in the US Some of the study of interesting conclusions:

• 84 percent of the injuries and deaths of the victims were men
• June, July and August accounted for 21 percent, 30 percent and 22 percent of incidents, respectively ..
• peak period for incidents was 14: 00-18: 00
• incidents were most common, Saturday, Wednesday and Sunday.

data analyzed by the National Lightning Safety Institute (NLSI) from 190 to 03 revealed that there were 756 deaths in the United States during this period. Florida, with 126 deaths, was the deadliest state by far, followed by Texas (52) and Colorado (39). Most Western states had high per-capita death rate, led by Wyoming to 2.02 deaths per million inhabitants.

What can we do to ourselves and our loved lightning protection? The NLSI offer some personal safety tips on its website. Of primary importance is planning our outdoor activities in time if we are not taken outside ignore. If you are outside with a thunderstorm, avoid lakes, open spaces and high ground. In addition, you should avoid contact with metal objects, including electrical wiring and fences. Maintain a distance of at least 15 feet between people. If you are indoors, stay away from doors and windows, water sources, electrical appliances, computers and landline phones.

When planning and participating in outdoor activities this summer, make sure you give Lightning the respect it deserves. Have you ever had an encounter with lightning?

Americans love their fireworks. Sales of fireworks to the legal consumption amounted to $ 649 million in 2011, against only $ 407 million in 00. Sales increased by more states cancel or reduce their restrictions on fireworks sales . Only four states completely ban the sale of fireworks for consumption in 2011, compared to 11 such states in 00.

Everybody makes account that the injuries caused by the use of consumer fireworks are common and can be severe. The Consumer Products Safety Commission US (CPSC) conducted a study of fireworks injuries between June 17 and July 17 in 2011. I'm sure you will not be surprised that most injuries occur on and around Independence Day. In fact, 65% of all fireworks injuries for the full year took place during this period of 30 days. Hands and fingers were parts most frequently injured body far, representing 46% of all injuries. Eyes (17%) and the head, face and ears (17%) were also heavily affected.

More than half of all injuries were burns and sparklers, which can burn up to 00 degrees Fahrenheit, caused the highest percentage of injuries by type of fireworks (17 %). Firecrackers were the second most common type, which causes 13% of all injuries. Interestingly, four deaths during the study period could be linked to illegal fireworks or homemade.

Many government and industry groups offer safety tips around fireworks. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) categorically recommends that people attend public fireworks as an alternative to the use of fireworks consumption lights. The study of CPSC supports this position, only 3% related injuries fireworks took place in public view.

The CPSC and the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) agree on some safety tips for users of fireworks consumption lights. These are: ..

• Always provide adult supervision
• Do not let children play with or light fireworks, including sparklers
• do not try to relight a firework that did not light properly.
• Light one firework at a time.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby.

If you like a "hands-on" approach to fireworks, please use extreme caution. However, I recommend you watch them in the comfort of a lawn chair, several hundred feet of a launch pad operated by a trained professional. There are hundreds of great fireworks across the country and around Independence Day to choose from. Which screen is your favorite?

When you do something really well, you want to share how you do it. But what really motivates how you do something is why you do it first.

Maybe you made a promise to do the right thing and you want to stay true to your word.

perhaps because you enjoy the relationships you have and want to strengthen.

Or maybe because you refuse to compromise on quality and continually pursue excellence.

Whatever your reasons for why you do something resulting in outstanding results in the way you do. How can you fulfill your promises? And why?

It may seem hard to believe, but there are people who feel extinguishers are not a method of valuable protection against fires. The fact is, most people have limited knowledge of fire extinguishers and their intended use. A fire extinguisher can certainly be a lifesaver.

There are many factors to consider when choosing the appropriate extinguisher. Selection, location, maintenance and training are key components of the use of fire extinguishers at full capacity.

Selecting process is essential to ensure you have the appropriate fire extinguisher to use and its intended environment. Each household fire extinguisher is labeled with such class A, B or C, which tells you the types of fire extinguisher is effective against.

• A is used on ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper and fabric.
• B is for flammable liquids, like gasoline or cooking oil.
• C is effective electricity live.

The main distinction between the extinguishers at home is huge. In most cases, bigger is better, but sometimes the greatest extinguishers are too heavy to maneuver. The weight of a quencher refers to the amount of chemical therein; the cartridge adds several books. The size determines the place extinguisher

• £ 10 -. Garage or workshop at home where a fire could grow in size before being noticed
• £ 5 - Quick grab in the kitchen or laundry room
• £ 2 - vehicles

The National Fire protection Association (www.nfpa.org) recommends a fire extinguisher for each floor. Fire extinguishers should be placed near an exit and an easy place to enter.

Interview extinguishers is crucial to ensure that the protective equipment against fire will occur in an emergency situation. All extinguishers must receive annual maintenance by a qualified agent and certified for commercial buildings. Most homeowners can read their pressure gauges to see if a fire extinguisher must be repaired. NFPA 10 recommends that all fire extinguishers are maintained on an annual basis.

The last step is making sure users are properly trained on how to use fire extinguishers before an emergency. You can also check with your local fire department to see if they offer a proprietary training. To help remember how to use a fire extinguisher, remember the acronym PASS :.

P Ull the extinguisher safety pin

A im the chemical to the source of the flames rather than flames them- same, standing at least six feet from the fire (or as directed on the label of the extinguisher).

S queeze the trigger and hold it, keeping the extinguisher upright.

S mourn the source of the flames until the fire extinguisher is dry.

Every time you use a fire extinguisher, whether or not it is completely empty, replace or recharge immediately. The same rule applies to any extinguisher where the pressure gauge slipped out of the green zone in red over time. Extinguisher companies charge about $ 15 to fill a type 5 pounds A, B, or C fire extinguisher provided that it has a metal valve. Extinguishers with plastic valves are not rechargeable and should be discarded after use.

A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. It is not intended for use on a fire out of control when the user is in danger (for example, no escape, smoke, explosion risks, etc.) or where the expertise of the fire department is necessary. All things considered, it is preferable to have access to a usable extinguisher not. This protection against inexpensive fires could perhaps prevent a small fire to grow in size or causing property damage. Ultimately, it may even save a life

Regardless of the number of extinguishers you have, nothing can replace the most important safety tool :. A fire plan. Make sure everyone in the family knows how to get out in a hurry, where to meet outside, and how to call 911. Even if you think you have fired on your own, do not cancel the emergency call . Let the pros to decide whether the fire really is.

commercial properties premiums can vary greatly from class to class. In addition, some carriers refuse to provide certain courses because of hazardous exposures inherent in their operations.

As a business owner, you may have wondered what specific factors are watching commercial insurers considering risk. We usually start with COPE factors: construction, occupation, protection, and exposure. Let's look at each in more detail.

Construction

There are six basic types.

1. framework -. exterior walls, floors and roofs of combustible construction
2. joist masonry - the exterior walls of masonry construction or fire resistant rated for no less than one hour. and with combustible floors and roof
3. incombustible -. buildings with exterior walls, floors and roofs of combustible or slow burning materials
4. incombustible Masonry - the exterior walls of masonry or fire resistant construction with a minimum of one hour rating fire resistant. The floors and roof supports are burning combustible materials or slow
5. Amended Fire Resistive -. exterior walls, floors and roof with any degree of fire resistance of more than one hour but less than two hours.
6. Fire Resistive - similar to resistant changed fire, but the fire resistance rating of two hours or more

commercial insurers prefer that all property be fire resistant. construction but that is unrealistic. However, rates for Fire Resistive and combustible masonry are generally less expensive than frame or masonry joists. This is something to consider when deciding on the construction of your new building. coastal property is also examined for construction purposes because the wind resistive qualities of masonry noncombustible and fire resistance of buildings are much larger than the frame or masonry joist.

Occupation

the type of operation that occupies a building is what determines combustibility content (what they burn easily) and susceptibility content (endommageable how they are direct and indirect effects of fire, smoke, water, etc.). A woodworking shop in a frame building will usually have a fairly high property rates due to these factors.

protection

There are two components. The first is the public fire protection. protection classes are assigned from 1 (best) to 10 (worst). This is a measure of the ability of protection against fires of the local fire department to respond to structure fires. The second is the private fire protection. These are controlled by the owner or occupier and include sprinkler systems, protection of the kitchen, automatic fire detection and alarms, and fire extinguishers. All things to consider when constructing a new building or moving to a new space.

Exhibition

This refers to the surrounding property. We look at the construction of buildings, occupations, exhibitions outside (grass, trees) and the distance between the insured building and these exhibitions. What and who are next to you can dramatically affect your property rates.

property investors will also look closely at the age of a building by focusing on the latest updates to the roof, wiring, heating and plumbing. It can be difficult to obtain cover the replacement cost of an old building that has not been updated in the last 15 or 20 years.

Finally, we also examine management . This includes their attitude towards fire prevention and employee training. The best risk property is one that has an owner with pride of ownership.

While you can not control things like public protection class, you can sometimes make decisions regarding the construction, location and private protection that can improve your rate property insurance.

How many times have you placed a call to a credit card company, insurance company, or other business and are prompted to press 2, then 4, then 7 when all you want to do is talk to a live person? Twenty minutes later, you are still waiting and your blood pressure is so high that you could have a stroke.

This is what many of us experience when we just want to make a simple transaction like making a payment or filing a claim . In today's world of high-tech gadgets and digital media, we often forget the value of human contact. It is not only important in personal relationships; it is also important in our working life and in business transactions we conduct. For businesses, having a live person answer a call can mean the difference between regular customers and lost business. Establish good relationships with customers and empathy during stressful situations is a great way to turn a poor customer service experience in a fantasy. It is important for customers to hear that voice on the other end of the line and know that they want to help in any way possible. A smile can be heard through the phone and always helps people feel at ease.

The companies that recruit a team of representatives of service with highly qualified customers will most likely retain their customers for many years and that loyalty is what makes a great company. At the end of the day, as money can not buy happiness, there is not an application or a digital voice that can provide a human touch. If you are a business owner, think about your customer service. What kind of experience your customers have when they contact you?

The 5:42 p.m. Friday. John, the owner of a small manufacturing company, leaves work to meet Jennifer, his banker, for dinner. After five years of activity, the company is profitable and John moving in the right direction. He met Jennifer to discuss a loan to invest in new equipment for the plant.

John Cell phone rings and Stephanie, its works council. His voice is very serious. "John, we have a problem," she said. "Mark computer to tell me we had a data breach. A hacker broke into our systems and stole customer information and business data suppliers. What do we do?"

John tells Stephanie, "I'll meet Jennifer on the loan in 20 minutes. I will return to you. "John pulls over and shakes his head. What do I tell Jennifer? What do we do next

a data breach can harm a company, especially a small business in a number of ways :

• small and medium enterprises are the main targets for cybercriminals, suffering violated more often than large companies [1]
• 60% of small businesses fail. doors within six months of a data breach. [2]
• 20% of customers whose data is breached leave immediately. [3]
• It may take 7 to 11 months for a company to restore its reputation or brand value after a data breach. [4]

simply put, effectively manage your business relationships with the public and your customers following a data breach is of vital importance. The use of a public relations firm can help save the reputation of your company after a data breach:

• You provide the necessary resources to respond effectively and communicate with your customers and the public as a result of a data breach. This involves using all communication channels, including the press, social media and call centers.
• Allow you the owner of a company to publicly define the situation and how you plan to move forward rather than "being defined" by the media, rumors and angry comments.
• developing a comprehensive strategy to communicate with your customers in order to restore trust in your company and your brand.
• Identify key stakeholders you need to communicate with.

in short, using a PR service is essential to restore confidence in your company following a data breach. Do not use these services may increase the risk of falling profits, lost customers, and perhaps bankruptcy.

When shopping for coverage data breach, a business owner (such as John initially) would be used to purchase a given hedge violation offering that includes public relations services.

For more information on protecting your organization from a data breach, see our video above. Your company was the victim of a data breach? Please share your experience.

[1] Bender, Hannah. "5 Cyber ​​Threats Big for Small Businesses" http://www.propertycasualty360.com/2014/05/29/5-big-cyber-threats-for-small-businesses?ref=hp. May 29, 2014.

[2] Hillebrand, Melissa. "Infographic: Your company is at risk of a data breach?" Http://www.propertycasualty360.com/2014/06/18/infographic-is-your-business-at-risk-for-data-brea?ref=hp. June 18, 2014.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ponemon Institute "Reputation impact of a data breach" http://www.experian.com/assets/data-breach /white-papers/reputation-study.pdf

In today's world, life moves pretty fast. Most of us do everything we can to follow the daily demands of work, children, home, and invoices that compete for our attention and divide our time. The more we take, the less time we have for ourselves and we tend to rush through our days with a sometimes random attempt to "get it all in."

So, what are the consequences? Some things do not get done and very important things never start. Sometimes these things are superfluous as painting the fence or weeding the garden. Other times, these things are much more important for our future happiness. Things like ... a home inventory?

We generally do not notice or do we still care about making a list of all our worldly goods when we do not have a motivating reason to do so. People are motivated by emotions triggered by an event and a disaster situation is a motivating event for almost everyone. Many times someone who has suffered the devastation of fire, natural disaster or other catastrophic events of life is not only deal with the emotional consequences of the event, they are also ill at inventory of what they lost when just yesterday, they took their possessions for granted. Filing an insurance claim without receipts, no document, no digital evidence, not a point of evidence that your property has never existed, can add a lot of stress to an already stressful situation. Now is the time that you wish you had planned ahead and took the time to put together a home inventory.

A home inventory helps to provide information to your insurance company needs to adjust your application, reducing the amount of "" required back and forth to prove the value of what you have lost. How to prove that you had a TV 70 "LCD with no TV and no receipt? The claims process takes time. Do you have the means to live elsewhere while you pay out of pocket to start the renovation or reconstruction your home? Take inventory of your assets on an annual basis can help speed up this process

a home inventory can be created in several ways :.

• Use software or one of the many websites available to keep a digital list of your possessions. KnowYourStuff.org of the Insurance Information Institute is a user friendly site that is free.
• Videotape contents of your home and give it a copy to your insurance agent that will keep it on file for you.
• Make a list of the contents of your home and its value, and provide a copy to your insurance agent. Some companies insurance offer printed forms, or you can complete forms to fill out online.

Whichever method you choose to use, the key is to do it! Watch our video above for tips on how to start with your home inventory. It takes time to create, but time and stress relieve your inventory after suffering a loss is priceless.

Do you have any advice or tips on stocks at home?

When friends or parents call you, please pick up the phone? Do you just let it go to voicemail, then hurry up and send them a text that says, "What's New" I am totally guilty of this, as I'm sure you are as well This is a habit. Gen Y'ers that we are known for!

a mom was so sick and tired of what she has created an application called Android Ignore No More for . get her children to return calls with this application, there are only two options -. call or text your parents back or call answering emergency call no friends, no texts to what you call your parents back!

for most of us Gen Y'ers, the phone function is the least important part of a phone. It has been replaced by text messages, Facebook messages or Snapchat.

Remember, it is also important to talk on a cell phone. This may be a strange concept. verbal correspondence is great way to communicate and has many advantages that SMS does not have. Here are some benefits of taking the phone instead of communicating through other methods:

• Less time - Talking on a cell phone takes less time than texting. If the person you are calling is available, you can take care of business right away. With SMS, you send a message and hope that you will receive a prompt response. This does not always happen
• multitasking - While talking on the phone, you can do many other things. You can load your dishwasher, fold your laundry, or paint your nails! When you encounter a texting conversation every two minutes, you must enter your phone to see if you received a reply
• Clarity -. It can be very difficult to distinguish the tone of a written message. This often leads to text messages being misinterpreted. I still think it is difficult to interpret words like "OK" or "good" when used in a text. Do they mean "OK" is not a big deal or did they mean "OK" in a snobby way? With phone calls, you are able to hear the voice of the other person, which reduces most, if not all, of this confusion
• Personable -. When you have really bad news or really good news to deliver it is important to pick up the phone instead of sending a text or email. Receiving bad news by text or email is just to add salt to a wound. It is refreshing to hear a voice reading cold words.

What is your preference? Talking on the phone or texting? What position did you pick up the phone instead of texting?

Watch our video to learn more about the uninsured (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage.

Since virtually every state in the US requires a certain minimum level of insurance responsibility of driving a motor vehicle may be wondering why they would need to buy coverage of uninsured motorists.

Unfortunately, we all know that just because the law says we're supposed to do something, does not mean everyone will. According to the Insurance Research Council (IRC), an estimated 14 percent of drivers are uninsured nationwide, and in some states up to 26 percent of all drivers lacking auto insurance.

So what's uninsured motorist coverage? Uninsured drivers, or UM coverage provides insurance protection for bodily injury, and damage property in some states, caused by a driver who is not insured. This coverage allows you to collect from your own insurance company as if it provided liability coverage for the negligent driver and uninsured. It provides benefits for you and your family from injuries sustained in your own car covered in automobile you do not own, or as a pedestrian.

Thinking about chancing it? Maybe you'll be lucky enough not to get hit by an uninsured motorist? As I mentioned before, the coverage of uninsured motorists not only provides protection for you while you are driving a vehicle, but also when you are a pedestrian. To help drive home (excuse the pun) the importance of this coverage, think about this real example: a cyclist was traveling through an intersection when a van ran the red light. the head of this young man bounced off the window of the van, leaving him with multiple facial lacerations and busting almost all his teeth. The van drove away, and no one was able to track down the driver. The young man had to have multiple surgeries to his mouth and face. Fortunately for him, he made $ 250,000 uninsured motorist coverage that paid for most of his injuries.

It is also important underinsured motorist coverage, which provides insurance coverage for bodily injury and property in some states of damage sustained by you when a motorist has liability insurance. but not sufficient, negligently causes an accident. Consider this: if you were permanently injured by a driver in your state where the minimum law of fiscal responsibility requires limits of $ 15,000 per person / $ 30,000 per accident / $ 10,000 property damage (presented as 15 / 30/10 on your page policy statements), would it be sufficient to cover medical care for life? Of course not. That's why it's so important to buy the right amount of coverage for underinsured motorists.

Check your policy and contact your insurance agent about adequate amounts of coverage for uninsured motorist or underinsured to ensure that you are covered even when the other person is not

The information obtained from :. http://www.irmi.com/newsletters/hidden/personal-lines-tips/2014/03-why-you-need-uninsured--coverage.aspx motorists.

guarantees described here are in the most general terms and are subject to conditions and actual policy exclusions. In the language of the actual cover, conditions and exclusions, please refer to the policy or contact your independent agent.

Brett, chief financial officer of a small shop of the machine, was concerned about the financial losses that the company could incur a recent? cyber attack. The company's systems have been infected by a computer virus and was trying to resolve it.

Worse, the virus had caused several large, specialized machining tools business to fail, and it began to look like some of the machines have been permanently damaged. The machines should be replaced and many of the machines were imported from abroad, which meant they could not be replaced quickly. With the fourth quarter approach - the busiest time of the year - Brett was worried about the impact all this would have on sales and net income

Perhaps worst of all, Brett had shot down the suggestion that buying the company. cyber insurance coverage. He felt that the "big guys" needed the blanket and he was trying to save the company some money.

called Jim Brett, CEO, to relay the bad news on damaged machines. "It looks like business interruption request," said Jim. "Is our business interruption cover this loss of form because it was caused by a cyber attack? We do not have to cyber insurance coverage, are we doing? "Brett did not know what to say ....

An activity interrupt request can be very damaging to a company, leading to lost earnings and additional costs. Worse, a form standard business interruption may not be of much help if the cause of the loss is a cyber attack. in fact, a standard form of business interruption can pay a nominal amount (as little as 2500 $) if the cause of the loss is the interruption of IT operations. most forms of business interruption require "direct physical loss or damage" to trigger the coverage of operating losses. If a cyber event triggers your business interruption claim and you do not have a cyber insurance coverage, you may be left without coverage.

for these reasons, it is essential that your business cyber insurance coverage which includes transportation cover operating losses. Without it, your business is vulnerable to business income claims and losses that are triggered by a cyber attack. As Brett discovered the cyber insurance coverage is not only the "great". The truth is, small and medium enterprises are the most common targets of cyber attacks.

Tell your independent insurance agent about your risk of cyber attack and how you can protect your business with cyber insurance with coverage of operating losses.

With the hangover food Thanksgiving wear off, people everywhere are getting into Christmas spirit humming Christmas carols, shopping for the perfect gift for their loved ones, and decorating their homes. You stack your gifts under a real or artificial tree, here are some useful safety tips to ensure your stay is safe and exhilarating.

• When choosing a Christmas tree, make sure that any artificial tree is certified as flame retardant. Real trees should be fresh. dry needles on a real tree is a fire hazard so make sure the needles are not fragile. Needles should be soft and supple, with a green sheen to them.
• Make sure you place your tree at least three feet away from heat sources such as radiators, fireplaces, candles or lamps. If using a real tree, make sure you water the tree every day to keep the tree from drying out.
• When the tree lighting, make sure the light cords are not worn or frayed and fixing the bulb elements are in good condition, with no loose connections. If the lighting outside your home, make sure the lights you choose are intended for outdoor use.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. Trees and fire do not mix.
• Always turn off your Christmas lights when leaving the house or going to bed for the night.

The cost of being careless with your Christmas tree is staggering. According to the National Fire Protection Association, American firefighters responded to an average of 230 Christmas tree fires between 07 and 2011. The result was an average of six deaths, 22 injuries, and $ 18.3 million in damages to the property per year. Be sure to decorate safely to ensure that your holiday is safe and happy!

For more holiday safety tips, see our video above or visit www.nfpa.org.

The holiday season officially ended, but I wish it was not. The holidays are over gifts and time off from work - they represent to be a little nicer and more thoughtful, and act towards others as you would have them do unto you. In this case, the fact of the "season" really have to end?

Customer service is especially crucial during the holidays. We have all had at least one, if not a dozen, poor experiences of customer service during the holiday rush. But what about the customer service that went beyond your expectations? Maybe even surprised you? In the spirit of the season, I choose to focus on the good experiences of customer service that I have had recently.

Experience during the Thanksgiving holiday frankly shocked me. My husband and I traveled out of the country to visit family and we had some trouble getting our credit card to work at one of our stops. I knew that I will have to call the credit card company and I'm absolutely dreading. These types of calls seem to never end in a reasonable time or without a lot of frustration. Surprisingly, I was waiting for a few short moments. The representative of customer service that answered my call was friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable. At the end of our conversation, he actually thanked me for being a loyal customer. What I feared would be an absolute disaster actually ended up being not only enjoyable, but a memorable experience!

The holidays are a great time for representatives of customer service to make lasting positive memories for their clients. This year I chose to remember the positive experiences that I am blessed with, but I'm also looking forward to many more throughout 2015! Here is another year of positive experiences. Cheers!

With all the damage to trees from recent storms, we saw a lot of online conversation about insurance and coverage or the lack of? coverage for damage to trees. One person wrote, "Did you know that insurance covers only to have trees removed if they hit your house?" (This is not always true -. This depends on the type of policy they have) Another person thought their insurance would pay to replace trees that have fallen down. (Homeowners policies do not usually pay to replace the trees that fell because of a windstorm.) Because of these misconceptions, we want to provide more information to our policyholders regarding damage trees and is covered against are not covered.

basic HO-3 and HO-5 policy

If you have this type of policy, coverage for debris removal from the tree (s) that have decreased due to a windstorm is only provided if the tree (s) damaged a covered structure (meaning the house, garage, shed, etc.) or if the tree blocks a driveway blocking access to local residence or a ramp or other block device designed to help a disabled person to enter or leave the house. The coverage limit of debris removal of the tree is $ 500 per tree, not more than $ 1,000 per claim, whatever the number of trees that have fallen. No coverage is provided to replace the tree (s) dropped.

This is true for all states except Virginia. In VA, we will pay the reasonable expenses incurred by the insured in the removal of fallen trees that cause damage to the covered property. The tree is covered property damage for there coverage for debris removal of trees. No coverage is provided to replace the tree (s) dropped.

Moreover Ten endorsement

If you have this endorsement on your policy, coverage for debris removal from the tree ( s) which fell due to a wind storm is expected regardless of whether or not the tree damages a covered structure or blocking a driveway or ramp. (If the tree falls in the yard and do not touch anything else or block anything, coverage for debris removal of trees would still be available.) The coverage limit of debris removal from the tree is $ 500 per tree, not more than $ 1,000 per claim, whatever the number of trees that have fallen. No coverage is provided to replace the tree (s) dropped.

This is true for all states except Virginia. VA, the coverage limit of debris removal of the tree is $ 1,000 per claim, whatever the number of trees that have fallen. (There is no limit per tree.) No cover is provided to replace the tree (s) dropped.

Politics Summit owners

With this policy, coverage for debris removal from the tree (s) that have decreased in because of a wind storm is expected regardless of whether or not the tree damages a covered structure or blocking a driveway or ramp. (If the tree falls in the yard and do not touch anything else or block anything, coverage for debris removal of trees would still be available to the insured.) Coverage Limit removal of tree debris is $ 1,000 per tree, not more than $ 2,500 per claim, whatever the number of trees that have fallen. No coverage is provided to replace the tree (s) dropped.

This is true for all states except Virginia. VA, the coverage limit of debris removal of the tree is $ 2,500 per claim, whatever the number of trees that have fallen. (There is no limit per tree.) No cover is provided to replace the tree (s) dropped.

Signature owners Policy

With this policy, coverage for debris removal from the tree (s) that have decreased in because of a wind storm is expected regardless of whether or not the tree damages a covered structure or blocking a driveway or ramp. (If the tree falls in the yard and do not touch anything else or block anything, coverage for debris removal of trees would still be available to the insured.) Coverage Limit removal of tree debris is $ 5,000 per claim, whatever the number of trees fell. (There is no limit per tree.) Coverage is provided to replace the tree (s) fell; limits available are $ 1,000 per tree, $ 5,000 per event and $ 10,000 per quarter from politics.

North Carolina HE-7 Policy

If you have this type of policy, coverage for debris removal from the tree (s) that have decreased due to a windstorm is only provided if the tree (s) damaged a covered structure (meaning the house, garage, shed, etc.) or if the blocks trees a driveway blocking access to local residential or blocks of a ramp or other device designed to help a disabled person to enter or leave the house. The coverage limit of debris removal of the tree is $ 1,000 per tree, not more than $ 2,000 per claim, whatever the number of trees that have fallen. No coverage is provided to replace the tree (s) dropped.

Another good thing about Plus Ten endorsement Central, Summit owners of the policy, the policy of signing owners, and HE-7 policy is that they provide coverage D - Loss cover use of power outages that are caused by a windstorm. This coverage begins 48 hours after local residence becomes uninhabitable and continues for more than 7 days. For example, people currently without electricity during this heat wave could go stay in a hotel until their power is restored. This coverage will pay for hotel and other additional living expenses, such as having to eat out for every meal

Regarding the franchise policy, it applies to both coverage D -. Loss of use and Debris Removal. For example, if you have suffered a covered loss of $ 10,000 resulting in damage to your home, loss of use due to power failure, and debris removal of trees, you will receive a payment claim for $ 9,500 ($ 10,000 minus the $ 500 deductible). The strategy deductible is applied once, as opposed to separately to each individual coverage (your house, loss of use, debris removal). Now if you have a loss of $ 400 involving debris removal of trees, you would not receive a payment claim, the total amount of the loss is less than the deductible of the policy. The total amount of your loss should be more than your policy deductible to a payment claim to do.

If you're not sure the policy you have, or have additional coverage issues, contact your agent or Central asking your question below ... and stay safe out there !

(Thanks to April Overman our underwriting service to provide this information useful!)

policy coverages described above are the most general terms and are subject to exclusions and real political conditions. For specific coverage details and exclusions of the policy, refer to the policy itself or contact a central agent.

Snowstorms continue to punish the Northeast, leaving many in the region wondering what that they have done to make Mother Nature so angry. As snow continues to accumulate and freeze, many dealing with problems caused by excessive snow, one of those questions being ice dams on their roofs.

If you have long thick icicles hanging from your roof then there is a good chance you have an ice dam. Ice dams occur roof edge level, where a block of ice forms. As the snow on the roof melts from the heat escape your home or rising temperatures, melting snow back behind the dam and made its way under your shingles and into your home. Damage caused by an ice dam can be expanded as water leaks and ruin insulation, walls, ceilings, and more.

If you have an ice dam, you should consider having a professional remove from your roof. This will help you stop the flow of water in your house by breaking the ice that prevents proper flow of melting ice and snow. You must also have snow shoveled off your roof to help prevent new ice dams from forming as the snow continues to melt and re-freeze. If you hire someone to shovel your roof and remove the ice dams, make sure they are licensed and insured. It is very easy to damage a roof while removing snow and ice dams and you do not want to be stuck paying for a new roof this summer because it was damaged by a "professional" during the winter.

Hiring a roofing company or contractor to remove snow and ice from your roof dams can be a little expensive but it is cheaper, safer, and less headaches to pay for removing snow and ice from your roof rather than deal with the extent of damage that an ice dam can cause.

Have you any other suggestions for Prevent ice dams or other damage caused by ice and snow?

Anyone who works in the customer service industry knows how difficult this job can be. Not every customer is happy-go-lucky, and maintenance difficult customers can be taxing. It is the job of the person customer service to fight through it and get to the heart of the issue for the customer. More often than not, if you take the time to identify the customer's problem, you can broadcast this situation and let the customer a sense of satisfaction, even if there is no satisfactory resolution to their particular issue .

Here are some tips for the next time you are faced with a difficult client.

• Listen. I know this seems obvious, but so many customer service people try to anticipate the customer's problem or are already formulating a response before the customer is done talking. This leads to the client's hearing, but not listening to their real concerns. Take time to listen to the customer before making a response. Sometimes the client just needs to evacuate and allow them to do so can lead to a resolution of its own.
• Avoid "you". Avoid words like "you" can be very useful in broadcast situations. Using words like I, we, you, your, etc. during consideration of the problem may have the unintended effect of making the customer feel like it is their against you. For example, if a customer calls to complain about a problem of payment you might say, "The last bill was not paid," instead of saying "You do not pay your last bill." Avoid the word "you" in this situation does not place blame or his accuser to the customer and can help smooth a tense conversation.
• Keep your emotions. The most difficult part to handle a disgruntled customer can keep your composure, but it is the most important part of finding a successful solution. If you let your emotions or voice level match the customer upset then this will only serve to worsen the situation. If a customer gets emotional and starts to raise his voice, the best option is to talk calmly and lower your voice. It is very difficult for someone to continue to cry while the other party speaks softly. More often than not, the client match your voice level after a few laps and you can begin to solve their problem in a way that is mutually beneficial.

The above tips are just a few things you can do to improve these difficult interactions and keep your customer happy. Do you have any tips that work for you? If so, please share!

One of my favorite times of year is early spring. Everything, and I mean everything, appears rejuvenated! The sun shows her beautiful face earlier each morning, and it remains to be even longer before we get into the bed Birds and geese are up and at 'em early, to catch those and honking their way through the clear blue sky.

Customer service also comes to life during this period that the stores stock their shelves with products lighter and brighter that consumers like to use during the warmer months, outdoorsy. Companies out of the winter doldrums by creating catchy advertisements to attract customers into their stores. warmer months can also bring new ideas and inventions of the next great product or service. Everyone seems to join in the buzz of excitement for something new and different.

My favorite aspect of spring is not all of the news, but more specifically the renewal of what was, and have it again. Things like my perennials that bloom, the joyful cries of children playing ball in the park near my home, and the return of "Marchocolate" to Kewpee, my beloved hometown burger joint.

I also like the rejuvenation personal services ... once to make these connections with people you might not talk on a regular basis, but which are very important and you cherish the same thing. In my case, these people come to understand the pest control technicians who come each spring spraying for pesky bees, and my insurance agent who checked with me to make sure I have all my blankets up and making day for my spring and summer "fun" items, like my jet ski and golf!

Will Santa drop a new boat or bike you have not quite got to the insurance yet? And this new pool that you consider to can carry additional safety precautions depending on your policy. Be sure to check the blog "Make sure that the summer is a bummer - Insure Your Fun" Read about other fun summer items that may need additional coverage

Spring is a time of newness. But also a time of renewal. What types of services are waiting for you impatiently this spring? I would like to hear from you in the comments section below!

If you're like me, you've pretty much grown up using Microsoft Office tools in your work and personal life. Have you ever really considered something else? The most common desktop tools seem to Word, Excel and PowerPoint, which many people use only if their names have become synonymous to what they offer. For example, how many times did you see that thing that you blow your nose with a tissue instead of calling a Kleenex?

You may not realize it but there are some very good alternatives out there, and Google provides some of the greatest competition with their tools online such as Docs (Word), spreadsheet (Excel) and presentation (PowerPoint). Now you may be wondering, "Why would I want to spend my beloved Microsoft" Defenders Google would probably give you a number of reasons, but I'll give you one They are free Google tools,?.! including all updates are free for home users while Microsoft requires you to purchase licenses for their products. These prices vary depending on whether you buy the entire suite or individual products, but be prepared to spend more than $ 150 if you want all

characteristics of each comparator is useless. Microsoft will win hands down simply because it was created as a professional suite designed to perform many functions advances. Think of the Google equivalents as lighter versions, designed to meet the basic functions necessary for creating documents, spreadsheets and presentations. If you need these advanced features, stick with Microsoft.

As a mobile user, you can start to see an advantage if you are working from a device (tablet or phone) that runs Android instead of Windows. With Google tools, you can create your documents without using Windows or Microsoft Office, and the ability to share documents with others is integrated directly into the tools themselves via Google Drive. In truth, Google tools were invented especially with this thought in mind; You can create documents on the go as opposed to sitting at your PC and then upload them to the Web.

If you decide that you want to replace your Microsoft Office tools completely, or simply complete your mobile world, it will involve some research based on your individual needs. Seeing that they are available without charge, it may be useful to give Google a product testing. It is as simple as signing up for a Google Account, which is also free

I would be very interested in what you discover - I'm not made me jump - then let me know how it goes

The times are changing and with it the composition of our population. Today's children are tomorrow's adults. And, as it seems, children of yesterday do not think fit the way their parents did at their age. At one point, owning a home was a standard feature of the American dream, but we millennials are increasingly choosing an urban lifestyle in a suburb, preferring an activity of the nightlife, culture, glamor and better employment opportunities. In other words, millennials are trying to preserve the college experience.

One consequence of this change in attitude is that we are much more likely than our parents to rent an apartment or buying a condo that buying a new home. According to an online survey of young adults, 60 percent have chosen to rent rather than own their own home. And it turns out that six out of ten of these young adults tenants do not carry the insurance policy of a tenant.

I am tenant and do not carry the insurance policy of a tenant. It was not a difficult decision when I read on the cover provided by these policies, which seemed both affordable and relevant. Obviously every situation is different, but here are the five things that sealed the deal insurance tenant for that particular millennium:

1. tenant policies cover property not only at home, but as far of the House. For globetrotters children of the late 80s and 0s that will be helpful.
2. Renters policies cover damage to electronics and we millennials like our electronics.
3. policies cover stolen property tenants, which may be of greater concern for urban youth, but it is always important to anyone who rents!
4. renters policy may cover losses incurred by identity theft and help repair the damage. With identity theft in the news, it is much easier for a young person like me to imagine the possibility of my identity stolen than my rental unit of burn.
5. renters policies can cover equipment breakdown. Few people can relate to some of the causes of loss listed more dramatic on the renter's insurance policies, but I think everyone can relate to their big TV screen suddenly does not work because of a mechanical failure.

If you have read my reasons for buying renter's insurance, but are still not convinced, ask yourself this simple question: "How much would it cost to replace EVERYTHING I possess? "Compare this to an affordable price (seriously, affordable !) political and tenant see how you feel about the renter's insurance so. you do not know what next? Contact your local independent agent to talk about how you can get a tenant policy.

"I have never let my schooling interfere with my education." These words was uttered by Mark Twain. "School" and "education" has never been synonymous, but sometimes people find it difficult to distinguish the two, particularly with regard to higher education. A college degree is often considered indispensable and impossible to replace.

Earning a college degree definitely has its advantages, but obtaining the Almighty degree caused student loan debt to become a crushing burden for millennials. From 2013, the average college graduate have completed their academic career with a total of $ 30,000 in student loans. Total student loan debt in the US has now surpassed the total credit card debt. At the same time, the average starting salaries of college graduates is declining as the number of graduates in total is increasing, thanks to government programs aimed at making the university more accessible to all of society. It is a vicious circle, a bubble economy that many analysts predict will end in the same way as the disastrous housing bubble did in 08.

Fortunately, there are a growing number of alternatives to college education that are more affordable and, in some cases, open similar opportunities or better. For example, while millions of people are now without work, there are thousands of companies who are struggling to fill positions that require knowledge of a specific profession, such as machining. The two young people entering the workforce and experienced adults begin to hold on to it, thanks in part to people like Mike Rowe of "Dirty Jobs" on the Discovery Channel.

However, the bricks and mortar colleges may soon become obsolete, even for occupations that require a college education, such as technology. A company called Udacity, co-founded by Google Fellow and developer of the Google car without driver, Sebastian Thrun, offers the equivalent of a four-year degree in computer science, without all the fluff liberal arts. It is only available online for a fraction of the cost of a traditional education four-year college. Students pursuing this Udacity called "Nanodegrees" which are small, very representative curricula, specific marketable skills in the field of technologies targeted information. Udacity courses are developed by companies like Google, Facebook and AT & T so that it is not an accredited university, the name of Udacity carries some weight in the industry.

If you are one of many millennials always trying to find your way on the labor market, step back and ask some basic questions:

• Qu 'do you like to do
• what am I really good at
• what kinds? skills are the most sought?
• What is the most affordable way to get these skills?

depending on your answers, you may find that you can get the required training without all the expensive schooling! What other advice do you have for students looking for work? Please let me know in the comments below!

workshops and meetings Throughout my career as a representative of customer service, I ' I attended where I gave several tips and tools on the provision of services to exceptional customer service. A strategy that has really stuck with me over the years, especially when I'm facing a difficult situation is the H.E.A.T. . Model

H out the ear - It's not always easy to do, but in the end the customer will feel better. If they can just get on their chest, they probably will be much more open to your solutions. We've all been; Sometimes a person just needs to vent. Let them talk, and just listen

E mpathize -. Feel what your customer is feeling by putting yourself in their shoes. Name their feelings: "I understand that you are frustrated, and I can see why. . I would be too "By showing your customers you understand, you can begin to defuse the situation

A pologize -. This is important, especially if you did not personally make the error or create the situation that made the angry customer. The last thing the customer wants to hear is that you do not have it. Maybe "you" do not have it, but your company does - and you are a team. A simple "I'm sorry" can go a long way. Stand united and take the heat for your team. Hopefully your team will do the same for you when the tables are turned. After all, we all do errors

T ake Action -..? Make sure you have an action plan ready to follow your excuses How will you solve the problem what the customer can wait for the next this will probably sound something like, "I'm sorry that this happens is what I do for you now ....".

As representatives of customer service, we often find ourselves in sticky situations. Keeping our simple strategy we can navigate through these tight places with a little more ease. So next time you find yourself facing an angry person, just remember to take HEAT ! Do you have effective tips to improve service skills in customer? I'd love to hear from you below!

Have you ever had a colleague that led you absolutely crazy? What is he or she who wants you to scream? Now, did you actually do anything about it? There are chances that you be allowed your anger to burst, or simply ignored and resentment build allowed. But there is actually a positive way to meet these inevitable situations at work

Barbara Pachter, author of The power of positive confrontation: The skills you need to know to manage conflict at work, at home and in life said that many labor disputes are not handled properly. "Most people are just never learned how to behave politely and powerfully in conflict situations" However, it is not the end of the world Pachter reminds us.. "Most people are not idiots who are there for us to "She adds:..." Many people become preoccupied and did not realize how their behavior affects others They just need to be told in a polite and powerful way "

Pachter offers six steps to help you face other honorably and effectively. So next time you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, do not express yourself with an explosion of anger, or to ignore the situation because you do not know what to say. Instead, try positive confrontation:

1. Select your conflict . Easier said than done, right? You can not all win, so pick the ones that affect you really. If this did not really matter, it may be best to just let go.
2. Give the person "The Jerk Test". We are all guilty of being quick to make negative assumptions about others, but often we do not know what motivates the behavior of the other person. Give that person "the reflex test" and ask some questions. Does the person really means evil? Is it the person or the policy? What is the culture of the other person? You may find -being that the person is not a jerk after all. However, if you still choose to face them, you might be less likely to explode.
3. Choose the right time and place . Compete against other privately and when you are calm. be sure to choose a time that is good for the other person to talk and be sure that you give yourself enough time to express your thoughts at the bottom. a another good tip is to use the method HALT - avoid confrontation if you are H get angry, A ngry L onely, or T IRED.
4. a question both . Limit the discussion to a question in order to avoid confusion. This allows you to be very clear with what you want to convey.
5. Prepare and practice . Organize your thoughts and practice what you mean. You'll be less likely to lose your temper or back to the conversation. Your text should be specific, direct, polite, and non-adversarial.
6. Watch your nonverbal body signals . Have you ever heard you say, "But I do not mean it that way" Chances are, your words say one thing but your body language or tone of voice sent a different message According to Dr. Albert Mehrabian. , author of silent messages , seven percent of all messages transmitted through words, 38 percent thanks to some vocal elements, and 55 percent by nonverbal elements. So remember to smile !

Try to implement these six steps the next time you find yourself in a tight situation and see if you can solve the problem calmly. Remember, develop the necessary skills to manage conflicts of powerful polite manner will likely take time and practice -. it will not be overnight If you have other ideas or tips on how to positively manage confrontation in the workplace let please them below in the comments!

Did you know most people are injured in falls from ladders as any other elevated surface? This includes roofs, scaffolding, balconies, and even stairs. We take ladders for granted because they are so easy to use. If you set the scale correctly and know how to work safely when you are on a ladder, you can be pretty confident that it will not let you down. So why do people fall from ladders?

Most falls occur because people either select the wrong type of scale for their job, or they created the scale inappropriately and it moves or slips unexpectedly. (Come on, if you have already done work around the house that you know this has probably happened to you) People also fall when they are not working safely on the scale: their foot slips, they lose their balance, they go too far, or something knocks the ladder over. Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers some tips for using portable ladders so you can safely do the job, if you work at home or at work.

Setting up your scale:

• Move the ladder close to your work. Get help if it is too much to handle alone.
• Make sure there are no electrical son above.
• Set up the scale on a flat surface or fix it so it can not be moved.
• Lock the spreaders on a stool. Attach the locking assembly on extension ladders.
• Use cones or other barriers to protect the base of the ladder if the vehicles or pedestrians could hit.

How do safely on your ladder :.

• Wear shoes that have slip-resistant soles and make sure they are free of dirt, oil or other slippery thing
• Climb face the scale. Center of your body between the rails and keep your hips square to the bars. Hold the side rails with both hands; you have a better chance of avoiding a fall if a break ranks or you miss a step.
• Hold the ladder with one hand and work with the other hand whenever possible.
• Attach light, compact tools or materials on the scale or to yourself
• Lift and lower heavy loads difficult with a hand line or hoist

best practices when using your scale ..

• the top step of a stepladder should never be used as a step.
• Inspect ladders periodically for defects and after any event that may damage them. Do not use ladders that are the missing steps, rungs, cleats, or have broken side rails or other faulty parts.
• Do not carry objects that may cause you or scale off balance.
• not load ladders beyond the duty rating of the manufacturer.
• If you use a ladder on a slippery surface, make sure the ladder is equipped with non-slip soles.
• scales should not be moved, moved or extended when they are busy
• extension ladders should be placed so that the working length of the ladder is four times the distance horizontal base of the ladder to the structure - 4: 1 ratio ..

either at home or at work, take a few minutes to make sure your ladder is stable and secure to use before boarding. After all, your project is not complete if you are lying on the couch recovering from a fall! For more safety tips on your project at home on weekends, read our blog Do not Let Weekend Warriors Become the injured weekend.

Posted by John Kidd

As I enter my senior year of college, I think back to all the wonderful possibilities that I had the chance to experience: college athletics, clubs and organizations, as well as lifelong friends I made at during my first three years of college. However, I also get to think about what my future will result in the end of my studies. Where will I work? Where will I live? Do I need a new car? How will I pay my college debt? And that insurance - what types do I need? How all this cost?

Suddenly, my mind begins to calculate all expenses incurred, and even though I am only 21, I can feel emerging gray hair of my head. But I get to thinking, "I'm sure I'm not alone in this situation." Well, I hope I can answer at least one question above!

There are many different types of insurance you may need depending on the type of situation you are when you are past four types of insurance, you should be familiar with are:.

• homeowners insurance (if you own your house) - protects the insured (you) home with your personal assets (your belongings), and other structures such as a garage . detached or remission Alternatively, if you do not buy your home, you still have an option:
• Renters Insurance (if you rent your house) - protects all your stuff against fire , theft, or some types of natural disasters such as lightning or tornadoes
• Auto Insurance - .. cover liability (legal substance), medical payments, and uninsured motorists (someone who does not carry insurance at all)
• Umbrella - additional coverage that protects you from dangers such as slander and unlawful eviction and coverage of additional responsibility. (Additional liability coverage means that if you cause a car accident and you are sued for your car covers police, a comprehensive policy will help cover the difference).

There are many advantages to the insurance policies mentioned above: peace of mind, protect your assets and income protection - to name a few . The good news is the insurance costs much less than you usually think. Even more good news is that there is someone to guide you through the process of determining what you need: an independent insurance agent. Reach out to an agent to discuss the details of these policies and ask questions about the types of coverage each offer.

I hope I have helped you realize that there are many "actual" expenditures, and insurance should be one of them. Have a plan for when you graduate and do not forget to save some money too. You know, just in case you get hit by a bus and can not go to work and use this new degree brand you've worked so hard. I know I am very excited and delighted to what the future holds for me! I hope you are too!

VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) came in 1995. I remember using soon after. The app I used would connect randomly with strangers around the world. Although the quality was terrible since I've used it on a dial-up connection, it was like a modern amateur radio. The conversations were short and were not much, but I was talking to people on the other side of the world for free!

VOIP has come a long way in the last 20 years. Today, many people use applications such as Skype or Facetime to communicate using VoIP, but it is not related to only applications more. VOIP can be used instead of a fixed phone, while making use of a standard telephone. Companies have begun to adopt VOIP as it can be a less expensive option for long distance calls and offers many more features than standard telephone lines.

Many people these days are even cancel their landline service and stick with only a cell phone. If you have been contemplating this decision, consider some of the VOIP functionality accounts offer:

(all suppliers not offer all these features and some extra cost suppliers for some features.)

1. telemarketer blocking - Today, we do not call lists, but it seems that we still get calls constantly telemarketer. Many VoIP providers offer the blocking telemarketer you can blacklist these calls
2. The multiple phone numbers -. Do you have an old friend or family member who has no cell phone and long distance to call you? You can add a virtual phone number to your account that is local to them so they can call you for free
3. Call Forwarding -. You can transfer your home phone number on your cell phone. You can also ring your home first and if there is no response, it will try your cell phone before going to voicemail
4. Simultaneous Ring - . Instead of simply transfer your phone number to your cell phone, you can have the ring at the same time
5. Keep your existing number -. Many issues can be brought to the VOIP provider so you might be able to keep the landline phone number you already have
6. voicemail management -. . you can view voice mail messages online, have them e-mailed to you, or have a notification sent through a text message
7. distinctive ring -. Like a cell phone, you can have your home phone VOIP enabled to use different ringtones for different people
8. Caller ID - With a compatible phone VOIP, you can see the number that called you
9. call logs -. VOIP providers keep records of all calls, much like your cell phone. Normally you can connect to a website and view your call records
10. Manage online features - .. Many features can be controlled by logging on the website suppliers

VOIP is not without its drawbacks. For example, if you lose power or Internet service, you also lose your telephone service. And VOIP phone numbers are associated with an IP address instead of a real location that makes it difficult for 911 operators to locate the caller. Yet many people find that the rich set of features make it worthwhile to replace the fixed phone with a VOIP account. Have you made the switch? If so, please share your experience in the comments below.

I recently received a letter from a medical group indicating that my personal data may have been stolen as a result of an attack hacking. I had been to this doctor once in the last five years, but nonetheless, my information had been acquired by a person who was not authorized to possess. Admittedly, I'm not happy about it, but what could I have done differently? More importantly, what could the medical office done differently?

I was asked to speak to the association chapter of local auditors on cyber crime. The purpose of my presentation was how a company could be more protected in case of a cyber attack. The news is full of stories about companies being hacked; Sony to target the Government of the United States, even the most sophisticated systems are regularly compromised.

An astonishing that I discovered in my research was that most hacking events involved emails. Recipients often click on a link that can open the door for a thief to take your data. This results not only in loss of data, but infection by the system from a data corruption or virus. ! Yikes

As a business owner, there are steps you can take to help protect data that you expected (and sometimes necessary) to protect

• Be proactive! Suppose you are a target for attack. Check your internal procedures for maintaining and data protection, and upgrade your equipment and virus scanning software.
• Use passwords that include complex chains and expiration periods. Keep thieves guess!
• Having a data backup plan and a disaster recovery plan in place.
• Train your employees on policies and internal expectations for access and manipulation of data. They need to know your expectations and guidelines for the management of this valuable business assets
• Monitor your internal processes -.? Your staff according to your established guidelines
• use or system security personnel whenever possible to ensure the experts help you protect your data

All business is mainly in the data industry, regardless of the type of business you are :. a shoe store, a gas station, or medical office. Failing to protect this asset can place your business, your customers and your reputation in grave danger.

The more vigilant you are about protecting your data, your business less of a target and become customers. How do you protect your business against cybercrime? Tell me your story below!

Now that Thanksgiving is over and autumn is coming to an end, the fun winter holidays are upon us! If you plan to be a holiday host, make sure that your guests have a good time and stay safe, both in the party and on the way back. Keep these tips in mind for your upcoming holiday season to help prevent liability risks that accompany most of the festivities:

• Beware of Christmas decorations: If there are children in the game, try to keep small fragile items and other choking up so they are out of reach . Move decorative candles away from flammable objects in case they are accidentally struck and knocked down by a guest
• Monitor the eggnog bowl :. People often tend to let go during the holiday season can lead to over-drinking. Try to keep a variety of food options and soft drinks available to help limit alcohol consumption of the guests. Also, monitor your own alcohol to make sure you are in the right frame of mind to protect your guests from driving while intoxicated. As the party winds down, offer coffee, tea, water or soda instead of serving alcohol
• List of ingredients in holiday treats :. A big aspect of Christmas is plenty of food, but many treats contain ingredients that people can not eat. Ask in advance if all guests have food allergies, and be sure to mark treats with ingredients so customers can monitor what they eat
• Prepare for winter . Depending on the weather, the roads are covered with ice, sleet and snow. Try to keep all aisles and entrances clear of these dangers. Spread sand and salt to melt the ice and shovel the snow and sleet to leave a safe path. Tell customers slippery conditions in advance so they have time to prepare and take solid boots
• Animals and property :. If you want to leave your pet mingle with guests, be sure to monitor their behavior. Pets can become overwhelmed if there is an abundance of people, and a playful nip could turn into a serious bite. If things start to degenerate, keep your pet closed in a separate room until the party dies again. Also, if your house has guns or swimming pools, make sure they are locked and secured. Always be careful of your belongings when you have guests at home; accidents happen and sometimes they can be very serious.

Although the average policy owners provides liability coverage, personal umbrella policy provides coverage above limits and beyond the limits of owners. If disaster strikes and you are responsible for an accident caused by a holiday hazard, personal umbrella policy can extend your liability coverage up to $ 10 million (according to the set limits). If you are hosting a party in a place other than your home, please consult your independent agent to discuss additional hedging considerations.

The holidays are a time of celebration and fun, so do not let a danger ruin the party. Follow these tips to keep your guests safe and fun party. If you're not sure what you could be held liable, see the liability laws of your state. Although the holidays come to an end, a personal umbrella policy is an excellent product for an extended liability coverage throughout the year!

The benefits described here are in the most general terms, and subject to the conditions and the actual policy exclusions. For the wording of the cover, conditions and exclusions, please contact your policy or agent.