90% of all natural disasters involve flooding

It's spring. It's flood season. And 90% of all natural disasters in the US are related to flooding. Since we provide inventory services for homes and businesses to document their personal property (contents), we heard quite a few stories of the losses people in Indiana experienced last year.

Because of the extremely high dollar losses that result from flooding, the National Weather Service has launched a new Web page. The site provides essential information on what to know and do before, during and after a flood and offers a variety of safety tips and online tools. It also shows the effect and cost of flooding to millions of people and illustrates the point that floods can happen anywhere at any time of the year. Though we here in the Midwest don't fear hurricanes, the remnants of Ike produced heavy rainfall and flooding all the way up to the Great Lakes. The Midwest flood of June 2008 led to severe flooding in parts of Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin and caused total damages of more than $5 billion.

Other resources are the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and I.I.I. facts and stats on flood insurance. Did you know that your standard homeownes policy does not provide flood insurance? If you have not purchased this separate policy, talk to your insurance agent.

I am hopeful that the flood victims completed their home or business inventory. If not, I personally know of an inventory company that does an excellent, professional job.

Additional discounts you might be missing

Many insurance companies offer discounts to people 55 and over. Some provide a discount for retirees. Often membership in special groups and organizations such as alumni and business associations will entitle you to a discount as well. Check with your agent to find what special or unique discounts they offer. It's worth a quick phone call to determine if you can receive any additional savings on your homeowners insurance premiums.


I've been asked why I posted this series of cost-savings tips again. Well, the economy has gotten worse and I'm hearing from insurance agents that people are cancelling their policies. I wanted you to see there are ways to keep your insurance and wisely reduce the premiums. This is not a complete list, but some of the most common ways to save. Discuss these and ask your agent about other opportunities that might be available.



Are you aware of other opportunities for cost savings? Post them here!

Homeowners insurance survey

Do you want a chance to win a $250 gift card from Lowe's? HomeInsurance.com has an online survey that took me less than 2 minutes to complete. I hope they post the results of this survey, because we at Hartman Inventory often discuss homeowners insurance. We like to know what people do and do not know about their policies so we can cover these issues here and in our newsletters.

They have created this survey "...to gather some insight from our large audience of homeowners about their feelings and thoughts on their homeowners insurance,” said Kyle Kight, Managing Partner-Search Marketing.

Share your thoughts.

It's not all bad news

The number of thefts are increasing, storms have destroyed many homes in Mississippi, flooding has hit Fargo, tornado season is just under way... So what ISN'T bad news?

• People with an inventory of the contents of their home or business can usually file their initial insurance claim within 48 hours.
• Those with a thorough inventory receive a much higher settlement because...
• It's easy to remember and prove what you own.
• You don't have to do your inventory yourself if you don't want. There are (according to a recent statistic) over 500 inventory service providers across the US ready to do it for you.
• We're standing by.
• We are ready to serve you.

Safety & security discounts on your homeowners premium

We're almost near the end of our money-saving tips that you can apply to your homeowners insurance premiums. This is a great item that we're finding a lot of people are not aware of.

Most insurance companies offer a 5% or 10% discount for a smoke detector, alarm or dead-bolt locks. If you have any of these security devices, check with your insurance agent to make sure you're receiving the discount.

Even less known, sprinkler systems might also provide additional discounts, and possibly an alarm that rings at the police or fire department. These can be costly, though, so do a cost analysis to ensure that you’ll reap enough pay-back through your discounts from your premiums to justify purchasing them.

Where you live might affect your insurance policy

The real estate market is showing signs of an economic upturn. If you are considering a move at this time, remember the importance of a home inventory. One of the best times to document your belongings is when you're changing addresses. The reasons are that you'll most likely discard many items, you'll have everything unplugged - which gains you easy access to serial numbers - and it will help you determine what new items you will need.

Before making your decision on that new house, consider a few things that could affect your insurance premium. Often insurance is less expense if the electrical, heating and plumbing systems are less than 10 years old. Buying a house close to a fire hydrant or in a community that is served by a professional fire department rather than volunteers will also affect your premium. Check with your insurance agent to see if there are other factors to consider.

Oh! And don't forget ... if you don't want to do your own inventory, we'll be happy to do it for you.

Check your policy limits annually

In a previous post in this series of cost savings tips, I stated that cancelling or reducing insurance coverage is not a good choice when eliminating some expenses. Reducing or eliminating coverage could very easily cost you much more in the long run. But there is a situation that is an exception. Check the limits of your policy on an annual basis to determine if the value of your belongings equals your coverage.

We're hearing that quite a few people have sold jewelry, collectibles, fine art and other similar items because of the economic recession. If you have decluttered, downsized, sold or discarded items, you will want to let your insurance agent know. If you have riders on these items, and have sold or given them away, make sure those riders are cancelled. This will reduce the amount of your premium, bring it to where your coverage is in line with the value of your belonings - and also save you money on your premium.

When shopping for insurance, know your credit score

I've written a couple tips about shopping for insurance as a way to determine if your insurance premiums are in line with the current market, and to also make sure you have exact policy coverages quoted by each agent. Knowing your credit score before starting this process will be very helpful. Credit information is acquired to help the insurance company determine your premiums.

Check your credit score periodically and correct any errors. Then when shopping for insurance, if they state you received a higher rate due to your credit score, you’ll know whether they received an accurate report.

And when you're talking to insurance agents about your coverage, ask them whether you'll need to list everything you lost if you experience a theft, fire or natural disaster. Their answer will be, without pause, "Yes."

Purchase all insurance from the same insurer

Many insurance companies carry a variety of coverages - homeowners, liability and auto. Packaging your policies will provide a multi-policy discount. Also, if you’re a businessowner, check to see if they carry commercial insurance as well. This could net you an additional discount.

I mentioned shopping for quotes a couple days ago - be sure to include all policies when receiving quotes. This will enable you to compare apples to apples - or premiums to premiums.

(And when they ask you how much you need for contents coverage, you'll probably say, "I don't know." That's when you call us.)

Raise your deductible

In a series of posts this week and next, I'm offering some suggestions on how to save money on your homeowners insurance premiums. Today's money-saving tip is to raise your deductible - this puts money in your pocket.

The amount you pay toward your loss (prior to your insurance company paying the claim) is your deductible. The norm is $500, but the higher the deductible, the lower your rates will be. This is because you are taking more of the risk up front. By doubling the deductible, it is possible to save up to 25% off your premium!

A word of caution, though. Don't put yourself in a spot where you can't afford the deductible. Risk only what you know you can cover if you need to file a claim.

Loyalty pays

Hartman Inventory provides an inventory service for businesses and residential customers. We have developed relationships with many insurance agents, and have found loyalty pays. They are a very good referral source, and we also refer them to our customers when we know they are seeking a new agent.

Loyalty also pays when you are a long-term policy holder. This loyalty to your agent or insurance company might reward you with a reduced premium. Some companies offer 5% for retention of 3 to 5 years, and increase it to 10% if you remain for 6 yeas or more.

Have you shopped for insurance lately?

Many people ask us questions about homeowners insurance because we provide personal property inventory services. We are not insurance agents, but do understand a lot about insurance, and make it our goal to learn as much as we can. And, of course, we know enough to always refer you to your agent when you have specific questions related to your policy.

With that in mind, I wanted to pass on some tips over the next few days to help you find ways to save money on your homeowners insurance premiums. In today's economy, most everyone is looking for opportunities to cut back. Insurance is not the place to do that! But it might be the right time for you to shop. Markets change, and one company that offered great rates a couple years ago might now have some of the highest rates. Request some quotes. To properly compare premiums, make sure you receive identical quotes (liability, personal property coverage, deductibles, etc.).

Remember that price isn’t the only thing you’re purchasing, though. You should also consider customer service. It's wise to seek a combination of the best price on your homeowners insurance and the best customer service. Make sure you’re receiving the best value for your dollar. Ask friends and family for referrals. And be sure to include your current agent in the quote process!

Has President Obama remembered small businesses after all?

Many small business owners (including me) have felt forgotten during this economic era of the bailout. I included some statistics in a recent blog post and stated that because we are 'small', the economic impact isn't as obvious as the huge giants who are receiving the assistance. Joel Libava, known as The Franchise King, posted a blog today that is well worth the read. Joel is a great guy, highly respected in his industry, and it's an honor that he represents the Hartman Inventory Turnkey Business.


He restated a comment of President Obama's that "small business accounts for 70% of new jobs in this country. {In the last decade}."

Please read Joel's blog, watch the video and see what you think. Are we in this alone, or has the President chosen to come to the aid of this extremely important segment of the business world?

Video marketing for small businesses

Technology has created video marketing opportunities that small businesses can afford. We have created a couple videos for our inventory service and like the 'feel' of talking to people. Who better to discuss your service or product than you? It brings a familiarity, which allows the prospect to feel like they already know you.

I've seen many professional videos and unfortunately, not-so-professional ones. Most of us cringe when we hear a car salesman on TV screaming about a wonderful deal waiting for you if you’ll come down – right now! Or the windows and siding guy who squawks about the fantastic savings if you call within the next 30 minutes (but the ad runs all day long). These are stereotypes of TV advertising available for the small business owner. But it doesn’t have to be that way!

If you choose to take part in your videos, it’s best to receive some coaching prior to production. Public speakers, politicians, sports figures, CEOs and others consult with a professional voice and speech coach; so should you. I highly recommend Ellen Dunnigan's company, Accent On Business. You will have total control over what needs to be said, but they will help you say it with the professionalism you want to present.

Consider video in your next marketing plan. You’ll present your company with a fresh, personal message.

Spring is here - at least indoors

The Indiana Flower and Patio Show opens today at the Indiana State Fair Grounds. This is the 51st Annual show which will run through the 22nd in the West Pavilion. It's been fun blogging for the show, meeting exhibitors, and running contests for free tickets. What does the show have to do with Hartman Inventory? On the surface, you would guess 'nothing'.

However, there are plenty of items that must be logged on your inventory that are outside - grills, patio furniture, playscapes ... and think of all the items you store in your barn or storage building. Additionally, we also include photographs with our written report. Though not part of the the contents, as an extra we provide to our customers, we take photos of the entire property so they have photographs of their landscaping as well as the structure. Why? Because few people take those photos. And when you have a fire or tornado, these pictures will help you remember when filing the homeowners insurance claim.

So, back to the show...visit the booths and the gardens to see new products, learn about unique services, and say hello to the exhibitors. Some of these exhibitors have been featured in my blog posts:

Greensketch Designs
Mister Quick Electric
Bergman Design & Irrigation
Noble of Indiana
Old Bob's
Stonycreek Farm Nursery & Landscaping

Two of my blog posts also offered some advice to exhibitors and attendees (I've been both) to make the time at the show more enjoyable and beneficial for all.

Though it's cold outside, you can feel, touch and smell spring at the show. Want details?

Hope to see you there. Leave a comment after your visit.

Your agent is calling for a reason

While at a Rainmakers meeting this week, I was talking to an insurance agent about the high number of burglaries people are experiencing. As owners of an inventory service business, Mike and I like to provide education about personal property - or contents - insurance. This brief conversation offers great advice AND information.

Jeff Kolp, a State Farm Insurance Agent, told me that someone recently had a laptop stolen and realized later they could have had it insured with no deductible and 100% replacement, but did not take the time to call the agent. This holds true for jewelry and many other items. Find out what belongings you own that can and should have a special rider. Talk to your agent about your specific needs. Jeff's practice is to meet with each client every 12-18 months to review policies and life changes. Life does change - and fast.

Jeff's advice: The next time your agent calls, please call them back. If you don't, it usually will cost you money.

It started as a small pumpkin patch

What began as a small pumpkin patch in 1972 has grown into a full-service nursery and landscaping business. Stonycreek Farm Nursery & Landscaping is located on 50 acres of farmland in Noblesville, IN, which once served as an Indian trade route and was the site of a working gristmill. This year marks the 37th anniversary for Stonycreek Farm.

Mike and I are in our 5th year as inventory service providers, and the time has flown by. As busy as Loren Schmierer, owner of Stonycreek Farm is, I'm guessing time hasn't stood still for him, either. This year will mark his 23rd season in business and the 20th year that he has been an exhibitor at the Indiana Flower and Patio Show. He continues to participate because the show is a great way for people to personally see, smell and touch their project work.

Loren states that, "It’s great that people who are attending the show generally have an interest in gardening and landscaping, so that helps to start the conversation about potential project work. Nearly all of Stonycreek Farm's leads for the season are generated at the Flower and Patio Show. Typically people will register for a consultation at our booth."

Many of these consultations lead to project work and word of mouth then follows this initial meeting. "It’s not uncommon for us to end up with clusters of customers in the neighborhood where the initial project work took place. Neighbors will see a Stonycreek sign or truck in their neighbor’s yard, view the work that we’ve done, and then call for a consultation."

Stonycreek Farm focuses on meeting customer needs - whether it be by developing an outdoor living space, installing a water feature, or planting a buffer from neighbors and traffic - Stonycreek can handle projects of nearly any size. Landscape designers provide an initial consultation that helps to define a client’s specific needs and likes/dislikes. Many times the customer will provide a concept only to discover new possibilities. One of Stonycreek Farm's strengths is the depth and breadth of their creative, seasoned team of designers who work closely with clients to develop the best solutions to meet their tastes and budget.

In addition to being a full service landscape and nursery, Stonycreek Farm hosts an annual Pumpkin Harvest Festival, which just celebrated its 36th year. Visitors can enjoy hayrides to the pumpkin patch as well as numerous children's activities, and a Trapper and Fur Traders Encampment. The farm also presents a Country Christmas celebration which features visits from Santa, a holiday gift shop, and hayrides to the field for fresh tree cutting. Stonycreek will be holding its annual bare root tree sale April 3 and 4.

The top 2 things Loren would like you to remember about Stonycreek Farm are that they offer creative solutions to landscape challenges and they stand behind all work. The project is not complete unless the customer is 100% satisfied.

Designers and key staff will be onsite at Garden #15 throughout the entire show and Loren will most likely be in the Garden every evening and during the weekend.

Garden #15
Phone: 317-773-3344
Email: www.stonycreekfarm.net

Source: Maverick Public Relations, Indianapolis

Who is Old Bob?

As a blogger for the 51st Annual Indiana Flower & Patio Show, I have enjoyed learning about some of the companies who will be exhibiting. The show will be at the Indiana State Fair Grounds from March 14-22. I especially enjoyed writing this blog post introducing you to Old Bobs because they are located in Avon, just a couple miles from our inventory services business.

Just who is Old Bob? Contrary to what most people think, President Josh Williams explained that this 33-year-old family owned business is not named after the founder. They named the store after their original Old Bob White wild bird feed.

First in the region to offer a no waste mix - all edible, no fillers - they have one of the largest wild bird supply stores in the region. They carry a curious range of products, and everything you find in this unique store is high quality and competitively priced.

The old-town flavor continues from the original bird seed to the hand-built cottages, storage buildings, gazebos, playhouses and polywood outdoor furniture.

But they don't stop with the outdoors. I have experienced their in-house custom picture framing and can give glowing reports of excellent workmanship and fantastic personal service. Before you hang that picture, you might want to give your room a fresh coat of paint - they carry the best Pittsburgh paints and Penofin stains. Oh! I can't forget to mention that they have the largest in-stock and special order wallpaper store in central Indiana (many rolls were purchased by us - the selection is phenominal!)

This will be Old Bobs' 6th year at the Flower & Patio Show and Josh will be at booth #375 the entire 9 days. The show hours are Monday-Saturday from 10am - 8pm and Sunday from 10am - 6pm. He looks forward to showing you the quality of their building first hand. Stop by, and tell him I said hi.

Old Bobs - Booth #375

Phone:317-271-2266
Email: oldbob@oldbobs.net
Website: http://www.oldbobs.net/

A Noble evening in the Garden

For over 50 years, Noble of Indiana has transformed the Central Indiana community from one that hid its members with disabilities into one that champions their contributions. By reshaping public policy and pioneering innovative services, Noble has won national acclaim for its efforts to change our society’s landscape. Founded in 1953, their mission is to create opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to live meaningful lives. Nearly 1,000 children and their families are served each year.

Rita Davis, Director of Community Relations for Noble of Indiana, is inviting everyone to attend the 13th annual Noble Evening in the Garden. A preview party to the Indiana Flower and Patio Show, Noble Evening in the Garden will be held at the Indiana State Fair Grounds on March 13, the night before the Flower and Patio show opens.

As an inventory service provider, I work with numbers quite a bit and always enjoy statistics. Here are some key numbers about Noble:

• 160 - staff members
• 150 - organizations and employers who partner with Noble
• 600 - people with disabilities work in the community through their employment services
• 5 - years on average in their jobs when hired through Supported Employment

What a great way to kick off spring! This event lends a fantastic opportunity to remind everyone that people with developmental disabilities have a lot of gifts to contribute, and by welcoming their contributions, we are a stronger, richer community.

EVENT INFORMATION
Indiana State Fair Grounds.West Pavilion & Hall D
Friday, March 13

VIP Reception
6-7 pm, featuring Indycar Driver Sarah Fisher.

Event
7-11 pm, with food, beverages, entertainment and silent and live auctions.

Tickets
$100 per person for the event, or $125 for the VIP Reception/Event.
You must be at least 21 to attend. All proceeds benefit Noble of Indiana.

For more information, please go to www.nobleofindiana.org or call Kyrie at 317-375-2716.

Lightning does strike twice - so do burglars

I've been hearing a lot of stories about burglaries lately from people who experience the theft themselves or what happened to their friends, neighbors or relatives. The news, of course, is full of reports, too. Because we provide an inventory service, we are interested in hearing what's happening so we can let others know (hence this blog post). We've all heard the saying "lightning doesn't strike twice" and know it isn't true - with lightning or anything else.

In fact, we're hearing people being burglarized, and about 30 days later they get 'hit' again. Reasoning is there are a lot of new items just purchased. During a meeting last week, I was told that some are coming back to the homes the very next day. The first time they take a few items, but scope the house to know what's there. Then return the next day to finish. Makes sense, unfortunately, because who would expect someone to return right away?

Do you lock the door from your garage into your house? An insurance agent told us of a burglar who used a stolen garage door opener to gain easy access.

I'm not telling these stories to scare you. Heck, you hear them every day on the news, so this is nothing new. I am relaying this information with the hopes that you'll be extra prudent in locking doors, having neighbors watch your house when you're away, and realizing that even with all the precautions, burglaries do happen. I'm asking you to consider taking the time to create your business or home inventory. And, of course, if you don't want to do your own, we'd certainly be happy to do it for you.

You CAN have it all with Bergman Irrigation

As the owner of Bergman Design and Bergman Irrigation, Mike Bergman brings more than 20 years of experience to every project. He holds degrees in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design, received his professional registration as a Landscape Architect, and is certified by the State of Indiana as an Engineer Intern. He is professionally trained to increase the enjoyment and pride that property owners have in their homes or businesses and landscapes. Low-voltage landscape lighting is one of the best means to increase the beauty, usability, safety, security, and value of the landscape. Bergman Design, a full service landscape architecture firm established in 1991, offers creative and responsible site planning and landscape design.

I want it all! It's not unusual to hear someone say that, especially if they have just moved into a new home, or are planning a complete remodeling of their outdoors. It needs to be a place to 'live' for the 3 outdoor seasons Indiana weather gives us. Oh, and let's make it energy and water efficient, too. Is that too much to ask? Nope - an exhibitor at the Indiana Flower & Patio Show can do just that.

Bergman Design and Bergman Irrigation provide professional design, installation, and maintenance services for lawn sprinkler systems and low-voltage landscape lighting.

I was amazed to learn that on average, over 50% of household water use is expended on the maintenance of lawns and planting beds. As a Landscape Architect, owner Mike Bergman often designs landscape improvements, such as rain gardens and native plant beds, that reduce a property’s need for supplemental watering. His knowledge of plants and soils allows him to expertly evaluate each site’s irrigation requirements. An efficiently designed and well maintained automatic lawn sprinkler system avoids water waste and provides for a healthy and beautiful landscape. All Bergman Irrigation lawn sprinkler systems include sensors that turn the sprinklers off when it's raining. “Smart” sprinkler controllers, so called because they monitor climate conditions and/or soil moisture and adjust the water applied accordingly, are also available.

Mike Bergman will listen to your expectations of the irrigation or landscape lighting project and design a system to meet them. The installation will be conducted in a purely professional manner, with every effort made to minimize damage to existing lawns and to leave the site as clean as possible. Then, before the Bergman Irrigation installation team leaves, they will show you the proper operation of your system and answer all of your questions. You'll also receive operational manuals and a paper copy of the construction plan - plus a 2-year warranty against any defects in materials or workmanship.

So, now it's installed and you know how to use it, but what about maintenance? You guessed it - Mike does that, too! Bergman Irrigation’s maintenance teams can audit efficiencies and recommend repairs or improvements that reduce water consumption. Spring start-ups and backflow prevention device tests, monthly maintenance checks, and winterizations are scheduled with the client’s convenience in mind.

Mike will be at Booth #128 every day, and several landscape contractors will be joining him at various times throughout the show.

Phone: (317) 946-3470
Email: Mike@BergmanIrrigation.com
Website: www.BertmanIrrigation.com

Watch or Warning

Tornado season is here, and we hope everyone is getting their inventory in order. Being prepared will make the insurance claims process much less stressful. One of our customers lost their home and business from a tornado last spring. They were very thankful they had everything documented.

Every year people ask - which is worse, a Watch or a Warning? So, to help you remember what these weather advisories mean, here's the scoop:

WATCH means that a tornado is possible. (Think: keep watching for more info.)

WARNING tells you that a tornado has been spotted or is indicated on radar. (Think of mom, shaking her finger and tapping her foot...I'm warning you!). That visual is enough to encourage me to take cover.

Counting things at the Flower & Patio Show

I count things for a living, providing residential and commercial inventory services. We count CDs, DVDs, clothing, pairs of shoes, lamps, rugs, tables, chairs, appliances, electronics, lawn equipment, tools ... and on and on and on.

So when Lori Feldman contacted me on Twitter to see if I'd want to blog about the Indiana Flower & Patio Show, my first thought was, what could I count? Here's what I came up with:

Exhibitors
Attendees
Days of the show
Total hours they are open
Miles people drive
Bloggers about the show
Blogs posted about the show
Bricks in a patio
Flowers
Trees
Shrubs
Yards of concrete
Pounds of fudge sold in a day
Windows in a room addition
Smiles on exhibitors faces
Pounds of dirt
Yards of mulch
Kernels of popcorn consumed

I'll see how many of these I can find out when I attend the show. What did I miss? What else can I count? Let me know and I'll add it to my list.

Make a referral week - the small business stimulus plan

Make a Referral - jump start the economy! We as small business owners hear about the stimulus package and the dollars being handed over to the large industries throughout the United States. What about us? Because we are 'small' it appears we don't matter; we aren't big enough to warrant part of the bailout. Our inventory service and all the other inventory service providers throughout the US are in this category.

Consider these statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau:

• Over 19.5 million non-employer firms (self-employed, unincorporated businesses)
• Over 2.5 million firms with 4 or less employees
• Over 1 million firms with 5-9 employees
• 633,000 plus firms with 10-19 employees
• 529,000 plus firms with 20-99 employees
• About 87,000 firms with 100-499 employees

Think of payroll dollars going to the employees of these small businesses. Think of their families. Think of the revenues generated and fueling the economy. But no bailout help in sight for these businesses.

With that in mind, I’m pledging to make a referral to another small business during the week of March 9-13. Not just a "Here's a name; give them a call." I have pledged to make the call myself and personally introduce the two decision-makers.

Make a Referral Week is an entrepreneurial approach to stimulating the small business economy 1 referred business at a time. Their goal is to achieve 1000 referrals during the week. I'm confident we can do WAY better than that. We're talking nationwide, people!

Small business is the lifeblood and job-creating engine of the economy and merits the positive attention so often saved for corporate bailout stories. Do your part - you’ll be in good (small) company!

Will you join me? Make your pledge here.

Mister Quik Electric - plugged in to customer service and the Flower & Patio Show

I am not afraid of electricity. I'm just smart enough to not mess with it. Mister Quik Electric, the perfect alternative to receiving an unwanted jolt, will be exhibiting at the Indiana Flower & Patio Show that begins on March 14th.

This is their first year exhibiting, and Brad Huff, President, stated, "This show is a great fit for Mister Quick Electric because a lot of times clients don't know exactly what an electrician is capable of working on. They are surprised when we tell them we can install recess lighting, ceiling fans, whole house generators or outdoor landscape lighting."

They also have many different product lines, which enables them to do new installations in the home in addition to outdoor landscape lighting. Some examples include whole house generators, power surge and lightning protection. Mister Quik Electric has been in business since June of 2000. Brad stated, "We are a home service & repair electrician. If it's in a home and has electricity, we can fix it! Our company differs in that we are a service company first and foremost, and offer same day service, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week."

Stop by Booth #461 to discuss your electrical needs with Brad or one of his professional electricians.

317-888-3700
service@mrquikelectric.com
www.mrquikelectric.com

SO many things to change

On Sunday morning, at 2:00am it will officially be, well, 2:00am. Then, one second later, it will be 3:01am. Have we entered a time warp? Nope! Just Daylight Saving Time.

While you go from room to room this weekend, changing the time on your radios, microwaves, coffee makers, VHS players (for those of us who still own one) and CD players - oh! - and clocks and watches, think about how much you own.

Then ask yourself: "Could I trust my memory to file my insurance claim if I had a theft, fire or natural disaster?"

Ummmm - no.

Bartering saves cash

Bartering has been around since the cave men exchanged a stick for a rock. Today, more and more small business owners are realize the advantages of this ages old method of transactions. We have been members of barter groups since we started our commercial and home inventory service in 2005.

It's a great way to conserve your cash! Other advantages are the networking, referrals that bring cash customers through our barter connections, and the fact that you don't have to do one-on-one exchanges.

Learn more from this article in the Carmel Business Leader. Want to visit a meeting as my guest?

Who won the Flower & Patio Show Tickets

Thank you to everyone who participated in the contest to win free tickets to the Indiana Flower & Patio Show!

We had tweets, emails, comments on the blog and even a verbal entry. This was fun, and we decided to name 2 winners instead of just 1; both posted on the blog. Chris & Becky, congratulations!

Extra credit was given for their willingness to share their begging, pleading and groveling with everyone. Chris' heart-felt plea for some adult time with his wife - and being the 1st entry - made him a winner in our eyes - and I'm sure in his wife's eyes as well. Becky was hilarious and humor always wins (the promise of an evening on her deck didn't hurt, either. Ummm ... did I mention the margaritas?).

Chris & Becky - enjoy the show! Email or DM me your address and your tickets will be in the mail.

Are we crazy?

I was reading the Harvard Business Conversation Starter this morning. The article Pricing Strategies for the Downturn talked about add-ons, lay-aways, payment terms and old fashioned 'haggling' - letting the customer help determine the cost of your product or service.

That got me thinking ... What's an inventory service worth to you? Let's say you contact us to inventory your home. What is it worth for us to take detailed photos, compile a written report, and present all the info in printed and electronic version? Isn't it worth what you paid for your TV? Your Wii? Your new cell phone? Isn't it worth the cost of just one item?

How about an inventory for your business? Is it worth the cost of your laptop? Your projector?

What's it worth to you for us to document EVERYTHING? It must be worth at least the cost of just one of those items, to know that if you have a disaster you'll be able to maximize your claim.

YOU TELL US. For the month of March, you tell us what you want to pay for your inventory service. We reserve the right to haggle (see 1st paragraph).

Are we crazy? Maybe. But if you don't call us, then who would be the crazy person? (Operators are standing by.)

What a concept - Greensketch offers a unique approach

Do you enjoy digging in the dirt, but don't have the skills to create what you envision for your home's landscaping? Do you spend a lot of money each year only to be disappointed that it didn't turn out as anticipated? Wouldn't you love it if someone would take the guess-work out of your landscaping projects? Laura Kahle, owner of Greensketch Concepts, has the answer!

Laura and her business partner Gary will be in the gardens area at the Indiana Flower & Patio Show. Greensketch Concepts was founded with one main goal in mind and that is to create a way in which the landscaping process becomes fun, exciting, and most of all, EASY! They provide affordable landscape design services for those who are looking to do-it-themselves, or at least part of it themselves. The frustration is removed from the landscaping process because you will receive a "road map" to landscape sucess.

Laura explains it this way: We've all heard the saying, "People don't plan to fail, they just fail to plan!" By having a detailed plan from the beginning, you will end up saving yourself a lot of time, frustration, and ultimately money. This also lends you the ability to install it on your own terms in your own timeframe.

Your "Sketchportfolio" Design Package will include a complete measureable landscape design specific to your property, a shopping list of materials and full color plant description pages of each plant in your design and how to care for them. The Garden Buddy Listing includes great area vendors and service providers who are trusted to give you honest service and sometimes discounts. A scale ruler is also included so you can properly measure and layout your design.

How long before you can start digging in your dirt? You'll receive your package quickly, usually within one to two weeks! The service they offer, the affordable price and quick turnover time is what makes Greensketch Concepts very unique in the landscaping industry.

Laura explained why they exhibit at the Flower & Patio show. "This show highlights gardening in such a way that people expect to find unique companies like ours. This is our 3rd year at the show; people come by and say they remember seeing us before or at other events." Another advantage of exhibiting is meeting Landscape Contractors because a niche Greensketch fills is offering their services to small to medium contractors who need design work on a project basis.

This year Greensketch Concepts is featuring a backyard garden setting with a patio in a simplistic way, so that people can imagine it in their own backyards, and more importantly, as something they could accomplish on their own. Laura invites everyone to "Be sure and stop by! We will also be offering a 10% discount to those who sign up at the show and schedule an appointment by April 30th."

Greensketch Concepts: Unique Do-It-Yourself Landscape Design. Affordable, friendly, and quick turnaround time.

Meet Laura: Laura Kahle graduated from Purdue University in 2002 with a BS degree in Landscape Design & Horticulture. After 3 years of landscape design/install for a company in Cleveland, Ohio, she moved back to Indianapolis and started Greensketch Concepts in 2006.

Phone: 317-773-3200
Email: laura@greensketchconcepts.com
Website: http://www.greensketchconcepts.com/

Lessons from down under

The time to be prepared is NOW. That's the message Andrew Goodfellow of Aussie Home Inventory recently posted on his blog. He stated, "When it comes to preparing our properties for loss, it is often human nature to assume it will not happen, or there is a very small chance it may. What do we do, we simply take the gamble! On one hand we assume a disaster may occur, as we insure our property against loss. But on the other, what do we do to lessen the events interaction, with our lives and property? Often little! We need to change that pattern of no action. The time for change and action, is NOW!"

I can't agree with him more. Andrew and I have had many Twitter and email discussions about the need for personal property inventories and the sadness we hear from those who don't have one and wish they had. Following is additional information from Andrew's perspective from "down under":

Preparing for loss before an event is so much easier, than after one. Ask anyone whom has suffered a loss, what it is like preparing for another disaster! They will state something similar to:

• We wish we had prepared beforehand, but for some reason we were always to busy, and never got around to it!
• It may sound silly, but we thought it would not happen to us!
• Preparing for loss after a loss, brings back so many of those emotional memories, it is not easy! The cost of preparing after a loss, just costs so much more! Emotionally & financially!
• It just makes sense to be prepared before the loss, we wish we had got around to it!
• We would do anything to turn the clock back, and be prepared for that same loss!
• We learned the hard way, we would have to be stupid now, not to be prepared.
• It's not worth the risk, being unprepared.
• It only takes a little time and money to increase preparation tenfold. Why would we now, not prepare our family and home!
• If I had one last breath left, I would say to all those people whom are not prepared - GET PREPARED TODAY! AS YOU DON"T KNOW WHAT TOMORROW HOLDS!

Andrew's statements are sobering, but obviously comments heard 'round the world.

The ROI in a business inventory

ROI Consulting II LLC is a business service company specializing in measurable increased profitability through risk-free Cost Recovery and Executive Management Consulting. Headquartered in Indiana since the mid 1990's, ROI currently serves a myriad of clients throughout North America covering a wide range of business types, including; start-ups, entrepreneurs, multinational corporations, as well as not-for-profit organizations.

The ROI team consistently provides ‘next level’ achievements through their executive sourcing services "CEO2GO", as well as an unprecedented success rate (100%) of providing reclaimed profits to their cost recovery client base. ROI has become an effective strategic partner and Trusted Advisor to clients through exceeding expectations and finding unique ways to continue to bring “added value” to each client relationship.

The ROI executive management team is comprised of accomplished business professionals with over 85 combined years of executive management experience in Business Development, Corporate & Personal Growth, Turnaround Management, and Cost-Recovery.

Howard Bienstock, President . (317) 439-2679 . Howard@ROIllc.net . www.ROIllc.net

As you can see by this company bio, ROI Consulting isn't just about saving money, but about spending it wisely. Thank you, Howard, for being our guest blogger today.

How often have you thought about hiring an inventory service, but felt you couldn’t justify the Return on Investment (ROI)?

I see an inventory as an investment in my insurance policy. Without the information prepared to support a claim, my insurance premium is just another bill. The reason I think of it this way is I didn't know what the contents in my business offices were worth. Now I have that information and know that I am neither overinsured or underinsured. Knowing I have proper insurance coverage is good money management. Plus, if I do have a claim, I'll be able to remember and prove what was blown away by a tornado, burned or stolen. That will help maximize my claim.

I believe every dollar invested on my inventory service was money well spent. As a business owner, the value of time must be considered, and I knew a professional service would take much less time than I would, and do it right. They will also update my information annually, something else I wouldn't remember to do. And if I do have a loss, I won't be spending weeks or months pulling this information together when I should be spending time with my clients.

There is no doubt of a very high ROI when you can replace the time and dollars lost.

Thanks for a good night's sleep

As President and COO, Howard has 25+ years of executive experience in corporate growth and turnaround management. He has developed diverse and fiscally insightful business acumen with a proven track record of creating and implementing unprecedented sales growth strategies, cost reduction efforts, leadership development and overall process improvement in both national and multinational corporations.

Howard provides practical success strategies to a myriad of executive clients who desire to stretch their business success to the next level. In addition to being a master negotiator, Howard has forged well respected relationships with vendors and OEMs which allows ROI Consulting to leverage his experience and knowledge to provide totally "risk-free" cost recovery solutions for their clients.

ROI Consulting II LLC ~ Howard@ROIllc.net ~ 317-439-2679 ~ www.ROIllc.net

(We appreciate that our customers want to share why they chose to have an inventory service. Here is Howard's story...)

One of the main reasons my wife & I decided to have a Hartman Inventory done was that we had recently combined three (3) homes into one (1). That move made us realize that we had accumulated a lot of household ‘stuff’ over the years… from clothes to tools, and jewelry to electronics. If we were to experience a catastrophic loss event there would be no way to remember everything, and the shear task of it would be too overwhelming to deal with on top of the catastrophe itself! We fully understood that in those circumstances, what you cannot remember – you cannot replace… especially when it comes to dealing with insurance companies.

This was made more real when a friend (an Insurance agent) told me of a client that he was working with to help get items replaced after a devastating fire, but the company policy made it very difficult if the actual losses could not be proven (i.e. specifically with pictures, serial numbers, receipts or appraised values). I asked what would happen if his client had been able to produce one of the Hartman’s Inventory documents.

The agent explained that initially he would have been able to establish accurate values to make sure there was proper coverage prior to any loss event. Secondly, since everything is documented with photos, descriptions and serial numbers, he would be able to use the Hartman’s provided Inventory Book or CD to directly process the claim. This would make sure nothing was omitted, and the claim could be completed in a matter of hours (not the months it normally takes clients to try to recall, list and document lost contents). Settlements are paid promptly, and the client would be in the rebuilding stage, and not the “fighting the insurance for money” stage that they seemed to be caught in.

Needless to say, it was an easy decision for us to make sure that not only were all of our items accounted for and properly documented, but we were also able to confirm that our level of insurance coverage was enough for any actual potential loss. I believe that the peace of mind we received from knowing that all of our bases were covered more than paid for the cost of the Hartman Inventory service! And really… what is a good night’s sleep worth? We even had our business offices inventoried as well!

Thanks Mike and Cindy for that good night’s sleep. I recommend you and your service to everyone!

It's out of control

I heard on the radio this morning that burglaries are "out of control" in the Indianapolis metropolitan area, according to IMPD. Since we offer an inventory service, these comments always remind me why we do what we do. Thefts are up, and rising. And I doubt it will subside real soon. What have you done to help protect and recover what you own? Security system? Dead-bolt locks? You can only do so much, but if someone wants to break in, they will.

How about an inventory? Could you list everything they took from you? Could you state the manufacturer, model numbers, serial numbers, when and what you paid for them? Could you REMEMBER everthing that is now gone? An inventory will provide that for you.

Don't have the time? Don't want to do it? There are companies that provide the service, and I can recommend one. You'll be surprised to learn that the cost is usually less than what you paid for just one item that will be stolen! Don't wait and say "I wish I had." I'll be waiting by the phone, email, blog and Twitter!

Beg, plead, grovel to win tickets

You've probably seen my blog posts, entries on Facebook, Smaller Indiana, Rainmakers and LinkedIn and Tweets on Twitter about the Indiana Flower & Patio Show that runs from March 14 - 22. I'm enjoying the opportunity to blog for them, letting you know about the show, highlighting some of the programs and interviewing some of the exhibitors.

Well, I am a very competitive person. Whether it's playing Guitar Hero (I compete against myself to get better), a card game with the grandkids (I DO NOT let them win) or a board game with Mike (I usually come in 2nd), I play to win. I also enjoy entering contests. This time, courtesy of the Flower & Patio Show, I get to be the one running the contest.

I have 2 tickets, a $24 dollar value, and all you have to do is convince me that YOU should win them. You can write a paragraph, a sentence, a song, a poem, one word or 100, draw a picture, take a photo. See how creative you are! You can beg, plead, grovel to earn that spot in my heart - or even bribe me with flowers, candy or a new car (that would probably work best but I'm kidding about the bribe).

This type of contest fits in very well with our business of providing asset inventory services for residential and commercial customers. We do a lot of counting, and I'm counting on you to make this a fun time! (OK, that was shameless self-promotion, but a pretty cool way to tie it together, huh?)

Just 4 rules:

1. The contest starts at 9:00am, Monday, March 2, and ends at midnight, March 4. (If there is a tie, the first entered will win.)


2. Post your entry on Twitter, by email at Cindy@HartmanInventory.com or in the comments section of this blog. All 3 modes of entry provide the date/time stamp (remember, I'm competitive and won't allow even one second past midnight!).


3. Your entry must relate to why YOU want the tickets.


4. A committee of 2 (if I can convince Mike to help me) will choose the winner, who will be announced in a blog post no later than Saturday, March 7.

Ready ... set ... GO!