Numbers, numbers, numbers

We were in the middle of a home inventory at an insurance agent's house, and she was obviously listening to Mike reading off model and serial numbers to me as we documented her TV, DVD player, VHS player, CD player, digital camera and video camera. She said she never realized how many things had numbers on them.

I guess she wasn't around when we listed the numbers on the saws, drills, lawn mower, lawn trimmer, ladders, guns, kitchen appliances ... OK, you get the picture. And now, she does, too. It would be impossible to know all of this.

And that, of course, is why we do what we do.

Our turnkey package now includes professional coaching

We have upgraded the Hartman Inventory Systems! Already a premier turnkey package, we have added a program that will help each Group Member achieve success even faster with their inventory service.

Often, no matter how confident someone is, there is a fear of not being successful. We want our Group Members to achieve their goals with the business and in their personal lives. So we've added a life/business coaching program.

J. Sewell Perkins, founder of Success Coaches Institute, has developed a course that is perfect for small business owners. In addition to the course, a one year membership to International Mastermind Group is included. Her personal mission statement is to make each life she touches better in some way for her having touched it. We're honored to be working with her.

We have the industry and business know-how, but J. S. will bring that other element – coaching to achieve belief in oneself, knowing what holds you back, and learning how to tackle those issues. We are extremely excited to be able to include this program, and to do so without increasing the cost of the Systems package.

In addition to the coaching program, some key elements the Hartman Inventory Systems turnkey package includes are:

• hands-on training
• equipment
• manual w/downloadable templates
• one-on-one mentoring and support
• a complete marketing package (website, newsletter creation and distribution)
• financing.

The personal property inventory service industry is growing. Our package allows for a quick start and continued growth. Ready to start your own business?

Global warming, climate changes - are you hot and cold about the issue?

I've read articles stating that some scientists now believe that the change in the weather is not related to our life style. They reflect on the changes since the beginning of time, and believe it's just a natural happening. Based on a NASA website, the Great Lakes were created by a glacier that covered Canada and parts of the US. So, I think these scientists have a point when they say global warming is a natural progression.

But what does that have to do with inventories? No matter what we believe about global warming and the cause for the climate changes, the fact remains that we're experiencing more severe weather. Whether your home or business faces the possibilities of hurricanes, tornadoes, straight line winds, lightning strikes, wild fires or floods, there is a greater chance of it happening. Period.

This means that there is a greater need than ever to make sure you can recover properly if you experience a disaster. Our wish is that none of our customers ever need their information we documented (so far, unfortunately, 2 have). But our joy is knowing that what we do helped them file their claim faster and receive a greater settlement.

The rest of our customers have purchased piece of mind.

That warms our heart!
You won't be out in the cold financially.
It's nice to see that an inventory service is become a hot topic.
And that's a pretty cool thing, no?

I'm sure you're groaning by now.

When I invited all those firemen in

"I didn't care about the clutter in my closet, the shoes all over the floor and the dishes in the sink when I invited all those firemen in to 'try' to save my house."

That was the message life and business coach J.Sewell Perkins (known as @TheSCICoach on Twitter) relayed to me a few days ago. She and I were talking about why people keep putting off the inventory once they've decided to purchase the service. The number one reason is wanting to clean the closets and cupboards first.

As soon as I made that statement, she urged ... recommended ... strongly encouraged ... and - yes - pushed me to continue to tell you why you need an inventory, and why you need it NOW. (Those of you who know her are not surprised that it wasn't just a soft suggestion.)

J.S. put off her inventory service because she didn't want others to see the less-than-perfect closet. The inventory service provider is a friend of hers, and didn't want to keep asking her "when" for fear of seeming pushy. Then, as you can imagine, she had a fire and wished she'd listened to her friend.

Her message is that there is never a right time except NOW. She eloquently told her story in our newsletter and blog a few months ago. She'll make you laugh; then pick up the phone and call so we can help you avoid the painful and costly mistake she made.

All is well that ends well

A friend of mine works for a local police station. She told me of a theft report she was reading ... A man went to check on his mother-in-law's house (she was living with her daughter and son-in-law since her husband's death and was quite ill). When he arrived, he saw the back door was kick in. Going inside, it was obvious that things had been taken, because there were "empty spaces" throughout the house.

When the police asked for a list, they couldn't give them one. How could they know what was gone? How could they ever complete the police report? They realized that they could not and would face a total loss.

But wait! They remembered that her parents had an inventory completed a few years ago. Off to the bank, and sure enough, right there in the safe deposit box was the home inventory. Eureka! Police report filed. Insurance claim filed. Financial recovery!

More kudos for the insurance industry

Congratulations to Janice Tomlinson, Chubb Insurance Vice President! She was recently named 2009's Insurance Woman of the Year by the Association of Professional Insurance Women.

It was interesting reading the article about her award, because we are very proud to be affiliated with this insurance company. Hartman Inventory is a preferred vendor for Chubb's policyholders!

On a personal note, I'm pleased to see a woman achieve the "C" status. She can serve as a mentor and example for other women. It's also nice to hear that she respects and enjoys working there. Why? Because all too often today, people are not happy with their work environment. In her words, Chubb is a company that "... has always had a culture of being 'supportive and collaborative, and that makes a big difference.' ”

Very nice! Congratulations, Janice!

Kudos to Traveler's Insurance

In the shadow of IAG, one insurance company really stands out. Travelers Insurance (along with Cisco), was selected to join the Dow Jones Industrial Average this month, after GM and Citigroup were removed.

Travelers' financial strength and dependability were cited. Kudos to Travelers!

By the way, they recommend that people have an inventory of the contents of their home and business!

Father's Day and all the 'boy toys'

Resting in the hammock, not a care in the world - this sounds like a wonderful Father's day, doesn't it?

Besides the hammock, think of all the things Dad and all the other men in your life own. The sportsmen have golf clubs, hunting equipment, racquets for tennis and racquetball. Water lovers have waterboards, towable tubes and skis. Craftsmen are proud owners of their saws (sometimes 2 or 3 of the same kind), drills, nail guns, sanders, polishers and tool chests full of hand tools. Then there's the lawn aficionado who has trimmers, edgers, seeders, clippers and a top of the line lawn mower.

While you have the camera out celebrating Father's Day, take photos and list the serial numbers and model numbers of all the 'boy toys'. But don't stop there. Keep going throughout the house, garage, and shed and do a complete home inventory.

You'll want to remember all of these items if you have a theft, fire or natural disaster. It would cost you a small (or large) fortune if you can't remember to list each on the insurance claim. Once you have that inventory completed, on Father's Day - and every day thereafter - he can rest in the hammock and have peace of mind. Now that's a gift that lasts a lifetime!

Claim time is not the time

Karen Ratliff is an agent for State Farm. Her office provides Auto, Home, Life, Health and Business Insurance. In addition, they also have solutions for your financial services needs including retirement and bank. Their specialty is to provide individualized solutions specific to their client’s personal goals and dreams. They pride themselves on helping their clients become “Dream Achievers".

Claim time is not the time to start thinking about what you have lost. If someone has a claim, having a thorough inventory will be a good step in expediting the claim process. I recommend Hartman Inventory to my clients for the same reason that I hired them for my personal inventory. Many times people have the best intentions to complete their own home inventory but never get around to it or they don’t do a thorough job.

Hartman Inventory has a system in place that allows them to be very thorough and efficient. Mike and Cindy not only conducted a thorough inventory, they were also respectful of the fact that they were in my home and going through personal items. They showed great consideration. If I have the need to file a claim, I will be ready.

Wet spring can cause issues indoors

Julie Hurst is the owner of American Mold Experts. They specialize in mold inspection, testing & non-destructive remediation. All staff is specially trained and holds industry certifications. The experts in the industry, their clients enjoy a 100% Money Back Guarantee so they know they will have restored comfort, health & confidence in their surroundings.

We’ve had a very wet spring here in central Indiana, which means possible indoor water issues. Though this newsletter usually discuss the many reasons you should have an inventory of the contents of your home or business, it’s important to understand the damage mold can cause to those items, and your health, as well.

Mold growth occurs and can cause damage when there is moisture from water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration or flooding. You can prevent damage to your home and furnishings, save money and avoid potential health problems by controlling moisture and eliminating mold growth.

Molds reproduce thousands of tiny spores invisible to the naked eye and float through your home. They produce allergens, irritants and in some cases toxic substances. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. Molds can cause asthma attacks and can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs. Those with chronic respiratory disease may experience difficulty breathing, and individuals with immune suppression may be at increased risk for infection. Black mold is greenish-black, and according to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) is responsible for over 100 cases of lung disorders.

Prevention Tips
- Keep humidity levels indoors between 40% and 60%
- Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier during humid months and in damp spaces
- Ensure there is adequate ventilation (exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms)
- Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside
- Clean bathroom with mold-killing products
- Do not use carpet in bathrooms
- Fix roof, walls or plumbing leaks
- Clean & dry out your home or business within 24-48 hours after flooding/major water leak
- Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that cannot be dried properly or quickly.

Cobbler and his kids

"Cobbler's children have no shoes." My mom used that familiar saying when referring to a professional who didn't utilize his/her own services or product.

A professional who can fall into this category is insurance agents who do not have an inventory of their belongings. Most agents encourage their policyholders to create this document - photos and written record - in case of disaster. They know how difficult it is for their clients to recover without one. They know it's difficult to remember and prove what you own(ed). So why not have one? Just like most others, they just didn't have - or take - the time.

Recently we've provided our service for quite a few insurance agents' homes and offices. Some have said, "How can I expect my customers to have one when I don't have one myself?" It's called leading by example!

Our insurance agent/customers are no longer like the cobbler.

And, by the way, we count shoes!

Picking through a lifetime

I read Joey Gibson's blog post titled Picking the bones at an estate sale. It's a very sad piece, noting how 2 people lived a life together and now it's come to an end. The children had an estate sale, disposing of their parents' lifetime of 'things' that had accumulated.

This can be a very tough, highly emotional time for everyone. We have a customer who just couldn't bring himself to document all the items as required for the estate settlement. Looking at, digging through and systematically listing all the contents of the house and garage was too overwhelming - and sad - for him.

Though we're known for documenting personal property for disaster preparedness, we find this other reason for a personal property inventory an equally important service. The executors have enough to do and they are relieved to have someone document the items and assign a fair market value to each piece.

We started our business with a purpose to help others recover from a disaster. Though we didn't think about estates at the time, we added this inventory service to help lessen the turmoil and emotional stress one goes through when losing a parent. We know we ease the pain just a little, and that is a great feeling!

It really bites when you have things stolen

We photograph and count many unusual items when providing our inventory services. But I just had to chuckle at an article in yesterday's Indianapolis Star. It seems a Muncie, Indiana, man just can't control his temper. So, when he's mad at someone, he steals from them. In particular - their teeth!

I'm wondering if the victims of these crimes have photos of their teeth to prove ownership and help recover the right ones.

As I searched for an appropriate photo, I found this one - it's a pile of false teeth at London Transport. According to an article in the Telegraph.co.uk, if you want to recover your lost (or stolen) teeth, you're welcome to dig around and find yours.

Maybe a photo of your teeth - and everything else you own - isn't such a bad idea after all! ... Say cheese and smile!

Tragedy was averted

Leo Quinn distributes a newsletter full of financial advice. My friend Neil Richmund, owner of Coffee News Indy, forwarded it on to me. Since one of the initiatives of this blog is to educate by telling real-life stories, I wanted to share it with you...

Tragedy was averted Saturday morning just two doors down from my parent's house. As my father went to bed around 1AM he noticed a bright light outside. A neighbor's house was on fire. He yelled to my mother to call 911 and headed outside. There was no sign of the neighbors by the time a police officer arrived.

The officer broke in the back but was stopped by the smoke and fire. He was able to get in the front and got them out. Even though the fire burned not 10 feet from where they slept, they heard nothing. Luckily the fire was put out quickly and actual fire damage was limited to the back 1/4 of the house. Soot and smoke damage, however, was everywhere.

A couple lessons we can all take from this: 1) Make sure your smoke detectors WORK! and 2) Check your homeowners/rental insurance. Make sure your insurance covers replacement value without factoring in depreciation factor. If you need to make a claim, calculating depreciation just adds to the hassle.

I have a third item to add to his suggestions ... have an inventory of the contents in your home and/or business. This information will maximize your claim and lessen the turmoil of trying to remember and prove everything that is now gone!

First impressions

We've all heard about making a great first impression, and the negatives that happen when you don't. Our clothing, spoken words, body language and attitude are all scrutinized when we meet others. And we, in turn, evaluate them. This is happening at social get-togethers, business meetings and networking events - just about anywhere you meet others.

Should you care what others think? Does it matter? Well, yes, when it comes to the business world, especially. It matters when you're trying to make a sale to a law firm and you show up for the meeting in shorts and a t-shirt, while the competition shows up in a 3-piece suit. It matters when you're a business owner and you know that your personal image ties into the business image.

But I believe that all this doesn't matter unless you give the correct 1st impression to the most important person in your life. That one person's opinion that matters more than anyone else, is you. Your impression of yourself is what will determine what happens that day!

Each day is a new day, and each day you can give yourself the "right" impression, which is determined by you. Whether you're a sales person, business owner or stay-at-home mom, you must be true to yourself. If you're being something different to impress others, or give an impression you think they want to see, you're accomplishing nothing in the long term.

You don't need another person's opinion when you know yourself. When you reach that, you have the confidence to be who you are. You'll be happy and content with what you see in the mirror each morning, and the impression you leave with others is exactly what and who you are.

But, what if someone doesn't like your clothing? What if they don't like your hair? So what? When you're happy with who you are, you're going to be OK when people don't get the "right" 1st impression. Because who says what's right and what's wrong? You won't be living by another person's standard, you'll be living by your own. And when you are true to yourself, you're giving the "right" 1st impression.

Looking at cold calls a new way

Like most sales people (business owners included), cold calls rank high on the list of things we hate to do. Though most of our business comes through referrals, we do have to make cold calls also.

I have avoided making them as much as possible. Until recently. I watched a video by Bill Bartmann on iLearning Global that helped me change my thought process.

When we think of "cold", we pull in, take a defensive stand, cross arms and shiver. Now, what a way to create a negative attitude for yourself just before making a phone call! To someone you're hoping will become a customer! And we all wonder why cold calls don't work?!?

How would you like to change that "cold" attitude? Put yourself in a position of anticipation for new business! Make "new" calls. The word "new" allows you to feel open, excited and in anticipation of new things. You'll be in a much better frame of mind, and that frame of mind brings a positive attitude with it. So, as Bartmann says, think of your "cold" calls as "new" calls. It's all in your head. Change the way you look at things, and you'll change what you expect. Change what you expect, and you'll change the results.

Now, pick up the phone and make some "new" calls!

How much is too much?

There are 3 major components when it comes to disaster preparedness/recovery. Insurance, an inventory and a security system. Often people are overwhelmed with all the options they have when choosing the right security system for their home or business. Being educated before talking to the security system company can be instrumental when choose what's right for YOU.

In his recent post, Rhett Cochran of General Alarm offers some great information on home and business security. Check it out.

Honey - where'd you put the inventory?

When we meet people who have an inventory of their belongings, we often ask where they keep it. I'm amazed that people spend so much time creating this document, only to have some vague recollection of where they have it stored. If they don't remember now where it is, what are the odds that they'll find it when under the stress of a fire, theft or natural disaster?

Here are some of the answers:

• In my desk at home.
• In the camera (so we know where it is).
• On a CD (in the desk drawer).
• In our junk drawer.
  
• I don't remember.
• In my underwear drawer.
  
• (A sheepish smile and shoulder shrug.)
• Oh! I forgot - that was our other house, and we moved 12 years ago.
  
• Ummmm.

Honest - I'm not making these up!

Where are YOUR inventory records?

Hurricane season began June 1

Hurricane started on June 1. Being prepared can make a huge difference on your recovery. I have read about families who have had their homes totally destroyed and the devastation was emotional as well as financial. So, for those of you on the East Coast, here are some very helpful tips from HomeInsurance.com.

Hey all you crooks - I'm on VACATION!

In a recent post, Mashable reported that Twitter aided and abetted a burglary. Well, OK, not really. According to their article, Twitter Your Way to Getting Robbed, it seems that @izzyvideo was Tweeting about his vacation. It is assumed that burglars read his posts.

You guessed it, they knew he was out of town, which made the break-in quite easy. I'm not going to suggest you stop tweeting or going on vacation. But I do suggest that you get an inventory before your next trip so if you DO get burglarized, you'll be able to remember what you owned and maximize your insurance claim. THEN - Twitter away (and enjoy your vacation)!

Happened twice - shame on me

Some of our guest bloggers are customers who share their story about why they chose to have an inventory. We've received many comments stating how much you enjoy these articles, and are frequently asked, “What is YOUR story and when are we going to hear it?" Here you go...

It was a hot August morning, shortly after we moved to Indianapolis. We were renting a townhouse because we weren’t sure where we wanted to buy and thought renting for a year would give us time to check this great, big, new city out (we came from a town of about 40,000).

As I opened the sliding glass door blinds, I gasped when I saw a completely empty patio area! Gone were the boys’ bikes, our patio table and chairs, umbrella, side tables and even the gas grill! This was inside a fence around the apartment community plus inside our locked privacy fence. Fortunately, we could remember what was stolen because it was a small confined area; but an inventory would have been helpful. I can’t tell you how many hours were consumed for such a small claim.

You’d think we’d have learned from this experience and created an inventory. Nope! A few years later, now in a house, we saw a garage door window broken as we pulled into the driveway. Our immediate thought was that someone threw a ball and broke it. As the garage door opened, we realized it was much worse. Gaps along the walls where items used to be indicated items were stolen. Even our freezer was open – and empty! Recovery from that burglary was more difficult.

“Happens once, shame on you - happens twice, shame on me” is a phrase most of us have heard. It is so true; we began creating our list of contents that very weekend, determined to have a record of our belongings. And now, years later, this is what drives our passion to help others have peace of mind through an inventory service.

Should you be covered with a blanket?

Bruce Klineman is an insurance agent with Neace Lukens, which was founded on the expertise of the industry’s best agents. These agents help businesses in nearly every industry develop specialized solutions tailored for their needs. They do it with a focus and devotion to lifelong learning. Bruce specializes in Commercial P&C and Employee Benefits insurance and will assist in evaluating what type of policies a business should consider.

There are several types of industries that end up paying much higher premiums than they should by purchasing their insurance for items on a blanket basis instead of a scheduled basis. In some cases the “blanket” rate per $100 of value is 2-3 times higher than that of a “scheduled” rate. This equates to a BIG premium difference, especially if a company has high values.

It is highly recommended that businesses with contents that are not confined to a particular location schedule their inventory, as well as those pieces of equipment not easily replaced. This can be accomplished by providing a list complete with the year, make, model, serial number and value. Inventory services like Hartman Inventory could provide this invaluable service.

In addition to the premium difference, scheduled policies provide other coverages such as unnamed premises, business travel expenses, exhibitions, and transit coverages. Blanket limits usually exclude newly acquired premises, and those items referenced in the preceding sentence.

Industries best suited for a scheduled policy are as follows:

• Architects/Engineers/Surveyors/Construction
• Art Galleries
• Communications/Technology
• Libraries
• Medical offices with lots of equipment or machines
• Museums
• Photographers/Videographers
• Restaurants(especially caterers)
• Video Services

Check your policy; are your items insured on a blanket or scheduled basis?

I have insurance, so I don't need an inventory

Often we hear people say that they have insurance, so they don't need an inventory. Insurance companies state on their websites and insurance agents constantly remark that the purpose of insurance is to get you where you were before your loss. That means nothing more and nothing less than what you had.

Of course, it's up to the policyholder to provide a list of what was lost/damaged/destroyed after a fire, theft or natural disaster. Often people are required to provide proof of ownership. This could mean a model number, serial number or a photo. An inventory of your belongings is the easiest way to provide this information.

I guess the best way to encourage people to have an inventory (even though they have insurance) is to talk about a specific group of our customers...insurance agents!

That's right - we have customers who are insurance agents. They have inventories of the contents of their homes and offices. If an insurance agent knows they need an inventory ... I'm just sayin' ...

Self-employment options are on the upswing

Layoffs, downsizing, early retirement - there are many reasons people are looking for a new career. Interest in being a business owner is on the upswing - and you could be one of them.

The Franchise King (@FranchiseKing on Twitter) has a great website and blog. His recent post discusses self-employment and the current economy.

He's always finding ways to educate and help people determine if buying a franchise or other business opportunity is right for them. One reason I like Joel Libava (his real-life name) is that he truly finds what is best for his clients - and sometimes that is NOT owning their own business. This article by Joel provides a lot of good information and proves his intent to serve you.

I agree completely with Joel - it's only right if it's right for you.