No risk, no reward.

No Risk, No Reward. This statement has never been more true than right now. 

Every decision we make comes with an element of risk -- especially if you own a business in these times of uncertainty. Unfortunately, some business owners are likely to migrate to their "play it safe" zones, when they should be doing just the opposite.

At a time when it seems logical to curtail spending, some business owners will recognize the window of opportunity to gain market share. Are you one of them?

I had the privilege a few years back to meet a gentleman named Bob Harrison; "Dr. Increase" he's called. When Bob was a young businessman, still what some would have called inexperienced, he was able to see and seize opportunity when it seemed, at best, elusive.  Bob was hired as the General Manager of a lackluster performing auto dealership. The owner figured he had little to lose; none of the dealers for that manufacturer were doing well at that time. Nevertheless, young Bob realized that there were people buying cars; he simply had to lure them to his dealership to buy.  His first actions involved spending money. He risked a good portion of the remaining cash in the bank to do three things: 

1. Have the grass cut and the grounds' landscaping freshened.
2. Get all the windows washed and the showroom spic and span. 
3. Have every car on the lot washed and detailed.

The staff thought Bob had lost his mind; they could see the specter of a "going-out-of-business" sale looming. Yet, here this kid was: spending money. Didn't he know that he'd have to make payroll in two weeks?! What exactly was Bob thinking?

• Look like you are staying in business. People will believe what they see evidence of. Buyers are more confident, if you are.
• People spending many thousands of dollars on a new car want it to look new. Clean cars get test drives. Test drives drive sales. 
• People at your place of business draw MORE people to your business. A busy showroom means something's going on over there -- "Maybe we shouldn't miss it."

Consider this:

Should you plan to make a real impact in 2010...

...or just play it safe?

• Have you looked at creative ways to boost your top line, i.e.: revenues? Gains cannot come from cost cutting, although that is prudent. You can only GROW your business by increasing sales and improving your delivery processes.
• What are you doing to jump start innovation and creativity? Professional sports teams have coaches and trainers because they improve performance and focus. What might a bit of outside expertise do for your business? You might be surprised!

Just as you can't recover what you don't remember, it's tough to make significant gains without taking some risk.  As 2009 draws to a close, decide which better describes you: 

• Rewarded Risk-taker
• Status Quo Safety-seeker

Now, act accordingly. Just remember that "the good moves we don't make can be as consequential as the bad moves we do make -- that playing it safe isn't always playing it smart." Keith H. Hammonds -- from No Risk, No Reward  Fast Company 2007.  Oh, yes. How'd Bob do? His dealership went from almost closing to the third best-performing... in the nation!   Our guest blogger, Sandra Connor, aka thinkVAULTer -- can help to steady the business risk tightrope for you. Let her know when you're ready. 

As the year comes to an end

Do you have a list of goals for 2010? Do you have creating a personal property inventory on that list?

This is the perfect "repost" to close out 2009. "We dove as the building came down on us ran in October, detailing what it's like to experience a tornado and face the aftermath. We're often told that this task is on a lot of peoples to-do lists, but it never seems to get to the top. Hopefully reading Mark & Alora's story will help give it a higher priority.

The most fantastic way to start the new year

The year is almost over, but there is still time to make a life-changing decision. There's still time to make a new year's resolution and have someone to hold you accountable. Business & Life Coach, J.Sewell Perkins, created the program The Secret Abundance Files. It has made a significant difference in our personal lives and our business. The numerous phone calls and email have encouraged me to share it with you one more time before the end of the year.

Too often people equate price to value, and I am here to assure you that it is not the case with The Secret Abundance Files. This isn't a sales pitch for her. It's something we feel compelled to introduce you to. Through the end of the year (ONLY 3 DAYS REMAIN), there is a 2-for-1 offer if you use this link. Take a few minutes and learn about the program. Feel free to call or email me. Then decide what YOUR next year will look like - will you be where you are today, or would you rather be doing, being and having all those things you only currently just dream of?

Indiana - the vacation spot

Vacation Rental Managers' Association (VRMA) is now headquartered in Indiana? Indiana??? You'd think Florida or California or another "vacationland" state. Now, don't get me wrong. I live in the Indiana by choice. Indianapolis has a plethora of activities, history and culture. And it provides a unique big city feel with a small city environment. (You're welcome, CVB.) What brought them here is that they're managed by an award-winning, excellent association management company. The Raybourn Group International's corporate office is in Indianapolis. Now the pieces of the puzzle have come together.

But, back to VRMA. The InsideINdiana press release caught my eye because our inventory services are a great way for vacation rental owners to protect their assets. We have found that many people who rent furnished houses, condos and villas don't have an asset listing of their furniture, appliances, etc. I'd want to know what I owned if people were coming and going all the time. Without an inventory, you can't remember everything you have in your own home. How would you remember and prove the contents in your rental property?

And now that we're traveling throughout the US providing this service, it seems to me we have a perfect match - right here in Indiana!

Like a good neighbor

Last Wednesday, State Farm Insurance announced that they will continue to provide property insurance to residents of Florida. According to InsuranceHeadlines.com, part of the settlement with state regulators allows a 14.8% homeowners increase. Unfortunately, 15% of the 810,000 policies will not be renewed.

The rate increases are part of a national trend, especially in hurricane-prone states. With Florida's 2,276 miles of tidal coastlines, is at greater risk than any other state.

Read more about State Farm's decision to be "like a good neighbor" ... they'll be there.

A Dr. Seuss knock-off

A very entertaining Dr. Seuss knock-off, I applaud our guest blogger, Mack Earnhardt, of Agile Reasoning. His creative rendition of an inventory service and why everyone needs one came about from a meeting where one of our customers (Willy) was telling the group about his September burglary. You'll even learn the difference between a robbery and a burglary.

How Cindy Lou Foiled the Grinch


Vacation homes let us escape for a bit,
But the Grinch is so jealous, he just has a fit.

So while Willy was working and his back was turned,
The Grinch took some things that he hadn’t earned.

Candles from mantles, and runners from halls,
Food from the freezer, and artwork from walls.

When Willy next came, he received quite a shock.
His stuff was all gone, and his door wasn’t locked!

Help! Help! I’ve been robbed, cried Willy to all.
He called the police, because that’s who you call.

The detective that came was as sharp as they come.
He looked for the crook, but he didn’t find none.

His report was quite clear, and it made Willy gurgle.
“Why you haven’t been robbed! What you’ve been is burgled!”

With that fact established, Willy knew what to do.
“I know what I’ll do. I’ll call Cindy Lou!”

Now you might be thinking, who’s Cindy Lou?
Why it’s Cindy Lou Hartman, silly goose, that’s who!

Cindy Lou came to Willy’s before all this gruff,
And pictured, and noted, and listed his stuff.

She bound it all up in a binder quite clearly,
And made several copies, and cared for them dearly.

Cindy Lou said to Willy, “Willy, just rest your head.”
Replied Willy, “I’d love to, but the jerk took the bed!”

Cindy Lou brought her binders, and lists, and still views,
Out of safe-keeping quite quickly for Willy to use.

Willy’s adjuster was surprised, and exclaimed in amazement,
“These records are so thorough, it doubles the payment!”

On the matter of timing, they weren’t even iffy.
Mr. Willy, we’ll have you a check in a jiffy!”

Remember a Grinch heart is two sizes too small.
He saw Willy’s things and he wanted them all.

But Willy just has a little shopping do to.
Thanks to Cindy Lou, Cindy Lou Hartman, that’s who!

What do you wear to a fire? Almost nothing!

I took a lesson from Santa and made a list. And I checked it twice. That list is some of my favorite blog posts. These were also favorites of others, based on them being retweeted on Twitter, having the highest views, and people even emailing me about them or telling me personally how funny, helpful, etc., they were. Over the next 2 weeks, I'll be sharing a few of them with you.

The first "repeat" is a guest blog by our business/life coach, J.Sewell Perkins (@TheSCICoach) of Success Coaches Institute. It is one you will want to read or reread and share with others.

It has humor, a disaster, some cute firemen and a bedroom scene. Enjoy her story.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

This past weekend, the East Coast experienced one of the worst snow storms in, as one resident said, more than 17 years! Owning a personal property inventory service, we believe in being prepared in case you need to file an insurance claim. This, from the Farmer's Almanac, proves why ... "A large area of numbingly cold temperatures ... will be over the northern Great Lakes and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. But acting almost like the bread of a sandwich, to this swath of unseasonable cold will be two regions with temperatures that will average closer to normal -- the West Coast and the East Coast."

We often talk about disasters and the need for a residential and commercial contents inventory. To be prepared for the winter storms, the Farm Bureau Insurance website offers these tips to speed up claims settlement:

• Prepare a detailed inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property. Be sure to make two copies - one for yourself and one for the adjuster. Your list should be as complete as possible, including a description of the items, dates of purchase or approximate age, cost at time of purchase and estimated replacement cost.
• Collect canceled checks, invoices, receipts or other papers that will assist the adjuster in obtaining the value of the destroyed property.
• Make whatever temporary repairs you can. Cover broken windows, damaged roofs and walls to prevent further destruction. Save receipts for supplies and materials you purchase. Your insurance company will reimburse you for reasonable expenses in making temporary repairs. 
• Secure a detailed estimate for permanent repairs to your property and give it to the adjuster. The estimate should contain the proposed repairs, repair costs and replacement prices. 

As you can see, insurance companies suggest you compile an inventory of your belongings. While you have time off this holiday season, why not create yours?

Friday afternoon humor

An insurance agent said to a customer, "Thank you, Mr. Barricks, for your patronage. I wish I had twenty customers like you."

"Gosh, it's nice to hear that, but I'm kind of surprised," admitted Mr. Barricks. "you know that I file many claims and always pay my premium late."

The insurance agent said, " I'd still like twenty customers like you. The problem is, I have two hundred like you."

Ho-Ho-Whoa!

Yesterday we helped a customer complete the cost and date purchased information for her inventory. The written report with the cost and date purchased information is such a time-saver and will maximize your insurance settlement if you need to file a claim. She kept saying "I can't believe we have this much," and "I didn't know we still had that," and "I forgot all about these." She and most other customers are amazed at the amount of money they have invested in Christmas decorations.

Here's a brief list to show how it can quickly add up:

• Tree skirt = $55
• 7' pre-lit Christmas tree = $479
• 68 figurine ornaments @ 12 ea = $816
• 4 Wreaths @ $45 = $180
• 10 strands of lights @ $17.90 each = $179.00
• Nativity scene = $175

Just these 6 line items total $1884. Then add garland, snow men, outdoor decorations, village buildings (normally range from $40 to $150 each), holiday china and glassware, Santa collections ... the list goes on an on.

All of a sudden you're changing your Ho-Ho-Ho! to Ho-Ho-WHOA! (Now is the time for blatant self-promotion ... create your inventory, or if you're too busy, give us a call and we'll do it for you!

Value your customers' ideas

A blog post titled, "It's not just what they want, but what they deserve," points out the importance of listing to your customers. Whether it's the cost, how good (or not so good) your service is or what you're not offering that they'd like you to provide, listening is extremely important.

During this holiday season, we think about what gift we should buy whom. But consider the gift you're giving your customers just by listening and considering their ideas! When compiling an inventory for insurance purposes, we encourage our customers to complete the report by adding the cost of each item listed. Few have. Most state it's because it is a daunting, time-consuming process. Just like the inventory itself, though, they know it needs to be done. For over 2 years, one specific customer has asked us to do this task for him, stating he knows he won't. We told him we'll "think about it" and (I'm ashamed to say) gave it just a brief consideration. In November he asked once again; his persuasion was that if he wants us to do his, many of our other customers would probably want this as an add-on service as well.

Finally, as a favor to him and his agreeing to be the "test" process, we worked with him on the pricing and also researched costs for electronics, appliances, etc. You know what? It IS a daunting, time-consuming task! You know what else? We now offer it as a service. This time we took his ideas of how to price it into serious consideration! As stated in our previous post, if you can provide it, why not?

Back to placing value on your customers' ideas ... after we completed his project, we notified our other customers of this new service. In just a few weeks, we've scheduled 5! This is an upgrade some customers will not choose to purchase, others will. Some will immediately, while others - after a year of not getting to it - will purchase it later. Bottom line is, it costs us nothing to promote it, because it's for our current customer base. It's added revenue. And we ignored this opportunity for us - and our customers - for over 2 years.

Are you listening - really, really listening - to your customers?

An insurance policy is an insurance policy is an insurance policy

Uhhhh - that would be a huge NO! Yesterday's post talked about how to save money on your homeowner's policy. Today I feel a need to remind you that no two policies are the same. As home inventory service providers, we are constantly talking about insurance with customers and with agents.

One thing I realize is that the more I know, the more I find out I don't know. That's because every policy, every coverage, every company is different. If you  have questions, call your agent to get the answer that is correct based on your policy. What might be true for your next-door neighbor might not be the same for you. The insurance industry is complex in the wording used, the limits offered and the exclusions that are included.

Basically, insurance is designed to get you back to where you were before your loss. But how your company and your policy coverages do that can be completely different when comparing with a friend or neighbor. Call your agent to understand how YOU are covered.

Disaster preparation tips for the small business owner

How quickly can your company get back to doing business after a tornado, fire, flood or computer crash? The US Department of Labor states that over 40% of small businesses that experience a disaster never reopen, and of the remaining companies, at least 25% will close within 2 years.

• Create a continuity plan. Identify what types of emergencies – from a temporary electrical outage to a large geographic catastrophe - could affect your company.
• Determine your immediate needs. What data do you need the day after a disaster? Check with your IT provider on availability. Online backup is a safe, low-cost option which will allow you to resume doing business quickly.
• Does your telephone service have emergency options? Have your customer, vendor and employee information readily available.
• Establish a relationship with a competitor you trust who can meet your customers’ needs short term. This will help you maintain loyalty with your customers when you are not able to provide the product or service yourself.
• Have back-up vendors in place in case your primary ones are disabled. Place occasional orders so they regard you as an active customer when you need them.
• Have adequate insurance coverage.
• And, last but certainly not least, compile and asset inventory. This important document will save you a lot of time when you're really needing to spend the time getting your life and business back together.

A chuckle for a Friday afternoon

A state adopts strict new insurance self study CE requirements for its agents. The tests they now require are very difficult, can take no more than an hour to complete, and must be taken at a certified testing center.
On the first day of the new requirements, an agent wanders into a testing center a half hour late.

"You'll never finish this test on time," the test administrator coldly states.

"Just give me the test," replies the agent, "I'll finish it."

Skeptically, the administrator gives the agent the test.

The time limit comes and passes and yet the agent still has not completed the test. Finally, a half hour after the test time limit, the agent brings his test up to the administrator, who is correcting a large stack of tests.

"You can't turn that in," states the test administrator, "you knew there was a time limit."

"Do you know who I am?" replies the agent.

"No", says the administrator.

"DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM???" the agent says more forcefully.

"No, and I really don't care" replies the administrator, slightly annoyed.

"Good," says the agent, who quickly shoves his test into the middle of the stack the administrator is correcting and walks out the door.

An asset inventory is essential for your business

Business owners face the possibility of a fire, theft or natural disaster. One of these instances could destroy everything you worked so hard to create. When this happens, an contents inventory will provide detailed documentation of your business assets and ease the claims process. You’ll recover faster and maximize your settlement.

You most likely have a depreciation schedule, and are probably figuring that’s where you’ll access that list of furniture, electronics and appliances. But consider that the rule of thumb for most CFOs and CPAs is to expense items valued at less than $1000. How many items are owned by your company that have a price tag of less than that? Think of all the tables, chairs, desks, file cabinets, decorative items, hand carts, easels, dry marker boards and telephones that cost less than $1000. Are they captured in a list that can be accessed if you need it?
When filing a claim, it's best to have the manufacturer and a descripton (photos are very helpful) if you plan to receive full replacement. A Hon file cabinet, commercial grade with locks has a much higher value than one purchased at WalMart. Being able to prove the high-end, or more costly, items is essential to recover properly.

In addition to listing the contents, item by item, you’ll also be asked by the insurance company to include the purchase date and cost. This is to help determine replacement cost and depreciated value.

Spend the time to compile the inventory now, as it will save you time, stress and money if you ever need to file a claim. And that means you'll be able to recovery quickly, getting your business up and running again, rather than spending months remembering, researching and making constant phone calls to the adjuster.

If you don't have the time to complete your inventory, contact a local inventory service provider to do it for you. It's an investment in your future.

A perfect clue for a burglar

This blog post brought a lot of comments last year; so, updated and edited, here is some timely information...
Drive through any neighborhood on "trash day" and you’ll see empty boxes showing what new belongings people just received for any holiday, birthday or anniversary (or even an item they bought for themselves). The boxes tell what new big screen TVs, laptops, cameras, power tools and more are now inside. A box showing a picture of a jewelry armoire will state something quite loudly: there is a lot of jewelry in this house! What a perfect clue for a burglar to decide which house will be his next conquest.

One way to discourage theft is to conceal what items you now own. Break the boxes down and put them in trash bags (not the see-through ones). If the burglars have to guess what’s in your bags, but the neighbor has his boxes out for all to see, which house do you think they’ll choose? Or, don't put boxes out at all - recycle instead. This won’t protect you completely, but it certainly will not theoretically open the front door and invite these unwelcome intruders in, either!

And now that you have all of these new items; could you remember each and prove ownership? What if you have a burglary, fire or natural disaster? Take pictures and create a written report of all the items in your house. A record of your belongings is the answer to saving time, lessening emotional turmoil and maximizing your claim.

Common sense ways to avoid theft this holiday season

Thank you, Larry Ecker, of Mobile Lock and Safety, in Royal Oak, MI for these great holiday reminders.

The holiday season is a time when family and friends come together to spend time and engage in the time honored tradition of gift giving. For many of us it is the happiest and most fulfilling time of the year. Thieves however, have a different perspective on things. Opportunities abound for them this time of year to unlawfully enter your home and steal the gifts for which you have worked so hard this year.

Things to keep in mind this holiday season:

• Keep your Christmas tree and gifts away from windows or other easy entry points, otherwise you are inviting the quick “smash and grab” burglary.
• If you intend to be out of town, have a friend or trusted neighbor keep your property free of hand bills, flyers and debris, and have them bring in any mail or newspapers.
• Keep exterior lights on a timer. Leaving outdoor lights on 24 hours a day is a trigger to many would-be intruders that a home is unoccupied.
• Do NOT hide extra keys near entry doors. Most thieves know enough to look under door mats, flower boxes, barbeque lids, etc. Give the spare key to someone nearby that you trust.
• Most burglars like to take the path of least resistance, ie: entry through unsecured doors and windows. Keep all entry points including doors, windows, sliders and even doggie doors locked at all times.
• Mailboxes or other signs with family names on them give would-be thieves all they need to use directory assistance to retrieve your phone number to confirm that you are not at home.
• Personalized answering machine messages that reflect the fact that you are away for a period of time invite trouble from intruders.
• After a lucrative burglary, your chances of being targeted again soon thereafter are greatly increased. The knowledge of your newly replaced property can be irresistible to the professional burglar.
• Your home security can be strengthened by installing solid core doors, heavy duty locks, longer screws in the lock striker plates and door hinges, and installing secondary security devices on all accessible sliding windows. Wrought iron security doors should always have a thumb turn shield on the inside of the door to enhance that first line of defense against theft.

Read, check and inspect before decorating

December claims the highest number of fires than any other time of the year. The cost of new strings of lights, an extension cord or the proper hooks or clips could be the difference between a safe holiday and one remembered because it was the year you had a fire.


The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offer these holiday safety tips to help ensure a fire-free holiday:

• Look for the UL Mark on light strings, decorations and extension cords. This means that UL engineers have tested samples of the product for safety hazards.
• Lights and decorations intended for indoor use only have green UL Marks, while indoor/outdoor have red UL Marks.
• Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Carefully inspect each electrical decoration - new or old. Cracked sockets, frayed, bare or loose wires can cause an electric shock or start a fire.
• Don't use staples or nails to hang light strings. Instead, purchase hooks or clips designed for hanging light strings.
• Check packaging to determine the maximum number of strings that may be connected. Don't overload extension cords.
• Turn off lights and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.

You only have one life; why not begin now to live it to the fullest?

Those of you who know us personally have stated you see a difference in us. We attribute this - and the growth of our inventory service business - to J. Sewell Perkins, our life/business coach. Her program called The Secret Abundance Files has given us and many others the knowledge and help to change our lives.


Due to special arrangements we’ve made for the holiday season, you can purchase this gift of hope and renewal for someone you care about, and you will receive the course for yourself at no additional charge.

I know a blog is not the place "sell" anything. But this isn't selling, this is sharing something that can make a huge difference in your life and the lives of those you care about. If you have any questions about the program, feel free to contact us.

You only have one life; why not begin now to live it to the fullest? The cost of the program is a fraction of what you'd expect. We encourage you to learn more about this gift of a lifetime.

A gift of humor

Strange how this time of year - when people talk about kindness, caring, sharing and giving - that we seem to find more grumpy, impatient and often times quite rude attitudes. Therefore, during the month of December, I'm going to give you a smile. Our Friday Humor will be a quick joke to cheer you up a bit after a long work week.

We love insurance agents, as they are great professionals who care about helping people (and many of them refer our service to their clients). But I found some great insurance-related jokes, and since that falls within our industry as well, I figured this was a perfect fit.

A drunk wanders into the lounge of a hotel where an insurance convention is being held, intent on causing trouble. He yells, "I think all insurance agents are crooks, and if anyone doesn't like it, come up and do something about it."


Immediately, a man runs up to the drunk and says, "You take that back!"


The drunk snears and replies, "Why, are you an agent?"


"No," the man replies, "I'm a crook."

If you have one, where is it?

Ours is in the closet. Mine is in the desk drawer. On the floor of the front closet. In a dresser drawer. Still in the camera, I think (with a nervous laugh). And, lastly, one I find somewhat funny/sad - Ummmm...I don't remember. These are answers when we've asked people where they have their home inventory documents.


We also hear the following (to our delight): In a safety deposit box at the bank. In a fire-proof safe. In a locked file cabinet at the office. At my sister's house.

Where is yours?

It's all about helping others

It's a great compliment when someone asks you to serve on an Advisory Board because it allows you to pay back kindnesses and help you've received from others. Mike has recently been recognized with this honor to work with Life and Business Coach J. Sewell Perkins, founder of Success Coaches Institute. As a participant in JS's Secret Abundance Files coaching program, Mike has experienced remarkable growth personally and professionally.

The desire to help others was instrumental when creating our personal property inventory service and the Hartman Inventory Systems - a turnkey business package to assist others begin their own inventory business. We've experienced 2 burglaries and understand the emotional upheaval as well as the potential financial loss and time consumed completing the claims process. And we've been through the trial and error that a new business owner experiences. Our 2 businesses feed his need to be there for others.

And now his association with the Secret Abundance Files will fulfill this goal on a personal level. Serving on the board of the International Mastermind Group, he's now there for others - to collaborate, to brainstorm, and to serve as a sounding board, advisor and consultant to those who are taking the Secret Abundance Files and who will eventually enter the Mastermind Group as well.

It's not always about business, but it is always about helping others.

Time to consider ways to save money on your insurance policies

December ... already? Seems everyone is talking about how time is just flying by. The end of the year is a time people look at their budget and see what needs attention. When providing our personal property inventory service, we're often asked questions about insurance. Here are some tips we've learned from insurance agents about saving money on your homeowners insurance:

• Request quotes. Markets change, and one company that offered great rates a couple years ago might now have some of the highest rates, and vice versa.
• Increase your deductible. By doubling the deductible, it is possible to save up to 25%. (If you have an inventory, the increased deductible won't hurt you because you'll be able to recover more if you do have a loss!)
• Receive a multi-policy discount by purchasing all your policies from the same company. If you're a business owner, make sure your business policies are included, too.
• Smoke detectors, security alarms or dead-bolt locks will provide a discount. Sprinkler systems and alarms that ring to the police and fire departments might also provide discounts, but these can be costly so do a cost analysis to justify pruchasing them.
• Some insurance companies offer discounts to people 55 and over.
• Stay with some companies for 3-5 years and they'll give you a 5% and then increase the discount to 10% for 6 years or more.
• Know that your credit reports are correct. If you're told you received a higher rate due to your credit score, you'll know whether they received an accurate report.
• Review your rider coverages. This will prevent you from spending more than you need to spend. If you've sold or given items away, be sure to cancel the riders.

This is not a complete list, but some of the most common ways to save money on your homeowners insurance premiums. Discuss these and ask about others when reviewing your insurance costs.