Eye Opener

Since the beginning of this year, I have been on a quest to analyze my business to make sure that I am doing what I can to promote myself.     It's never an easy task especially when you have a very small business budget, however, several things have happened in the last month that have been eye opening.      

Just a few weeks ago, I ran into a friend at the grocery store.     Once we caught up on our families, the subject of our work came up.      She knew that I did insurance, however, she wasn't fully aware of all the products that are offered to clients.     This became painfully evident when I handed her my business card and she realized that I offered Medicare insurance.     She let me know that had she known that I offered Medicare, she would have gladly referred me to a friend of hers a few months prior.       To make matters worse, just last week-end, I ran into another friend while running errands.     The same thing happened when she read my business card except for this time, it was about Life Insurance.       This was eye opening as it made me realize that I haven't done as good of a job as I should have about promoting what is offered and to whom I serve.    

The truth is that I assumed  that others know exactly what Balanced Care does, but obviously, they didn't.      Another friend and business owner just shared with me yesterday something that she offered to her clients and I wasn't aware of.     I've known her for years and still didn't know about this one piece to her business.     With this is mind, I will be focusing on sending out a series of letters to family and friends to ensure that I am doing my part so this experience won't happen again.     This blog is really about people getting to know me and the person behind the business.     I'm human, I do make mistakes, however, I have also learned to keep my eyes open to the needs in the community and my clients.    This is the first of many letters that I plan on sending out.     Please feel free to share and by all means, please let me know of any suggestions or questions you may have.     I'm open and would love your feedback.   


The first letter:

                     

About three weeks ago, I ran into a friend at the grocery store.     After catching up on our families, the subject of work came up.     When we both shared what we doing, she let me know that she wished she would have known what I did a few months ago.   The reason was because she could have referred me, but didn’t know what I did.      This brought the reality that I haven’t done as good of a job as I should have by sharing exactly what I do and who I serve.     With this in mind, I thought it would be a good idea to send you a series of letters to give you more insight into my day with the hope that this experience won’t happen again.    

Most people know that I work with insurance and to be honest, I completely understand that the majority of people don’t like it.   Because I have seen firsthand both personally and with my clients the value that insurance brings,   I continue to love what I do.    In my business, I serve our senior population, businesses, and individuals.     I strictly work within the scope of both health and life insurance.   Because that involves many insurance products, it is much easier to go through just a few at a time.    In this letter, I will concentrate on our senior population and how they are helped through my business.        

I have to be honest and share that the age of 65 is hardly a senior; however, this is when most people become eligible for Medicare.    About six months to a year prior to their 65^th birthday, Medicare beneficiaries will begin to receive countless books, sales and marketing materials, and postcards from insurance companies.     This is so overwhelming and leaves many not sure what direction to take.     They wonder if they need a Medicare Supplemental Plan, a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, or a Medicare Advantage Plan.     They are told they can be penalized for not signing up for Medicare when they are first eligible, but don’t understand when that is.     They are also told that having a Prescription Drug Plan isn’t required, yet if they don’t have one, they can be penalized.    Many people work beyond the age of 65 and wonder if they need to sign up for Medicare.    Can you why they are overwhelmed?   If that isn’t enough to be confused about, each year between October 15^th and December 7^th, they can analyze their current plan and make changes.   Because Medicare is always changing, my recommendation is to start looking at options three to six months prior to your 65^th birthday so you will have the most current information and ample time to grasp what exactly you need to do to ensure coverage and prevent penalties.        

For more information on Medicare or any of the other products offered through Balanced Care, please visit my website at www.balancedcarehealth.com.    I’m also active on social media with Facebook, Linked In, and Twitter and would love to keep connected with you.     

With love,  

Terri

Happy Anniversary, my love

Twenty nine years ago at 4:00 in the afternoon, I walked into a room full of family and friends.     The one person that I had my eyes on was the man that was the love of my life.    That man is now my husband and has been ever since that afternoon on May 26, 1984.       

I still remember every single moment of that day.      Standing side by side, exchanging vows, joining hands, and being pronounced husband and wife was more than I ever dreamed of.        

John - I am blessed to be your wife.    I am honored to still be standing next to you, still holding your hand, and walking together with God's grace.   

                                                      Happy Anniversary, my love.      

One Little Heartbeat at a Time

 

Last week-end, mothers across the country celebrated Mother's Day.     Whether you are a Mom, a Step-Mom, an adopted mom, or a grandmother, we all celebrated together with homemade cards, jewelry made out of noodles, handprints, and maybe breakfast in bed.   

For some, they celebrated Mother's Day missing their child and longed to have their little one in their arms.     For some, they celebrated either their first, second, or more without their Mother.      One of my sisters and I spent the day before Mother's Day visiting my Mother's grave, planting vines and flowers, and sitting there together with her.    

As I sat at brunch the next day enjoying my family and feeling so blessed to be in their company, I thought of her of how thankful I was that she was my Mother.    She taught me to love deeply and enjoy every moment.        She took the time to change my life - one little heartbeat at a time.   

 

You Are Beautiful!

I just got done watching this short video and thought it was worthwhile to share with you.     

http://youtu.be/XpaOjMXyJGk

Please take the time to watch it.  

Referrals and Testimonials - Good for the Heart

Whether you work for yourself or for someone else, we all want to be appreciated.    It is always so good for my heart when I am either referred by a client or someone takes the time to write out a testimonial for me in my business.   

At the end of many networking meetings that I attend regularly, there is an opportunity for people to share a testimonial for someone they have either done business with or referred someone to.     As wonderful as it is to receive both a referral and testimonial, it's also great to give them. 
  
I have been incredibly blessed with clients who have placed their trust in me with their insurance needs.     As a way to "Pay it Forward", I'd like to share with you many businesses that I have come to trust over the years.   It is my hope that when you need the services, you can call on me for names and numbers.   

I personally believe that these businesses will meet or exceed your expectations.   In some cases, there are more than one that I can recommend and you can take the time to "interview" who would fit your needs the most.    

Because it is springtime, I thought I would share some businesses that can help with spring cleaning:  

1. Do you need a painter?    How about a carpenter?   
2. Do you need floors and carpets cleaned professionally?
3. Do you need a landscaper?  

Are you thinking about buying or selling your home?      I have established very strong relationships with both realtors and movers in the community and would love to refer them to help you.   

Are you thinking of taking a vacation this summer?     I know of a travel agent that has traveled the world and would love to help you plan your vacation.   

Are you looking to try a different kind of exercise program?    One of my dearest friends does guided hikes with one of her specialties being moonlight hikes.    It happens to be one of my favorite things to do and I would highly recommend the experience.    

After the long winter, do you need a massage?    I have just the person you need.   

And, last but not least, are you looking to lower your insurance costs?     Because I don't personally work with both homeowners and automobile insurance, I have many agents that I refer business to on a regular basis.    

If you own a business or know of one that you highly recommend, please let me know.     It's good for the community, will help them to feel appreciated, and most likely, be very good for their heart.   

Living Gift Memorial Plan

It is always so inspiring to see the hearts of people who reach out to their community to help. Whether it is volunteering at church, giving to a family in need, or donating both time and money to a charity that you cherish, it is always humbling to watch. I had the opportunity to see this personally while at a Chamber Business After Hours during the month of December. The Chamber was raffling off either 100 gallons of oil and/or cash. When a winner was announced, he asked if the proceeds could go to a family in need. It turns out that a son of one of the chamber members had recently been in a car accident and was facing many surgeries along with not being able to work. The raffle was donated to him. It touched my heart. In my line of work, I am always speaking about providing peace of mind to families and businesses and I am honored when I know another family has been protected. I have also been humbled to see people want to leave money to either a charity or their church with the death benefit from their life insurance policies. Not only do people leave a lasting legacy when they do this, there are several advantages as well. Your gift would be protected from probate taxes, the gift could be excluded from estate taxes, and you can receive a tax deduction on the premiums you put into the plan. Leaving your Life Insurance death benefit to a charity can also help you to pass on a larger gift than you would have been able to give in your lifetime. Your cost is just the sum of the payments to the policy and your death benefit could be much more than that. A charity may have helped you or a loved one during their lifetime and it’s only natural to want to continue to help them as long as you possibly can. There is a misconception that only people with a large income can provide this. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Even those with a modest income can still be a philanthropist in your community. At Balanced Care, we would encourage you to speak with a tax advisor or your attorney to make sure your gift is structured properly. Because we network regularly with these professionals in the area, we can refer you to make sure that your legacy lives on the way you desire.

Food Pantry Networking

As a business owner, networking with other businesses in your local area is a very inexpensive way to market your business.    It is also a way to build trust with other business owners in your community.    

Because Balanced Care is a small business, I have to be mindful of a small business budget.     I have become involved with Rotary, local Chambers, and women's networking groups.    Belonging to these groups has given me the opportunity to do things that touch my heart.    For instance, with Rotary, volunteering at a local homeless shelter and taking part in a clothing drive for school age students.    With the local chamber I belong to (Greater Barrington Chamber of Commerce), serving on the board of directors allows me to give a voice to the members.      One of the committees that meets regularly is the Member Outreach Team and together we work to stay in touch with the members making sure they take advantage of all the Chamber can help them with.   

Each month, the Chamber hosts a luncheon that allows members to get together, network, talk about their business, and have lunch at the same time.     The Chamber does encourage members to bring a food item/items for the local food pantry if they desire as well.     In the past, some members have used the food items they brought in to give a one minute commercial about their business.     This is harder than it seems, but after some thought, I came up with an idea and tried to out today.    The food items that I used are in paragraphs.   

Here it is:

I am Terri Trepanier with Balanced Care Health and Supplemental Insurance.    Licensed in both Maine and NH, Balanced Care offers health and life insurance products that include health, dental, life, Medicare, and supplemental plans such as accident and cancer plans.    

Do you have an Uncle (Uncle Ben's rice) that is self-employed and looking for health insurance?  

Do you have an Aunt (Aunt Jemima's pancake mix) that has a business and wants to provide health benefits to her employeees?

Do you have a neighbor, Mrs. Grass (Mrs. Grass's soup mix)   (I actually looked for Mrs. Fields cookies and couldn't find them) that needs guidance on her Medicare Supplemental, Medicare Prescription Drug plan, or final expense life insurance plan?

Has someone close to you just had a baby (Baby Food)?   Has your neice or nephew just bought their dream home (Dream Whip)?    If you do, it's a good idea to protect their most valuable assets with life insurance that will fit their budget.   


It always feels good to be out networking, but for just a few dollars to buy a couple of items at the grocery store, it was even more rewarding to know that someone would be fed.      At Balanced Care, we look at ourselves as educators and consultants, not just another sales person.     We appreciate being able to take care of another family every day and give them . . . .    Balance, Security, and Peace of Mind with their Insurance Needs and in this case, keeping someone fed for another meal.