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.