volume viii • issue 3 fall • 2006 the ... · microsoft cert ified pr ofe s sional a+ certified...
TRANSCRIPT
the quarterly publicationof Network Professionals
RememberOur Advertisers!
VOLUME VIII • ISSUE 3 FALL • 2006www.npiflorida.com
TheTheDirDirector’ector’ss
ChairChair
Two truths seem to remain constant inNetworking. First, we do business with people weknow, like and trust. Second, you get what youask for. As a reminder the six steps in creating agreat infomercial are...
A. Inform people, who you are and what youdo,using a short one sentence statement.
B. Educate the person that you are addressing---make your statement one that will give themsome information they can use for their own ben-efit.
C. Startle your audience; give them somethingthey don't expect to help keep you in their minds . Dan Doody
D. Amuse people. If you can apply tastefulhumor to your personal commercial, you canbecome just that much more memorable, whichtranslates into more contacts and more business.Avoid becoming stale.
E. Motivate the people you speak with to helpyou, either by giving them business directly or byoffering specials or incentives when they buy orrefer others to you.
F. Ask specifically for what you need from themto help you become more successful in your workand to help qualify any referrals they give.
Remember to invite guests, sharpen yourinfomercial, smile, arrive early. Now get ready formore friends, business and personal satisfactionthan you've ever experienced.
Dan Doody
DanDoody inductingDougMcCroskeyinto the Roswell LunchChapter.
Ann FarrellinductingChristina
Daugherty,who is now
with theRoswell
Chapter.
Inside Network Ink...Palm Beach County . . . . . . . . . .2What you “Should Expect” fromyour Professional ComputerConsultant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Five Essential Steps to Solving SelfGenerated Problems . . . . . . . . .3RESPA Violators VigorouslyPursued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Choosing the Right Bank for YourBusiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Another Hurricane Season is upon us! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Benefits of Dollar-Cost Averaging 5Palm Beach & Broward County Photos . . . . . . . . . . .6 & 7Tis’ the Season. . . . . . . . . . . . .8Identity Theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Do you have an Adjustable orFixed Rate Mortgage? . . . . . . . .9It is not how much you make, but how much you keep! . . . .10Retirement Plans Contribution Changes for 2006 . . . . . . . . . .10Introducing Hot Stone Massage Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Value of Networking . . . . . . . .12
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document management hardware solutions network solutions
loren colburn
Communityio Corporation14251 NW 4th StreetSunrise, FL 33325www.comminityio.com
Ph. 954.858.0176Fx. 954.845.0960
Harris and Joyce GropperOwners
Phone 561-383-5000Fax 561-791-2086Cell 561-718-7349
Aussie Pet MobileServing most of
Palm BeachCounty
[email protected]@aussiepetmobile.com
1274 Beacon CircleWellington, FL 33414
www.AussiePetMobile.com
YVONNE GRABERMicrosoft Certified Professional
A+ Certified
PC/MAC Setup • Troubleshooting
CABLE/DSL Networks
Application Usage
Training • Upgrades • Repairs
NOT JOB TOO SMALL
Tel: 581-852-0900 • Toll Free: 1-877-644-9403Fax: 561-892-3380 • Cell: 561-239-3939
Email: [email protected] • Boca Raton, Florida
“Where The Doctor Is Always In!”
Palm Beach CountyCharlie Martin, Regional DirectorDo the right thing and do it right!
Ken Klink, Business Broker, and Membership Chair of theJupiter Abacoa Chapter uses this as his power statement.Doing the right thing right has been adapted for all my chapters.We are continually working towards having the “right” peoplein our chapters. By “right”, we mean committed and dedicat-ed to helping the other members of their respective chapters.
The chapters are accepting responsibility of their chapters,again the “right thing to do”. They are paying closer attention tothose important things that indicate commitment such as atten-dance and referral giving. When the Boards of Directors real-ized the effect this has on growing and retaining good member-ship, these two reports are monitored more closely. They thencan take the action necessary to assure that everyone is com-mitted and “doing the right thing to do”.
New Breakfast chapters are in development, Boca/DelrayStars, Boynton Beach Biz Builders, Las Olas Dream Team,Hollywood Stars, PGA Elite and Wellington. . We are lookingat Mid September through October as our launch dates. If youhave colleagues in these areas – if they join, no matter whereyou are, you will receive your $50.00 credit bonus towards yourrenewal. Most important you are adding to our NPI networkpower partners.
The Boca Glades Chapter are working on a visitor’s day thathas taken the dedication and perseverance of three months ofplanning to see the success story emerging October 25th.They focused on Alliance Partners for each of the members.They are putting together a gift bag for each guest with itemsfrom the membership. They included a smaller gift bag for allmembers’ business cards. They literally thought “out of thebox” in creating a great meeting. Their speaker is from BillRitter, a Zig Ziglar Certified Speaker and member of the WestonChapter. Another great "doing it right"!
Marty Moore, Licensed Massage Therapist, is our newestArea Director and has two new chapters in development inaddition to the already up and running Oceanside Chapter.Marty is a consummate networker and makes it a point toattend all networking events to find members for NPI.
NPI’s logo includes “Remember a Member”. This literallymeans not only in your chapter, the entire membership of NPIis at your fingertips. To find members outside of those pro
What you “Should Expect” fromyour Professional ComputerConsultant. Submitted by Yvonne Graber, Computer Doc., & Program Chair AtlantisChapter
With the continued growth in the use of computers both bysmall businesses and individuals, there is a growing need tohave reliable and readily available computer service profession-als. Computers are no longer used only by big businesses andare no longer intended just for gaming and other frivolous activ-ities. Small businesses and individual households are continu-ally becoming more dependent on their computers to storeinformation, process required documents, pay bills, set appoint-ments, and be a source of instant information.
With all this demand, down time for a computer is unac-ceptable. It is essential that those who own computers or busi-nesses that have networks of computers be able to access repairand service capability immediately. Owner of computers needto be able to find service help that specializes in small to medi-um businesses. These repair services need to be always avail-able and have multiple ways to access computers and repairthem.
Today’s computer service professionals provide repairsthrough three different methods. The first and most obvious ison-site repair. The second, which is growing in popularity andimportance, is “remote-in” service. Today’s computer serviceprofessionals are now capable of accessing the problematic
Palm Beach County cont’d. on page 11
What You Should cont’d. on page 12
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Ariadne Romano, PMCareer & Personal Coaching
“Attain Success Through Inner Awareness”
Office: 727.236.6219 • Cell: [email protected]
ARBONNE INTERNATIONALAntiaging ~ No Mineral Oil
Skin Are ~ Cosmetics ~ NutritionFinancial Freedom Opportunity
Nancy K. Strader
Will you watch it happen...make it happen...or wonder what happened?
Cell ~ 727.403.0391 ~ Consultant # [email protected] ~ www.nancyks.myarbonne.com
Baskets by Robin, Inc.Decorative Gift Baskets & Silk Florals for All Occasions
Robin G. NichollsPresident
101 Lake Ave. NE, Suite 205Largo, FL 33771727.224.5922Fax: 727.581.3283*51www.BaketsbyRobin.com
A Tiskit A Tasket It’s Time to Order a
Wonderful Gift Basket!
Five Essential Steps to SolvingSelf Generated ProblemsAriadne Romano, Business and Life Coach, Area Director Pasco County
Chart Your Weaknesses – Until we make the necessarychanges in our lives – it’s important to anticipate where ourweak points are so we don’t stall out or get ourselves in trouble.Coaching begins where you will learn to assessthe habits of control that have been short cir-cuiting your life. Anticipating these habits isthe first step toward changing knee-jerk habit-ual thinking Recognizing that you have achoice to create whatever life you want.Step one is diagnosticRed Row boat of the jigsaw puzzleLearn your patterns of control Yea buts - Have tos – I have to be the best. I have to lie,she would never believe me.Worrying or what-iffing – What if I fail? Whatif he says no?Cant’s – I can’t handle that job, that accountGuilts – I have to go , she’ll be mad at meBlack and White thinking – all or none think-ingDoubts – Maybe I shouldn’t call himName-calling – I’m such an idiotNot caring – I don’t care if I upset herHostility – As far as I’m concerned you can take a flying leap…Lying – Why take any responsibility when you can control others by lying.
Manipulating – People are malleable – a little white lie here andthere…Mountain-out-of-molehill generalizing – An attempt to preparefor the worst.Fatalistic thinking/doom and gloom – you have already theworst and throw up your hands.Exercise
Draw balls on the paper representing eachcontrol tendency.Step 2 - Separate Fact from Fiction Meditation – Control your monkeysEspecially in negative thinking, doubting orinsecure thoughtsStep 3 – Stop Listening to the Noise Remember the old joke – Doctor my arm hurtswhen I do this. Doctor says then don’t dothat.Are you hounded with doubt, negativity? Stopthinking like that.Pay attention to your self-talk. Learn healthythinking.Step Four- Let GoEliminate struggle from your lifeSteps 1, 2, and 3 are thinking stepsThis is where you live – in you head
This can sometimes make us feel safe, just THINKING about life.Let go of insecurity, and negative thinking by:
Change the channel – think of something positiveHave those positive thoughts and keep them in mindStep 5 – Follow ThroughMotivation and MomentumStick to it and it has cumulative effects.
The Power ofCoaching...Relies on the fact that we candefeat whatever it is that isholding us back in our lives.Panic, depression, anxiety, lackof success, unhappiness.Whatever it is we must defeatwhatever it is that is holdingus back from living the life weare capable of having.
Destiny is not a matter ofchance, it is a matter ofchoice.
MMarth Moore Reyes
Licensed Massage Therapist
License #MA 38723Member: AMTA
SwedishSportsTMJ Relief
Infant/Ore-NatalReflexologyPet Massage
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Colleen Katura KendelAccount Manager
2699 E. Oakland Park Blvd.Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33306
Phone: 954-630-2766Cell: 561-542-1485Fax: [email protected]
Karen ZuckerbergAssistant Vice PresidentDeerfield Beach Manager
3325 W. Hillsboro BoulevardDeerfield Beach, FL 33442
954/698-9989Fax: 954/698-9821
Dr. Paul RakitinChiropractic PhysicianScaro-Occipital Technic, Craniopathy, Detoxification
561-367-0022326 E. Palmetto Park Roadwww.massagebocaraton.com
RESPA Violators VigorouslyPursuedSubmitted by Colleen Kendall, Title Insurance and Program Chair, DeerfieldChampions
IN ADDITION TO RESPA, the Florida Title Insurance indus-try is governed by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.Real estate agents, and mortgage brokers must know rules ofthe U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)AND the State of Florida — especially its Department ofFinancial Services— that modify RESPA or add other bound-aries. The Florida Department of Financial Services [DFS] is outinvestigating RESPA violations. While the department issuesbulletins that address RESPA-related activities, it can’t make upits own rules. Their investigators, however, are deputized toenforce RESPA, so don’t think you can ignore the DFS.
In an Informational Bulletin dated February 26, 2003, TomGallagher, Chief Financial Officer, Florida Office of InsuranceRegulation addressed all insurance companies and agentstransacting title insurance in the State of Florida stating that thefollowing practices have been identified by the Departmentwhich, if performed as an inducement for the referral of titleinsurance business, may result in the initiation of disciplinary orother administrative proceedings:
• Printing or paying for the printing of bulletins, flyers, postcards, labels, etc. for realtors and/or real estate salespersons topromote their listings;
• Furnishing or paying for the furnishing of office equipment(fax machines, cellular telephones, copy machines, etc.) to real-tors and or real estate salespersons and mortgage brokers;
• Providing or paying for cellular telephone minutes forrealtors and/or real estate salespersons and mortgage brokers;
• Providing simulated panoramic home and property toursto realtors and/or real estate salespersons which they in turnutilize in order to promote their listings;
• Providing or paying for gas cards to realtors and/or realestate salespersons and mortgage brokers;
• Sponsoring and hosting or paying for the sponsoring andhosting of open houses for realtors and/or real estate salesper-sons to promote their listings;
• Providing or paying for food or beverages at eventsdesigned to promote realtors’ and/or salespersons’ listings;
• Paying advertising costs to advertise and promote the list-ings of realtors and/or real estate salespersons in periodicals or RESPA publications identifying property which is for sale;
Choosing the Right Bank forYour BusinessSubmitted by Karen Zuckerberg, Banker and Treasurer of Boca CentralChapter
When you choose a bank, you choose what could be a life-long personal and business partner. A little homework can go along way in deciding what financial services organization bestfits your needs. Choosing and moving to a new a bank is not ascomplicated as many people and businesses may think. And asthe intense consolidation in the banking industry continues –making many banks strangers to their customers – now may bethe best time to move your accounts to save both time andmoney.Comparison shopping
What do you need from your financial services partner? Abank’s branch locations, hours and proximity to your businessare important considerations. Automatic teller machine (ATM),Internet and full-service telephone banking services also shouldbe readily available to all customers at their convenience.
For customers who prefer face-to-face interaction with theirfinancial institution, check out a bank branch’s environment,employees and customer service. Are the employees helpful,and are transactions handled efficiently? Does your bankerunderstand your business and your market? Does the bankerhave in-depth expertise in your industry?
Take a close look at the fees associated with the services yourequire, suggests the Better Business Bureau. Do you use ATMsfrequently, and are there convenient ATM locations? Does thebank charge you for ATM transactions at other banks, and how
RESPA cont’d. on page 13
Choosing cont’d. on page 13
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Pamela Orzan, P.A.REALTOR
308 S. Federal Hwy.Boca Raton, Florida 33432
Cellular: (561) 302-5630Ofice: (561) 347-0364
Fax: (561) 347-7092
SCOTT D. MILLER Financial ConsultantPalm Beach BranchCharles Schwab & co., Inc. ı Charles Schwab Bank, NA.*501 S. Flagler Drive Suite 100 West Palm Beach FL 33401tel (561) 804 0107 tel (800) 435 4000 fax (561) 804 [email protected]*Separate but affiliated companies
Benefits of Dollar-CostAveragingSubmitted by: Scott D. Miller, Financial Consultant & President of the WPBWinners Chapter
When I meet with clients who are new to investing, I like totell them about ‘’dollar cost averaging.” Over the long term, ithas historically been a smart, low-cost and potentially prof-itable way to invest.
Dollar-cost averaging simply means investing a set amountof money at regular intervals, usually on a monthly or quarter-ly basis over a period of years, regardless of what’s happeningin the market. For instance, if you plan to invest $3,000 a year,using the dollar-cost averaging method, you will invest roughly$250 each month.
Consequently, you will buy more shares when the price islower (during market troughs) and fewer shares when the priceis higher (at market peaks). As the months go by, the averagecost per share will turn out to be less than the average of thepurchase prices. This disciplined approach to investing cutsdown on the risk of investing a lump sum at a market high andhelps you to continue buying at market lows when others maybe selling and missing out on potential future gains.
Dollar-cost averaging doesn’t eliminate riskDollar-cost averaging may be an easy and disciplined way toinvest, but it doesn’t guarantee that your investments will risein value, nor does it eliminate the risk that you could lose someor all of your money. Since the method involves continuousinvestment in securities regardless of the fluctuating price lev-els, you should consider your financial ability to continue pur-chases [through periods of low price levels] before deciding toinvest this way. Three major benefits of dollar-cost averaging
Prevents procrastination. Some investors have a hard timegetting started. They may know they should be investing, butthey never quite get around to it. Once begun, dollar-cost aver-aging can be an easy way to commit to regular investing.
Avoids market timing. Dollar-cost averaging helps you par-ticipate in the stock market regardless of current economic con-ditions.
Minimizes regret. Even the most unflappable investor mayfeel a tinge of regret when an investment proves to be ill timed.Worse, such regret may cause you to disrupt your investmentstrategy in an attempt to make up for your setback. Dollar-costaveraging can minimize this regret because you make multipleinvestments, with none of them being particularly large.
Another Hurricane Season isupon us!Submitted by Pam Orzan, Realtor Luxury Homes, GMAC, Membership Chairof Boca Central Chapter and Regional Social Chair
Being prepared for hurricane season is crucial. If we havelearned anything from the past few years, it’s to prepare aheadof time. Here are some things to remember before the hurricanestrikes.
Have a plan. Have a place to go if you get evacuated or chooseto leave. Keep in mind when deciding where to go that largemetropolitan areas may have hotels that fill up quickly, so makereservations before you leave. Also, don’t delay departure andbe prepared to wait in traffic.
Keep a supply kit that can accommodate 3-7 days if needbe. Your kit should include water, 1 gallon a day per person,non-perishable canned and packaged food, non-electric canopener, food for infants and pets, any medications, paper platesand plastic utensils, first aid kit, toiletries, flashlights and bat-teries, battery charged radio, cash in small bills (ATM machinesmay not be running), and important documents.
Make arrangements for your pets in case you need to evac-uate. Have a current photo, up to date vaccinations, and thecorrect sized pet carrier, as pet shelters will require these things.Make sure that your dog or cat has a collar with current contactand ID information on it. Contact pet shelters, veterinary clin-ics, or friends & relatives if you need to leave your pet, althoughmany hotels are pet friendly during a hurricane. If you have anyquestions regarding your pet during a storm, you can contactthe Humane Society’s Disaster Center.
Secure your home. The weather can change very quickly sodo not wait until the last minute to put up hurricane shutters orwood panels. Bring in all outdoor furniture and décor as to nothave objects that can be blown into your home or your neigh-bor’s home. Defrost your refrigerator and freezer, and throwaway any food items that may become rotten. If you leave yourhome you do not want to come back to a big mess!
Lastly, check your insurance coverage, flood damage is notusually covered by a homeowner’s policy and keep your cellphone charged up and your car and gas grill filled with fuel.
Remember a Member
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The Personal Power CenterHolistic Self Improvement
Toni Simon, C.Ht.
737 Main Street • Suite 100Safety Harbor • Florida 34695
727.742.2344www.thepersonalpowercenter.com
Remember a
Member
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M. Blake ParsleyManaging Member
26606 Magnolia BoulevardLutz, Florida 33549
813-632-7997FAx 813-975-2922
Email: [email protected]
Remember a Member
Mary CarliVP OF ADMINISTRATION
231 Douglas RoadSuite 4Oldsmar, FL 34677Tel: 813-855-9056Fax: [email protected]
professional • reliable • trushworthy
Reflections
Sharlene WoodisRealtor®
Direct: (813) 766-3403Office: (813) 975-0030
Fax: (813) 977-8952E-mail: [email protected]
Each Office independently owned and operated
“Outstanding Agents...Outstanding Results”TM
15365 Amberly Dr., Tampa, FL 33647
Tis’ the Season. . .Submitted by Kelly Tutt, Area Director, Hillsborough County
Throughout the State of Florida fans are rejoicing that it’sthe beginning of Football Season. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers,the Miami Dolphins and the Jacksonville Jaguars are kicking offtheir seasons and so are colleges and high schools. Noles andGators, Hurricanes, Bulls, pick your passion! Are you ready forsome football??
One of the great things about football season is that it hasa beginning and an end. The beginning gives us something tolook forward to, build up to, prepare for and anticipate. The endgives us winners – champions, a time to “re-tool” and rebuild.
According to Dave Buck, Founder and Director ofCoachville, USA, if we look at doing business as if it was a game,then we would benefit from having seasons as well. Viewingyour business with this different perspective can give you afresh look at methods of administering. For instance, if youplanned for a “season”, spent time preparing and practicingyour skills until you were ready, and then had a clearly definedend to the season you could know when to rest and rebuild. Inbusiness, we never plan for this down-time, we just go non-stop, many times burning out our employees or ourselves.
Think about the activities in your business – can you framethem as a season, define the skills necessary to compete andwin, practice these skills until you are ready, then compete. Planfor an end to the season, have a specific completion point sothat everyone knows when the “season” is over, and they canexperience closure and then move on, refreshed. This could bethe planning tool you need to help you as you begin to look at2007 – a fresh way to view the activities you are already doing,but in a way that will yield more results.
In his book Timing is Everything, Denis Waitley suggeststhat you look at your success in life in terms of seasons. Just likewe can look at our business planning in terms of an athleticseason, we can look at our life planning in terms of natural sea-sons. We all understand the yearly cycles that farmers followwith their crops. Look at planning out the successes in your lifethe same way.
The analogy of natural seasons works like this – Winter isfor Dreaming/Planning; Spring is for planting; Summer is grow-ing/cultivating; and Autumn is harvesting. Note that these sea-sons always come in this sequence, but the length of each canbe very different. And, the time we spend in these cycles canvary project to project, year to year.
You can look at your family life and have planning time forhow you want to improve time spent with your spouse and chil-dren (winter). Then you can have spring time as you share theseplans and begin to act on them. Summer would be the action ofthe plan – doing the things you planned. And then Autumnwould be reaping from all of this – such as a better relationshipwith one of your kids, a deeper romance with a spouse, etc.
It is important to note that you can be working on differentareas of life at the same time, and have different seasons occur-ring. You may be in the summer of the family life growth whenyou begin planning for a new responsibility in your job (winter).This could be the same time that you have just completed a dietand year of exercising, and fitting into your clothes better thanyou have in years (autumn harvest).
With the fourth quarter of the year just around the corner,and the new year starting to come onto the horizon what a greattime to think about what you want your successes to be, and to
start dreaming/planning those now. Think about all areas ofyour life, and where you would like to have greater successes –or continued success. Look at:
Professional lifeFamily relationships Mental/intellectual growthFriendships/relationships Finances Physical fitness/healthSpiritual lifeand Community involvement.
What improvements would you like to have in all of theseareas?
Begin to plan and envision what you would like to seechange in each, and then what you can do to make thosechanges happen. Remember, one definition of insanity is doingthe same old thing and expecting different results. As you gothrough this spring time, certain areas will come to the top andyou will begin to take action. As you take this action, your lifewill begin to change and success will manifest in these areas.
Success is not just power or possessions; success is thejourney you are on and the improvements that you experiencealong the way. It is the lives you affect and change as you growand move along your path.
I challenge you to spend some time after reading this arti-cle to think about how you can implement some of thesethoughts into your business and into your life. I encourage youto seek out someone to listen to your thoughts and plans andthen hold you accountable to working toward achieving them.Someone to help you calendar your seasons of success – this
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Tis the Season cont'd.. on page 9
Paul M. Freire, LUTCFPersonal Financial RepresentativeAllstate Financial Services. LLC
1365 Main StreetDunedin, FL 34698
Phone 727.738.6088Fax 727.738.6272allstate.com
Securities offered through Allstate Fiancial Services, LLC (LSA Securities in LA and PZ).Registered Broker-Dealer, Member NASD, SIPC.
• AUTO • HOME • LIFE • RETIREMENT •• BUSINESS INSURANCE • FLOOD INSURANCE •
could be a close friend or a business coach. Which ever you aremore comfortable with, pick someone and utilize them – youwill be amazed at the difference this will make in your ability torealize your dreams and goals.
Whatever season you are in now, recognize we each aregiven the exact same amount of time each day; “spend” thattime wisely, pursuing your success by giving each season thetime it needs before you move on to the next.
In closing, remember “To everything there is a season, Atime for every purpose under heaven… A time to plant, and atime to harvest what is planted” (Ecclesiastes 3:1,2).
May you have a winning season!
Identity TheftWho Has Info on You — & What Do Those Files SaySubmitted by Keith Nielsen, Prepaid Legal Services, Hispanic Chamber WestTampa, Hillsborough
Information about you is stored in corporate and govern-ment computers throughout the United States and abroad.Thanks to the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, signedinto law by President Bush, you now can see what those com-puters say about you.
Once a year, you are permitted to obtain a free copy of yourcredit report from Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Thesereports reveal information about your driving record, medicalhistory, criminal and civil cases, and your business and bankingactivities. Let’s look closer at these reports.Your Medical History
Whenever you apply for individual disability, life, long-termcare, or health insurance, the information you provide on theapplication is forwarded to the Medical Information Bureau.When health care providers share information about you withinsurance companies, the insurers add that data to your MIBfile.Your Auto and Homeowner Insurance
Want to see your driving record, including tickets and acci-dents you’ve had in the past five years? How about a list ofclaims you’ve filed on your homeowner’s and auto insurancepolicies? Similar information is available from ChoicePointregarding your automobile and homeowner’s fromComprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange reports. Your Checking Accounts
If you’ve ever bounced a check, TeleCheck or ChexSystemsis likely to know about it. Their files also will show if a creditunion or bank ever closed your account due to insufficientfunds.About That Job You Applied For…
Ever been turned down for a job or promotion? The employ-er might have made its decision after conducting a backgroundcheck on you. FACTA gives you the right to see those reports ifthey led to a denial of a job or promotion. But hundreds of com-panies provide background checks, and the new law does notrequire employers to give you the name of the firm it hired.
Do you know someone who has been having trouble gettinginsurance, renting an apartment, or getting a job? Someone withsuch problems should consider obtaining copies of these rele-vant specialty consumer reports before reapplying to make surethe information contained in the report is accurate.
Do you have an Adjustable orFixed Rate Mortgage?Respectfully submitted by: Rhonda Pulver, Mortgage Specialist, PinellasMortgage Services, Inc.
By now you have probably heard of impending home fore-closures, and their potential link to Adjustable Rate Mortgages(ARM). While every ARM does not need to be refinanced, allARM loans will eventually require attention in order to monitorincreasing rates and/or payments.
Knowledge is power, and the power can be yours when youask questions. If the mortgage in question is an ARM, knowwhen to expect rate changes and how much the rate canchange. Know the margin that the ARM is tied to (i.e. COFI,LIBOR, Treasury, MTA, etc.). This is especially important whenyou start to experience a change in your rate. When consider-ing a refinance, it is also important to know whether or not youhave a Pre-Payment Penalty.
If you know of someone with an Adjustable Rate Mortgage,now is definitely the time to evaluate the necessity of a refi-nance. As with any decision to refinance, it is important to takethe terms of the existing loan, the cost of the new loan, and theborrower’s long-term needs into consideration. No two bor-rowers will ever have the same answer to the questions sur-rounding the necessity and the “right time” to refinance. Thefixed rates are still very low, and if planned correctly, can stillbe beneficial for your financial “plan”. A qualified mortgageprofessional should help weigh out the options by providing aclear assessment of available loan programs for the consumer.
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Tis the Season cont'd.. from page 8
To Advertise in Network Ink askyour Regional or Area Director
for more information.
—10—
Credit Cards/Check ProcessingVirtual Checks: Acdept Checks via Phone
Robert B. OrkinPresident
20283 State Road 7 • Suite 300 • Boca Raton • FL 33498Toll Free (888) 783-0911 • Cell (561) 289-4652
Fax (561) [email protected] •www.mcpsprocessing.com
AmstonMortgage Company, Inc.
Lois HowardReverse Mortgage Specialist
547-i W. Fort Island TrailCrystal River, FL 34429
1-800-505-4988
813-363-4204 CELL
www.amston.net
Your reverse mortgageprofessionals
It is not how much you make, buthow much you keep! Submitted By Robert Orkin, President of Financial Business Solutions GroupInc. & member of the Boca Glades Chapter
Does your business accept credit cards? Are you consider-ing accepting credit cards? BEWARE!
Most companies offering these services either cold call youon the phone or send out glossy literature offering you a “lowrate”-the percentage of each transaction that it costs you, forthe right to accept payment for goods or services from your customer by credit card. This is their way of trying to win youover, but …DIG DEEPER!
This rate is only one small piece of the entire puzzle, thatmakes up the myriad of rates and fees and charges, in a varietyof circumstances. Just to name a few:• Application Fee • Transactions Fee • Monthly Minimum• Set-Up Fee • Chargeback Fee• Support • Programming Fee• Annual Fee • Supplies • Monthly Statement Fee • AuthorizationFee • Lease • Return Fee • Online Reporting • EquipmentRental • Qualified Rate • Batch Fee • Mid-Qualified Rate• Gateway Access Fee • And many more! • Non-Qualified Rate• Interchange • Swiped Vs. MOTO Rates • Per item Fee PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER!
Compare different company proposals. Get an explanationas to what charges you are likely to have relative to the way youdo business, and why…even more importantly, what type ofprocedures and systems will most benefit your business in thegrand scheme of things…MAXIMUM PROFITABILITY AND EFFICIENCY!
Points to ponder: What is the amount of your average cus-tomer transaction ? Do you take phone orders vs. face to faceorders? Internet orders through a shopping cart? Is the speed ofthe transaction a concern? (long lines at register) Do you dealmostly with the public vs. business to business? Do you dotrade shows, where electric and phone service may not be avail-able? Do you want real time reporting vs. a monthly statement?Should you accept American Express? Discover? Out of statechecks? Gift and Loyalty Cards? Should you have an ATMmachine on the premises?CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL THAT YOU TRUST, WHO CANADVISE YOU PROPERLY BECAUSE…(Refer to first sentence)
Retirement Plans ContributionChanges for 2006Submitted by Robert Ziegen, CPA, Past President Boca Glades Chapter
Financial security and a good quality of life in retirementdepend on the present contributions to your retirement plans.The Internal Revenue Code sets dollar limitations on benefitsand contributions under qualified retirement plans. The IRSannually adjusts these limits to meet statutory requirements andcost of living increases. Outlined below are the 2006 contribu-tion limits for select plans.Maximum contribution limits
If you are under the age of 50 you can contribute the following amounts in 2006:• 401(k) – maximum employee contribution limit is the lesser of25% of compensation or $15,000.• RA – the maximum contribution is the lesser of $4,000 orearned income• SIMPLE IRA – employee elective deferrals are limited to$10,000Catch-up contributions limits
Taxpayers who will be age 50 or older in 2006 can increasethe contribution limits by additional amounts (called catch-upcontributions). Following are the catch-up contributionamounts for the above selected plans • $5,000 for 401(k) • $1,000 for IRA • $2,500 for SIMPLE IRA. Generally, employers can match dollar for dollar up to 3% of salary.
Retirement cont’d. on page 9
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BUSINESS SALES • MREGERS & ACQUISITIONS
TRANSWORLD BUSINESS BROKERS, LLC10625 North Military TrailSuite 104Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
5400 N.W. 21st TerraceFort Lauderdale, FL 33309
PALM BEACH: (561) 627-8887FAX: (561) 622-6446
CELL: (561) 309-7499EMAIL: [email protected]
www.tworld.com
Kenneth L. Klink
TRANSWORLD
Kenni J. Freire, P.a.Realtor Consultant
Cell: 727.458.5282Office: 727.784.7488 x 248Fax: [email protected] US. Hwy. 19 N • Palm Harbor, FL 34684
Refer Your Clients Relocatingto Pinellas, Hillsborough & Pasco Counties
For a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plans, the annuallimit on the amount of employer contributions increased to thelesser of $44,000 or 25% of an eligible employee’s compensa-tion.Under a Defined Contribution Plan (Profit Sharing), the annualcontribution limit is the lesser of $44,000 or 100% of the com-pensation actually paid to the participant. Maximum compen-sation limit for both plans have increased to $220,000.
For more information on these and other changes for 2006give us a call.
Introducing Hot Stone MassageTherapySubmitted by Vickie Anderson, LMT, MMT, Vande Therapy Inc., Clearwater, FL
For ninety minutes of beautiful bliss, your arms, legs, neck,back, shoulders, feet and hands are gently relaxed through thistechnique that many cultures have used for centuries. Smoothbasalt lava stones (often warmed in fragrant oils such as laven-der and chamomile) are a nice indulgence, adding to the com-forting massage strokes that my clients already enjoy. Thesmooth rocks glide across your skin, melting away stress in thebody while inducing deep relaxation. The naturally water pol-ished stones have a negative charge that actually works with themagnetism n the human body, to relax the muscles and healcontracted muscles from the every day stress of life . Soft musicplays in the background while you melt away into anotherrealm.
Different sizes of stones are used, according to the area ofthe body being addressed. In addition to the soothing, nurtur-ing strokes, these delightful warm stones are held in the thera-pist’s palm as an extension of the hand and gently glide overlarge tight muscles, such as the shoulders and hips. During thesession, both the front and back of your body are bathed in thewarmth of the natural, healing stones. If you have never expe-rienced this wonderful form of relaxation, treat yourself to thispeaceful “time out” that will leave you feeling nurtured, rejuve-nated and balanced.
I am offering this opportunity to my valued clients, at noextra charge, when incorporated with a 90 minute massage. AllNPI members get a discount on treatment rates. Call for anappointment today.
(A twenty four hour advance notice is required to allow forpreparation.)
fessionals in your chapter, simply “search by category” on the Chapters & Members section of the www.npiflorida.com . Justabout every time I visit a chapter these days, I am hearing testimonials from members who have been successful at findinga NPI member who can help them or their clients.
Another value of NPI that many of my members are nowutilizing is the ability to visit each chapter once a quarter whenyour profession is not represented. Mike Liss, Attorney, andPresident of the Boca Glades Chapter have just about made therounds of all NPI chapters. Getting out and about also isTheresa Hunter, Closet & Garage Concepts Felice Levine,Psychotherapist, Amy Weishaus, basketobooks, (Boca CentralMembers); Lisa Heath, Marine Wholesalers, Debbie Dendinger,Juice+ (Boca Glades); Denise Chu, Promotional Items (DeerfieldChamps).
These members are literally thinking outside of the box oroutside their chapters– realizing that they have unique profes-sions not found in all chapters and guess what? They areadding powerful alliances not only for their business but also toexpand their resource network.
Take advantage of all the VALUES of being an NPI member.Be active in your chapter, business comes to those who are“doing the Right Thing and doing it Right!
Palm Beach County from page 2
Retirement cont’d. from page 8
Remember a Member
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J & M Home Enterprises, LLCAir & Water Purifiers
Mold Inspection
Healthy LivingTechnologies
IndependentDealers
Mike MelloHelping Develop Leaders
Res: 727-789-8959Cell: 727-542-5136Fax: 727-830-0562Email: [email protected]
Kennth L. Brown, CPA CVA
15255 Amberly Drive • Tampa • Florida 33647Office: 813-978-1040 Fax: 843-979-1340 • Toll Free: 877-KLB-1040
www.klbrown.com • ken @klbrown.com
computer from their own computer, diagnosing the issue, solving the problem, and billing the customer on-line for thisunique service call. The third method is service over the tele-phone; today’s service professional must be able to communi-cate to the end user the simple steps that can remedy problemsand perform this task over the telephone. Because speed is ofthe essence, it’s not always in the best interest of the serviceprofessional or the customer to wait for an on-site service call.Therefore, it is important for small and medium businesses, aswell as individuals, to know where to find sophisticated com-puter service companies.
Today’s professional service companies also need to becapable of doing various types of installations and networkupgrades. These installations and upgrades include PC setups,printers, scanners, web and digital cameras as well as ipods andPDAs. The service professional should be able to upgrade soft-ware, hardware, and storage drives. The new service profes-sional must be capable of upgrading systems inclusive of mem-ory, installing both sound and video cards as well as firewalls.Unlike service people who simply run an ad in the Classifieds,the sophisticated service professional makes his clients com-fortable with the fact that his service company can also dealwith the various requirements associated with the Internet: DSLand broadband, T1 through T3, wired and wireless networks,and the most recent addition, VOIP.
There are two other important types of service that clientsneed to receive from their computer service professionals: Oneis detection, removal, protection services, including spywareremoval and the elimination of pop-ups, malware, adware,Trojans, worms, and other potentially damaging viruses. Theother is Data Backup Services. Today’s sophisticated serviceprofessionals recommend Remote Data Backup because it pro-vides small businesses and individuals with the ability toretrieve lost information immediately in the event of a cata-strophic interruption, such as a hurricane. Remote Backupeliminates the operator’s responsibility to “back up” vital infor-mation to tapes and CD’s.
It is easy to see why small and medium businesses, home-based businesses, and personal computer owners must thor-oughly investigate and have at hand qualified service profes-sionals in order to protect their computer investment as well astheir precious information. Don’t hesitate to ask your comput-er service professional if he or she is capable of providing theever-growing service requirements discussed above.
What You Should cont'd.. from page 2The Value of NetworkingSubmitted by Bob Clark, Clearwater Printing, Dowtown Clearwater Chapter
Let's say you're in the printing business - which I am. You buy thelatest, greatest printing press on the face of the earth. And because youare so busy, you never can find the time to learn to use it - and thatfive figure investment sits over in the corner while you continue to printon 1980's equipment that is half as efficient. You never take advantageof the asset that cost you plenty.
The same holds true for any profession you would find in NPI -auto repair to web designer and everywhere in between. We need tomake the fullest use of our assets. And one of the greatest assets eachof us have is NPI! That's why I never understand when I look aroundmy own chapter or a chapter I'm visiting and see 25 per cent of themembership not there.
Press of business they will say. Balderdash! NPI might be the mostimportant appointment you have every week. And it needs to be treat-ed as such - a very important business appointment. If you manage asales staff or are part of one, you don't skip sales meetings. NPI is anextension of your sales staff. Non-competing professionals who seetheir clients - and your potential clients every day of the week.
And while on the subject, when was the last time you visited aneighboring chapter? As you know or should know, you can visit anyother NPI chapter once a quarter - as long as that chapter does nothave your profession as a member. A good idea is to checkwww.npiflorida.com beforehand or call either the chapter president orthe area director ahead of time just to make sure there isn't anotherprinter (or your profession) in that chapter before your visit.
I am constantly amazed (but happy) that about half our chaptersdon't have printers as members. I make it a point to try to get thereonce a quarter - and it has paid off in increased business.
It's also a good idea to attend the socials. Will you sign a dealthere that night? No, but you will undoubtedly make a valuable contactor two that will lead to business down the road. Or meet someone whocan fill a need for your business - perhaps a profession not represent-ed in your chapter.
Finally, when was the last time you added to that valuable asset?That is - brought a prospective member to your chapter meeting. It'svery easy to sit back and think that's Bill or Sue's job. It is all of ourjobs. It's not too early to make a resolution for 2007 to try to bring oneprospective member a quarter in the year ahead. If we all do that, theaverage chapter is looking at 50 or so prospective new members dur-ing the year. And for each new member, add another 250 people whobecome part of the so-called outer circle of influence.
Just as we would not buy that expensive press and let it sit in thecorner should we allow our NPI membership to sit in the corner. In theeight plus years Clearwater Printing has been a member, we have seenNPI produce almost 15 per cent of our annual total revenues for a verysmall investment. And it's simply because we don't let that invest-ment sit in the corner, we work it.
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Intercom • Central Vac System
501 S. Falkenburg Road • Suite C23 • Tampa, FL 33619Phone: (813) 267-2199 • Fax (813) 653-1938
www.DCSIsecurity.com • Lic. # EZ11000120
Nelson ButeraV.P. of Sales
Security & Sound Systems
199 NW 28th Street, Suite 13Boca Raton, FL 33431
561.544.0978 • Fax 561.544.0979
• Paying realtors and/or real estate salespersons to fill outprocessing (order) forms in exchange for contracts;
• Entering into affiliated business arrangements in anattempt to provide kickbacks to builders, realtors and/or realestate salespersons or mortgage brokers.
The giving of an inducement, or a thing of value, in returnfor the referral of title insurance business is a violation ofSection 626.9541(l)(h)3, Florida Statutes, and the rules of theDepartment. In particular, Rule 4-186.003(1 l)(c), FloridaAdministrative Code, states “any ongoing or standing offer ofgifts, compensation or special services to the same person orcustomer on a continuing basis as an inducement to referringtitle insurance transactions is prohibited”. Violations of theseprohibitions are being vigorously pursued.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)recently took action against several companies, to challengetheir interpretation of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act(RESPA) rules, Section 8. “Business practices that are intendedto skirt the anti-kickback provisions of RESPA will not be toler-ated,” said John C. Weicher, HUD Assistant Secretary forHousing-Federal Housing Commissioner.So What Are The Penalties? Civil Penalties: Three times the amount paid for each settle-ment service transaction that is the subject of a violation;Attorney fees for the prevailing party. Criminal Penalties: $10,000; and/or one year in prison and other Remedies in HUDSettlements Payments of refunds to consumersEstablishment of an educational or training fund
much? Is there a point of service fee? Compare that to otherbanks’ ATM charges.
Many banks require a minimum balance for free businesschecking accounts. Examine the maintenance or minimum bal-ance fees associated with similar accounts at various banks.Make sure the bank offers the appropriate transactionallowance for your business volume. Many banks have a limit-ed number of transactions allowed per month regardless of theminimum balance.
Almost every bank offers the ability to bank via the Internet,often for free. Banking online offers constant and quick accessto an account. Online banking capabilities can be expanded toinclude bill payment. It’s wise to compare a bank’s fees foronline transactions. Also, check out online cash managementcapabilities. Does the online product streamline a wide varietyof cash management and bookkeeping services – such as bal-ance and transaction reporting, payroll, check imaging, wiretransfers, account reconcilement, fraud protection, electronicpayment services and more – for a business of your size?Other Issues
In this age of industry consolidation, perhaps most impor-tant in choosing a bank is an institution’s longevity and dura-bility. Customers of a bank that has been acquired or hasmerged with another bank often encounter changes – to loca-tions, fees, services and products – during the institutuion’stransition phase. Examine the financial strength of the bankyou’re considering.
Finally, do a gut check. Allow yourself a moment to measureyour comfort level with the bank. Do the employees at the bankknow you, and do you feel like you’re welcome at the branch?Are the employees helpful, and do they try to identify your spe-cific needs, as they relate to your financial goals and require-ments?
As an informed consumer, you can make the best choice foryour financial business needs. CHECK OUTCompare different banks’:
Checking account feesOnline banking chargesATM feesCash management expensesRange of products and services Financial management expertiseHours of operationBranch locationsCustomer service
RESPA cont’d. from page 4 Choosing the Right Bank cont’d. from page4
Nori L. Hoch
Del Mar Office Park7301 West Plametto Park Rd. • Suite 201 • Boca Raton, FL 33433
561.750.0700 • Fax 561.750.0060www.instituteaesthetica.com
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