lance cashion: remote control

Learning Perseverance from a Toddler

If we could only persevere like my 17 month old son! Over the last year and seven months, I have become very observant. I've watched this little boy go from the process of not being able to move from one place to his current activity of running through the house.

For several weeks, Nelson (our son) has been attempting to climb the giant leather ottoman in our family room. I've quietly watched him circle the piece of furniture, get a running start and try to somehow force his way on top. I've seen him try to pull himself up, straining with every ounce of strength until the little veins in his head looked like they were going to pop out, only to topple down to the floor. At first, my wife and I were telling him "no" and trying to pursued him into a different activity. (That was a losing battle).

Last week, I saw him hiking one leg up in the air and using the sofa as leverage to climb on top. He fell between the ottoman and the sofa. Needless to say, he was not happy. I was thinking to myself, "That ottoman is to tall for him. He'll eventually make it, but not anytime soon."

Yesterday, I was looking after Nelson in the family room (Kat was out with her mother and sister... leaving us boys at home). He was leaning on the ottoman watching Finding Nemo. I left the room for a moment. When I came back, I saw an amazing event.

I watched and listened as my son grunted and battled his way on to the top of the ottoman. It took him several moments of extreme effort. I quietly sat down on the couch behind him and watched him battle. He reached the summit. He gathered his composure, still huffing and puffing. He steadied himself then turned around, stood up and smiled at me. Mission accomplished!

So often, I find myself wondering about teachable moments for my children. I think to myself that I need to say or do this or that. To my surprise, my toddler provided me with a teachable moment.

If we put in the focus and effort that Nelson used to conquer that ottoman, how would our lives be different?

Imagine your life if doubt did not exist?

There was no doubt in that little boy's mind that he would make it to the top of the ottoman yesterday. He was committed.

He persevered, won and I consider it a lesson.

Thanks Son!

A Lesson in Intimidation Tactics by Kathleen Sebelius

For SHAME!!!!

In the spirit of the 1st Amendment, I submit that the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius is employing Eastern European intimidation tactics (Circa 1938) by issuing an ‘official’ letter to Karen Ignagni (AHIP). Read the letter for yourself and draw your own conclusions. Download Sebelius-Karen-Ignagni

SHAME on YOU Ms. Sebelius! First, we live in the United States of America. We have laws. If Ms. Ignagni has broken the law, take legal action. Your position as Secretary of HHS (questionable if you are qualified), does not allow you to usurp law. I’m sorry Fraulein Sebelius, but you’ll have to play by the rules.Here we go… 

Lesson 1: Misrepresent Your Target’s Position
“….sending letters to their enrollees falsely blaming premium increases for 2011 on the Patient Protections in the Affordable Care Act.” – Kathleen Sebelius

Question: Is Fraulein Sebelius an actuary? I don’t think so. Does she have a firm understanding of how insurance works? No. She is a career politician who slid down the A-list from a possible VP nomination to her present position at HHS. Currently sitting bench on the junior varsity squad, but believes she carries the ‘big stick’, therefore wielding her limited power to make up for career shortcomings.

Lesson 2: Issue Veiled Threat disguised as a ‘Warning’
“I urge you to inform your members that there will be zero tolerance for this type of misinformation and unjustified rate increases.” – Kathleen Sebelius

Let’s call this what it is… a Threat. Please note; there are two threats contained in the letter.

Lesson 3: Parrot Official Propaganda (repeat it often)
Most of the letter is the official “re-sale” of Obamacare. I guess Fraulein Sebelius has never ‘worked’ in sales.

I stop here to give a piece of advice that an old wise man told me when I was younger.

“A turd is a turd, you can’t polish a turd." Obamacare is a turd and everyone knows it. You can wrap it in a pretty box with pretty ribbon and a little bow, but it still stinks! All of the repackaging and remarketing of the product ‘Obamacare’ is not going to change what it really is.

The ‘primary’ design of PPACA (Obamacare) was to change the relationship between the electorate and the elected through creating/increasing dependency on the Federal Government. That is the truth. Paint it whatever color you want. Wrap it in a security blanket and sell it. As we say down here… “That dog won’t hunt!”

“Health insurance companies do not control the cost of healthcare. Health insurance is expensive because HEALTH CARE is expensive. Instead of tackling real problems, you decide to muddy the waters to push your ideals. I get it. But, I don’t buy it.”

Finally, I submit that Fraulein Sebelius is a holier-than-thou bureaucrat, an ideologue with an ax to grind, and a Planned Parenthood operative. (Did I miss anything?)  I am not attacking her personally, I'm attacking her behavior and actions (measurable outcomes of past behavior).

Ms Sebelius,
I welcome you climb down from your ivory tower and join me in the trenches of reality.

To mirror the language that you used in regard to Ms Ignagni; "I urge you to inform your party that there will be zero tolerance for this type of intimidation and veiled threats". The END of your political career begins on November 2nd! I suggest you correct your current course or get packing.

Join the tribe on our crusade to change Washington DC by purchasing an “OVER Nov 2nd” bumper sticker!

Thanks
Lance Cashion

Set your intention for the week today

Set your intention and tone for the week today.  If you know where you want to go, find a way to get there (set goals).  So, you don’t get lost. 

Our time is limited in this life.  It’s what you do right now that matters.

Where do you want to go?

How will you get there?

Lance Cashion

ps. Buy a sticker

two kinds of people

My conclusion; There are 2 kinds of people in the world.  Those who create and those who destroy.  A creative can buy into destruction, but can a destroyer buy into creation? 

I know creative people who follow destructive ideas.

I don't know any destructive people who follow creative ideas.

What are you?

Have you taken the ideas that you hold dear to their logical end?

 

Lance Cashion

What does 'Thank You' look like?

Thank Yous come in many variations. In the professional world, I enjoy writing Thank You notes. Some may scoff and murmur that it is not a masculine endeavor. I disagree. Taking the time to write a sincere 'Thank You' to a colleague, new business acquaintance or customer is a noble activity.

Apparently a transaction of value has occurred to trigger a heart-felt thank you.

If your day is not going the way you would like it to. Or perhaps you are feeling down or beat-up. Stop and write someone a 'Thank You' note.  Feel free to read an earlier post of mine on this subject... Sorry, I'm a bit obsessed with gratitude at the moment.

What does 'Thank You' look like to you?

Lance

Cut the BS: People Demand Honesty!

I've been on a customer service and No BS tear as of late. I won't apologize because I'm sick of people being treated like idiots by sales people and companies who want our money but don't want to deliver value or service. So, the saga continues with another story of stupidity.

Back Story:

I was having a conversation with my wife this morning (who is a fantastic Realtor). She was reading a description of a home for sale here in Fort Worth. The language used by the listing agent (I won’t use their real name) describing the home painted a picture of a lovely home that was cared for and completely updated. The agent used words like “oasis” and other whimsical language to describe this home. Come to find out, the place is a complete dump. This particular agent has a habit of doing this. Why?

I mean, what does this listing agent have to gain by misrepresenting the property and wasting people’s time? It’s stupid to think that you are going to pull the wool over people’s eyes. I mean, the place is nothing like you describe it.

The agent and consumer would be better served if the agent had said;

• This home is in a great neighborhood (True)
• This home has a lot of potential (True)
• Buyers interested in updating and showing some love to a great old home (True)
• Located in an exemplary school district (True)
• This home is the perfect way to get into a great neighborhood at a discount (True)

You get the picture.

The Real Deal:

I submit that people today are looking for complete honesty and transparency. Be honest! Don’t think you can get away with misrepresenting the truth with me. I’ll research you, the home, the neighborhood, gas leases, soil content, crime rate, previous owners and your real estate company before we even shake hands. I’ll probably know more than you will. So, stop trying to fool people.

You are missing the mark with your marketing strategy, pissing people off and ruining your reputation. Buyers exist that would love to purchase this home but, you are not marketing to them. So, Stop.

Rant over!
Lance Cashion

Do you have any experiences with this type of crap?

Where do you place your trust?

I was reading through the Old Testament this morning. I finished Deuteronomy (34) covering the death of Moses. My outline skipped ahead to Psalm 91. The last few verses resonated with me... They are about Loving and Trusting God. They explain the outcome of our trust and love.  

.

Psalm 91: 14-16

"Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; & I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."

Where do you place your trust?

I'm interested in your thoughts.

Have a Great day!

Lance Cashion

Company devotional? A glimpse into our soul

Over two years ago I started a prayer group meeting at our company.  With the help and encouragement of strong Christian leaders within our organization, this weekly event has undergone a metamorphosis into a hybrid of Bible study, life application discussion, prayer and small group.  Our focus is on learning about Christ, sharing and praying. 

This meeting has changed the face and soul of our company.  We operate on a higher level.  Not perfect, but pressing forward. When someone on your team can comfortably share their trials, loss and joy with complete trust, you no longer have a company... you have a living body that has a soul that also happens to be a business.

I'm thankful that we, at American Health Underwriters are privileged to have such meetings and fellowship.  Most companies discourage this practice.  I don't think I could work, much less thrive at a place that did not allow or encourage team members to join in fellowship.  Its completely optional to join us on Wednesday mornings.

Christ is central to what I do.  In sharing that fact, it allows others to communicate and facilitate boldness in sharing their faith.  I'm screwed up just like everyone else (I've accepted it).  That is what makes small group work for me.  The knowledge that we're all screw-ups and together, we encourage each other to walk the path.

Below is a link to this week's notes and outline: 1 Thessalonian 2:1-2

Download AHU Devotional 06-23 1 Thes 2 1-2

I'd like to hear from you.  Feel free to comment below.

• Does your organization allow meetings like this?
• If you could have something similar to a small group or prayer group at work, what would change?
• If your organization has a devotional meeting, what is it like?
  

Have a great rest of the week!

Lance Cashion

Life Insurance Planning: Remember, No One Gets Out Alive

Life Insurance is one of the most important things you can do for your family.  It is YOUR responsibility to have enough life insurance to replace your income if you were to die.

There are two irrefutable facts in life; 
1. You were born 
2. You are going to die.

No one gets out of this alive my friends.  Create a plan for your family in the event you die.  Create a plan for your family if your spouse dies.  If your spouse cares for the children and home, buy life insurance on that person.  Why?  Try focusing on your career when you have to take care of a house and children if your spouse dies.  Figure out how much you will need to spend to hire someone else to do that job for you.  Get the picture?

• Life Insurance is about loving your family
• Life Insurance provides money at the point of need (without dealing with probate)
• Life Insurance establishes an immediate estate

Think about it.  Pray about it.  Talk about it.  Ask about it.

Buy a good Term Life Insurance plan (10x your income).  Do the same for your spouse, service in the home is NO different than producing income.  Stay away from life products you do not understand!

In his heart a man plans his course,
but the LORD determines his steps. (Prov 16:9)

Contact me if you would like to know more or if you need advice.

Look up, because that is where I'm headed

Lance Cashion

email

ps.Thanks to Dr. Sims for reminding me about this.

Taking Care of Your People: The Art of the Referral pt 1

It feels good when a client sends family or friends to me for help with their health or life insurance.  What does it say about me and my work when this occurs?  It tells me that the work, product and service I provide matter.  Over the last several years, a brand has emerged around what I do and the service I provide.  This is not an accident.  When people in my network think “insurance” my face and name pop into their minds.  Many have Google or MSN set as their default homepage on their PCs.  My people have 'Lance Cashion' set as the default in their minds when it comes to insurance.  I’ve built a reputation for serving people and helping them navigate the sometimes expensive, always confusing world of insurance.

Staying in constant, but non-intrusive contact with my clients is essential in solidifying and growing my brand.  Here are a few things I do to keep this process going and growing.

Thank You Cards: I hand write one to each of my clients when their policy issues.  It is a short note in sincere gratitude for the trust they have given me and the commission that will feed my family.  I always include a couple business cards and a refrigerator magnet.  As of late, I have been including a $5 Starbucks gift card (insurance agents are limited by regulations of how much we can give to an applicant).  In the note, I always ask them to share my information with anyone who could use my service.  more here...

Birthdays: I record each of my clients and children’s birthdays into my Outlook Calendar.  I set a reminder 5 days before their birthday.  My clients will receive a card and email from me.  Their kids will receive a $10 iTunes gift card or an age appropriate gift card on their birthdays.  Have you ever received a call from one of your client’s kids thanking you for something?  I have!  In today’s world, who does this stuff?  I do.......  And it has made all the difference.

Referral Reward Program: I have set up a reward program for my clients who send customers my way.  It’s very basic and very effective.  Imagine sending your brother to me for insurance help and you get a $50 or $100 Gift card in the mail.  I don’t care how much money you have, this is effective!  I’ve now sent my client and their family to dinner or paid for groceries.  Again, I always send the gift card with a Thank You card and remind them that I am here to serve anyone they may know.

To be continued….

It’s taken me several years to develop a system where MY people know they are taken care of and want to share my service with the world.  At one point, I wanted to keep my system to myself.  Now, I see that by sharing it, I can have a positive effect on the world around me.  Send me a referral and see what happens!

See you next time and let me know if you have any questions.
 
Lance Cashion