As I mentioned several blogs ago I have started my 2010 planning for our company.  During the time that has past it has really been more of a challenge than in past years because of the current health insurance debate over the distinct possibility of government run health insurance.  It will of course impact our company’s health insurance but more importantly it will impact our clients and future clients too.  Many of them can hardly exist now based on the CA unfriendly business environment and now the Federal government increased involvement possibility due to possible government health insurance.  Will my clients be able to survive?  How would you start planning when our clients at the point where the “rubber hits the road” and it not theory anymore.  If more business goes out of business that directly impact our company and the dominos will continue to fall through the small business world.    

Last week I was talking with a much respected health insurance advisor on group medical insurance.  During our conversation he advised me that he would no longer be looking for any new clients as he was getting out of the health insurance business.  He will continue to service his current accounts until the government takes over.  WOW what a statement.  He has all this experience and down the drain it goes!  New clients will be headed for the DMV office to get their health insurance if the government health insurance goes forward.  What a terrible loss for the nation and its economy.  What a terrible waste of knowledge and expertise.  Write your Senators and tell them this is just one example of how the U.S. and its citizens will be hurt by government run health insurance.  I hope I won’t see you at the DMV!

What a great time of the year!  Thanksgiving and all the December holidays too numerous to mention are now upon us.  Personally, I give thanks every day for family, business, friends and those who work so hard to make America like it is.  Business is and must be the corner stone of our economy.  Employment must be the thing that is emphasized.  It is the starting point really for everything else.  Unless we creative jobs; are free to manage our businesses and to make a profit, the rest of our world will make little difference.  I’m working now on budgets, salary reviews, benefits and related issues.  It is refreshing to evaluate how much work is being done in my company and I’m sure in others by those who have remained on the payroll.  Until employers are freed from the worries of what the government plans to do to us can you imagine what great plans we could draw up for 2010!

Those following my blogs may like to know that I just announced the opening of our new Palm Desert, CA office effective 12/1/09.  Belief me it is a leap of faith in our nation and its wonderful people.  Right after I announced it I found out the CA legislators had without any notification started deducting more taxes from all employees in CA.  This creates a hardship on many of them and may push some of our clients into a position of not being able to afford to carry auto and related insurance coverage.  Nevertheless, I will go forward in great faith that our citizens will begin rising up and throwing out all incumbents and have new blood replace them.  Only then can we find out if employers who provide jobs are still important in our national, state and local economies

Are you ever frustrated when you walk into a big box store and try to figure out what type of appliance, TV or other electronic device that you want to purchase and there is no one around to help you.  I wonder how much your time is worth?  For example when you get the wrong thing and have to take it back, what it costs in retracing your steps to exchange the wrong thing for what you now hope will be the right thing.

Going to an agent for your insurance and advice will save your time and money.  Only the high priced advertising companies make out on the advertising done by online insurance companies.  The customer, YOU, are their last consideration.  Why take it anymore?  Call an independent agent that “cares” about you!

During my many blogs I have stuck to insurance and business issues.  I have tried to keep from going overboard into politics that seems to be on nearly everyone minds these days.  Well, I’m not going to change and start now.  I will say however, that I’m very proud to say that I run an independent insurance agency that “cares” about its clients.  Why is this important?  The majority of people need to ask about auto insurance and what coverage they will be getting for their money and don’t worry about the cost of the insurance.  This is definitely the wrong approach.  In New Jersey a class action suit was just settled by GEICO because they automatically offered $15,000 of medical coverage.  The State requires a signed document to reduce that coverage from the $250,000 that must be offered.  Those who didn’t know ended up with less than what would pay the bills.  Can you imagine having medical insurance at a minimum because you didn’t get the proper advice?  Call an agent who “cares” about you and your loved ones.

For this blog to make sense it is important that you read my Oct. 25^th blog first.

Since borrowing is a major concern of some small businesses it is necessary that all small business build their reserves funds and grow when those are sufficient to fuel your growth.  In my opinion, banks won’t be lending to small business anytime soon.  They are under to much duress from their regulators.  They are expected to not make money on loans, credit cards and other services but are expected to loan money out to even those who don’t qualify.  They aren’t allowed to hire the best people because salaries and bonus have to be approved.  This being the case the expansion of small business will be inhibited for the near and long term.  What a sad state of affairs when small business provides the jobs to fuel a recovery.  As I said, “build your own reserves” only then will growth be possible.  

Should a small business expand in this current economic environment?  Most small business owners want to expand their businesses when times are good but what happens to them when times are difficult?  I have been pondering this question and it is extremely difficult to make a decision if I look at the uncertainty coming from Washington and in my state California.  Business owners must be prudent in any decision they make but when the governments that control the conditions under which we must operate those decisions are many times taken out of our hands by the threats of more regulation, more taxes, more labor concessions and restraints on how we run our businesses. Since many proposed taxes, penalties and regulations effective those small businesses under 50 employees the question becomes “do you grow to 49 employees and then stop?”  Is this the encouragement we are looking for from our leaders?

After my last blog I guess I’d better get back to business.  I never realized how much talk is going on today about events in Washington.  This is something that shouldn’t be taking up so much of our valuable time.

My trip to Chicago was upbeat!  Regardless of the type of business you own and operate or work for it is essential that you concentrate on the positive aspects of your business.  Be thinking that 90% are employed, not 10% are unemployed.  Be thinking about growth by going to the industries that do best in this type of environment.  Think auto repair garages as they do better at times like these because people have to repair their autos when they won’t buy a new car.  Fast food stores are doing well.  Look to the positive side of things and take action accordingly.

Last week I had the opportunity to meet with about 350 successful insurance agents in Chicago.  It was a very inspiring up beat and positive meeting.  There were some concerns over the direction the government is taking and the uncertainty of how small business will be treated.  The concern was for our clients who are suffering in almost all regions of the country.  This uncertainty is causing many businesses to continue to layoff workers and see their own client base dissipate.  Until the politicians start acting like statesmen and not violators of the public trust our economy will have a slim chance of improving.