Shannon Harvey Insurance

My birthday was 2-weeks ago. Want to guess how many of my relatives sent me a birthday card? How about my closest friends? Surprisingly quite a few (or more than I deserve, as Dave Ramsey would say), but fewer than in years past. Want to take a guess why? That's right...many of them simply sent me Happy Birthday wishes through Facebook and email. Don't get me wrong, I appreciated every one of them...but the birthday cards really stood out.

You know how special you feel when you get an unexpected birthday card in the mail?  You get that warm feeling inside because someone remembered you that you didn't expect.

This is how your customers feel when they receive a birthday or anniversary card from you.  They expect one from close family and friends but you are one person that they don't expect to remember.  When you do remember that just endears you to your customer even more.

You can do this at different times throughout the year such as, anniversaries, birth of new babies, children's birthdays, congrats on a new job, congrats on a new house, etc. I send out birthday cards to my customers just because I know how much I like getting them.

Any event that you know about for your clients is worth it for you to send a little card or note to let them know you care.  This makes you a friend and not just a salesperson. And take it from me...you get a great feeling inside when someone emails you or (gasp!) actually picks up the telephone to tell you how much they appreciated you remembering them.

I'll occasionally get an email that really hits home and this is one of them. I had just finished talking to a friend who will frequently let something "get stuck in his craw" as my grandfather used to say. This particular conversation with him revolved around something that had set him off and he was allowing it to keep him from accomplishing the 2 or 3 things he'd already told me he should be focusing on instead. I thought enough of these 5 tips to share them with him (which he said really helped him stop making a mountain out of a molehill so he could move on with more important things) and I thought I'd share it here as well.

There are two main reasons why we complain. 1. We complain because we feel powerless. 2. We complain because it's a habit. The economy has shaken a lot of people's foundations and we feel powerless which leads to a rise in habitual complaining.

So this week I want to encourage you to go on a complaining fast. Not because it will make everyone around you happier, although it will, but because it will help you experience more joy, peace, success and positive relationships. Believe me; I know a lot about complaining. I use to be a professional complainer and found that it not only sabotages your happiness and success but the morale of your team and family.

To help you break out of a "complaining" rut here are five things you can do instead of complain. These tips will help you realize you are not powerless. You have the power to choose your beliefs and actions. And in your focus on the positive instead of the negative you'll find the faith, strength and confidence to take on life's challenges and identify the solutions to your complaints.

1. Practice Gratitude. Research shows that when we count three blessings a day, we get a measurable boost in happiness that uplifts and energizes us. It's also physiologically impossible to be stressed and thankful at the same time. Two thoughts cannot occupy our mind at the same time. If you are focusing on gratitude, you can't be negative. You can also energize and engage your coworkers by letting them know you are grateful for them and their work.

2. Praise Others. Instead of complaining about what others are doing wrong, start focusing on what they are doing right. Praise them and watch as they create more success as a result. Of course, point out their mistakes so they can learn and grow, but make sure you give three times as much praise as criticism.

3. Focus on Success. Start a success journal. Each night before you go to bed, write down the one great thing about your day. The one great conversation, accomplishment, or win that you are most proud of. Focus on your success, and you'll look forward to creating more success tomorrow.

4. Let Go. Focus on the things that you have the power to change, and let go of the things that are beyond your control. You'll be amazed that when you stop trying to control everything, it all somehow works out. Surrender is the answer.

5. Pray. Scientific research shows that daily prayer reduces stress; boosts positive energy; and promotes health, vitality, and longevity. When you are faced with the urge to complain or you are feeling stressed to the max, stop, be still, plug-in to the ultimate power, and recharge.

I've taken these tips to heart & believe they'll help me next time I lose perspective. Hopefully they'll do the same for you.

I thought it was time for a little fun this week...I hope you enjoy this "Recipe" for a great life.

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God about what is going on in your life.
3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to__________ today. I am thankful for______________'
4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.
6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
12. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
17. Forgive everyone for everything.
18. What other people think of you is none of your business.
19. GOD heals everything - but you have to ask Him.
20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!
22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for__________. Today I accomplished_________.
24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
25. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings.

You'll be smiling before you know it!

Tax season is here again and I'm sure you're getting ready to file your tax returns.   

Recently, I came across a list of common deductions and noticed many of them applied to me... some that my tax preparer had never even mentioned.  It made me wonder how much more money I could be getting back if I had only known about this list earlier. 

You want to make sure you get all the money you can get in these tough times.  For more information go www.IRS.gov .... it has a lot of information on new tax laws.  Make the most out of tax season this year and be knowledgeable about your deductions!!

54 Safe and Legal Deductions to Save On Taxes 

1. Cost of having a tax return the previous year.

2. Dues to professional societies and subscriptions to professional journals.

3. Medical insurance premiums.

4. Union dues and expenses.

5. Liquidated damages to a former employer, such as for a broken contract.

6. Gambling losses.  (However, winnings are taxable)

7. Money given to non-profit charities.

8. Cost of uniforms and/or special clothing required on the job.

9. Special shoes required for your job.

10. Special tools, equipment, and supplies necessary for your job.

11. Credit for political contributions.

12. Credit for care of a child or dependent.

13. Earned income credit (for low income workers.)

14. Energy tax credit, for making energy efficiency improvements to home.

15. Charitable gifts such as clothing, furniture, real estate, etc.

16. Doctors, dentists, hospital bills.

17. Cost of prescriptions, drugs.

18. Expenses for eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, contact lenses, etc.

19. Employment agency fee when looking for work.

20. Moving expenses, when necessary for business related reasons.

21. Fees for books, newsletters, seminars, etc., that give tax advice.

22. Upkeep expenses (including laundry, cleaning) for uniforms, work clothes.

23. Protective clothing such as safety shoes & glasses, hard hats, etc.

24. Appraisal fee to determine market value of property claimed as deduction.

25. Home telephone expenses relating to your job, including long distance.

26. Customer entertainment.

27. Professional licenses.

28. Malpractice insurance (as in case of nurses, doctors, etc.)

29. Investment expenses for advice paid to banks, brokers, advisors, etc.

30. Travel expenses to consult with broker, to do investment research, etc.

31. Cost of safety deposit box rental.

32. Cost of preparing, typing, printing, mailing, etc., job resumes.

33. Cost of seminars, books, classes, etc., on how to write a job resume.

34. Travel and transportation expenses necessary for finding new employment.

35. Meal and lodging costs when necessary for finding a new job.

36. Cost of education required by your employer for keeping your job.

37. Cost of education to improve skills required for performing current work.

38. Donations to churches, religious, non-profit organizations.

39. Losses caused by accidents, storms, floods, thefts, etc.

40. Elective surgery such as face-lifts, breast implants, thigh-tapering, etc.

41. Acupuncture.

42. Laetrile, in states where it is legal.

43. Psychiatric and psychological care and treatment.

44. Transportation to and from places for medical examinations, treatments, etc.

45. Sales taxes, including big items such as car, etc.

46. Mortgage interest.

47. Interest on credit card and department store charges.

48. Interest on loan purchases, such as automobile.

49. Closing costs when selling home and moving, for business related reasons.

50. Capital gains and losses.

51. Personal retirement plans such as IRA and Keogh plans.

52. Personal property taxes, state and local taxes.

53. Real estate taxes.

54. Alimony.

 

 

This list was accurate at the time of publication.  Be sure to contact your nearest IRS office or your tax preparer for the most recent changes in tax laws.

P.S.  Everyone could use a little more money these days, please feel free to forward these deductions to your family and friends

Greenville, SC (March 8, 2010) -Allstate Agency Owner Shannon Harvey, formerly located across from Bob Jones University on Wade Hampton Boulevard, has moved to a new office located on The Motor Mile at 101 Verdae Boulevard in Verdae Village Shopping Center.

Shannon will continue to offer the same excellent service to the surrounding community, whatever their insurance needs.

Allstate Insurance Company has a product for the life cycle of its customers.  Look to Shannon Harvey for help when choosing the coverage. He offers competitive rates and outstanding service.

"My agency's commitment has always been to serve the customers and our community," said Shannon.  "That commitment to service continues from our new location."  The community and area business owners are invited to visit Shannon's new location and learn more about services offered.

Shannon can be reached at 864-268-9580 for more information.