Insurance
- Bric’s Luggage Tops for Women
- Businesswomen’s Travel Tips
- Why So Many Are Uninsured
- Expert Tips to Improve Web Traffic
- American Modern Goes Green
- Compare Hospitals Online
- Children's Dental Care Alternative
- Paid Intern Jobs in Insurance
- Before You Buy a New SUV
- Homeowners Insurance Safety Tips
Posted by
Lisa Nichols
Lisa Nichols
Bric's business luggage review arose from an appreciation for the Italian designer's line of travel gear. Get tips for your women's business travel handbook online now.
I have a great deal of respect for Bric’s luggage, some of which is in my own closet, so I couldn’t resist writing a review of some of their new lines of travel gear. The Bric’s Business Luggage Review gives an overview of price points, sizing and styles for several of the latest models from the famed Italian luggage designer. The Bric’s luggage people were kind enough to provide a photo for the article that shows one of their yummiest new roller bags. Their luggage is always fashionable but more importantly, it wears well and stands up to the toughest of baggage handlers.
The article fits well with something that’s been on my mind a lot lately, women’s business travel tips. Companies don’t provide employees with a handbook about business travel (though they probably should), so I’m improvising and providing tips you can use when you go out of town. I’ll keep adding to the “handbook” of business travel tips for women and alerting you on the blog when there’s something new to add to the list of ideas.
Meanwhile, if you have a topic about insurance or business travel that you’d like to see in the magazine, please drop me a note. I’m always looking for new ideas, and I love to hear from readers.
The article fits well with something that’s been on my mind a lot lately, women’s business travel tips. Companies don’t provide employees with a handbook about business travel (though they probably should), so I’m improvising and providing tips you can use when you go out of town. I’ll keep adding to the “handbook” of business travel tips for women and alerting you on the blog when there’s something new to add to the list of ideas.
Meanwhile, if you have a topic about insurance or business travel that you’d like to see in the magazine, please drop me a note. I’m always looking for new ideas, and I love to hear from readers.
Posted by
Lisa Nichols
Lisa Nichols
Get helpful tips for women's business travel. Learn more about what women should pack for a three-day business trip and submit your own ideas for travel articles online.
I’ve been scooting around lately, posting some articles in other areas of our online magazine. One article, Women’s Business Travel Tips, might be of interest to some of you. I used to travel a good deal for business, and the first time out, I found myself scrambling around my hotel room with, quite literally, nothing to wear an hour before a meeting (Imagine a bag filled with mismatched t-shirts, a skirt with a Diet Coke stain and shoes that don’t go with anything). I quickly learned what to pack for most three-day business trips and I’ve shared my ideas in Women’s Business Travel Tips.
If you have an idea for something you’d like to read about in the insurance area or in the general business area of Suite101, please drop me a note or leave a comment on one of the articles. Like all freelance writers with multiple commitments, I’m always looking for new ideas.
If you have an idea for something you’d like to read about in the insurance area or in the general business area of Suite101, please drop me a note or leave a comment on one of the articles. Like all freelance writers with multiple commitments, I’m always looking for new ideas.
Posted by
Lisa Nichols
Lisa Nichols
Learn more about why so many people are uninsured in the U.S. Get details about uninsured Americans and why they don't have proper insurance protection online now.
In this week’s Kiplinger Letter, the popular business and economic news round-up explores the people behind the 47 million uninsured Americans. Of people in the U.S. without insurance, the breakdown looks like this:
9.2 million of uninsured Americans have household incomes of at least $75,000. According to Kiplinger, some people do not have health problems and don't want coverage. Other people who are uninsured in our country can't get insurance because of preexisting conditions.
7.5 million of uninsured people in the U.S. are between the ages of 19-24 and have no access to healthcare, can’t afford healthcare or don't believe that they need healthcare because they are in good health.
70% of the uninsured are in families with one or more full-time employees. 10% of the uninsured have one or more part-time employee in the family. The rest of the family members are retired or unemployed.
8.4 million of uninsured Americans are eligible for some kind of government program, but are not aware that they are eligible, don’t know how to sign up for a government program or cannot access the documents they need to sign up for the program.
10.2 million of uninsured people in the U.S. are not citizens. 80% of this group are legal residents. Many people in this group have low-income jobs and either cannot afford or do not have access to health insurance.
9.2 million of uninsured Americans have household incomes of at least $75,000. According to Kiplinger, some people do not have health problems and don't want coverage. Other people who are uninsured in our country can't get insurance because of preexisting conditions.
7.5 million of uninsured people in the U.S. are between the ages of 19-24 and have no access to healthcare, can’t afford healthcare or don't believe that they need healthcare because they are in good health.
70% of the uninsured are in families with one or more full-time employees. 10% of the uninsured have one or more part-time employee in the family. The rest of the family members are retired or unemployed.
8.4 million of uninsured Americans are eligible for some kind of government program, but are not aware that they are eligible, don’t know how to sign up for a government program or cannot access the documents they need to sign up for the program.
10.2 million of uninsured people in the U.S. are not citizens. 80% of this group are legal residents. Many people in this group have low-income jobs and either cannot afford or do not have access to health insurance.
Expert Tips to Improve Web Traffic
Posted by
Lisa Nichols
Lisa Nichols
Get helpful tips to improve Web traffic to your website from Joy Gugeler, Suite101's editor-in-chief. Read Gugeler's 10 tips for improving search engine results online.
A new article gives tips on 10 ways to improve Web traffic from Joy Gugeler, the formidable editor-in-chief of Suite101. The article appeared in MastheadOnline, a headline news website about the magazine industry in Canada. Aaron Leaf culled tips from a presentation done by Joy Gugeler at the Magazines West conference in Vancouver, B.C. last week. The presentation highlighted best practices for magazines to use to improve search engine results.
Gugeler’s Tips for Improving Web Traffic Include:
Gugeler’s Tips for Improving Web Traffic Include:
- Keep articles brief, between 400-600 words.
- Use keywords in article titles to improve search engine results.
- Paragraphs shouldn’t be longer than 75 words.
- Improve Web traffic by writing leads for online magazine articles that are RSS feed-friendly.
- Use bold subheads and include keywords to get the attention of website visitors.
- Use bulleted or numbered lists to improve Web traffic and to make magazine articles easier on the eyes.
- Focus on 1-2 keywords or keyphrases in each article.
- Improve search engine results by using your top 6-10 keywords or keyphrases in your Meta tags.
- Link to other, related articles through keywords.
- Use color photos with proper attribution to jazz up your articles.
Posted by
Lisa Nichols
Lisa Nichols
Learn more about American Modern Insurance Group and their efforts to go green. The company is replanting trees lost to storms with a little help from policyholders.
In a smart marketing move, American Modern Insurance Group has combined a company-wide effort to move policyholders to EFT and paperless billing with, what else, a green initiative. According to a press release, TREE2, American Modern’s tree conservation and restoration program, will plant thousands of longleaf pine trees destroyed by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
For every American Modern customer that signs up for EFT, the insurance company will plant a tree along the storm-ravaged Gulf Coast. Customers already on EFT will automatically get a tree planted in their honor as part of the TREE2 project. Many companies have partnered with eco-friendly initiatives in their effort to get customers and employees to go green, but American Modern stands out as the one insurance carrier that’s focusing on areas torn apart by storms.
A quick call to the insurance company netted this information:
“We're in the business of helping people put their lives back together after disaster strikes," said Joe David, vice president of marketing at American Modern. ”The TREE2 project seemed like a natural extension of our mission by helping storm-ravaged communities give Mother Nature a hand in restoring the many trees that a major storm destroys. Also, as part of the Munich Re Group, we are fully committed to actions that help minimize the impact of carbon emissions on our environment. Replacing lost trees is one great way to achieve that goal."
The program will benefit parks, public properties and schools. Learn more about American Modern Insurance Group’s TREE2 program online.
Send your insurance tips and news to the insurance blog.
For every American Modern customer that signs up for EFT, the insurance company will plant a tree along the storm-ravaged Gulf Coast. Customers already on EFT will automatically get a tree planted in their honor as part of the TREE2 project. Many companies have partnered with eco-friendly initiatives in their effort to get customers and employees to go green, but American Modern stands out as the one insurance carrier that’s focusing on areas torn apart by storms.
A quick call to the insurance company netted this information:
“We're in the business of helping people put their lives back together after disaster strikes," said Joe David, vice president of marketing at American Modern. ”The TREE2 project seemed like a natural extension of our mission by helping storm-ravaged communities give Mother Nature a hand in restoring the many trees that a major storm destroys. Also, as part of the Munich Re Group, we are fully committed to actions that help minimize the impact of carbon emissions on our environment. Replacing lost trees is one great way to achieve that goal."
The program will benefit parks, public properties and schools. Learn more about American Modern Insurance Group’s TREE2 program online.
Send your insurance tips and news to the insurance blog.
Posted by
Lisa Nichols
Lisa Nichols
Learn about the new Consumer Reports website tool for comparing hospitals. And, get information about physicians and drug company kickbacks online on the insurance blog.
Consumer Reports recently introduced a new tool for comparing hospitals online. The tool lets website members review hospitals for information about price and quality of care. According to a Consumer Reports blog about the healthcare area of the website, they will soon introduce an online rating tool that measures physicians’ care.
A friend of mine in the healthcare industry told me she found a website that lists exactly how much doctors get paid by various pharmaceutical companies. Physicians get kickbacks for providing patients with meds from various companies. My friend found doctors that she knew who were making well over $100,000 annually from certain drug companies.
It’s not an illegal practice. In fact, it’s practically a tradition, and most likely something that many physicians factor into their total salary. Professional athletes wear logos, doctors provide samples and prescriptions for certain drugs… It’s just part of the marketing wheel.
Still, I can’t wait to read the Consumer Reports criteria for judging doctors. It promises to be interesting, if not out and out controversial.
A friend of mine in the healthcare industry told me she found a website that lists exactly how much doctors get paid by various pharmaceutical companies. Physicians get kickbacks for providing patients with meds from various companies. My friend found doctors that she knew who were making well over $100,000 annually from certain drug companies.
It’s not an illegal practice. In fact, it’s practically a tradition, and most likely something that many physicians factor into their total salary. Professional athletes wear logos, doctors provide samples and prescriptions for certain drugs… It’s just part of the marketing wheel.
Still, I can’t wait to read the Consumer Reports criteria for judging doctors. It promises to be interesting, if not out and out controversial.
Children's Dental Care Alternative
Posted by
Lisa Nichols
Lisa Nichols
Learn more about the Children's Dental Center in San Jose, California. The children's dental care office provides free and discounted service to kids without insurance.
A new children’s dental care office opens today in San Jose, California. The Children’s Dental Center makes visiting the dentist a little less stressful for kids with TV screens, a movie theater and video games. The center provides services for children of families who may otherwise have trouble paying for dental care.
The Children’s Dental Center is part of The Health Trust, which provides sliding scale fees for uninsured children. In addition, the children’s dental care office will provide “oral health scholarships” to kids who cannot afford to pay for visits to the dentist. Appointments for the Children's Dental Center at 1153 S. King Rd., San Jose, California, can be made by calling 1-408-240-0250.
Learn more about paying for dental care and getting medical debt help.
The Children’s Dental Center is part of The Health Trust, which provides sliding scale fees for uninsured children. In addition, the children’s dental care office will provide “oral health scholarships” to kids who cannot afford to pay for visits to the dentist. Appointments for the Children's Dental Center at 1153 S. King Rd., San Jose, California, can be made by calling 1-408-240-0250.
Learn more about paying for dental care and getting medical debt help.
Posted by
Lisa Nichols
Lisa Nichols
Learn more about internship opportunities and paid intern jobs in the insurance industry. Find out why working in insurance might be right for you in the insurance blog.
Internship opportunities in the insurance industry are widespread and offer college students a way to flex their career muscles. Even if you never thought you’d work for an insurance company or agency, there are a number of reasons why you should search internship opportunities in this industry:
In a world where paper trails reign supreme, you’ll learn a lot about accountability in a paid intern job at an insurance company. Participating in meetings and helping the people you work with prepare for presentations gives you the building blocks that you’ll need for any job.
When you search internship opportunities in insurance, you’ll find openings in claims, marketing, underwriting, new products and more. Depending upon the company needs and your skill sets, you might find yourself writing articles for company newsletters, the company intranet or the company website in a paid intern job. You may also have the opportunity to help choose stock photography for collateral materials or to provide input into the graphic design elements of a brochure.
In addition to working in highly specialized departments in a paid intern job at an insurance company or agency, you might get the opportunity to work in the call center. Jump on it. Learning how to help people with questions ranging from billing dates to claims status is a great way to prepare yourself for dealing with the different personality types you’ll encounter when you enter the workforce full time.
In a world where paper trails reign supreme, you’ll learn a lot about accountability in a paid intern job at an insurance company. Participating in meetings and helping the people you work with prepare for presentations gives you the building blocks that you’ll need for any job.
When you search internship opportunities in insurance, you’ll find openings in claims, marketing, underwriting, new products and more. Depending upon the company needs and your skill sets, you might find yourself writing articles for company newsletters, the company intranet or the company website in a paid intern job. You may also have the opportunity to help choose stock photography for collateral materials or to provide input into the graphic design elements of a brochure.
In addition to working in highly specialized departments in a paid intern job at an insurance company or agency, you might get the opportunity to work in the call center. Jump on it. Learning how to help people with questions ranging from billing dates to claims status is a great way to prepare yourself for dealing with the different personality types you’ll encounter when you enter the workforce full time.
Posted by
Lisa Nichols
Lisa Nichols
Learn more about buying a new SUV and the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan on the insurance blog. Get information on how to save money before you buy a new truck or car online now.
A review of the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan brought up some lively discussion in our family. My brother-in-law and I were discussing the new SUV when he said, “Please don’t buy a brand-new car, Lisa. They depreciate the minute you drive one off the lot.” Well, I already knew that. In fact, they say a new car depreciates by at least 20% as soon as it’s purchased. But that’s not the main reason I wouldn’t buy the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan, or any new SUV, the first year it’s on the market.
New cars are notorious for still having some bugs. Kinks that need to be worked out. However, according to the last J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Survey conducted in June 2007, auto manufacturers have cut way down on the kinks. The survey found that the typical problems experienced with design quality and quality of production at 90 days of ownership have improved at a rate of 6% each year. And in the last 20 years, the industry has seen an improvement rate of more than 120%, according to survey results.
Still, I’m loathe to buy the 2009 Vokswagen Tiguan or any new SUV during its first year. There have been significant improvements, yes, but the process for rolling out a new car is not yet perfected. And there is still that little matter of depreciation.
Before you buy any new SUV, check with your insurance agent to learn more about the costs of car insurance for the car or truck you want to buy. And, check out our tips for how to save money on car insurance to see if you whittle down your premium.
New cars are notorious for still having some bugs. Kinks that need to be worked out. However, according to the last J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Survey conducted in June 2007, auto manufacturers have cut way down on the kinks. The survey found that the typical problems experienced with design quality and quality of production at 90 days of ownership have improved at a rate of 6% each year. And in the last 20 years, the industry has seen an improvement rate of more than 120%, according to survey results.
Still, I’m loathe to buy the 2009 Vokswagen Tiguan or any new SUV during its first year. There have been significant improvements, yes, but the process for rolling out a new car is not yet perfected. And there is still that little matter of depreciation.
Before you buy any new SUV, check with your insurance agent to learn more about the costs of car insurance for the car or truck you want to buy. And, check out our tips for how to save money on car insurance to see if you whittle down your premium.
Homeowners Insurance Safety Tips
Posted by
Lisa Nichols
Lisa Nichols
Get helpful safety tips to use during a hurricane on the Insurance blog. Learn more about flood water damage insurance coverage in the homeowners policy online now.
As hurricane season approaches, homeowners’ insurance companies will start sending out press releases with tips on how to stay safe during the windy season. When I worked as the PR and Marketing Communications Manager for a P&C insurance company, these kinds of releases were standard operating procedure. They’re a good way for insurance companies to reach out and provide helpful tips to customers and to encourage prospective customers to get online homeowners insurance quotes.
Hanover Insurance Group is one of the first homeowners’ insurance companies to throw their hats in, with a press release sent last week outlining personal and property safety tips to use during a hurricane.
Hurricane Safety Tips from the Homeowners Insurance Company Include:
Hanover Insurance Group is one of the first homeowners’ insurance companies to throw their hats in, with a press release sent last week outlining personal and property safety tips to use during a hurricane.
Hurricane Safety Tips from the Homeowners Insurance Company Include:
- Check your homeowner’s policy to see if flood water damage insurance coverage is included. It probably isn’t, so the discussion to have with your agent is a. where can you buy it and b. how much will flood insurance cost.
- Understand your responsibilities during a hurricane, including checking functionality of sump pumps and installing shutters. Decide if you need to add some safety improvements like sliding doors or a hurricane-proof roof.
- Secure your home in any way possible. The homeowner’s insurance company recommends doing any necessary home improvements now to prevent problems during a natural disaster.
- Create an emergency kit with everything you’d need in case of a major storm. An evacuation plan for you and your family can also make surviving a hurricane easier.
- A home inventory, using photos and video, can make the flood water damage insurance claims process easier after a hurricane.
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