| Quote of the Month
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"There are many things in life that are more important than money. And they all cost money."
-Fred Allen
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| Joke Time
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Little Sam is in the "Future Underwriters of America" class at the local elementary school. His teacher called on him to answer the following question.
Teacher: "If you currently write no pieces of new business and one agent offers you one piece of new business, another asks for the order on three pieces of new business, and another submits seven pieces of new business, how many pieces of new business would you write?"
Sam: "None."
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| Dingbats Corner: He's the One They Call Bunny Feelgood
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After pulling a man over in East Hartford, Conn., police said they found marijuana stuffed into a toy Easter bunny. The man claimed he could not find his insurance information and asked to look for it in the back seat. Upon stepping out of the car, police smelled the drug and spotted some on the floor along with paraphernalia. After searching the car, officers found the stuffed bunny, which in addition to its light hearted buck-toothed, bulging-eyed face also sported 16 small plastic bags of pot. Source: The Associated Press
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On the Cutting Edge: Minnesota Life Guy Sets Record - Memorized More Than 10,000 Freak Accidents That May Cause Death
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"It's all part of the job," says Duluth, Minnesota, life insurance salesman Fred "Leroy Neiman" Wilkes, so-called by co-workers and clients who can't help staring in awe as he paints such horrible pictures with ease.
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| News Flash: Geico Caveman May Get Own TV Series?
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In his wildest dreams, Warren Buffett could have never imagined his company's caveman commercial series could be so popular. But ABC has ordered a pilot episode for a potential series based on the caveman ads. And IIF's intrepid investigators have learned the caveman isn't the only insurance icon getting ready for prime time!
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| The Greatest Insurance Story Never Told: Adjusters of the Caribbean
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by Chris Amrhein, AAI
Avast, me hardies! Buckle your swashes, haul those keels and lash yourself to the decks for one of the wildest insurance adventures ever! This rollicking foray into the whirlpools of hurricane claims adjusting follows the loyal crew of the good ship Gulf Coast as they deal with carpetbagger contractors, scalawag citizens, albatross attorneys and fickle FEMAns-all while attempting to accurately adjust thousands of property claims arising from the storm of the century (or the decade, or possibly the fortnight, depending upon your favorite meteorological prognosticator). While many saw the struggle simply as wind versus flood, wizened veterans of past campaigns knew well that just below that placid surface lay true danger. Many a good ship and crew had floundered upon the shoals of public distrust and the reefs of roaring politicians. If you enjoyed Andrew: The Imperfect Storm, you'll devour every word of this page-turner. Will our heroes survive the storm and its political flotsam and jetsam? Or will they, like the good crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald, go down after taking on water-whether wind driven or not? And if you think we've given away the cliffhanger finale, be forewarned-the true ending to this tale is yet to be told! |
| Tales from the HR Crypt: Happy Hunting!
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No one ever said the perfect solution is always perfect. If they did, their mantra would be fundamentally challenged by the practices of our very own Marketing Maven Deb. Read on to discover how one problem-solving technique sent her and Dakota on a blunder-generated, wild goose chase that ended with her head down and you-know-what up for all the world to see-and why this is GOOD for your agency!
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Brand Tip: Deal with the Obvious Stuff First
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By Peter van Aartrijk Jr., CIC
A colleague of mine was up in Cape Cod when he came upon a quaint, little sweet shop. You know, one of those places that just looks so cute and is decorated so nicely, it reminds you of the old days (okay, for me, that would be the 1960s) when everything was so cute and decorated so nicely.
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| Book of the Month: Working with You Is Killing Me by Katherine Crowley and Kathi Elster
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Those who claim never to desire the sweet relief of punching a bag shaped loosely like your boss or making faces at chatty Kathy while she guzzles yet another slew of precious work hours should have their heads examined. To state it clearly, most people may get along with most people most of the time, while some people get along with most people or some people none of the time.
Dealing with difficult co-workers is a reality in almost every agency in America. This book examines the root behind the problem (always them) and what the affected (always you) can do about it. Learn to address complicated communication issues cordially, professionally or, if all else fails, straight-forwardly. Amusing and realistic: you will know the people on these pages (careful - one of them may be you!).
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| Product Deal of the Month
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Spring is here and summer is on the way. IIFers know what that means - BBQ! And if there is anything more traditional than outdoor cookouts, its wild and crazy outdoor cookout aprons! Far be it for IIF to pass up an opportunity to be wild and crazy - this month's special is none other than official IIF BBQ aprons! Yes, friends, you can now dazzle your family and guests by sacrificing your burnt offerings garbed in the latest and greatest IIF cookout slogan wear. And as a special bonus: these aprons actually work! Cotton/polyester blend, medium length, neck ties and extra long waste ties are standard. Also included are two handy stitched pouches - perfect for keeping close those critical BBQ items like cooking tools, recipes, burn ointment, fire extinguisher and cell phone with the local pizza delivery place on speed dial. Don't delay - this special price will burn up quicker than your bratwurst. Click that BBQ link now!
BBQ Aprons |
| Picture of the Month
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"Advantage of the Physical Damage Waiver"
Source: http://www.wreckedexotics.com/newphotos/weird/weird869.shtml |
| Feedback
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Does reading this newsletter fill your mind with the symphonic masterpieces of the world's finest composers? Or would you rather hum the tune from "It's a Small World" for three months (generally accepted minimum)? E-mail questions and comments to newsletter@insuranceisfun.com.
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