Latest Headlines

Integrity & Awareness by Paul Burnstein

Thursday, May 31, 2007

Path of Least Resistance

Today's post is short and sweet.

Do you ever notice that there is usually an easy and a difficult way to accomplish things? We often make things more difficult than we need to.

The awareness for today is to simply pay attention and accomplish that which you need to get done in the easiest way possible. Simplify.
~Paul

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

A Tale of Good Customer Service

I was speaking with someone today that I had referred to a health insurance agent. The agent had helped to pick out a great HSA plan for her. The woman was happy with the plan, but when she set up an appointment for an annual exam, she was told that she would have to pay for it out of pocket.

She spoke with the insurance agent and because he had given her inaccurate information, he offered to cover the cost of the appointment himself. Wow! Talk about stepping up to the plate! Additionally, he found a better plan that would include annual check ups for the future and the woman even rescheduled her appointment far enough out that her new plan would be in place by then and the insurance agent would not have to pay for her appointment.

That is good customer service and a customer who is willing to accept that people make mistakes...as long as they clean up their mess.

The awareness for today is to not only go out of your way to provide excellent customer service, but to also be aware of times when you can show some empathy for those helping you.
~Paul

Monday, May 28, 2007

Real Estate Investing

I had a great time up in Winter Park, CO this weekend. On Sunday, we did a nice hike and at about the halfway mark, we ended up near a new development that was hosting an open house. The townhomes were beautiful and it really got me thinking about real estate investment properties.

I have been looking at some numbers to go into a deal with a friend/colleague and I am thoroughly enjoying the process. I know very little about real estate, so this has been quite educational. The most fun part is that I am learning something new that will benefit me in the future.

The awareness for today is to challenge yourself to learn something new and to continue to grow.
~Paul

Friday, May 25, 2007

I Love Long Weekends!

I am heading up to Winter Park, Colorado for the weekend with some friends of mine who own a house out there. It should be a lot of fun. I love long weekends! It is great to have a Monday off.

With that all being said, my friend mentioned that they have wireless access. I immediately responded that would be great since I cannot live without my laptop. It is true, I can't. As many of you know, when you own your own business, it is hard to completely step away from it. I know that I need to check my e-mail at least once a day and if something comes through that is time sensitive, I will have to deal with it. I am okay with this and will gladly accept it since working for myself also allows me to get out of town early on a Friday.

The awareness for today is to simply enjoy your time this Memorial Day weekend. If you have to work a bit, then work a bit, but when you can, take time for yourself; this can include time for your family, friends, etc., but focus on yourself.

I also have to send a very happy birthday wish to my father, Big Pete, who's birthday is on Sunday. Happy Birthday Dad!
~Paul