Ron's comments

Hi Bob and all, sorry I won't be able to attend this fabulous event but I am very happy to see the RSVP's full. I have another important meeting to attend that is a conflict. Everyone, be sure and take lots of business cards as this is a great event for all.

Hi Cassie, welcome aboard and I am sure you will find a lot of help here. Everyone loves getting stuff for their kids and grandkids. I would also recommend you sign up for the SoCo Connectors Networking lunch next Wednesday. It will give you a great opportunity to network directly with other Biznik members. Hope to meet you soon.

Yes Dennis, the HSA's when they first came out were not a scam but were not priced properly by the insurance carriers and they didn't know what to charge or thought they could charge almost the same and a regular PPO. Now it seems many carriers have chosen to reduce the HSA premiums and in some cases make it more attractive. If someone utilizes healthcare a lot, an HSA still may not be the right answer, but someone who rarely goes to the doctor it could save you a lot of money. Doesn't it make sense to NOT send all your money to the insurance carrier by having a large deductible health plan and then have the savings plan, which belongs to you, the consumer? I am glad to see you are in good health and agree, best to stay healthy!

Welcome to a great site for networking. I know you will find a lot of support and encouragement here.

Thank you Suzanne. As many people may or may not know Regence, Premera, Lifewise, KPS Health, PacificCare and UnitedHealthcare are options to be considered, depending upon the size of your business and the benefits you are considering. I am glad to see Beth Cosker did the right thing by you as the most important issue is you are happy with the assistance you received and the coverage you have. When it comes to the complicated issue of health insurance, a broker can be your best friend.

I also needed to add that a broker is representing the client and is the client's best resource for getting the maximum benefits for the minimum cost and providing the best possible service. By contacting the company or companies directly, you just become a number and not a person.

Well, I disagree with Barbara's recommendation as the client doesn't pay for the broker and a broker is in a position to shop the market for the group and knows the right questions and concerns a client would have. Barbara, do you suggest she contact all the carriers that offer the coverage she is seeking? She indicated they were in a hurry and companies by contrast, normally are not. Terra, I would be happy to assist you in any way I can.

Barbara, what I was referring to if you are doing the HSA correctly, with the savings program, the savings program provides the dental, vision, office call, over the counter Rx, etc., which normally any medical plan will not coiver anyway. Again, each person must take the responsibility for their own lives. Many people do not want government running their lives any more than they are today. If you see the mess Medicare is in, a government medical plan, people may wish to reconsider having government install a universal heatlh care program.

Well, sorry I haven't jumped on here before. I am glad to see so many are jumping on the band wagon of the HSA plans. This is a great concept to everyone to help out lowering your costs of health insurance. But is health insurance the major expense? The cost of health care is very expensive. Now, insurance carriers have been mandated by the government on several fronts and all self employeds should be fully aware of this. It used to be a sole proprietor in WA could purchase group health insurance. In our legislatures infinite wisdom, they determined a small employer is two to fifty, leaving the sole proprietor out in the cold. I know insurance brokers petitioned to have this changed but to no avail. Now, just recently (June 12, 2008), federal legislation mandated again. (The Republicans drive this) "A small employer" or "small group" means any person, firm, corporation, partnership, association, political subdivision, sole proprietor, or self-employed individual that is actively engaged in business that employed an average of at least two, but not more than fifty employees, during the previous calendar year and employed at least two employees on the first day of the plan year, is not formed primarily for purposes of busing health insurance, and in which a bona fide employer-employee relationship exists. In determining the number of employees, companies that are affiliated companies, or that are eligible to file a combined tax return for purposes of taxation by this state, shall be considered an employer.

The major key here is to get a group rate, you need two people who are drawing an income from the business. In many cases, when a business qualifies under this, I am able to get them good group health insurance at an affordable rate as a member of the Auburn Area Chamber.

As a broker, with no employees, I too have also selected an HSA plan and promote this concept to all my prospects as it allows you to keep much of your money versus sending it to an insurance company. You also get as one mentioned, vision, dental and over the counter drugs covered. I do suggest strongly you get an insurance agent/broker to help you with this process as it can be cumbersome and it doesn't cost you any more to have this agent/broker. Great topic, but guess I was kind of surprised no one had asked me to help input, but here I am anyway.

Well Peter, I wish you well on the publishing of your book. I would love to look it over. I might also suggest you post a picture your own self as we all really like being able to put a face with a name and conversation. Good luck out there!

I am excited to attend this event again. I am very happy for Bob and Judy to see 15 signed up for this event. I am looking forward to meeting everyone again.

Very interesting posts and I couldn't agree more. If you made an appointment with your prospect or client and didn't show up, how much business do you think they would do with you in the future? If they couldn't rely on you to be considerate, professional and responsible, they may go elsewhere for the services they need. Yes, things do come up and life happens, but a simple phone call or email to the proper person can save embarrassement of having to explain later what happened. The golden rule should apply in all cases, treat others the same as you wish to be treated.

I am not surprised to hear you had a good time. Bob and Judy do an excellent job of gathering some of the best solopreneurs available and make everyone feel welcome. I truly am sorry I missed out this time, but plan on making it a habit in the future.

Wow, love the name of your business! Also, welcome the the neighborhood of very successful, insightful professionals. You will ge a wealth of help and information here and I also encourage you to get a picture posted on your site. It always helps to put a face with a name. Many biznik events are coming forward and get out there and be seen and heard. You will do terrific because your words express a deep desire to succeed. Let us know if we can help in any way.

Sorry Bob, have a 10:00 AM appointment in Covington that can't be missed. I hate coming in late to an event, so here is hoping I can get from Covington to Renton by Noon but can't guarantee it. Yep, we are staying pretty close to the homefront as well.

GREAT JOB Judy! Having 7 grandkids, with four in the young age groups like Conner, it is always refreshing to sit and chat with them about life, answer their questions and give them feedback. Your article really brought home the basics of communication in all fields you endeavor. I won't be at Bizjam due to conflict, but I am confident those that have received this reminder will be better served when they do attend. Thank you for sharing.

Andrew, your article is very insightful and timely. Many people who wish to criticize, usually do it with specifics in mind. Making the compliments specific sometimes is rare, but very important and you hit it right on. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.

WOW! GREAT PEOPLE AND GREAT LOCATION! For those that didn't make it today, you missed out on a great networking event. A good attendance with some very good stories about their past and present activities. We kind of went over time normally alloted because a lot of discussions and interacting took place. I am very happy I went and want to thank Bob and Judy Dunn for arranging for this monthly session. I highly recommend you mark your calendars for the next event the Dunn's choose to host.

I didn't think MLM was allowed but if no one responds or participates, maybe they will go somewhere else, unless Mr. McComb wants to handle this one.

Hey, welcome to Biznik. I think if you spend a bit of time here you will find a lot of good information and some great networking opportunities. I would encourage you to post your picture or a picture of your store as we all enjoy looking at the person we are communicating with. Hope to see you at some events soon.

Welcome to a great site for most all businesses and yours in particular. I know there are a lot of great people here willing to help and encourage all they can. Be sure and take advantage of local south end events to meet more people and create additional contacts and friends. Hope to see you soon.

Welcome to the success event of Biznik. I don't like cats, but yours is so pretty could make an exception. Here is hoping you find this to be a very creative and valuable site. Hope to see you at an event soon.

Hello Michael, welcome. Some great people are on this site. Most folks, I am sure you have learned that in the insurance business, like to be able to look at who they are talking to. I would encourage you to post a picture of yourself on your site to help out. Good luck!

Hey, welcome to the success site. I know you will find a great deal of information, assistance in marketing techniques and some really great people here on this site. Hope to see you in the near future at an event nearby.

Hey, welcome to the land of success. I know you will find the Bizniks very helpful and friendly. Try to get to some events, even in the south end to help promote yourself and your business. Hope to see at an event soon.