If You Want To Go Far, Take Others With You

I always make sure I keep an extra stash of dollar bills in my purse when I’m out Christmas shopping. I know that at some point while dashing through the local outlet center or around the nearby retail hub, I’ll hear the familiar sound of the bell beckoning shoppers to throw some cash or change into the Salvation Army kettle.

Years ago, our family pledged we would never walk past a red kettle without putting some money inside. We observed firsthand all the good work done by the Salvation Army in the communities where we lived. When my hometown was devastated by a flood in 1977, Salvation Army volunteers came in to help people clean out their ravaged homes and provided hot meals for people who went for weeks without electricity or safe drinking water.

Years later, my husband worked in the emergency services field. Whenever there was a fire or a train derailment or some other local calamity that brought out first responders, the Salvation Army was there to serve them hot coffee, bottled water and sandwiches. They helped the helpers.

I think that the few bucks I slip into the kettle don’t make much of a difference when there is so much need all around me. But when those dollars are added to the bills and coins donated by others, they can become a powerful force.

The financial professionals we profile in this month’s Giving Issue are giving money in a big way to those in need. But they aren’t doing it alone. They are inspiring others to work alongside them to support the causes they believe in and to relieve some of the need they see around them.

We all can donate money to support some worthy cause — and most of us do. But encouraging others to join us on the giving journey can amplify our efforts.

This month of January is a time for making resolutions for the new year. It’s a good time to figure out what role giving will play in your business and in your personal life. And take it a step further — think about who you can partner with to make your giving go further.

Multiline Moves Into The Spotlight

The beginning of a new year is a great time to introduce a new feature in InsuranceNewsNet Magazine.

We are launching a regular feature focusing on property/casualty insurance. This feature, called Multiline (page 40), begins with a profile of an advisor who successfully incorporated P/C into his life insurance and annuity practice. He describes how he became the advisor known by everyone in his small town. He also gives some tips on how to make P/C a part of your own practice.

The Multiline feature takes the place of the InBalance feature on wellness that we have published for the past two or three years. We believe this change will give our readers more tools that they need to serve their clients and run their practice more effectively.

In addition, we are always on the lookout for topics to cover in this area and for professionals who want to contribute articles. You are welcome to discuss your ideas with me at [email protected].

And one final word on giving. Before I became a full-time remote worker, I had a tiny card pinned above my desk that contained one of my favorite quotes. It’s from St. Teresa of Kolkata, more popularly known as Mother Teresa. She said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we all can do small things with great love.”

It’s a reminder to myself that every day I will try to do something small but do it with love. I challenge you to do the same.

Susan Rupe
Managing Editor

Susan Rupe is editor in chief, magazine, for InsuranceNewsNet. She formerly served as communications director for an insurance agents' association and was an award-winning newspaper reporter and editor. Contact her at [email protected].