Risks of Growing Too Fast

by Charles T. Wilson

As we come out of this sluggish economy, one of the things businesses would like to experience is growth.  There can be some downsides you’ll want to avoid.  This RiskSmart Tip was recently re-published by Agents of America.

*******

Many business people envy the companies that are on the “100 Fastest Growing” lists.  The risk manager says, “Be careful what you wish for.”  Sometimes what looks good from the outside can be a painful problem on the inside. [click to continue…]

Print This Post Print This Post

{ 0 comments }

Lessons from an Auto Thief

by Charles T. Wilson

I know several people who’ve had their car stolen – do you?  It happens about every 30 seconds in the US.  Some folks were not unhappy – looking forward to a new ride.

Recently a client’s new model car was taken from his driveway in an upscale neighborhood using a “replacement” electronic key.  Along with the car went a nice jacket, personal checkbook, spare house keys, and other valuables left inside.  He quickly became painfully [click to continue…]

Print This Post Print This Post

{ 3 comments }

How to Destroy Your Reputation in 7 Easy Steps

by Charles T. Wilson

There has been lots of talk about ‘Reputational Risk’ recently, and many role models to show how to handle – or not – a business crisis.  Arrogance, greed, secrecy and easy shortcuts seem to characterize financial institutions and coal mines, Toyota, and now BP.  We are witnessing some terrific learning moments for risk management. Business [...]

Read the full article →

Group Insurance Quagmire

by Charles T. Wilson

I regularly find clients have signed up for “group” insurance policies – usually because they appear to be a low-cost option in these tough times. These group (or ‘shared’) policies can come from a variety of sources.  Co-employers or PEOs (Professional Employer Organizations) offer Workers’ Compensation and sometimes Employment Practices Liability insurance.  Payroll service providers [...]

Read the full article →

Be RiskSmart with Social Media

by Charles T. Wilson

“The Times They Are A Changin’ ” ~ Bob Dylan [lyrics] Despite all that’s been written about social media and the explosive growth of sites like Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook, and many others, most business leaders have a lot to learn.  Less than a quarter of them are connected or have policies or strategies in this [...]

Read the full article →

Your Web Site Talks While You Sleep

by Charles T. Wilson

If college grads get job refusals for “pranks” and wild photos on social websites, what do you think insurance companies will do when they visit your website?

Read the full article →

Disaster Planning for Home & Business

by Charles T. Wilson

I was recently interviewed for a teleseminar by Fern LaRocca, a Certified Financial Planner at Whole-Hearted-Way, and provided listeners with “Three tips to prepare your home and business for any disaster.”
1. Get serious about an Emergency Kit for your home and your office.
2. Your business may not survive without a Contingency Plan.
3. A Financial Plan is the essential last step.

Read the full article →

Insurance: it’s a problem more than a solution!

by Charles T. Wilson

So many client predicaments arise because of insurance that I think it’s more of a problem than a solution.  Wouldn’t you be a lot more careful if you had none?  Here are some examples – do any sound familiar? 

Read the full article →

Curses! Sued again!

by Charles T. Wilson

Employment practices liability (EPL) – we’re basically talking about discrimination and harassment – is a curse for smaller organizations.  Employee complaints and lawsuits are widespread; costs are skyrocketing.  Chubb Insurance Group surveys small businesses regularly and recently found 19% expect an EPL lawsuit in the coming year, while 24% have had problems in the last [...]

Read the full article →

Earthquake

by Charles T. Wilson

The horrific losses an earthquake can cause are top of mind – so let’s dust off some ideas we’ve discussed before.  Every day businesses are forced into crisis mode by natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, and wildfires.  In California, we regularly hear about the 60+% chance of a devastating earthquake in the next 30 years.  [...]

Read the full article →

← Previous Entries