DO THE RIGHT THING: It’s all about customer service
June 18, 2011 by Marsha Petrie Sue
Filed under Business to Business: TIPS for WOMA members!
By Marsha Petrie Sue, MBA
The Wallow Fire in Arizona has been devastating. Many people have lost their homes that were surrounded by towering pines and crystal blue skies. One month before the fire, my husband changed all of our cabin insurance to Allstate because of a recommendation from a dear friend.
The policies were activated with one condition concerning the Alpine retreat because the risk managers wanted a few small trees trimmed. Receiving the notice right before we left on an eight-day celebration of my birthday still gave us plenty of time to get to the property, trim the vegetation and take pictures of the completed work when we returned June 8th.
Watching television the evening of May 29 in our Maui condo to catch up on the news was numbing. The Wallow Fire had started very close to our mountain community and the very next day the residents were told there was a mandatory evacuation and everyone must leave by 7PM because of the impending forest fire. We were stunned.
We contacted our agent, Ana Escobedo, and told her what had happened. She informed us that the pictures of the trimmed trees needed to be received by the previously set date of June 15th or the policy would be cancelled. The company has rules and the Arizona Department of Insurance said Allstate was within the law. Our opinion? They weren’t doing the right thing! Still under evacuation orders from the Sherriff’s department, there was no way we would meet their deadline.
Al, my husband, and his attention to detail, caught Ana’s company’s eye as she had passed on the correspondence. Al had sent numerous emails detailing every component of why we couldn’t access the property and included the metal roof we installed along with treating the wood logs a week before our departure to Maui. He included an explanation of how we annually clear the grounds of pine needles and deadfall after the winters snow.
Ana was focused on getting a positive outcome for us and spent sleepless nights trying to solve our dilemma. She couldn’t get anything done by email or phone, so decided to drive to the Allstate Regional headquarters and speak to someone who could extend our deadline. In route, she received a call explaining that Allstate had reinstated our cabin insurance and we should get the pictures to them as soon as we could! They lived up to their company slogan, “You’re in good hands with Allstate!”
Within minutes, we were on our way to meet Ana. She told us that the reason she chose this insurance company to work with was because they instilled in their people to always “do the right thing.” And they certainly did!
When you think of your business and as a consumer in today’s environment, ask yourself these questions:
As a Business leader:
1. Do you hire people that have the moral compass to do the right thing?
2. Do you give them the authority to make decisions?
3. Does the company have the right resources and people in place to answer any question and solve any problem?
4. Do you make yourself available?
5. Are employees rewarded when they do “Do the right thing?”
As a Consumer:
1. Do you give correct information to a customer service rep that is trying to help you?
2. Do you stay calm and understand the outcomes you can create if your angst shows?
3. Are you a good listener?
4. Do you ask good questions and dig deep to see what are the possibilities?
5. Do you keep notes about your conversation with names, detail and dates?
Now go do the right thing! (And contact Ana anae@allstate.com if you want excellence in client care for all your insurance needs!)
Marsha’s gift to you and your team: Download Customer Service and Client Care audio program at http://marshapetriesue.com/customerservicegift/
Heartbeat of the WOMA – June 2011
June 10, 2011 by Deborah Ferns
Filed under WOMA News
Each month we try through the “Heartbeat” blog to keep members in tune with what is going on with and for the Women’s Outdoor Media Association. I urge each of you to take the time to read the board meeting minutes, carefully prepared for all of us by Chris Quam, Secretary of the WOMA. The board meeting minutes reflect the WOMA team reports for Membership, Web, PR/Marketing, and Editorial. Another team that is moving forward relates to By-laws and it is led by Chris Quam. ChrisQ@HiVizSights.com
The WOMA organizational bylaws are concerned with the operation of the organization, setting out the form, manner or procedure in which the organization should be run. They provide for meetings and how meetings of directors and board members are conducted, elections of a board of directors, filling vacancies, notices, what officers the organization will have and a description of their duties, committees, assessments and other routine conduct.
Her team will be meeting in July so that by early fall we can send on to each member a request to vote on by-law revisions.
Through the last six months we’ve received 14 either bylaw revision requests and/or specific policies to be considered for the WOMA from members. If you have specific policy suggestions for the WOMA organization we welcome any and all. These will be taken under serious consideration and voted upon at monthly board meetings.
If you are interested in serving on one of the teams please email WOMA President, Marsha Petrie Sue, at Marsha@theWOMA.com . One of our new members (WELCOME) is Cameon Eizenzimmer. Cami has a strong background in website design, social media, and is active in a variety of shooting sports. She is stepping up to help Cindy Noyes, our Treasurer, who is taking over duties as the WOMA webmaster. Cindy will be replacing Paige Eissinger, who remains a valued member of the WOMA! We very much appreciate her professional manner in assisting Cindy throughout the month of May to make this transition smoother.
By now each member of the WOMA will have received copies of the new brochure. Please use it when presenting the WOMA to new potential members or possibly include it as part of your presentation when discussing ways to get more media on women active in shooting sports, hunting, fishing or archery. The conversations and presentations you make about the WOMA would also make a great blog so please submit those to editor@theWOMA.com . Thanks and hope you have a great summer!
- Deb
WOMA Members Attend Babes With Bullets Camp
May 26, 2011 by Mia Anstine
Filed under On the Road
Being a part of the WOMA is such a fantastic thing. We are offered, and we share, so many opportunities through this organization. Last fall I attended the annual WOMA retreat in Gunnison, Colorado. It was a pleasure to meet some of my outstanding colleagues that make the WOMA happen. I was invited to sign up for a shooting camp while I was at that retreat. The camp is called Babes with Bullets and the director is the WOMA’s very own Deb Ferns. I enjoy shooting very much and had been wanting to work on my pistol shooting so I was interested right away. I signed up for the pistol camp which was to be held in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. I anxiously awaited spring time and camp. It would be my chance to practice with my pistol as well as meet up with more WOMA members and also make new friends who may share the vision of the WOMA.
We received our camp updates from Kay Miculek. She is head instructor at Babes with Bullets, as well as multi-time National and World Champion. Our latest update informed us that May is spring time in many parts of the country, but in Steamboat Springs,Colorado, the snow was still coming. She was in touch with us with last minute reminders, preparations and housing information. We were unable to get to Bear Mountain Ranch, where we were supposed to be staying, so Kay sent info with a new location to be called home for three days. We made our trek to camp and I joined up with fellow WOMA members, Marsha Petrie Sue, Chris Quam, Lanny Barnes, Tracy Barnes, Anne Draper and Deb Ferns.
Due to the weather, the Babes with Bullets crew had to do a lot of improvising and they didn’t miss a step. They made camp happen without a glitch and teh 20 ladies, including our WOMA members, were able to relax, have fun, and most importantly, learn a lot in just a few days. We did quite a few dry fire drills with our pistols, learning to safely quick draw, raise, steady and shoot our pistols and then finally learning to shoot and reload while on the move. It was so amazing to see ladies who had never touched a pistol quickly maneuver and shoot the various stages at the camp.
Despite the snow, rain, sleet and hail, the camp was outstanding and I would recommend it to any lady whether they are long time shooters or have never touched a firearm. The instructors are athletes who hold multiple National and World titles and, despite their grandiose achievements, are very professional as well as extremely friendly. The ladies at Babes with Bullets were fabulous. We learned a lot and met and made new friends. Thank you to the WOMA for giving us the opportunity to meet such outstanding women.
Gun Rights or Gun Control?
May 10, 2011 by Marsha Petrie Sue
Filed under Opinions & Editorials
So what’s the big deal about gun rights? For me, it is less about the Second Amendment and more about my total constitutional rights. You probably already know that the Second Amendment is “the right to bear arms” and I want that right! If we disarm citizens saying that only the 
militia should have guns, the criminals will have weaponry and I will not. We should all be very glad that the DC Law banning handguns was overturned. Preparing myself for attacks from people that do not understand our constitutional rights can be difficult. So here are my talking points, and feel free to use whatever you like.
I want to be around men and women who care about the safety and security of our families, and who are committed to upholding the Second Amendment and the Constitution of the United States of America.
Did you know New York Rep. Carolyn McCarthy introduced a bill to drastically overhaul the nation’s gun control laws? Read more by clicking here. With elections just around the corner, know how your politicians stand on gun rights.
What do you say when someone is upset that you shoot or hunt? I think we all need to have words or statements prepared for a response, personalized to our own beliefs. What are your thoughts on Gun Control or Gun Rights?
Survival of the Fastest
April 17, 2011 by Marsha Petrie Sue
Filed under Business to Business: TIPS for WOMA members!
How much can you get done in a day? Want to spend more time in the outdoors but just can’t seem to find the time? Survival in this business downturn and staying sane during the process is not easy. You must be faster at everything you do. Learn how to have the energy to accomplish it all by sleeping faster. Focus on leveraging every minute of the day by learning faster time management skills. Organize your outdoor gear so you can get to nature faster.
Sleep faster: when your head hits the pillow, think of all the wonderful and joyful events of your day. Don’t focus on how awful it was or how you didn’t get everything done. While doing this, concentrate on deep, diaphragmatic breathing by putting one hand on your belly and pushing your belly button slowly up and down. When (not if) your mind wanders to the dark side, bring it back to the happiness of the day.
Time manage faster: learn to stop yourself several times a day and ask yourself. “Is this the best use of my time right now?” Ah, the answer is probably NO! So shift what you are doing to something more productive. Do you have a “To Do” list that is overwhelming? Play a trick on yourself and ask, “If I had time to do just one, which one would I do?” Then, as NIKE says, Just Do It!
Organize faster: Keep your gear in a “ready to go” duffle. I have my green bag that has all my camo, gloves, long underwear, turtles, mask, hats, and everything else packed. I know my backpack always has my binoculars, water bottle, snacks, pad/pencil, Garmin, rain poncho, sunscreen, first aid kit and other essentials already packed. I don’t have to think.
Learn to grab and go. Practice your time management on every turn. Build your energy by allowing yourself to sleep soundly. You too will be part of the Survival of the Fastest team! Off for Turkey hunting…
What else do you do?
Women’s Shooting Practice with HerHandgun.com
April 7, 2011 by Heide Kaser
Filed under On the Road
WOMA members Marsha Petrie Sue, Anne Draper, and Heide Kaser decided to practice their practical shooting with Her Handgun instructors and champion competitors Kippi Leatham and Debbie Keehart. The perfect weather in Mesa, Arizona and the Rio Salado Sportsman’s Club afforded the trio a prime opportunity to hone their shooting skills. They polished their skills for shooting multiple and moving targets, drawing and reloading, and shooting on the move. Realizing that practice CAN make perfect, patience does become a virtue … but not yet. MVI_0832
Heartbeat of the WOMA – April 2011
April 6, 2011 by Deborah Ferns
Filed under WOMA News
The mission of the WOMA remains positive and focused on our mission: “increasing media coverage of women who are active in traditional outdoor sports, especially shooting, hunting, fishing and archery.” As always, we encourage you to log in to the WOMA website and read the minutes and attachments from the March board meeting. If you do have any specific questions please send those to me, DFerns@Earthlink.net.
Mental Muggers: Don’t Let Toxic People Rob You!
March 28, 2011 by Marsha Petrie Sue
Filed under Business to Business: TIPS for WOMA members!
When you are being mentally mugged by the toxic types, your self-confidence is in harms way. Here are weapons that help you take aim:
- Relive a confident moment. Dig back in your memory bank and recapture an event when you delivered the kind of success you want. Remember as much detail as you can. It’s true – you become what you think about.
Supporting our Second Amendment right to bear arms
March 7, 2011 by Marsha Petrie Sue
Filed under WOMA News
A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
—Second Amendment, adopted Dec. 15, 1791
Until I met my husband 19 years ago, I had given little thought to what our Constitution is—much less our Second Amendment rights. My husband, the political animal that he is, soon educated me about our precious Constitution and how our right to keep and bear arms (though guaranteed in the Second Amendment in the Bill of Rights) is constantly under threat. He helped me understand that the one group that works constantly to preserve our Second Amendment right to carry firearms is the National Rifle Association (NRA). My husband and I are now proud Lifetime members of the NRA and have joined NRA’s Ring of Freedom.
Before and after: Creating lasting memories in the outdoors
March 1, 2011 by Marsha Petrie Sue
Filed under WOMA News
My husband Al and I are avid outdoorsmen and fairly competitive. (OK, we’re very competitive.) We find that one big reason our hunts thrill us so much is not only the actual trips to bag our prizes, but the delivery of the trophies a year or so after we return home. Read more
