Mel Clifford - Stories of the Day

Who are the guilty parties?

melclifford — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 07:10:30 +0000

Who's Guilty

While waiting for a train the other day in Connolly Station I read a poster which said Insurance fraud is a crime and it gave detail where to report it. My question is who are the guilty parties? Here is a story of a real experience of a situation where a motorcyclist came off his motorbike in front of a unmarked Company van. When the van driver got out to see if the motorcyclist was O.K the motorcyclist proceeded to claim that the van driver had been the cause of the accident and then within minutes asked for €200 damages on the spot. Of course the van driver disputed the fact as he had been in a stopped position in traffic and he also had a witness in the passenger seat to support this.

After some discussion between both parties they departed without agreement. The motorcyclist later reported the accident to the police and then some days later registered in an Emergency and Accident department of a hospital but never stayed to be seen by medical staff. His next step was to contact a solicitor on a no fee no win basis- are you getting the picture?

The Company owners of the van were then contacted some months later and a file was prepared with all statements and details related to the incident. The insurance company was informed that it was strongly believed this was a fraudulent claim. They were asked to investigate and run a check to see if the motorcyclist had any other previous claims of this nature. Over time several discussions took place between the Company who owned the van (the insured) outlining serious issues in the claimants file and the claims made.

The next stage in this saga was the Company received an insurance renewal invoice for double the previous year’s insurance premium. When this was questioned they were informed it was because the Insurance Company had settled the case in question and paid out a considerable amount to the motorcyclist. When asked for an explanation as to why they settled the case without any involvement of the insured the following reason was given, they had reviewed the case with their own solicitor and decided to settle as it could cost more to fight the case, so it was easier just to settle. When asked what about the fraudulent nature and had this been investigated? The answer was no.

Insurance Company solicitor gets paid, the claimant and his solicitor gets paid the Insurance Company gets paid with a higher premium going forward and you lose your no claims bonus and get the bill

So if insurance fraud is a crime, who are the criminals in this story? – You decide – I would agreed with the poster but I think they could add Insurance fraud is a crime but don’t worry because we don’t!

We are off to see the wizard the wonderful wizard of Oz

melclifford — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:09:34 +0000

Enjoy Life

Today is the start of a new and fresh journey in life for Alistair and Nora. Taking on new adventures and challenges in their lives, no expectation and no concerns. Creating their own future and meeting life it what it brings each day to them. Looking to learn something new each day and promoting only goodness in their world.

We all know people who say I wish I could or only if I had this I would, but I can’t because of…. and never get to do what they have always wanted. People who expect everything but never give or take a risk in their life, someone else is always to blame but not them. Well it is never too late and Alistair and Nora have created and taken that opportunity. How – “attitude” – “can do” taking a risk in life and an approach of so what if it fails but boy what if it a success. Understanding that life is difficult but one does not have to make it more difficult for themselves then it already is. No one else can make you happy only you, it’s you decision.

On their yellow brick road who will they meet? What will they do? How will they get on? – Who knows but is that not exciting.

Service and food with a smile

melclifford — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 07:05:28 +0000

Excellent

I had the pleasure to visit a newly opened restaurant in Skerries County Dunlin the other evening called Sea Urchin and I must say when you received excellent service and food to match it’s a real delight. Sea Urchin is situated on the Harbour Road, Skerries and has only been open now a few weeks. We were a party of five and from the moment we were greeted at the front door to the movement we left we were made feel extremely welcome. Nothing was an issued and the service was excellent.

I am not a professional food critic and I don’t do restaurant reviews but I left saying I must tell others about this place. The service, food presentation, food quality and atmosphere were excellent. The menu was different and a great selection. We each had different main courses and to a person it was delicious, so if I was a professional food critic top marks, keep it up.

Too often we are quick to complain and not often enough do we complement individuals and places that we have good experiences. So well done Sea Urchin and to all the staff especially Constantin and the front of house team and of course the excellent team of Chefs.

What makes a great – restaurant? – Sea Urchin Skerries

Email info@seaurchin.ie or Telephone +353 (0)1 8490064

Make someone smile this week!

melclifford — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 07:05:32 +0000

I came across this YouTube Video clip on another blog site by Silviu who writes about Living in Romania – don’t fully understand the conversation in Spanish, but who needs to, worth a watch – have a great week everyone.

What makes a great – partnership?

melclifford — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 07:03:58 +0000

Listen to your Partners

Communications Communications Communications this is what makes an amazing partnership. So what differentiates an O.K. partnership from an amazing partnership? Be it in business or in your personal life without good communications at all levels between you and your partner (s) you will struggle to make a partnership work. If it is your business partner, your customers or your partner in life listening to each other is vital. Building trust respect and honesty in all that you do, wanting only the very best for each other is a good place to start. Ensuring that you develop and grow in what you do and not trying to manage, control or own the other person.

So wherever you are at right now make sure you ask yourself – how are my communications?

Don’t forget to have fun each day in all your partnerships and make your partner laugh!

What makes a great –Dad?

melclifford — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 07:09:37 +0000

I Know-but Still ?

My Dad passed away as a young man over twenty years ago and I still miss him, why because he was a great Dad, why because he was my Dad. So what differentiates an O.K. Dad from an amazing Dad? I believe it is one thing, a Dad that listens to you. A Dad that does not tell you what to do, he understands that you are different and lets you be who you are. He provides three things in your life, the best education that he can afford, educates you in politeness, respect for others and manners and loves you for who YOU are, that was my Dad.

That’s all you are entitled to, so grow up and be who you are and make your Dad proud!

Happy Birthday – Mary 16/8/2010

What makes a great –Manager?

melclifford — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 07:03:23 +0000

The role of a Manager is to listen and ensure that all employees are developing in their job. So what differentiates an O.K. Manager from an amazing manager? I believe it’s those managers who employ people more rather than employing more people. Listening to what is happening in the workplace and ensuring that all employees are growing within the organisation. At the same time they manage those out of the Company who do not contribute their best to the business objectives and those who just don’t fit in (most of the time you will find they are unhappy in this type of work). There is nothing worse then hearing in a workplace “we should of let that person go a long time back”. If you as a manager have this situation you have firstly let the individual down and secondly the business.

Do you want to be a great Manager? Well just listen to what going on in the workplace – and take action!

What makes a great – work colleague?

melclifford — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 07:02:17 +0000

Team Work

The role of a work colleague is to do the best job they are capable off so they can deliver the business offering for its customers. So what differentiates an O.K. work colleague from an amazing work colleague? I believe there is only one thing and that is the ability to LISTEN. Listening to their customers and playing their part in supporting and challenging their fellow work colleagues to ensure they all deliver.

Being able to give and receive feedback from others and giving their very best in what they do in their job each day to ensure success. The “it’s not my job” or “if only they would do that” does not exist for them. Work colleagues help each other by working as one team. Great work colleagues see the value in the difference individuals bring to the workplace and demonstrate respect for each other. They don’t play political games, their behaviour demonstrates honesty and trust.

Do you want to be a great work colleague? Well just listen – you might just find out something about yourself!

What makes a great – Friend?

melclifford — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 07:13:34 +0000

Listen Listen Listen

The role of a friend is to be just that and listen. So what differentiates an O.K. friend from an amazing friend? I believe there is only one thing and that is the ability to LISTEN. Listening to where your friend is at, at that moment in time is what is required. Friends listen, they don’t just tell you their issues and what their own problems are. They don’t just tell you what you should do. The well if I were you I would or I know what I would say to them!. Friends stop and listen to where you are at and what is going on in your life not theirs.

So if you are a friend just ask and listen – don’t tell – try it sometime!

What makes a great – Salesperson?

melclifford — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 04:59:07 +0000

Listen Listen Listen

The role of a salesperson is to sell whatever product or service they are offering. So what differentiates an O.K. salesperson from an amazing salesperson? I believe there is only one thing and that is the ability to LISTEN. Listening to what your customer needs will deliver the sale. I am fed up of sales people telling me how great their product or service is, when what they have to offer is not what I need.

They fail to just stop talking for one minute and just shut up and listen to what I need. They are too anxious to tell me how great their offering is, all the features and benefits. The words like I must have this or this will really change my!

So if you are in sales just listen to your customer don’t tell – try it sometime