Thursday, October 29, 2009

Things are getting busy around here !

Yes, its getting busy! We are seeing many new members as a result of positive word of mouth. Welcome County of Renfrew Paramedic Service as well as Gatineau Fire.

I am now trying to keep up with memberships, continue contacting new businesses for discounts, make changes to the website (new bulletin board with encryption-to keep the spammers at bay.) As well as working to increase marketing beyond word of mouth to establishing some paid ads etc.

Paid advertising is very expensive and would really eat into the potential donation money we have been putting aside for this years donation. So, please do your best to tell your friends and family to pass the word about The 911 Network. We welcome members outside of Ottawa and Ontario.

We do have some members from the East Coast and its great to see this happening.

I am also always looking for some feedback, as this program is for you. I am working in somewhat of a bubble, and need to see if from other angles. So, feel free to email me with advice, thoughts or just to say hi once and a while.

Thanks and have a great Hall'o'ween with the kids.

Pat

Monday, October 19, 2009

Some of the discounts I personally take advantage of

I thought it might be of interest to mention where I use my rewards card and what impact it has on saving me some cash.

I guess the one place I save the most money is the Bell Mob cell package. My wife and I figure that this program alone saves us each about $50.00 per month. This alone is well worth the $21.20 membership fee.

The other place I seem to use my rewards card a lot, is at any one of the 4 west end locations of Booster Juice. I really like the Bananas a-whey shake, which I save about $1.50 on. I really don't need the discount on this item, so when I flash the card and they give it to me, I give the extra savings as a tip to the girls behind the counter. I am just happy that they pay attention and honor the program.

The other place I save a lot of dough, is at Benson auto parts. As you can see by the picture in my blog, I like to work on my cars. This saves me money on labour costs, but with the savings I get from Bensons, it makes it that much sweeter.

I have replaced the manifold in my Honda along with the catalytic converter myself. It was a fairly easy job, but the best part was how little I paid for the parts via Bensons. $200.00. This would have cost be well over $1,000.00 in a shop.

I also like to do some Christmas shopping at Tag Along Toys for my kids and nieces and nephews. This is another great spot, as the staff will help you find the right toy and do honor our card faithfully.

So, keep using the cards. The more they are used and become a staple in the community, the better for all of us in securing new opportunities.

Cheers

Patrick McIntyre

Are you a current member of The 911 Network?

Hi,

I have been running into people, on-line, in the gym and some folks via George Darouze, that are a little bit confused as to how our membership program works.

Many people figure that since they signed up in 2007-2008 or in 2009, that they are still members of The 911 Network, and while I feel in my heart that they are, they are not truly current members...its an annual membership. It costs $21.20 for an individual and $31.80 for a spousal or family membership. These fees are due every year.

Most of this payment goes to charity and some remainder goes to supporting the website and the cost to run the program. I personally pay about $800 to $1,200 per year from my own pocket to support the program.

Since we are just now seeing a good increase in memberships, I am working at establishing what charity we will be dedicating our funds to. In the past we have been making donations to The Quest for A Cure adventure race program, to be delivered to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation.

I am interested in directing our funds to a program that will feel a direct impact from our fund raising. I am also interested in hearing from you, our members as to what charity we are best suited to support? Please email me with your thoughts and considerations for our Charity Rewards.

Kind regards,

Patrick McIntyre

Thursday, October 1, 2009

The 911 Network welcomes George Darouze from Bell Mobility

Hi there,

I would like to announce that George Darouze is our new Bell Mobility Representative. Working with George has been a pleasure. I have found George to be reliable, responsive and dedicated to providing our members with great service.

Anyone seeking information on our Bell Mobility package, rates, available services as well as how to register, please contact George at gdarouze@sympatico.ca or by phone at 613-327-7777.

George will be pleased to help you with any questions. He is also good for a laugh, as he does possess a good sense of humour.

On a difficult note, we have unfortunately had a number of folks register on the Corporate plan of The 911 Network, who did not secure memberships.

This is considered fraud, in part on the reps who have signed these members, as well as on the part of the people who have accepted The 911 Network plan without paying their membership fees.

I have been advised that these people will be terminated from the plan and their phones disconnected.

This is a charity program and as such, needs to be honored with payment to The 911 Network.

It saddens me that so many people are willing to take advantage of our great plan and to jepordize our program. I am happy however, that many people do work with us and support our program. It can only get better with all of your support.

Kind regards,

Patrick McIntyre