It looks like the past 4 years of work have been paying off for The 911 Network; as just the other day we received some new memberships from Peterborough Fire Department. We are certainly moving outside of Ottawa and a lot of it has to do with the Bell Mobility offer. (This offer is Canada wide, so pass it on)
As a group we certainly have a great deal of purchasing power and we can really have a positive impact on businesses. So as a group we need to be keenly aware that by providing input and feedback to The 911 Network (or to me directly) we can establish new relationships with vendors of choice.
As our membership grows, and it does daily, we can use this momentum to gain access to greater rewards and new businesses. I always appreciate hearing from people who are associated or connected to organizations we need to be working with. As an individual, I can only do so much to make new things happen...but together we can really shape the future of our program.
I hope you will take the time and consider a business or a charity that could use our support. I would be happy to hear your suggestions and provide some feedback of my own.
Thanks always for your support and I wish you all Happy Holidays...
Pat
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Where to donate...?
I am having some trouble with where to donate our funds right now. It seems there are a lot of worthy causes and I am sure many I am not aware of right now.
I have just been notified that there are a couple of my co-workers that are experiencing some really tough times with cancer affecting their families. I am also aware of a paramedics family that is struggling with the cost of specialty medications for a child with a unique illness.
I am sure there are a great many cases within the healthcare as well as police forces where families and co-workers need help and support.
I would like to support these people with our networking and fundraising program, I guess I am just unsure as to how to go about this? I would also like to be better informed as to who we can help and what they may need.
So, if by chance you read this post. Please send me an email if you know of others that need our support and how we can help. Keep in mind, we do have a bulletin board for use for networking and fundraising. Please consider becoming more involved with our program.
Kind regards,
Pat
I have just been notified that there are a couple of my co-workers that are experiencing some really tough times with cancer affecting their families. I am also aware of a paramedics family that is struggling with the cost of specialty medications for a child with a unique illness.
I am sure there are a great many cases within the healthcare as well as police forces where families and co-workers need help and support.
I would like to support these people with our networking and fundraising program, I guess I am just unsure as to how to go about this? I would also like to be better informed as to who we can help and what they may need.
So, if by chance you read this post. Please send me an email if you know of others that need our support and how we can help. Keep in mind, we do have a bulletin board for use for networking and fundraising. Please consider becoming more involved with our program.
Kind regards,
Pat
Moving forward with Bell Mobility and The 911 Network
Ok, you like me are probably very tired or the whole Bell Mobility ordeal...It kinda goes like this...
"I have been over-billed, my brother's uncle's-cousin just received his bill and its way over what it should be..." Then anger, frustration and many calls and emails. I can sympathize as I too have been affected and I started the program!
So here is how it all works and a little history of what happened...makes a great story, but I am getting tired of repeating it. Please understand...and bear with me through this..
So here is why things went wrong...We (911 Network Members) have the best cell phone plan available...its soooo good, that the account registered under my name has been targeted by many many people...hundreds to be specific, for fraud.
Who might defraud The 911 Network, well Bell Mobility reps themselves who want to move this offer to any clients to make some good commission etc. So, as the year progressed, I was getting calls from Bell's collection office saying I and The 911 Network were on the hook for many, many accounts that people defaulted on their bills...some as high as $160,000.00. That's right...6 figures. So, Bell Mob decided that having The 911 Network as a corporate/ corporate plan...meaning only under my name was not a good idea. So they changed all account holders to what is deemed a corporate individual account.
What does this mean? Well, it means that if you default on payment, you owe...not The 911 Network. Why did things get so screwed up...well the person who was moving all accounts from corp./ corp to corp./ind., did not check the box that ensured that we all received the proper discounts. So when billing was sent out...and whoa...we saw just how much we were all saving...a lot.
So keep in mind...this is Bell's mistake. They will fix it. How long will this take...it takes a little bit of time and keeping on top of them. Do you have to panic...no. Can you be angry, sure! Just try and be civil and work through the issues as it still saves us a lot of money.
Also, keep in mind that George, our rep is taking hundreds of calls for this and is really, really busy trying to keep up to this. He is also not responsible for how data is entered into the system.
Also, if you are looking for George to help with the new plan...you need to have a current (2009) 911 Network member pin number. To get this...re-register.
Thanks for working through this and supporting our program. Keep up to date with the blog if you can, and I will try and keep it up to date.
Cheers
"I have been over-billed, my brother's uncle's-cousin just received his bill and its way over what it should be..." Then anger, frustration and many calls and emails. I can sympathize as I too have been affected and I started the program!
So here is how it all works and a little history of what happened...makes a great story, but I am getting tired of repeating it. Please understand...and bear with me through this..
So here is why things went wrong...We (911 Network Members) have the best cell phone plan available...its soooo good, that the account registered under my name has been targeted by many many people...hundreds to be specific, for fraud.
Who might defraud The 911 Network, well Bell Mobility reps themselves who want to move this offer to any clients to make some good commission etc. So, as the year progressed, I was getting calls from Bell's collection office saying I and The 911 Network were on the hook for many, many accounts that people defaulted on their bills...some as high as $160,000.00. That's right...6 figures. So, Bell Mob decided that having The 911 Network as a corporate/ corporate plan...meaning only under my name was not a good idea. So they changed all account holders to what is deemed a corporate individual account.
What does this mean? Well, it means that if you default on payment, you owe...not The 911 Network. Why did things get so screwed up...well the person who was moving all accounts from corp./ corp to corp./ind., did not check the box that ensured that we all received the proper discounts. So when billing was sent out...and whoa...we saw just how much we were all saving...a lot.
So keep in mind...this is Bell's mistake. They will fix it. How long will this take...it takes a little bit of time and keeping on top of them. Do you have to panic...no. Can you be angry, sure! Just try and be civil and work through the issues as it still saves us a lot of money.
Also, keep in mind that George, our rep is taking hundreds of calls for this and is really, really busy trying to keep up to this. He is also not responsible for how data is entered into the system.
Also, if you are looking for George to help with the new plan...you need to have a current (2009) 911 Network member pin number. To get this...re-register.
Thanks for working through this and supporting our program. Keep up to date with the blog if you can, and I will try and keep it up to date.
Cheers
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
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
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
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
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
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