Embrace Atheism Social Network – Atheist Social Networking site

Xcircle Atheist Social Network and Networking site in a broad sense is the platform for people who have a rejection of belief in the existence of deities. In a narrower sense, as in atheism we specifically position ourselves to the fact that there are no deities. Most inclusively, we reject the belief that any deities exist. As atheists we contrast with theism, which in its most general form has the misguided notion of the belief that at least one deity exists.

We reject the gods worshiped by the larger society and embrace atheism as free thinkers and as people with free thought, skeptical by inquiry of deities, and with real logical criticism of religion and the myth, superstition and application it has on humanity. As atheists we tend to lean toward skepticism regarding supernatural claims, citing a lack of empirical evidence.
We offer many rationales for not believing in any gods. These include the problem of evil, the argument from inconsistent revelations, and the argument from non belief. Other arguments for atheism range from the philosophical to the social to the historical. There is no one ideology or set of behaviors to which we as atheists adhere to but with one thing in common we do not worship the unseen.

Atheists networking and helping each other to delve towards a common reality.

FACTS – Atheism also figures in certain religious and spiritual belief systems, such as Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism. Jainism and some forms of Buddhism do not advocate belief in gods, whereas Hinduism holds atheism to be valid, but difficult to follow spiritually.

According to some estimates, about 2.3% of the world’s population describes itself as atheist, while a further 11.9% is described as nonreligious. Self-reported atheism are among the highest in Western nations, in varying degrees—United States (4%), Italy (7%), Spain (11%), Great Britain (17%), Germany (20%), and France (32%).

Watch out for Biting Dogs, Mother Hens and Falling Cows

From lumbering, wild farm animals to cute and cuddly household pets, animals serve several purposes in our lives: providing love and companionship, improved health and sometimes even food. But cute and cuddly, domesticated or wild, animals can sometimes be dangerous—a fact many people don’t take seriously enough.

 

Domesticated Animals

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. Sometimes it’s because a stranger approaches and startles or threatens them. Other times, they’re simply defending their owners or property.

 

Cats can also hurt people by scratching or biting unexpectedly, sending their owners or visiting friends to the emergency room. Additionally, they can transmit diseases that make others ill and cause more serious health issues, leading to doctor bills and hospital visits that an insurer may or may not cover.

 

Regardless of the reason, pets that injure others can create financial and insurance issues for homeowners or renters, who are always liable for their pets’ actions.

 

The Wild Variety

 

Household pets aren’t the only animals that can injure. Farm animals are also a source of wounds people may not expect—and sometimes their actions are anything but an accident.

 

For example, when confused or threatened, many cows, horses, goats, turkeys and pigs will stomp, kick, spit, head-butt or bite. That’s why it’s important for anyone nearby to signal their presence by speaking; approach animals from the front; and avoid making loud noises or sudden movements that will startle them.

 

Mother animals with newborns are especially sensitive to the presence of humans. If she suspects her babies are being threatened, a mother hen, fox or goat may attack suddenly, catching a passerby totally unaware. If someone gets hurt, it will be the responsibility of the property owner or his insurance company to pay the medical bills.

 

The Unexpected

 

Sometimes accidents happen. Take for instance the case of a man we’ll call “Farmer Brown.” Innocently milking his cows one morning on his dairy farm in Florida, one of Farmer Brown’s Jersey cows accidentally fell on him, pinning him to the ground. Not seriously injured, he was transported to a hospital some distance away.

 

But Farmer Brown was lucky. His injuries were mild, and he was released later that day.

 

In another strange case, a cow wandered off a cliff and smashed onto a minivan below, narrowly missing killing its occupants.

 

On further observation, the cow, which weighed about 600 pounds, had fallen nearly 200 feet before smashing onto the car’s hood, demolishing the vehicle and breaking the windshield. Somehow, Charles Everson Jr. and his wife, Linda, escaped harm—and were glad to be alive.

 

Can you imagine trying to explain that to your car insurance company?

 

Staying Protected

 

Whether a rancher with a gaggle of farm animals or a homeowner with a house full of dogs and cats, you’re responsible for your animals’ actions. That’s why it’s important to buy insurance coverage that protects your home and wallet.

 

Complete your quote request today, and talk to a licensed insurance agent. You’ll get the protection you need—and keep you and your animals covered.  

For Agents & Consumers ->Insurance Quotes, Advertising, Leads for Agents and Social Network

For Insurance Agents

How Well Do You Listen To Your Customers?
 Are you regarded as a good listener? How do you know? In my opinion, active listening is one of those skills which requires constant attention and practice. I still find myself once in a while interrupting when I shouldn’t or thinking about what I am going to say next in a conversation and forget what a person was stating to me- yikes! This is not good practice, especially in a sales/customer service situation.

 Therefore, if you find yourself in the same predicament from time to time, remember that active listening is crucial when determining the needs of a customer and providing the best products for them. Active listening involves more than just listening…active listening involves probing for more information, paraphrasing, and acknowledgement that you are listening. If you do not listen well, you may lose a sale.

 Here’s a fun listening exercise that I participated in during a training class a few years back (however, it’s better facilitated as a listening exercise- not a reading exercise). It goes like this:

 You are the bus driver. At stop #1 three people got on the bus, one of them was wearing a blue baseball cap. At stop # 2, five people got on and one exited the bus. At stop #3 two people got on, one person was carrying a bag and the person with the blue baseball cap got off. What is the bus driver’s age?

 If you answered the age, which is yours by the way since you are the bus driver, then you passed! If not, then that’s okay, this exercise is a reminder to us all to make the effort to listen effectively to our customers. (Keep in mind that this exercise should be provided verbally in order to be effective)

 Have some fun with your co-workers and see who can pass the listening test!

Social Networking Insurance for Business

If you’re a young agent well versed in using the Web for business, you’re probably familiar with online social networking sites like Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Sites like these hold much promise for the future, as insurance customers wander around online, chat with friends and business associates and talk about their lives.

Why not make insurance part of that discussion? And why not meet customers online, right where they are, and do business where they’re most comfortable?

According to the Auto Insurance Report, insurance companies like State Farm are joining the world of social networking, attempting to connect with and service customers all over the country.

And sites like these aren’t just for young people and companies anymore–or for corporations. Small agencies and individual agents are also finding their voice in social media, amidst everyone else looking for a piece of the pie. There they can answer questions, dispell myths, offer service and talk about breaking news in the insurance industry that might affect their customers.

Rather than pretending their clients have nothing but good to say about them and tuning any negative remarks out, insurers are wise to listen up, participate in the discussion and know what’s being asked and said about them online. This immediately puts them on the offense, rather than the defense, and offers the opportunity to inform, engage and connect with customers–instead of playing damage control after the fact.

Not only that, but by tweeting on Twitter or posting comments on their Facebook wall that link back to their own Web sites, agents who participate in social media strategies can increase their business by driving potential customers who need insurance directly to their own contact information.

Are you using online social media sites to increase business opportunity? If you’ve never made use of sites like Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook in growing your business, we recommend you check them out. If you have, drop us a comment and let us know how it’s working out for you.

Though it does take some time and effort to establish a “following” of existing and potentially new customers, it could be well worth the time you put into it when examining your bottom line.

Insurance Agents Social Network

Internet Leads: Are They All about Lowest Prices?

Today, the Internet is one of the first places people go to shop for their insurance needs. But is everyone who shops for insurance online looking for just the lowest price? I don’t think so. I think they want a fair price, but they want a good product from a good name as well.

Twenty years ago, people went to the phone book for almost everything. Every year, I get the phone book dropped on my front porch, and I throw it on a shelf where it stays unopened.

I think the same thing happens in many households today. When you call Internet leads and just give them a price, they will probably go with the lowest one unless you tell them what sets you apart from your competitors. Insurance companies are not apples and apples.

These days it’s much easier to comparison shop than ever before, but Internet shoppers are just like everyone else. They are looking for the best value for their money. In other words, if you can show them the total value package your agency offers—things like great customer service, added discounts, and an easy and supportive claims process, in addition to price—they will be less tempted to go with the lowest price and more likely to stay when they decide to compare rates again.

INSURANCE LEADS FOR AGENTS