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16 Dec 2013

Home Inventory – A Guide for Homeowners and Renters

EbookCover-Home InventoryNational Inventory Certification Association is serving as a site to help people learn more about the asset inventory industry. Home inventory is the foundation of the “asset” umbrella, and one of the reasons we are offering this ebook in our bookstore.

This website is designed to serve members of NICA, other asset inventory professionals, business owners, and renters and homeowners, we knew it was imperative that we include this book in our online book store. Feedback regarding the information is that people are learning (and surprised) that home inventories are not just for disaster preparedness.

The authors share a decade’s worth of knowledge and experience as they discuss the various reasons homeowners and renters have chosen to hire their professional inventory services. Real experiences add to the conversational tone in this educational but easy-to-read ebook.

For the do-it-yourselfer

If you are a do-it-yourself type of person, Home Inventory – A Guide for Homeowners and Renters is for you! This ebook comes with full-size templates, which will help you complete your home inventory. Learn how to create a thorough, detailed record of your belongings, how to keep it updated, and where and how to store it safely. A variety of options are included, so you can choose the process that works best for you, based on your time and your purpose for creating the inventory.

A resource for many professionals

This ebook is a great resource for accountants, CPAs, estate attorneys, financial planners, insurance agents, and professional organizers. It would also be a thoughful gift for new clients or to add to the end-of-year-planning packets.

Order your do-it-yourself guide for home inventories in our book store. For bulk purchases, contact the authors.

About the Authors

Cindy and Mike Hartman founded their home and business inventory service, Hartman Inventory™, in 2004. Lessons learned from life experiences were the driving factors in the decision to enter the asset inventory industry.

After years of refining their processes, they founded Nationwide Inventory Professionals™. This Business Package and Licensing Agreement assist new business owners to achieve a faster startup and receive continued support.

Recognized leaders in the industry, Cindy and Mike help ensure consistency through ownership of National Inventory Certification Association™, which offers certification, continuing education courses, and professional development through a variety of options in the book store.

All three companies serve the Hartmans’ mission statement: “To help others achieve success.” Whether they are providing an inventory for a home or business client, assisting others as they begin and grow their own inventory company, or overseeing the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist™, the Hartmans are living their passion.

09 Dec 2013

Why Is My PC So Slow?

Why is My PC So Slow coverHome-based business owners, entrepreneurs, and small business owners rely heavily on their computers to conduct business on a day-to-day basis. This E-book is a great resource for business professionals in all industries, and will make a great gift for a new business owner!

A PC self-maintenance guide

You depend upon your computer to keep your business running so when it slows down, so does your income!

The problem with a lot of technical information is that it’s – well, technical. As an instructor for over 20 years, Debbie’s students have repeatedly told her that she has a gift for breaking down the technical into easy, simple to understand content. So whether you’re a novice or a 98 year old, you can do this.

PC maintenance made easy

Why is My PC So Slow? is an easy-to-understand 45 page E-book. You’ll read why you need to maintain your PC, how often you should do it, and most importantly – find out how to do it! Not only are there easy step-by-step directions, screen shots of what you will actually see as you go through the process are included.

Here’s just a sample of what you can expect:

  • The Five Most Important Rules You Need to Know!
  • How to Create Windows Bootable Disks (don’t worry, it isn’t hard to do!)
  • Maintenance How-To (the main section)
  • A Maintenance Frequency Calculator
  • A PC Self-Maintenance Checklist
  • My Personal Tried & Tested Resource List

For the cost of just one ‘dangerous’ software subscription you will have peace of mind knowing that you’re keeping your computer safe, secure, clean and running at optimum speed at all times. And the best news of all? You did it all yourself!

This is a Windows 7 version PDF sized to fit your Kindle or any other device. Just $29.99 in our bookstore!

Meet the Author

Long before viruses and security were front-page topics, Debbie Mahler was educating the public and reporting on them. It was this early groundwork that earned her the title of Symantec Software Partner and Security Specialist. A graduate of National-Louis University, and with over 20 years in the PC repair business, Debbie not only continues to repair and build PCs for her clients, she has educated end-users and educators in local community colleges for more than 15 years. Mahler is an online instructor for Ed2go, a division of Cengage Learning. She teaches introductory and advanced PC Security courses for all English-speaking colleges and universities.

Ms. Mahler is the owner Internet Tech Specialists, a full service technology and training company specializing in strategies centered on the needs of entrepreneurs, solopreneurs and small-to-midsized businesses. From web development and graphic design, to social media support and management, they help you navigate the new digital landscape!

05 Dec 2013

A Business Guide to Asset Inventory

EbookCover-BusinessInventory

As we build the NICA bookstore for asset inventory professionals, we will also provide a variety of resources for business owners and business professionals in all industries. This book is a perfect fit, as it covers the need for an inventory, and is written to assist those who are responsible for protecting their business’ assets.

Protecting your company assets

Whether you are starting, building, or maintaining a business, your time is valuable. This inventory guide covers the many reasons to have an itemized list and photographs of your business assets. You will read what other business owners experienced and how not having an inventory hurt their business, or how having this document was extremely beneficial. If you have the time and desire to create your own inventory, this guide will walk you through the process. However, most business owners do not have the time or resources to create an inventory. Therefore, a guideline of how to choose the right company to serve as an outsourced inventory service provider is also included.

Meet the authors

Cindy and Mike Hartman founded their home and business inventory service, Hartman Inventory™, in 2004. Lessons learned from life experiences were the driving factors in the decision to enter the asset inventory industry.

After years of refining their processes, they founded Nationwide Inventory Professionals™. This Business Package and Licensing Agreement assist new business owners to achieve a faster startup and receive continued support.

Recognized leaders in the industry, Cindy and Mike help ensure consistency through ownership of National Inventory Certification Association™, which offers certification, continuing education courses, and professional development through a variety of options in the book store.

All three companies serve the Hartmans’ mission statement: “To help others achieve success.” Whether they are providing an inventory for a home or business client, assisting others as they begin and grow their own inventory company, or overseeing the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist™, the Hartmans are living their passion.

02 Dec 2013

Building to Excellence – A Guide to Building Authentic Success

Building Excellenc eBook

In an effort to provide resources for all small business owners, not just those in the asset inventory industry, we have chosen this book that guides you through a step-by-step process to achieve excellence!

Do you ever wonder why some people are wildly successful and others stumble through their days looking for success and never finding it? Well, there is no great secret that only a certain few know. But there is an underlying process that only a certain few follow diligently and with their eye on their target to find the success others only dream about.

Learn the step-by-step process

Now you have the opportunity to learn the step-by-step process to build an authentically successful life and business. And the beauty is its simplicity that keeps you living and growing true to your values, your beliefs, your desires and ambitions.

Discover what a positive difference Building to Excellence will have in your life.

Written by premier business and professional growth coaches and trainers Jack Klemeyer and Tommy B. Richardson, Building to Excellence will be one of the best resources you will own.  This ebook can be yours for only $24.95, available in the NICA bookstore.

25 Nov 2013

National Inventory Certification Association Launches New Website

New website offers certification, education, professional development, and referrals to meet the needs of members and the community.

The National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) has launched a new website to meet the needs of the continued growth of the asset (personal property) inventory industry. This new easy-to-navigate site offers a certification portal, membership directory, and a book store of resources for small business owners and the community in general.

NICA Managing Director, Cindy Hartman, stated, “We have the vision and commitment to provide education and referrals for our membership, as well as professional development materials that are relevant for small business owners in any industry.” Debbie Mahler, president of Internet Tech Specialists (http://www.internettechspecialists), is the technical and creative resource for this easy-to-navigate website. NICA contracted Mahler for this project after Hartman received exceptional results for other company websites, Hartman Inventory and Nationwide Inventory Professionals (http://www.NationwideInventoryProfessionals.com), that Mahler developed.

The new National Inventory Certification Association website contains key elements that will serve a variety of purposes.

Members Directory

Homeowners and business owners have become more aware of the need to protect their financial future through professional documentation of their assets. When seeking ethical and honest service providers, the Members Directory will assist in this search. All members of NICA are certified and have agreed to abide by the Code of Ethics, as outlined on the website.

Certification and Continuing Education

The certification portal is completely electronic, which allows each asset inventory professional seeking certification to work at his or her own pace. Designation as a Certified Inventory Specialist places them among the ranks who have chosen to be recognized as leaders in the industry. Soon-to-be available continuing education courses will cover home inventory procedures as well as business, boat, and structural inventories. Additional courses will be developed to meet the needs as the industry expands.

Professional Development

In addition to residential and business asset inventory ebooks, members and guests of the website can purchase ebooks, audio files, and workbooks on topics of marketing, goal-setting, and PC maintenance. Additional resources will continue to be added, offering topics pertinent to all small business owners.

Association- and Industry-related News

For industry professionals, and those interested in learning more about this essential service, the News page includes press releases and other current information regarding the industry and individual members of the National Inventory Certification Association.

Hartman concludes, “We spoke with quite a few asset inventory professionals prior to creating this website in an effort to serve their needs. The feedback we’ve received has assured us that we’ve done exactly that.”

20 Nov 2013

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Inventory Professional Achieves Certification

National Inventory Certification Association congratulates Charles Will for achieving the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS).

The National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is pleased to announce that Charles (Anthony) Will, owner of Harrisburg Home Inventory, has earned the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS). Achieving this recognition from NICA confirms his knowledge and competence to provide quality contents inventory services.

A requirement for certification and membership with NICA is to agree to the Code of Ethics, which helps ensure that their clients are served with integrity, respect, and confidentiality. Harrisburg Home Inventory provides a full inventory documented of your personal property in a format that insurance companies prefer, using digital photography and video.

Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Mr. Will joined the US Army in 1989 and served in all three phases of the Gulf War. After ending his active service in 1995, he lived in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and joined the Army National Guard as a Federal Civilian Technician.

Continuing on his quest to serve others, he established Harrisburg Home Inventory to help people get organized, understand exactly what they have, and prove it in case of loss. Will’s intention is to “help educate others and make friends along the way.”

As the general public gains knowledge of the necessity and benefits of having a photographic and written record of their belongings, the asset inventory industry continues to evolve. The number of inventory service companies is increasing due to the demand for this professional service for both residential and commercial clients. Choosing to achieve certification will enable Mr. Will and Harrisburg Inventory to stand apart from other asset inventory professionals.

In addition to home and business inventories, his interest in boating, dirt track racing, and NASCAR encourages him to place an additional focus on assisting off road racing teams secure a thorough list of assets.

About National Inventory Certification Association

Established in 2011, the National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is the officially recognized certification authority for the personal property/asset inventory industry. The certification and continuing education opportunities ensure that members have access to quality industry knowledge as well as business and professional development resources to help achieve the success they seek for their home and/or business contents inventory companies.

18 Nov 2013

Industry Organizations Announce Exclusive Business Partnership

The Inventory Institute and National Inventory Certification Association announce an Exclusive Business Partnership for good of the industry.

The Inventory Institute™ and National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) are pleased to announce a long-term partnership to create cohesiveness and unity in the asset inventory industry. Under the terms of this agreement, the Inventory Institute has recognized NICA as the officially recognized certification authority for the asset inventory industry.

The two organizations have joined forces through this exclusive business partnership to ensure the industry members are served properly and thoroughly. Working together enables each to operate with focused initiatives.

The Inventory Institute provides the following:

– Industry resources

– Annual conference of networking and education

– Project management for large inventory projects

– Referrals and recognition through individual web pages linked to members’ websites

National Inventory Certification Association offers the following:

– Certification as a Certified Inventory Specialist

– Continuing education that enables inventory professionals to focus on a niche or variety of niches

– Credibility through CIS designation

– Recognition in the Member Directory with a live link to each member’s website

“Aligning the Inventory Institute with NICA is a very large step for the asset inventory industry. NICA is quickly becoming THE recognized educational solution for the industry that offers tremendous industry professional and personal growth and support through membership. This partnership provides the members of the asset inventory industry an opportunity between the two organizations to have a full circle of support, and I am proud to be partnered with Mike & Cindy Hartman. They are, without question, leaders of the industry that have proven success in their offerings and their entrepreneurial endeavors. Who better to be offering the education and training for our industry,” said Johanna Curtiss, CEO of the Inventory Institute.

“The past few months have been exciting as we took a vision and worked it through to fruition. The value of being aligned with other professionals in the industry is evident, as this joint venture creates many benefits for all involved in this growing sector of the service industry. Being chosen by the Inventory Institute as the exclusive certification authority is an honor. We have a tremendous amount of respect for Johanna Curtiss, and are look forward to work closely with her and the Inventory Institute,” said Mike Hartman, Executive Director of NICA.

Having the two organizations working cohesively, but separately, provides a good check and balance for all members of both organizations. Both Curtiss and Hartman agree that this long-term business partnership provides the best option to serve the needs of the industry.

Along with the announcement of this partnership, the two organizations have launched a joint membership drive through 2013. This packaged discount provides Certification and 1st year Membership with NICA, plus Enrollment and 1st year Membership with the Inventory Institute.

About The Inventory Institute

The Inventory Institute is the source for Members and Consumers; providing reputable referrals, resources, partnerships, business coaching, marketing, PR and standards for success for and within the Industry.

About National Inventory Certification Association

The National Inventory Certification Association (NICA) provides certification and continuing education for those in the asset inventory industry. The team assembled to lead this organization is well experienced in the fields of asset inventory, management, and education.

15 Nov 2013

Pompano Beach, Florida Inventory Professional Earns Certification

National Inventory Certification Association congratulates member Bob Freund, who has achieved the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS).

National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is pleased to announce that Bob Freund, owner of Good Neighbor Services, Inc., has earned the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS). Achieving this designation through NICA confirms his knowledge and competence to provide thorough contents inventory services to businesses, homeowners, condo owners, and renters.

A requirement for certification and membership is to agree to the Code of Ethics, which helps ensure that clients are served with integrity, respect, and confidentiality. One of the standards itemized in the Code of Ethics is that members conduct business with honesty, integrity, sound business judgment, and professionalism.

Good Neighbor Services, Inc. is a family owned and operated business that was created to meet the needs of absentee condo owners to have a secure, dependable way to protect and monitor their property while they are out of town. A natural extension of additional services for these and other clients is Freund’s asset inventory service. Good Neighbor Services’ clients realize the need to protect their structural assets, and the contents within their buildings falls under the desire to protect their financial future as well. Good Neighbor Services provides asset inventory services to clients in communities throughout Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami Dade counties.

Mr. Freund states, “Our goal is to provide our clients with the same kind of care and attention that a truly Good Neighbor would provide to their friends.”

Contact Good Neighbor Home Inventory Services, for more information.

About National Inventory Certification Association

Established in 2011, the National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is the officially recognized certification authority for the personal property/asset inventory industry. The certification and continuing education opportunities ensure that members have access to quality industry knowledge as well as business and professional development resources to help achieve the success they seek for their home and/or business contents inventory companies. For more information visit www.NationalInventoryCertificationAssociation.com.

12 Nov 2013

Aiken, SC Inventory Professional Earns Certification

National Inventory Certification Association congratulates member Rachel d’Entremont, who has achieved the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS).

National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is pleased to announce that Rachel d’Entremont, owner of For the Record Inventories, has earned the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS). Achieving this designation from NICA confirms her knowledge and competence to provide thorough contents inventory services to businesses, homeowners, and renters in the Aiken, South Carolina area.

As the general public gains knowledge of the necessity to have a photographic and written record of their belongings, the asset inventory industry continues to evolve. The number of inventory service companies is increasing due to the demand for this professional service for both residential and commercial clients.

A requirement for certification and membership with NICA is to agree to the Code of Ethics, which helps ensure that their clients are served with integrity, respect, and confidentiality. After 13 years as a Planner for the City of Aiken, Ms. d’Entremont was ready for a career change. Seeking certification in the same year she opened her business indicates that she has chosen to be recognized as a professional, setting herself apart from others.

About National Inventory Certification Association

Established in 2011, the National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is the officially recognized certification authority for the personal property/asset inventory industry. The certification and continuing education opportunities ensure that members have access to quality industry knowledge as well as business and professional development resources to help achieve the success they seek for their home and/or business contents inventory companies.

08 Nov 2013

Inventory Institute CEO Earns Industry Certification

The National Inventory Certification Association congratulates Johanna Curtiss, CEO of the Inventory Institute, for achieving the industry designation of Certified Inventory Specialist.

National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is pleased to announce that Johanna Curtiss, CEO of the Inventory Institute, has earned the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist™.

As the asset inventory industry continues to grow and evolve, certification is becoming a key step to help bring credibility and recognition to this home and business services sector. Always seeking opportunities to lead by example, Curtiss takes great pride in her role of the asset inventory industry, and views becoming certified as a way to not only step up her game, but also to lead by example.

In addition to her role with the Inventory Institute, Curtiss is also owner of Greenville-based Asset Data Inventory LLC, an inventory service company providing this documentation for homeowners and business owners throughout the state of South Carolina. She and her husband, Alan, began Asset Data Inventory after suffering a total structure and contents loss from a house fire. The devastating experience gave them first-hand experience to realize the dire need for a thorough and up to date record of what one owns.

Johanna is committed to this industry, and achieving the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist through NICA is just one more professional achievement that she is proud to display.  In addition to being the CEO of the Inventory Institute and owner of Asset Data Inventory, she has created a home inventory software program. MyAssetData.com has recently launched to aid in the asset documenting process. Through all of these accomplishments, she continues to be instrumental in the growth and the positive new direction the asset inventory industry is taking.

About National Inventory Certification Association

Established in 2011, the National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is the officially recognized certification authority for the personal property/asset inventory industry. The certification and continuing education opportunities ensure that members have access to quality industry knowledge as well as business and professional development resources to help achieve the success they seek for their home and/or business contents inventory companies.