Corporations
have an obligation to their customers and employees. Once the objective becomes
the core process without considering both entities the result can be a deluge
of reckless abandon with adverse public reaction.
Businesses
who fail to support those under their own umbrella lose credibility. Banking on
the short term memories of everyone involved and expecting to save face isn’t a smart idea in today’s era of
social media presence. The long-term results can be catastrophic financially in
terms of clients and the lost of trust by the public.
Sometimes,
it’s better to lose a few arguments
than to be perceived as greedy.
 |
| Matt and Katie Fisher |
The story went
viral throughout social media.
The
insurance had the prior opportunity to correct their stance and
save the reputation of their brand. Simply paying $75,000.00 would have been
much cheaper than dealing with the fallout. Trust is why we purchase insurance
to provide a source of security in case of accidents, dismemberment and death.
Trust is the
heart of any business.
As much as the
publicity hurt Progressive, can you imagine the buzz if a competing insurance
company with no financial ties wrote a $75,000.00 check to Matt Fisher? The amount of trust and positive marketing would speak
volumes for a competitor’s ethics,
morals and sales.
In today’s viral
universe, it could’ve easily happened.
Three days
after Matt Fisher posted the blog
(which was also blogged by Seth Godin)
Progressive Insurance announced a decision to reach a settlement
for “tens of thousands of more dollars.”
We now have
the ability to change the world
through the use of social media. Permission, money or lawyers are no longer
required. A voice resonating of honor, reason and right has given us power which was never before available to us, no matter where we are located. That voice is social media.
Start your
own revolution today!
Until We Meet Again,
Jim Carver Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com
Jim Carver Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com
Disclaimer- Books and
links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and
3rd party companies. I only recommend products, brands and
businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and
in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.
As a former Progressive employee who worked 26 years for the company, and as one who was laid off from them in 2008, I can say that the news of this case and its facts do not surprise me. After my COBRA ran out in 18 months following my layoff from Progressive, I ended up being uninsured with no health insurance for several reasons. Few may realize that Progressive is among many companies, of course, that does not offer "take with" health insurance benefits when you leave the company beyond federal COBRA coverage for 18 months. If it were not for the Affordable Care Act signed into law in 2010, I would not be insured with health insurance today.
ReplyDeleteFormer employees who fear being targeted for speaking out about inequitable treatment received both during their time working at the company and afterwards, now see how their former employer has handled some customers whose premiums they accepted for coverage; coverage in the end that had to be fought for in order to be honored. A sad lesson for such a well known company to learn the hard way that trying to be penny wise and pound foolish will cost you far more than dollars and cents in the end.
So sorry to hear of your poor treatment by your former employer. This is one of the main reasons I write this blog.
DeleteCorporations and businesses that fail to act or treat their employees or customers fairly with dignity,and respect deserve the fallout.
It's funny how once the "secret" is out these companies want to reach a settlement. Had it not been for the blogs, the news media wouldn't have reported the incident.
I can relate to your story as my wife was laid-off after a 33-year career. We have had to fight for basic unemployment benefits.
I must agree with you- the cost of "not doing the right thing" costs businesses far more than dollars and cents.
Thank you for reading my blog and I wish you success in all you do!
Jim Carver
Thank you for your reply, Jim. I appreciate your comments very much, and they help. I can fully relate to your situation with trying to collect unemployment benefits.
ReplyDeleteThank you for offering a forum for folks like me to share our experiences. Hopefully, it will help someone else who is going through them as well -- someone who is new to looking for answers to help them manage their lives of dramatically reduced circumstances after their layoff from a company that didn't offer long-term benefits after their departure that happened through no fault of their own.
I am deeply humbled by your comments. Hang in there. Many people including my wife and I are in the same boat.
ReplyDeleteKnow you are not alone in your current journey. Rejoice in the fact that you are now able to do something many other people never see a chance of- to start a new career or business in something that you love to do and really matters!
Spread the word about my blog when you have time and know you are always welcome here!
Sincerely,
Jim Carver