Tag: Financial Services

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26th Anniversary of self employment. Financial Services and IT Services.

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on 26th Anniversary of self employment. Financial Services and IT Services.

family-222128_640Today is the 26th Anniversary of me becoming self employed. on 15th January 1990 I stopped working at a bank and became a self employed financial adviser. I had previously worked in pubs and clubs, and for the local education authority in the “computer lab” at the school where I was still a student. I kept up to date on computers and other IT and continued to support family, friends and colleagues.

mobile-971480_640Around ten years ago I started Colin Bowen IT Services, mainly as a way to fix more computers than I had access to at the time, and to generate a little extra income in my spare time (I didn’t have kids then, so I had spare time). I never intended it to become my main business, but over the years the IT services business has grown quite steadily, and I’m now at a point where I don’t have time to spend on both businesses and spend time with my family.

I’m giving up my financial adviser licences in April to develop my IT and computer services business. People can still come to me for financial services, and I will pass them on to other financial services companies that I have dealt with for years, and those companies will provide the advice.

So, I’d like to thank all my existing clients from both businesses. I hope you will continue to come to me for your IT services and financial services needs, and I’ll help you personally or point you towards trusted third parties who can help you. Of course, I also welcome new customers, so please tell people about me, and get in touch if you need help.

Financial

Would you insure a cash printing machine?

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on Would you insure a cash printing machine?

Quick post while waiting for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs to call me back.

I’ve just opened a letter from First Direct Bank.  “If you had a cash machine that was guaranteed to print money over the next 25 years would you insure it?”  This is a sales pitch I first heard heard over 15 years ago, but it’s still in use today.

Their point is that you are that cash machine!  Every month you go to work and make money to support your family.  The point is that you should insure that money-making machine to make sure that if you die or fall ill, your family can get the money from the insurance policy instead.

I’m not a big fan of ‘clever’ sales pitches like that, they seem a bit immature.  I’m usually dealing with an existing client or one who has been recommended by an existing client so I have their attention already.  But it does make a good point.

In addition to my computer business, I have been a Financial Adviser since 1990. The rules about advertising financial services are very strict and, frankly, too much hassle to get to grips with. That’s why I don’t promote my financial services business here. If you do require financial advice though, please contact me.

Financial

Not dead, just busy.

by Colin Bowen2 Comments on Not dead, just busy.

Don’t expect any new posts until the end of August.

I’m working hard on my two businesses for a few months; my Financial Services clients need even more help in the current climate and my IT (PC) services clients need the best service I can offer.

It reminds me of when I started business in 1990, there was a recession but I worked hard and built a business I am proud of.  Although I have two stable businesses now, I figure that if I work hard now, my clients and I will benefit more in the future.

So, I’ve decided to focus my time on my businesses for a few months.  As usual, I’m busy with my family (visits and holidays) too.  I miss posting here but it does take more time than I currently want spend on it.  Sometimes you have to focus on the most important things in life.

All this could change though…  I’m considering entering a national karting championship.  Although it will take up time, that sort of activity puts me in effeciency overdrive, so might be a good use of my time.  If I enter, I might be making short, quick posts here, and might start tweeting @BowenRacing.  In any case, I’ll continue tweeting @ColinBowen.