Amidst the chaos… we have you covered!
FAnews is open for business during the COVID-19 lock down. Feel free to contact us for assistance. COVID-19 has thrown our world around. Attending conferences, seminars, training sessions, client lunches/launches, awards dinners and CPD sessions is the the norm of how we do things, and suddenly, the carpet has been pulled out from underneath us and we have to adapt like never before.
Things we never thought of
The economic impact is something I don’t even want to think about… typical businesses that might not survive this are events companies, conference venues, caterers, restaurants and photographers, to name but a few. Those people are your clients… what will the long-term impact be?
I cannot think that anyone alive has ever seen something like what we are experiencing at the moment; did you think that we would ever have to start implementing technology at the rate we are forced to now? Remote working, closure of schools and childcare facilities, no face to face meetings, no CPD events, etc.
On the same note, when we look at remote working, cyber threats can’t be left out of the equation with organisations weighing up benefits for employees to work from home to combat the COVID-19 epidemic. Charl Ueckermann, CEO at AVeS Cyber Security said that with more people working remotely and relying on online platforms, new cyber threats are emerging, and organisations should get strategies in place. Reams of sensitive organisational data will be put at risk if organisations don’t act pro-actively. Working in isolation brings a constellation of cyber security challenges to the table. But, if tackled promptly, organisations have the opportunity to protect themselves and their employees from unnecessary cyber threats.”
And because virtual has become the new norm, we need to ensure trust and protection are the backbone of our systems.
According to Deloitte, meeting virtually will dominate our ways of working amidst the COVID-19 crisis… we have already started to witness virtual meetings, workshops and sessions. However, it is not so easy… and to be successful virtually, we must overcome a fundamental challenge! If you are thinking of utilising or setting up virtual online meetings and sessions, Deloitte shares some tips you may find useful.
We have to remember that life has to go on…
Now is the time to catch up
How do we make sure we stay relevant amidst the chaos?
On the FAnews website, www.fanews.co.za, we have loads of content talking about all these issues, so while you have time, spend some time and read… get into the new mindset and try and find the positive bits in between all the warnings, bad and sad news.
And while you cannot attend any CPD sessions (most of the events have been cancelled), we would like to remind you that we are there for you…
A free CPD system
FAnews has a free CPD system on www.FAnews.co.za, where you can get three CPD hours per edition. It also does not cost you anything to download the magazine. Editions relevant to the current CPD cycle is June 2019, August 2019, October 2019, November 2019, February 2020 and April 2020. Please note that our April 2020 edition is not live yet; we are aiming to have it on screen and in print by mid-April. There are 12 CPD articles per edition, catering for the short term readers on the one side (IISA approved) and the life, investment, eb, medical scheme etc (FPI approved) on the other side.
If you need a step by step guide please email Marilyn at reception@fanews.co.za.
Please note that you only have three attempts per edition, and you have to get 100%, which means that you have to apply your mind when working on the articles. In the spirit of what CPD is all about (Continuous Professional Development) we have to restrict readers to three attempts, and the reality is that it is easy to get it all right if you read the article carefully; we are not trying to make it difficult. So, three hours per edition with six editions available before the cycle closes, sorts out most people’s requirements of 18 CPD hours.
If you operate on the short term side, you can also do The Insurance Apprentice (TIA). Please note that although the TIA content has been approved by the FPI, it counts 100% towards your short term CPD hours. The process is, however, slightly different in this case… but definitely more exciting. You have to start by watching the episode (30 minutes) which can be found on the TIA website, TIA Facebook page or YouTube channel. Then you go to the FAnews CPD page, you read the article associated with the episode, and thereafter, answer the questions. Once again you need to get 100% and you only have three attempts.
Just a little bit more
If you are not aware of The Insurance Apprentice I would like to share a little bit more on it; and if you are operating outside of short term insurance and you think it might not be relevant to you, I’d like to challenge you to go and watch the following episodes… you will find the relevance. The relevance is that it touches on basic business ethics and principles and it’s relevant to everyone, no matter which part of the industry you operate in:
- In episode one the apprentices went to Westbury Secondary School and spoke to the learners about a career in insurance and financial services. They had to share how maths, life sciences, business studies and geography fit into what we as an industry do, exciting the learners about the possibilities in our industry;
- Episode two was in the form of a debate where the two groups had to debate for and against the increase of the retirement age in our industry… relevant to everyone;
- In episode three they had to think about the incoming generation, Generation Z, and how we can develop products they want and how can we market to them as a generation who was born into technology;
- Episode four addresses a very topical issue and that is, how do we as an industry (but more specifically Sasria in this case) get involved in poor communities to limit social unrest and destruction of property when it comes to riots;
- Although episode five is very short term related, it touches on environmental issues, something close to many people’s hearts;
- Episode six speaks directly about how we mitigate and manage risk, especially when fire is a possible risk for a client; and
- The last episode is an FSCA task where the last three apprentices had to defend themselves after they were summonsed for a possible debarment (obviously not in real life, but as part of their task).
We have also partnered with CPD Hub to give you even more opportunities, and these are specifically for our readers operating on the investment side. With CPD Hub it’s not an all free offer, but it gives you what you need… which is what is relevant at the moment.
Let’s make business work and try to carry on
Let’s find the positives, let’s find ways to make business work and carry on as close as possible to as normal as we can.
People need people, and the fact that we can’t socialise much is definitely something that will have an impact on people’s mental health and emotions. Let’s not neglect each other, just because we can’t meet for lunch… Find ways, make the call, learn more about the technology you have always wanted to explore… it’s just for a short while, and before we know this will hopefully be over.
Editors thoughts:
I don’t have to tell you anything about COVID-19, the stats, the do’s and don’ts. I also don’t live in a bubble… but I am trying to keep my head high and look at the positives, figuring out new ways of doing things, trying to tell my kids that it’s time to learn a new skill. So, let’s be openminded, realistic and more positive. This too shall pass. Stay safe, stay at home and look after yourself. Please comment below, interact with us on Twitter at @fanews_online or email me your thoughts editor@fanews.co.za.
