Protect What Belongs to You!
This week I am on Holiday at the sea shore. A place called Long Beach Island, New Jersey. I would normally not be adding to my blog but my family suggested I do so. There was much discussion on this topic by family and friends this week.
It seems to be human nature to lose or misplace our personal items. Was talking to Vikie the manager of a L.A.'s Restaurant in Manahawkin, NJ. She indicated that there is no shortage of items left behind at this establishment. Credit cards, drivers licenses, cell phones, coats, hats, cameras, and even a US Passport. LA's is a stopping point between Philadelphia and the New Jersey Shore on Route 72.
This is also the case at a place far from the New Jersey Sea Shore called the Half Mile Ranch in Lake Luzerne, New York. The owner Mark can point out the collection of no less then ten shirts and coats left behind at his establishment. That's not all he has to show. He has a rack set aside just for glasses and sun glasses. It amazes him how many people will leave their cell phone and never call it or come back for it. As far as the clothing he will collect it up for six months or more. If it goes unclaimed he makes sure they are put to good use by sending them to an organization that distributes them to the less fortunate in the community. As far as L.A's Restaurant in Manahawkin they tag the items and hold them for a year. If unclaimed at that point they are given away.
So what's my tip today? It happens to be two fold.
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It you have an item of value make sure it's labeled with your name. your phone number or email address. Some people will use one of those return address labels they get in the US Mail. This process is good for glasses, cameras, and cell phones as well. It also works for cell phone chargers and laptop computer chargers left behind when traveling. Many hotels and motels have an entire box devoted to chargers left by their guests. Most hotels will attempt to return them if marked with contact information.
| Mr. Thomas Jones, Jr. 226 Any Street Home Town, Your State 12345 USA |
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The second suggestion is to make sure your smart phones, PDA's, Blackberrys, Treo's, etc are password protected if they contain sensitive corporate or personal information. Information such is username password combinations, credit card numbers, or corporate email. Your employer has entrusted you with access to "organization only" information. Please keep it that way. Some organizations require your smart device to be password protected if setup to receive corporate email and calendar services. So my advise to you today is lock them down. Turn on the safeguards that come with the device and set a "strong" password.
Hope this was helpful and entertaining. Enjoy your Summer!
-- Frank
