Access Profiles, Inc.

Of course hindsight is always 20/20.  But I certainly would have saved myself a lot of angst and restless nights if I had the chance to know more about myself, and what I truly wanted out of life, before I was expected to be "an adult".

I often wonder how anyone can be expected to graduate from college, let alone from high school, and know what they want to do for the rest of their lives! Seems pretty impossible to me.


You have survived the insecurity and excitement of your high school, and maybe even college, years. You have had a taste of what it means to make some important decisions that can effect you and those around you. And you may have even chosen a career path that you think will be your choice for life. 

But this is only the beginning! There is so much more ~ and your path may often be a lot more bumpy than you would like!   

So as you graduate, I will share these 5 "life lessons" that will hopefully help things go smoother and that I really wish I had known when I graduated!




Take some time for Self-Reflection. 
Knowing more about YOU ~ your dreams, your priorities ~ is the best place to start! Find your passion and your purpose. Discover what success means to you, not what others think it should mean. Understanding these things from the beginning is the best way to reach your goals. 

Take it a Step at a Time and Be Happy in the Moment.
Learn to enjoy the process. There is much to be said about not rushing forward and, instead, taking the time to consider each step as part of the adventure. You will find yourself missing out on many great things if your eye is only on your end game.

Never Settle
Despite learning to enjoy the moment, that doesn't mean you can't strive for better! Having hopes, goals, and dreams is what makes life so exciting. So matter what obstacles you face, know that you can move past them. When I feel like quitting or life has become too much, I like to remember these lyrics from one of my favorite songs;  "Hey, come on try a little. Nothing is forever. There's got to be something better than in the middle. But me and Cinderella, we put it all together. We can drive it home, with one headlight"; lyrics from "One Headlight" by the Wallflowers. So no matter what dark days you may have, you can "drive it home" too!

Think of Others 
A self-focused existence never works in the long run. Cherish your family and friends. Practice empathy towards others and, sometimes, be willing to consider them more than you do yourself. Pay it forward when you can. Help others achieve their goals. Remember, any life worth living is one that makes a difference in their lives and in the lives of others!  

And, finally, Relax!

"If I have one regret, it is suffering many angst filled days because I thought I needed to have my life plan in place. I always believed that graduating from college meant I would be on my way. When that didn’t happen, the best thing I ever did was to leave myself open to new experiences.  I never stopped learning and trying new things." excerpt from; "The Top Piece of Advice of Advice I Wish I Knew When I was 22"!

Recently, a long time client called with an unusual request. He was pursuing a new account and needed a write-up of the criteria API uses in our background checks to present at their meeting ~ and he needed it in 10 minutes!

Needless to say, he sounded nervous that we wouldn’t be able to do it in time and he might lose the chance to land their business. After giving him a quick reassurance, we dropped what we were doing and focused on getting our client what he needed.

Within minutes our client had the document in hand and was on his way.

Later that day we got another call from him, this time thanking us over and over again for our prompt service and letting us know he landed this much needed new business!



Our focus is, and will always be, on what API can do to not only land clients, but to keep them for the long haul. And it all begins with Customer Service that is focused on their needs, not on ours!



At API, we are proud to say that many of our clients have been with us from the beginning ~ and we started our business in 1996!

We have worked with them through their “down times”, been flexible with their cash-flow problems, and even been there when they were faced with rush jobs ~ often times even when on vacation or after-hours.

And they have stuck with us when we have experienced the same. We share a Reciprocal Loyalty that comes from a place of understanding and shared experiences.

Find out more about how you can foster Reciprocal Loyalty in “Why You Need to Convert the ‘Fair Weather’ Fan!”.




We consistently go the extra mile to meet their needs and show that we value their business. Responding quickly to their most pressing problems also helps keep our relationship thriving.



This feeling is what builds the loyalty we need to keep our clients happy.




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Over the years, you may find yourself doing things the same way. You offer the same services or products. You use, or don't use, social media to your best advantage when marketing and branding your business. Generally, you are running your business the same way you have since you started.

Doing things the same way, over and over, does a disservice to you, your employees, and your customers!

You will most likely find yourself becoming complacent, disinterested, and even downright bored, with your business. You have lost the energy and passion that drove you to become an entrepreneur in the first place. Soon your employees and customers will feel it too.

Instead of accepting it, this is exactly the time you need to breathe new life into your business!

The key is to discover a way that will not only bring the excitement back to you and your business, but will also attract and keep the clients you need!

The best place to start is with you! Your attitude towards your business can make all the difference on how your brand is received.

Remembering, or even recognizing for the first time, what it is about your business that drives you is key.

Understanding how your business speaks to your inner core will help you establish your brand and reach the perfect customers for your business.

Read about our journey towards discovering our "Why", and how you can do it too, in "I Know Why I Do What I Do"!


First, take a look at your marketing. Does it mesh with your "why" and core values? If not, it may be time for a re-brand.

Do your social sites reflect that brand? Everything from the original posts you create, the articles you share, and even the color scheme you use on your sites, should present a cohesive and unique picture of you and your company. If they don't, then it is time for a change!

How about the products and services you offer? Are they inline with your current brand? Do they truly solve your customers' wants and needs? If not, re-evaluate them now!

Remove any that no longer stack up. Re-vamp others that may be a bit behind the times. Doing this will help your company become more exciting and relevant.  


The benefits to your company include:

• Keeping Your Business Fresh and Current
• Helping You Get Past the Slow Times
• Reawakening Your Interest and Passion for Your Business
• Solving a New or Existing Customer's Problems or Needs
• Attracting new Interest in Your Company

Discover more in "Quickest and Easiest Way to Revitalize Your Small Business"!



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While usually celebrated in May, the year 2020 is anything but "usual". Now more than ever we need to voice our strong support and admiration for our nation's Small Businesses! We all must recognize the hardships that this pandemic has caused and marvel at the many creative solutions so many small business owners have employed to keep their businesses going. But we also need to mourn those small businesses that could not survive.