The Changing Times
By: Brett Nilsson
Every day, I get up and look in the mirror, and it doesn’t take long to notice the change in my appearance. I see less hair and what is left is a much lighter color than years ago.
Unfortunately, these types of changes aren’t reserved just for people. We see numerous advancements in our businesses every day which, if we don’t pay attention, will leave us behind our competitors. Many of us remember when important documents were sent via overnight mail—it wasn’t that long ago. And it was a breath of fresh air when the fax machine, the small apparatus attached to the phone line that copied documents, came along. We quickly gravitated to these fax machines, but have since moved into the era of scanning documents from our computers.
For some of us getting a bit long in the tooth, these are fast moving changes that seem to come quickly and then move even more quickly into the next generation of products. We often sit and wonder what will be next and how will it affect the way that we do business.
Well, once again, one of many benefits you have as a member is that the Big “I” can provide the solution. We are fortunate to have a tremendous coalition of agents and company partners working diligently to ensure members are up to date on the current trends, and provide suggestions on how to keep our agencies postured for the future.
The Agents Council for Technology, commonly known as ACT, is working tirelessly to offer information on how to advance our agencies by providing: instructions on going paperless and upgrading hardware; advice on how to more effectively use agency management systems and information on how to get started using real time interfaces.
The majority of information you will find available on the IIABA Web site is not your typical “techie jargon.”Articles featured on the site are written by agents who are using technology in their offices and making it work to generate more sales and profit.
ACT is working closely with national and regional carriers, agency management system vendors, ACORD and other interested parties who are committed to improving the independent agency distribution system. Improving our business processes helps fulfill our mission as Trusted Choice® agents by improving our ability to provide professional service to our clients 24-7. You will also find that it is important to have and utilize the most current forms of technology, as these are what the young people expect and like to use as they enter into our business field. These are very productive tools that will help them succeed, and at the same time assist our agencies in preparing for the future.
Our clients are increasingly using the Internet to communicate, research and make purchases. Consumers, both young and old, expect to be able to conduct their business transactions online. Agencies implementing the recommendations from ACT are realizing higher customer satisfaction by putting these system features to use—leading to happier and more motivated staff, eliminating backlogs and improving business processes to make more sales and profit.
Review the monthly ACT articles to keep up with the latest developments for independent agents and consider some of the following questions: Does your agency have a Web site? What can you do to create a more productive and helpful Web site? Is there a blog in your future?
As I have suggested before, please check out the Web site, www.independentagent.com. You can easily get your login and password, and in a few minutes be searching the “Member Resources” section and getting all the information you need to improve your agency. ACT provides a tremendous benefit for you as IIABA members, so please take advantage of this resource.
It seems like just yesterday that we were preparing for the problems associated with Y2K. Now we’re nine years into the new century, and technology continues to amaze me with its advancement. But take comfort in knowing the association’s team of experts is here to help—even those of us with gray hair. We are so fortunate to have the resources we do as members of the Big “I”.
We once again thank you for your membership and will continue to work on your behalf every single day!
—Brett Nilsson, Chairman
Unfortunately, these types of changes aren’t reserved just for people. We see numerous advancements in our businesses every day which, if we don’t pay attention, will leave us behind our competitors. Many of us remember when important documents were sent via overnight mail—it wasn’t that long ago. And it was a breath of fresh air when the fax machine, the small apparatus attached to the phone line that copied documents, came along. We quickly gravitated to these fax machines, but have since moved into the era of scanning documents from our computers.
For some of us getting a bit long in the tooth, these are fast moving changes that seem to come quickly and then move even more quickly into the next generation of products. We often sit and wonder what will be next and how will it affect the way that we do business.
Well, once again, one of many benefits you have as a member is that the Big “I” can provide the solution. We are fortunate to have a tremendous coalition of agents and company partners working diligently to ensure members are up to date on the current trends, and provide suggestions on how to keep our agencies postured for the future.
The Agents Council for Technology, commonly known as ACT, is working tirelessly to offer information on how to advance our agencies by providing: instructions on going paperless and upgrading hardware; advice on how to more effectively use agency management systems and information on how to get started using real time interfaces.
The majority of information you will find available on the IIABA Web site is not your typical “techie jargon.”Articles featured on the site are written by agents who are using technology in their offices and making it work to generate more sales and profit.
ACT is working closely with national and regional carriers, agency management system vendors, ACORD and other interested parties who are committed to improving the independent agency distribution system. Improving our business processes helps fulfill our mission as Trusted Choice® agents by improving our ability to provide professional service to our clients 24-7. You will also find that it is important to have and utilize the most current forms of technology, as these are what the young people expect and like to use as they enter into our business field. These are very productive tools that will help them succeed, and at the same time assist our agencies in preparing for the future.
Our clients are increasingly using the Internet to communicate, research and make purchases. Consumers, both young and old, expect to be able to conduct their business transactions online. Agencies implementing the recommendations from ACT are realizing higher customer satisfaction by putting these system features to use—leading to happier and more motivated staff, eliminating backlogs and improving business processes to make more sales and profit.
Review the monthly ACT articles to keep up with the latest developments for independent agents and consider some of the following questions: Does your agency have a Web site? What can you do to create a more productive and helpful Web site? Is there a blog in your future?
As I have suggested before, please check out the Web site, www.independentagent.com. You can easily get your login and password, and in a few minutes be searching the “Member Resources” section and getting all the information you need to improve your agency. ACT provides a tremendous benefit for you as IIABA members, so please take advantage of this resource.
It seems like just yesterday that we were preparing for the problems associated with Y2K. Now we’re nine years into the new century, and technology continues to amaze me with its advancement. But take comfort in knowing the association’s team of experts is here to help—even those of us with gray hair. We are so fortunate to have the resources we do as members of the Big “I”.
We once again thank you for your membership and will continue to work on your behalf every single day!
—Brett Nilsson, Chairman
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