Regardless of the obstacles independent agents face in today’s market, there has never been a better time to sell personal lines. While the perception is that, with the economy struggling, consumers are tempted to “save” money by reducing their premiums,

In a few weeks, more than a thousand independent insurance agents and brokers will board trains, planes and automobiles headed to Washington, D.C., for the annual Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention, March 3–5.On March 4 they will spread out to hu

In the lives of agents and agencies, there is often a moment or an event that defines who we are. This moment may be a subtle culmination of years of experiences, or it may come in one unforgettable event. Those events help to define how we serve our cust

All too often, agents are asked by third parties to sign an “agent affidavit” attesting that an insured’s insurance program complies with a contract the insured has signed with that party. Chances are your customers have no idea of the difference between

By: Volume 106, No. 11

Developing a perpetuation plan eliminates exit strategy guess work and protects agency value.

Twenty-two years ago when I entered the insurance world, I couldn’t fathom buying insurance from a bank or the Internet. In fact, I’m not sure the word Internet even existed. Banks were a place to deposit and withdraw money, and get loans. Boy, have the t

The last few months have been a whirlwind of activity on political issues involving the insurance industry. President Barack Obama’s administration has proposed huge changes to the financial services sector, and Congress has debated and deliberated on eve

What people don’t know about me is that I have a keen fashion sense. I always dress to impress; unfortunately my impressionable duds are often hidden beneath my trademarked trench coat. I’ve startled many women by flinging open my trench to show them the

Companies want to achieve results when embarking on a branding, marketing or advertising campaign—especially in today’s rough economic climate. But, creating the “it” factor that draws customers in while remaining cost-effective requires a highly strategi