williamjones

The Case of the Shopping Swindler

A Whole Foods market opened in my neighborhood, so I popped in to see what all the fuss was about. Within 30 seconds of entering the store, I found myself staring at an ostrich egg big enough to make an omelet that would feed 17 people. I turned to the m

The Devaluation of the Independent Agency

It enters so innocuously—much less vociferously than the cry of “agency disintermediation.” All parties involved have willingly cooperated. They have helped each other under the guise of achieving the Holy Grail of ease of doing business (EDB), while unkn

Miracle Grow

Grow your agency in any market condition.

Now is the Time to Sell Life Insurance

Life Insurance. Everyone needs it. It’s cheaper than ever before. And yet almost no one has enough. Why? Because before now it wasn’t profitable to sell. It’s a well documented that Americans are dangerously underinsured when it comes to life insurance…

Branding Research and Bottom Line Responsibility

New products are the life-blood of most companies’ futures. And, advertising, because of its ability to communicate a consistent brand message over time, is the key brand-building marketing element…

CLG Cross Liability

One of the most common questions received by the Big “I” Virtual University’s “Ask an Expert” service involves how to provide cross liability coverage under the CGL. The question typically arises from a certificate request for the coverage or, more often,

The Case of Noah’s Flood

I don’t follow sports. I don’t follow rules—not even the “I before E except after C” rule. But I do follow the latest trends in men’s footwear. One afternoon, after an ugly incident involving my freshly-polished Bruno Maglis and a freshly-baked sidewalk

Keeping the Independent Agency System Strong

One of the real joys in serving as chairman of the Big “I” is the constant interaction I have with agents throughout the country. From the west coast to the heartland, into the industrial states and down south, I feel I have touched every nook and cranny

Systemic Risk Discussion on Capitol Hill

Consideration of risks to the entire financial services system has risen to the forefront of debate in Washington, especially with the discussion of the American International Group (AIG) and other financial services conglomerates that have been considere

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