Viewpoints

New technologies, in combination with cloud-based management software, give many agents a leg up on the competition. Take these considerations into account before investing in the latest IT.

As the owner of a pet-sitting business, Kimberly Bass finds she can relate to her commercial lines clients and form relationships in ways other agents can’t.

Ashe Abebe struggled to find a job when he graduated college in the middle of the recession. After delivering furniture for a year, he turned to Craigslist to look for something different—and embarked on a new career in insurance.

According to a recent report, by the end of this decade, Social Security and Medicare will start spending more than they receive in tax revenues. Helping your clients save for retirement is more important than ever.

Do today’s customers require a physical location to fulfill their insurance needs? Or do they prefer an agency that takes care of all its business digitally?

The options for your marketing strategy are endless. To feel a sense of accomplishment, choose four—and commit to them regularly.

Encourage recent graduates entering the workforce to assess employer disability benefits packages.

Independent agents witness the decline of discretionary income firsthand. As insurers increase rates, help clients choose the best coverage for their financial situations.

Everyone knows historically low interest rates—which have had a profound impact on the independent agency channel—cannot last forever.

Because clients and prospects are busy, summer is a difficult time to generate new sales. Keep insurance relevant this season by asking questions about exposures that go hand in hand with summer activities.