Why Is the Referral Process the Most Powerful Way to Sell?

Without question, selling through referrals is the most powerful way to build your practice; not to mention the most enjoyable. Producers who really love prospecting for business through cold calls are rare birds. My guess is that you're not one of them. In this age of voice mail, increased competition, and everyone being super busy, cold calling has become less effective.

Bob Kerrigan, one of the most successful agents alive, says, "The way of the world is to meet people through other people. And the referral is the warm way we get into their lives."

Each year potential hazards threaten the business community worldwide. Earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, fires, and other disruptive events represent a continuous problem throughout the business community. Many of these threats result in significant exposure to large and small businesses. When business operations are disrupted, companies suffer both tangible and intangible losses.

A FIRE CAN DO MORE THAN JUST DAMAGE YOUR BUILDING Dear (Customer Name): If a serious fire occurred at your ( ), your first thought would probably be for the immediate...

The proper insurance is a crucial element of disaster planning. Adequate insurance will greatly reduce the financial cost...

Independent Agency System carriers that rank high on the Gomez insurance Web site index probably congratulate themselves on their achievement - the result of hard work, creativity, and spending in the nine or ten-digit range. But what if these high-ranking carriers are scoring well in the wrong game?

Suppose Gomez and other Web ranking services have no idea what they’re talking about? What if they base their evaluation criteria on an implicit misunderstanding of the insurance business? What if "winning" means embracing a bankrupt business strategy?

San Diego, CA, February 17, 2016 - Industry veteran, founder and chief executive of Atlas General Insurance Services, LLC ("Atlas"), Bill Trzos has been named in Insurance Business America’s ("IBA") Annual "Hot 100 List" for 2015.

Ten years ago it took $5 million in total agency revenues and about $30 million in Property/Casualty premiums to land on the top 100 agency list. Now an agency needs to have in excess of $10 million in revenues and $60 million in premiums to make the cut. Ten years ago the average independent agency in the country had $250,000 in total revenues with six to seven people. Today the average is close to $600,000 in revenues, also with six to seven people. To use a phrase from Bob Dylan, "the times, they are a changing."

This checklist outlines the major factors an insurance agency and a producer should consider in negotiating an employment agreement. It should not be construed as a specimen contract or agreement but merely a guide for reaching a meeting of the minds over subjects important to both parties. If you are engaged in this kind of negotiation now, use this form to check off these considerations in the blocks provided, as they are agreed upon. Be sure to consult an attorney for assistance in drafting the legal language necessary to implement a formal contract.

Dear (Customer Name): One minute it's day care . . . the next minute, a counseling appointment . . . followed by a session in strategic public relations. You...

Agents who’ve experienced a hard market know that claims are often scrutinized much more closely than they are in a soft market. Unfortunately, circumstances sometimes lead to the denial of claims that are covered regardless of market conditions. This document by the Virtual University faculty provides an example of what you might see more of in the months to come.