In the realm of technology, Don Tapscott, keynote speaker for ACORD Technology Conference '97, holds the crystal ball. His book, The Digital Economy, has influenced the direction of automation in the corporate world. Excerpts from an interview with Tapscott, published in In ACORD magazine, follow.

Today we are witnessing the early, turbulent days of a revolution as significant as any other in human history. A new medium of human communications is emerging, one that may prove to surpass all previous revolutions, including the printing press, telephone, television, computer, in its impact on our economic and social life.

THE FUTURE OF COMMERCIAL LINES FOR THE INDEPENDENT AGENCY by Brian Burke If two issues of Burke Ink in the last two years can be devoted to the future of Personal Lines, then we ow...

We all know the value that cross-selling brings to agencies. According to industry statistics, profit margins on the second sale are two to three times higher than the first and retention is 60% higher. Yet the average independent agency’s number of policies per customer hasn’t changed in 20 years. How can such a vital, well-publicized goal remain so elusive for so long? It’s as if we all know how to become millionaires but ignore the facts. The truth is that cross-selling is a complex process that can fail for a number of reasons.

When it comes to marketing, all too many agents are sinners. Many agents focus on the single client or prospect...

In your handyman business, you may fix a deck one day and repair a roof the next. While fulfilling, your career also includes numerous risks. Be sure you purchase the right insurance coverage to protect your business.

The high-hazard workers’ compensation program powered by Pride Risk can provide a viable solution for any client that is having trouble finding affordable workers’ compensation coverage—regardless of industry. However, some businesses have inherently high risks due to the nature of their work, and specific governing codes can indicate that a company will need a specialized workers’ comp solution.

Let Pride Risk be your solution for these difficult cases. You’ll be able to deliver immediate savings and long-term financial stability for your clients with a program that is designed to fit their specific risk management and financial objectives.

In this document, Bill Cates tells you why a client-centered approach to seeking referrals is usually more effective than one that’s producer-centered. Instead of saying "I’m building my business and I need your help," you’re saying, "I’m glad you see the value in what we’ve accomplished. Let’s see who else can benefit from this service."

Most business owners would agree that it’s important to maintain insurance to protect business assets. When they think about insurance, business owners generally consider protection against hazards such as fire, flood or theft at their company sites. This is obviously an important protection to have. However, there are other types of hazards that may not be quite as high on the list, but protection could be every bit as important to offset significant financial losses.

Teaching martial arts is a way for you to share your skills with students of all ages as you equip them to protect themselves. Whether you own your own martial arts school or teach martial arts as an independent contractor, understand Workers' Compensation for martial arts instructors. It protects you and your assets.

WORKING YOUR PLAN FOR RENEWALS by Mary Beth Bolen Remember when 'renew same' or 'renew as is' with your initials written on the copy of a declarations page were acceptable directives for a...