Communications

The virtual office concept, also known as telecommuting or a mobile office, emerged as the American work force shifted from physical labor to knowledge-based work. Workers who create or manipulate information can generally perform anywhere there is a telephone, desk, chair, and computer. Technology enables the knowledge-based worker's office to be portable.

An online data room is a secure area where business people can access and review sensitive information. Insurance companies use virtual data rooms to coordinate with brokers, underwriters, and other consultants on the transfer of property and casualty claims.

When it comes to marketing, the insurance industry can face a lot of challenges. The landscape of the insurance business has undergone several changes in the past couple of decades. These changes are mostly due to the rise in internet startups selling insurance.

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.

Before implementing a telemarketing campaign, several key issues need addressing to be sure your objectives are met.

Are you a trained or an untrained listener? Do you know the difference? This quiz by Lynn Thomas, based on her one-day workshop "Communication: The Essential Ingredient to Success," will help you to refine your listening skills.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) spent almost five years developing the Model Illustration Regulations currently in use - in one form or another - in most states. The regulations were developed to help the consumer have a better understanding of how Life insurance policies worked, as well as to better differentiate between guaranteed and non-guaranteed elements of a Life insurance policy.

It's amazing to think that the first commercial radio station didn't go on the air until 1920 -- KDKA in Pittsburgh for trivia buffs. From that modest beginning, radio has grown to be a ubiquitous presence in our lives.

It wakes you up in the morning and gives you the news. You get in the car, and you probably turn on the radio. It goes to the beach, the ballpark, and the office. It gives everything from "heavy metal" to talk shows to Bach.

Often, there's more risk in customer service when the answer to our concerns is yes. Can you...

X-dating is the name of the game. If you anticipate to grow; if you expect to even maintain last year's volume in this price cutting market; then you'd better believe X-dating is a must.

Expiration Date! Renewal Date! Anniversary Date! Call it whatever you wish. But without a pocket full of X-dates, you are "whistling Dixie" while some direct writer or, even worse, your fellow association contemporary, is marching off with your share of the market.