A NEW LOOK AT INSURANCE AGENCY VALUATION by Carol Hammes Its becoming increasingly important for agents to recognize that having a complete, professionally prepared appraisal won&...

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.

CHECKLIST OF CONSIDERATIONS IN NEGOTIATING A PRODUCER/AGENCY AGREEMENT This checklist outlines the major factors an insurance agency and a producer should consider in negotiating a...

CONTRACTORS - A DIFFICULT INDUSTRY Dear (Customer Name): Yours is a difficult industry. We at (Your Agency Name) know because we've been insuring general contractors for ( ) years. We also know yo...

CONTRACTORS PRE-APPROACH Dear (Customer Name), Speed is the name of the game in your business, and many contractors simply don't have time to learn a great deal about their insurance programs. Unl...

SIXTEEN WAYS TO SURVIVE A RECESSION AND BUILD YOUR SALES by Patricia Berry Managers who approach tough economic times with a get-down-to-the-essentials attitude come out of a r...

With summer approaching, the lull in autumn's new business results can't be far behind. September, October, and November are the weakest months for revenue and sales for a majority of agencies. Theories abound as to the reason, but probably it's because too many producers take the summer off from new account prospecting, or they spend their time continuing to round existing accounts. Sunshine, golf courses, and family take priority, and little new business is set up to be written in the fall.

TERRORIST ATTACK! by Doug Henderson One of the most interesting and challenging disaster simulation exercises is the Terrorist Attack scenario. Immediate disaster response e...

Testing your disaster plan is about the only way to ensure that the plan is complete, accurate, functional, and up to date. Testing will also...

WORKING HARDER? MAKING LESS? by Jon Persky During the past few years, many agency owners have been saying, Im working harder than I ever have, but making less money. ...