24-7 SERVICE PAYS by Pegi Flahault A recent survey indicated that the vast majority of agents surveyed believed their customer base did not want 24/7 service, voice mail, e-mail or anyth...

AGENCY AUTOMATION IN THE 21ST CENTURY by Al Diamond Make your agency management system work for you, your clients - and your carriers. Have you noticed that carriers ...

Almost two years ago, after 10 years of consulting, I accepted a temporary assignment of managing an independent agency that generated 85% of its income from Property/Casualty Lines and 15% from Life, Health, and financial services products.

lsquo;AND KARNACK SAYS hellip; by Diane Herbert and Pamela Millard Take a close look at your capacity and take the steps needed to position your agency for the wild ride ahea...

You've probably received great encouragement-- if not downright pressure-to put your business on the Internet. Whether you already have an Internet presence or are merely contemplating one, you should realize that just having a Web site doesn't guarantee that the people you want to reach will actually see it. You may have hung out your shingle, but the Internet customers you seek might be nowhere in sight.

When a bank buys an insurance agency it's a marriage made in heaven. At least, it seems that way. On the agency side, principals have the opportunity to cash out at a time when values are declining. For those wanting to remain in the business, a bank offers a needed infusion of capital.

BANKS, AGENTS, AND PROFITS by Paige Proctor A recent survey by the IIAA and ABA (American Bankers Association) showed that 70% of bankers and 57% insurance agents think they can operate together and...

BE PREPARED WHEN CHANGING BANKING PARTNERS by Ron Overson Business banking relationships tend to be personal and long-term; they rarely change. However, as your agency grows, its needs change, a...

BUSINESS PLANNING WORKBOOK by Michael Manes Introduction Planning is a commitment to move your organization from where it is to where it needs to be. ...

CLUSTERS - ARE THEY RIGHT FOR YOU? by Val Jordan As an independent agent, you know that it's becoming increasingly difficult to find products and services. Carriers have incr...