FIVE STEPS TO HIRING SUCCESS by Don Phin Many business owners struggle with the problem of hiring employees who care about the company. You can achieve this goal by following five ...

FRAMEWORK FOR AGENCY SUCCESS by Patty Vaughn Planning agency success is a learning experience. Sharing ideas, taking advantage of opportunities, and tapping untapped resources, with the help of ...

FRAMEWORK FOR AGENCY SUCCESS by Patty Vaughn NEW BEGINNINGS I'm not quite sure why, but for me, fall is the time of year that signals new beginnings. Maybe it's because students are...

GOOD COMPENSATION PLANS ATTRACT GOOD PEOPLE by Mark Shlien Many agencies have had to change their approach to compensation during the recession. Faced with declining revenues and profits,...

GETTING IT STRAIGHT
Marketing may be second nature in large companies, but smaller firms tend to have a tough time implementing, managing, and monitoring an effective marketing strategy. The title of 'marketing director' is often conferred on the person designated to answer requests for sales literature, or the title is added as an afterthought to the role of the sales manager who thinks that marketing is just an alternative spelling of 'sales.'

HOW DO YOU ENSURE THAT TRAINING WORKS? by Monica Woldring Insurance agents today all spend time and money on training staff. The training may take place on the job or in seminars and courses. W...

According to Dr. Rollin Glaser, a specific formula can be followed to improve employee performance. It affects five basic areas:
Goal setting
Delegating
Training and development
Coaching and counseling
Performance appraisal interviewing
Having litigated performance issues for the past 15 years, I can tell you that Glaser is right on the money. Let me touch on what he has to say about each of these subjects.

There’s no time better than the beginning of the year to set some fiscal goals and create a plan for improving your financial situation. You are probably ready for a brand new beginning and the thought of sticking to a budget after the holiday spending spree might sound a little more appealing than it would at any other time of year. Here is a step-by-step guide to create some annual goals as well as a financial plan that will help usher in a whole new financial foundation for you and your family.

IF PRODUCERS COULD PRODUCE By Chris Burand How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? Or for agencies, how much production could a producer produce if a produc...

IMPROVING AGENCY MORALE: ARE YOUR EMPLOYEES TRULY HAPPY? by Grace Bauer Are your employees truly happy? If you answered 'yes,' think again! After working in various positions from secre...