It's much easier to assess the financial strength of a carrier in the world of Property and Casualty insurance than in the world of Health insurance. Several organizations have standard rating systems to assess a P/C carrier's strength and financial performance. A broker can quickly compare the financial viability of various P/C carriers using an assigned rating. Brokers usually don't even bother to look at an unrated carrier.

After an automated sales center is up and running, it's up to producers to act on the qualified leads that the sales center coordinator, assistant, and support staff have worked on.

Prospecting is an old term; replace it with "business development."

Business development requires a positive attitude, confidence, and discipline. The business development mind-set can be picked up by anyone who has a desire to step to the front line and just do what must be done. Commit to a business development plan of action, then organize and follow through.

The April 14, 2004 deadline for HIPAA Privacy Rule has come and gone. Confusion still reigns...