DOS AND DONTS: ADVERTISING IN AN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN by Richard Barry Advertisers reactions to negative economic circumstances vary; some increase their bud...

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.'

Six questions every company should consider in their hiring process.
Companies today face the same daunting problem that confounds so many job seekers: The high hurdle of transferable experience.
Whether it’s an individual attempting to get a job or a company trying to break into a new market, both face the difficulty of having someone recognize the value of their knowledge and experience, even though these qualities might not be directly related to a new field or industry. Although applicants offer experience, a proven track record, and skills that are an ideal match for a particular position, they’re passed over. Why? The individual has worked in a different field.

HOW GOOD IS YOUR COMPETITION? A Competitive Position Analysis Agencies can benefit from comparing themselves to their closest competitors: other independent agents, direct writers, even b...

INTERNET SALES: VALUE TRUMPS PRICE by Steve Anderson I regularly read and follow a number of blogs written by people outside the insurance industry. Seth Godin is one of those people. He ...

LOOK CLOSELY AT THE CORPORATE IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM by Richard Barry There are plenty of good and bad ideas that will dictate the direction of a corporate identification p...

LOVE THEM OR LOSE THEM: CUSTOMER RETENTION IN ACTION! by Lynn Thomas Here's the bottom line for retaining customers: You have just one choice -- Love your customers or lose them. Peri...

Where's your business headed this year? This article by John Graham offers recommendations on setting your priorities.

If we listen to half the politicians, everything will be coming up profits this year. They tell us to stop worrying about the economy. We're heading towards a new sunrise, they say. The other politicians paint a darker and far less optimistic picture. Where does that leave us? What are we to believe in 2004?

MARKETING IS A BATTLE OF PERCEPTION - HAVE YOU LOST? by Chris Burand An agent asked me the other day how h...

SELECTIVE CLAIMS SERVICE? by Jack Burke Relationship marketing includes caring that your clients claim is handled properly and that the 'other party' is properly taken ...