Improved communication has turned us into less adroit communicators. With e-mail, voice-mail, and cell phones, getting the message to another party is so easy that we no longer worry about the content of the message. Poor communications skills translate into lost business. This article by John Graham discusses these consequences and offers guidelines for improving communications.

TARDINESS - WHAT TO DO WITH THE INHERENTLY TARDY? by Al Diamond Although you want everyone to be at work on time, yo...

Many agents tell me they're getting plenty of referrals and don't need to cold-call for new business. If you fall into this category, there's no need to read on. But if you want to grow beyond referral business, cold-call prospecting is a necessary means to that end. Yet there's a more effective (and honorable) way to do it than described above. It's all about your goal and your preparation for the call.

USING THE PHONE by Mary Beth Bolen When your phone rings, you may or may not know who is at the other end of the line; you'll only know for sure if you have a receptionist skilled in the art of...