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...

BEING ASSUMPTIVE WITH REFERRALS CAN HELP OR HURT! by Bill Cates There are times when being assumptive in the sales and referral process can help you help your clients. there are also tim...

EXCELLENT SERVICE IS MORE THAN A STATE OF MIND by E. Al Diamond When asked, 'What is your greatest strength?' most insurance agents will answer 'Excellent service.' Yet if all the age...

In a recent edition of The National Underwriter, Editor Sam Friedman recommended that risk managers begin to explore the capabilities of sophisticated regional and local brokerages. This recommendation was based on recent broker megamergers and the growing lack of choice available to buyers.

For an independent agency or brokerage to take advantage of this opportunity, it should adopt the consultative brokerage style. In particular, its managers must learn the techniques that these sophisticated buyers have come to expect. The stewardship report and the executive summary are two techniques that firms must master to be successful in large accounts.