AGENCY VALUE: NO SIMPLE ANSWERS by Al Diamond How much is your agency worth? That depends on a number of factors. Whats my agency worth? Were asked tha...

CATASTROPHE PLANNING: IS YOUR AGENCY REALLY PREPARED? by Grace Bauer After talking to a number of agents, I've learned that only 10% of agencies are truly prepared for a catastrophe! Sur...

COMMERCIAL AND PERSONAL LINES PROSPECTING LETTER Dear (Customer Name), I'm dropping you a simple note today to say one simple thing: WE WANT YOUR BUSINESS!! And that we're more than willing to g...

DEVELOP A LEGAL FEE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY BEFORE YOU NEED IT by John Beringer In a significant majority of lawsuits, legal fees outweigh t...

EVALUATIONS AND COMPENSATION by Al Diamond When you mention employee evaluations in most insurance agencies, the owners begin to fidget, admitting that they do them spora...

We've all heard of the wondrous salesperson who can sell sand in Arabia or refrigerators in Antarctica. But actually finding one for your business can be as hard to do as-well, selling sand in Arabia or refrigerators in Antarctica!

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.'

HELLO, DOLLY: MOVING BEYOND OLD PARADIGMS by Michael Manes The announcement of the cloning of a sheep several years ago created quite a controversy. The possibility of cloning peopl...

Most people do not look forward to planning the distribution of assets upon their death. However, it is a task that all of us must face. And, that’s where trusts enter the estate-planning arena. A trust is simply an arrangement whereby one person holds legal title to an asset and manages it for the benefit of another. In one form or another, it may be used in personal financial planning.

HOW YOU CAN AVOID REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURIES by Janice M. Horowitz People who use their hands for a living should be on the alert for pain, numbness and other unusual sensations. These symptom...