Before implementing a telemarketing campaign, several key issues need addressing to be sure your objectives are met.

In this document, Bill Cates tells you why a client-centered approach to seeking referrals is usually more effective than one that’s producer-centered. Instead of saying "I’m building my business and I need your help," you’re saying, "I’m glad you see the value in what we’ve accomplished. Let’s see who else can benefit from this service."

To grow your referral business, follow these 10 steps by Bill Cates.

Electronic document storage is an issue that every agency should address as part of their management process. Steve Anderson offers some ideas to help you stay ahead of the storage curve.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) spent almost five years developing the Model Illustration Regulations currently in use - in one form or another - in most states. The regulations were developed to help the consumer have a better understanding of how Life insurance policies worked, as well as to better differentiate between guaranteed and non-guaranteed elements of a Life insurance policy.

Occupational illnesses suffered by telemarketers have risen from 18% of all illnesses in 1981 to 62% in 1992. You may have heard complaints of stiff or sore necks, backs, hands, wrists, arms, elbows, and shoulders. Or you may have seen an increase in Workers Compensation claims from insureds who have their own telemarketing or call centers.

If you are an entrepreneur, then you know that from the day you started your company you exposed yourself to certain risks.

The old marketplace selection process is futile. There simply aren’t enough carriers to go around, it’s not in the client’s best interests, and it doesn’t allow a firm to differentiate itself. To make matters worse, the average hit ratio is a whopping 15%! Rob Ekern recommends (and explains) the Brokerage Selection Process for developing and retaining revenue.

The prediction is that business intelligence (BI), currently regarded as a specialist technology utilized primarily by experts who work in big companies and organizations, will soon become a valuable mass-market tool.

The difference between closing a sale and losing it rests with the presentation. Whether you’re selling a product or an idea, the ability to present effectively is the difference between acceptance and rejection.

Yet, most Americans would rather die than give a speech. Whatever the facts, the idea of standing in front of an audience ranks far below going to the dentist for most people.