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... x No Thanks Loading.. Agency Perpetuation: Agents Must Go Back To The Drawing Board 4/30/2013 by CompleteMarkets Editor , Brian Burke This content has not been rated yet. I would venture to say that 80% of the agencies represented by the readers of this column could really benefit from thorough perpetuation planning- either through a new plan from scratch or a major tune-up. And of the remaining 20%, most would benefit somewhat. Why, you might ask, should so many need so much on a subject that's been around for so long? Three reasons. First, independent agencies are dynamic organizations in a dynamic business world. The need for occasional course corrections and tune-ups would be the normal state of affairs even if most agencies had excelled at perpetuation planning. Second ... . Just when the private passenger auto market seems to have stabilized in most regions (apologies to our friends in southern California), now homeowners looks like a troubled line. And not only in windprone areas. Can we really continue to give that much coverage for a few hundred bucks? A little price firming in this line would not be unwelcome news to most agencies if it were smooth and stable. How likely is that? Even if it were to be smooth on an industry-wide basis, the way many agencies have been paring down their Personal Lines carrier base, it could be highly unstable for individual firms. Our system is becoming less and less diversified. So for all these reasons, I believe that the vast majority of independent agencies could benefit by a major review of perpetuation plans ...

... and extended hours of uninterrupted terminal time. Flicker can also be a significant cause of eye fatigue among computer users. Most cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors repaint the screen 60 times per second (or 60 Hz) which is generally considered the minimum acceptable refresh rate. Many users argue that even this level produces a noticeable flicker that contributes to eyestrain. For this reason, most new video boards and monitors support at least 70-Hz refresh rates. If monitor flicker bothers you, check the specs on your monitor and graphics board. They may already be able to do 70 Hz or better, and a simple setup change can produce a more stable image. Otherwise, consider upgrading to a graphics board and monitor that support higher refresh rates. Fortunately, current research indicates that most VDT-related vision ... are short-term and can be alleviated or reduced by a change in work habits and office setup. Optometrists and others also recommend routine eye examinations for anyone who uses a computer regularly. When possible, see an eye specialist who is familiar with VDT-related problems, and make sure you provide your doctor with a detailed description of your job and your work environment. Often, something as simple as changing the position of your monitor or reducing office lighting can go a long way toward alleviating VDT-related vision problems. In extreme cases (as with many types of long-term close-up work) extended VDT use can bring on myopia or nearsightedness, which can be helped only with prescription lenses. Bifocal wearers often suffer neck strain or backaches at terminals because their glasses are usually designed for a distance and angle of vision incompatible ...