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... everything. Some time ago, I read an article predicting that independent insurance agencies would be gone in 10 years. I doubt that, but I do believe many fewer independent agencies will exist a decade from now, especially smaller agencies, because bigger agencies and banks will offer more products, probably at better prices, than many small agencies will be able to offer. In recent years, independent hardware stores have faced a similar challenge from large stores offering more merchandise, often at lower prices. Two such stores have successfully competed against their huge invaders, setting a great example for independent insurance agencies. Independent hardware store A probably has 1/20th the floor space, stock, and selection of the competition. However, there's plenty of variety among the items they carry. For example, ... carry parts for every sink manufacturer. So even though I can't buy a sink at Store A, I can find the parts to fix any sink. More importantly, someone is always available to tell me how to do the repair and help me get the right part the first time. Store A's price is sometimes a nickel or two higher than the competition's, but the free advice and help are worth it. Store A never lost sales when the big hardware store opened. They have the same customers as the big store-and they keep them by offering better service related to a limited number of products, which people continue to buy from Store A. Store A does what it does best rather than try to sell anything and everything like the big store. I'm always amazed that such a ...

...er. In recent years, independent hardware stores have faced a similar challen...mething special like the two small hardware stores. Offer better service related to a...

... PR Newsletters Employees Articles Blog Photos Group Connections Reviews IMMS Library Immerse yourself in our stacks. Take some time and browse through our library. We have thousands of articles, checklists, tip sheets, sales letters, and more! Communications Marketing Customer Service Planning Finance/Accounting Risk Management Human Resources Selling Legal and E&O Technology Life/Financial Services Glossaries Management Resources & Links Categories Popular Recent All hardware store Articles tagged with hardware store Back A Bright Future For Small Agencies This content has not been rated yet. CompleteMarkets Editor , Chris Burand 4/30/2013 12:00:00 AM A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR SMALL AGENCIES by Chris Burand Independent agencies, even small ones, definitely have a bright future. Offer better service related to a specific product or offe.. All Articles by CompleteMarkets ... Comments (0 ) E&O Exposures In Insuring Your Neighborhood Tavern This content has not been rated yet. CompleteMarkets Editor , Curtis Pearsall 4/30/2013 10:44:08 PM E&O EXPOSURES IN INSURING YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD TAVERN by Curtis Pearsall Although many towns might not have a hardware store or a dry cleaner, chances are theres a tavern in your nei.. All Articles by CompleteMarkets Editor Comments (0 ) Employees Should Be Your First Clients This content has not been rated yet. Jack Burke 4/30/2013 12:00:00 AM EMPLOYEES SHOULD BE YOUR FIRST CLIENTS by Jack Burke Businesses spend billions of dollars every year to attract and retain clients. On a daily basis, owners and managers shout, Wha.. All Articles by Jack Burke Comments (0 ...

...s 'think different.' Restoration Hardware has built its success by engaging cu... notice, companies like Restoration Hardware and Harley-Davidson never talk ab...

... Deactivate Cancel Loading.. About Us Services Jobs PR Newsletters Employees Articles Blog Photos Group Connections Reviews Member Content Member Content - Content Package Categories Popular Recent All Back Planning for Obsolete Media 7/20/2018 12:00:00 AM by CompleteMarkets Editor , steve anderson This content has not been rated yet. While doing some spring-cleaning in my office recently, I found a few boxes of old computer hardware and software. Like many of you who have a closet in your agency where you stuff things that you can't bring yourself to throw out, my boxes are filled with old equipment that once was very important. Many of the items are various types and brands of backup devices. That got me thinking about how agencies need to archive information so that it can be retrieved. Let me give ... a few examples. I used to use an Iomega Zip drive with 100 MB and 250 MB Zip disks for backup. But I can't pull a file off one of those old disks now. In the last agency I worked for, the original software we used to store our scanned documents was called PageKeeper. This program stored scanned images in a proprietary format that required the program in order to view any documents. However, the company that made the program stopped updating it. What happens to those images if the agency needs to retrieve them now? In truth, all media eventually becomes obsolete; it just seems that some die faster than others. What's going to happen to the CD-ROMs and the DVD-Rs that we're using to archive our precious data, such as our digital photos? Are ...

...IC's 50-51), Building Materials, Hardware, Garden Supply and Mobile Home Dealers (SIC 52); General Merchandise Stores (SIC 53); Food Stores (SIC 54); Hotels, Rooming Houses, Cam...e Stations 56 Apparel and Accessory Stores 57 Furniture, Home Furnishings and Equipment Stores 58 Eating and Drinking Places 59...

... stability and security. If you present the agency as a desirable place to do business, you'll also be able to present the benefits of the protection plans you offer. 3. Know about your area and be happy to offer a warm welcome. (When my husband and I recently moved to an area about 20 miles from the city, the local drug store, three grocery stores, the hardware store, and even an optometrist sent us welcome' kits or letters-we didn't hear from a single insurance agent, independent or otherwise!) Offer a map or small welcome gift, such as a keychain or a calendar of community events, with your agency's name and telephone number on it. 4. Before automatically responding to a request for a quote, take a few minutes to learn about ... are. Give them a feeling of stability and security. If you present the agency as a desirable place to do business, you'll also be able to present the benefits of the protection plans you offer. 3. Know about your area and be happy to offer a warm welcome. (When my husband and I recently moved to an area about 20 miles from the city, the local drug store, three grocery stores, the hardware store, and even an optometrist sent us welcome' kits or letters-we didn't hear from a single insurance agent, independent or otherwise!) Offer a map or small welcome gift, such as a keychain or a calendar of community events, with your agency's name and telephone number on it. 4. Before automatically responding to a request for a quote, ...

...ing firms were the first to drop hardware because of paper-thin margins. Next it will be the stores. Whether it's for computers or airlin...

...ound a few boxes of old computer hardware and software. Like many of you who h...

...aternal Clubs   P. 10 -- Hardware Dealers   Q. 5 -- Drug Store...OTE: Restaurants, funeral homes and hardware stores are prime accounts for placement w...