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...; The “surf and turf” special was ribs and catfish rather... discussing the continuing education program for the evening. Lynn wa...

... Phoenix-based e-learning company specializing in Web based business management and compliance education, uses streaming audio and creative ...

...ting is part of the program- with special attention to the consequences of tes...isory training program, an employee education and awareness program, and an em...

... showing the public how an insurance policy is constructed. Insurance professionals know that every policy is an aggregation of forms that when combined make up a contract that promises to do certain things. Insurance companies have the option of adding or omitting certain forms that can change the obligations in the contract. Therefore, what might on the surface look like a mass-produced product (contract) can actually be a very specialized, specifically worded document. And if it's specialized, it's not a commodity. By not requiring a higher level of training and education to sell insurance, the industry contributes to the perception of their products as commodities. Less scrupulous agents might try to convince buyers that the products are all the same and that they should base their purchase solely on price. As long as a claim doesn't occur ... the insured is convinced that the uneducated agent is right. There are numerous instances where insureds buy coverage based solely on price, only to suffer an uncovered loss that could've been covered if only they'd paid a little more. That's why E&O carriers exist. The underlying problem is greed. Greed is why companies try to cut costs by selling their products over the Internet or by phone. Greed is why some agents will sell a stripped down product that doesn't provide the best coverage for the insured's needs. Greed is why an insured will buy the cheapest policy. Education is the answer. We have a responsibility to educate the insurance buying public, one at a time, as they come in to talk to us. But as long as there's somebody on the next corner who has ...

... showing the public how an insurance policy is constructed. Insurance professionals know that every policy is an aggregation of forms that when combined make up a contract that promises to do certain things. Insurance companies have the option of adding or omitting certain forms that can change the obligations in the contract. Therefore, what might on the surface look like a mass-produced product (contract) can actually be a very specialized, specifically worded document. And if it's specialized, it's not a commodity. By not requiring a higher level of training and education to sell insurance, the industry contributes to the perception of their products as commodities. Less scrupulous agents might try to convince buyers that the products are all the same and that they should base their purchase solely on price. As long as a claim doesn't occur ... the insured is convinced that the uneducated agent is right. There are numerous instances where insureds buy coverage based solely on price, only to suffer an uncovered loss that could've been covered if only they'd paid a little more. That's why E&O carriers exist. The underlying problem is greed. Greed is why companies try to cut costs by selling their products over the Internet or by phone. Greed is why some agents will sell a stripped down product that doesn't provide the best coverage for the insured's needs. Greed is why an insured will buy the cheapest policy. Education is the answer. We have a responsibility to educate the insurance buying public, one at a time, as they come in to talk to us. But as long as there's somebody on the next corner who has ...

... on the coverages for which the employee will be responsible, variations among the policies issued by the companies you represent, and general insurance education. Other areas of focus should include proper use of the agency management system (your computer system and software); Errors and Omissions, binding authorities, agency operating standards (dress, breaks and lunch, dos and don'ts, etc.); and the special responsibilities of their job. GIVE THE NEW EMPLOYEE A DETAILED PROCEDURES MANUAL Even better, store this manual on your network so that the employee can study and reference the material at any time. You do have a written Procedures Manual, don't you? If not, you'll find a great one at http://www.jackfries.com/product.htm . Finally, schedule regular follow ups with the new employee ... an excellent one at http://www.jackfries.com/product.htm . DON'T PANIC HIRE As Roger Sitkins says, "Don't use the mirror test" (if a job candidate can fog a mirror, they're hired) . Make a detailed list of the type of person you want for the position, and make it non negotiable. The position standard should include such elements as communications skills, experience, education, appearance, etc. Don't settle for second best. The high cost of training a new employee should only be invested in the right person. CREATE A TRAINING MATRIX This should include basic items for all employees, together with specific standards for the job of each worker. Their educational matrix should include the basics: When is the training to take place, who is to train the worker ...

...ricans, a certain charity holds a special spot in their hearts. Many might he...nce. Some agencies and carriers have special sections dealing only with charit...

...g consulting assignments, and (3) specialists in such risk management-related ... routine administration. Continuing education should form part of every consul...

...Remember to make the caller feel 'special,' because they are special. The attitude you give is usually th... Jones, can speak with you;' or 'Our specialist, Miss Smith, can help you.' Le...

... of our people.' Isn’t that special? Again, what does it really mean? ...onal Society of Agents for Consumer Education. The result? More than 9,000 Per...