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... x No Thanks Loading.. System Utilization: Your Return On Investment 4/30/2013 by CompleteMarkets Editor , Tripp Leach This content has not been rated yet. SYSTEM UTILIZATION &# 160WHAT'S YOUR RETURN ON INVESTMENT? by Tripp Leach Are you getting your money's worth? Yes, you know you're getting value from your Agency Management System (AMS) . But do you really know how much of the system's capability your agency is using? You probably know the Return on Investment (ROI) on your last stock or mutual fund, but what about the ROI on your AMS? Does it really matter? Many agents don't know the answer to these questions; in many cases, they've never given it any thought. They dutifully bought a system because it was the right thing to do. Then they immediately turned it over to their bookkeeper or accounting department (since computers were for number crunchers') and blissfully went about the business of selling and servicing. Today, most agencies have a comprehensive automation system. They also have a high degree of automation knowledge, but are still not what you would call techies. For the most part, they have no idea if they're using their system to anywhere near its full capability. The Agency Management System Utilization Survey that follows will allow you to measure your system usage and then take action to improve it. Although neither a complete survey of every possible function in every major agency management system, nor a measure of every type of software available to agents and brokers, the survey will open your eyes to forgotten uses of your AMS ...

... of water, natural gas and other utilities Flooding emergencies Severe... Primary shut-off locations for utilities The preceding information is u...

... severity) The Magnitude III loss is one in which the actual survival of the organization is at stake. For example: major earthquake or catastrophic accident affecting the facilities, operation or staff. Such disasters could result in casualties, destruction of property as well as the loss of computer and communications facilities and critically important records. Magnitude III losses would be beyond the point of recovery for the typical organization. Fortunately, the chances of a Magnitude III loss occurring are remote. 4.5 Magnitude Assessment Schedule In a simplistic approach it is important to rank the major exposures with respect to their magnitude category. This may be simply accomplished with a schedule identifying the various exposures in a method of evaluating the categories. The classifications may then be modified due to unique protection features and/or serious complications. In utilizing a schedule approach for crisis exposure assessment, the preceding chart provides the desired magnitude ranking system. The initial column identifies the various exposures such as earthquake, fire, structural collapse, products liability, completed operations or a stockholders' class action suit. The magnitude ranking is based on the severity of the exposure, the impact on business operations and the extent of insurance for the exposure. The magnitude could be modified if there is insurance coverage with very high limits or extensive contingency plans with many options in the event of a crisis. The modification might be of an adverse nature due to a very cyclical business operation in a short season, the impact of a fire would be substantially increased. The last column is simply for remarks in order to maintain a record of any situation that is ...

...esources among businesses, vital utilities, emergency services, and government...ining. Disaster planners from major utilities target ways to help businesses r...

... has provided some efficiencies, it required little management effort because agents basically were doing the same work the same way they always had. Although agency back-office operations still perform the same functions, the simple act of invoicing is the foundation of nearly all agency statistical information and reporting. To see why, consider what information a single new business invoice provides and its potential impact. Besides automatically creating the accounts receivable, agency commission income, company-payable and producer-payable records, the invoice also: Provides a numerical account of the number of new business transactions. Gives gross premium and commission income dollars of new business transactions. Uses the numerical count and gross premium and commission income dollars to develop averages for new business transactions for the agency, producer, contact, company, line of business, etc. Utilizes a source of business code or indicator to record the source of all new business produced. Employs the source of business information to measure the effectiveness of advertising and marketing programs and make the appropriate adjustments. That's just the beginning. With the information from all invoices stored in the agency management system, A/ISystem managers can: Allocate accounts evenly among CSRs based on the number and type of transactions, differentiating between direct and agency bill, standard and non-standard policy types, lines of business, gross premium, and agency commission income. Track book of business splits among companies and average premium and commissions by transaction. Rank customers by gross premium, agency commission received, producer commission paid, net commission income, and transaction averages. Given the tremendous amount of information available from the simple act ...

... . The ideal computer system will assist the agency with increasing revenues while it enhances the retention rates of accounts, company relationships, and employees. When combined with the increased levels of productivity, it's clear that the proper and effective implementation of automated systems can have a tremendous impact on the agency's bottom line. It's therefore a total mystery why so many agency owners are failing to take full advantage of the automated systems in which they've invested. This lack of total commitment can manifest itself in various ways. One of the worst decisions that's often made is to exclude agency principals and/or producers from having to use the system to obtain policy information, prepare correspondence, and communicate with others inside and outside of the office. Another common mistake is to take the training process too lightly. Effective utilization of the system is a process, and making sure that everyone knows how to use the basic programs and the upgrades is an ongoing and often full-time job. Trying to get by with the bookkeeper as a part-time systems coordinator/trainer is tantamount to shooting yourself in the foot. Rather than running at full speed, the agency and its systems implementation process will merely limp along. A third common error is to plug the system into the existing set of manual procedures without taking the time to re-evaluate the way every single function is being handled. Automation has an impact on virtually every agency process. Failure to acknowledge that fact will result in duplication and an increased chance for mistakes that then must be corrected. The balance of this article presents productivity measurements for the average agency. Firms that ...

... every day? Now it is possible to work with an EA that works for you the way you want it to. A personalized EA can be achieved with the help of a forex EA builder . Let's discuss the benefits and drawbacks of a standard forex EA builder. It is a relatively new way to experience automated forex trading in which a trader's work is almost done through a couple of clicks. A well-made forex EA builder has the potential to bring your trading strategies come to life. It runs on an automated system combined with user-preferred indicators and strategies to bring unparalleled results after each trade. Many online platforms provide a forex EA builder of your choice without having to hire a programmer. The internet is saturated with vast knowledge about how easily forex EA builders work and how they should be utilized to open a window of opportunities. Advantages of a Forex EA Builder: Not only EA builders are extremely rewarding for traders but there are many unexpected benefits to using them for forex trading. As mentioned earlier, a forex EA builder is preferred for being incredibly customizable. It is an automated idea turned into a forex EA that executes certain pre-determined tasks with absolute perfection every single time. Being custom means, one could add an indicator or a trading strategy that they find appropriate. It is easy-to-use software which is specifically made to be utilized by all those who do not possess programming skills but require next-level automated forex trading solution. People simply visit a provider they prefer and visit their site to begin the process of building a functioning forex EA builder fit for their requirements. Usually, when ...

...ervices with phone companies and utilities BE AWARE Th...ompanies, phone companies and other utilities, and banks and other lenders. ...

... x No Thanks Loading.. How To Deal With A Wholesaler 4/30/2013 by CompleteMarkets Editor , Ed Bordenave This content has not been rated yet. In today's world of complex and ever-changing exposures, one of your most important allies is an Excess and Surplus (E &S ) lines broker you can depend on to obtain coverage quickly for difficult exposures and risks. This broker should be considered an extension of your marketing department and a partner in risk placement. Utilizing this wholesaler properly will result in better service for your customers because they'll be offered products that may not be available in the standard market. At the same time, your bottom line should show healthier revenues from accounts you might not otherwise write. In the following article, we will discuss how to deal with a wholesaler effectively. We will cover what wholesalers are, why and how to utilize them, and criteria to select those wholesalers with whom you choose to do business. What Is A Wholesaler? First of all, let's discuss terminology. E&S brokers also are referred to as wholesalers, managing general agents (MGAs), or a host of other things depending on the job they did on your last account. Regardless of the term used, the job is basically the same: to find difficult-to-obtain coverages at the best terms and conditions currently available in the marketplace. A wholesale broker can operate as a broker and an MGA. When operating as a broker, the wholesaler performs the same functions you would when marketing an account. After gathering information, an application is completed and presented to ...

... Have 5 additional attorneys referring business Have 5 CPA's referring business Have 3 referrals from each client Target clients with household incomes $40,000+ Roundouts with the department and with other departments Producers (Increase in production staff) Customer Service: 24-Hour Claims Service Immediate Quotes Every customer treated with the same superior quality Social Commitments: Safety Education Profitability: net profit before taxes EMPLOYEE BENEFITS MISSION We are a benefits company, providing expert claims administration, plan designing consulting in all areas of individual and group benefits. We enhance the position of Cannon, Powell & Duggan in client base, profitability, and marketshare VISION We enhance the quality of life, give peace of mind and afford prosperity to community. Free enterprise continues to proliferate open markets mission. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES Market Growth: Increase life sales. Heavily utilizing in house accounts and CNA resources. cross selling with Cannon, Powell & Duggan Producers. Develop brokerage business through association and self insured programs and supplemental products. Increase production staff. Retention rate of 97% . Customer Service: Develop standard of excellence Retain all business Competitive Position: Produce 15% of total agency business Have a specialized staff with target marketing Acquire other life and health agencies Social Commitment: Active in SOWEGA Council on Aging Board of Directors and active in the Georgia Health Care decision process Stress civic responsibility to all employees: Commitment to our employees - To maximize productivity Commitment to our customer - To fulfill their needs Commitment to our stakeholders - To be fair and physically responsible Profitability: before taxes, after all expenses TRAVELS MISSION Promotion to Prospective Clients Professional Personnel Development Provide Superior Service ...