Survey results offer benchmark information about agency-carrier connectivity investments, barriers and outlook Customer retention, new business production and better customer experience are the top three business drivers that independent agency professionals cited for their investments in agency-carrier connectivity. “Independent agents operate in a challenging and ever-changing business environment,” explains Karen Pauli, principal at Strategy Meets Action (SMA). “Successful agents recognize that, in order to succeed, they need to make the
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But the family environment remains, more than 100 years later By Dennis H. Pillsbury “There’s a special feel at Conover Beyer,” says Mike Sullivan, senior account executive. “Somehow, the agency has maintained a Mom and Pop shop atmosphere that includes both its employees and its clients as members of its extended family. We continue to encourage people to come to our office and mingle with our employees. And that happens

Leverage technology to effectively drive sales, delight customers and position your agency for tomorrow An irrefutable correlation exists between technology investment and the value of an independent agency. And the ultimate key to agency value is investing time, training and talent to use that technology to the fullest, to effectively drive sales and deliver a better customer experience. “Every agency one day will be bought, sold, merged or internally perpetuated

Cyber exposure adds new complexity to an already complex type of insurance By Joseph S. Harrington, CPCU Networked technology allows professionals to provide even more knowledge and service to their clients, but it comes at a price. The sensitive, confidential information clients share with their doctors, lawyers, accountants, and other professionals is essentially under siege from computer hackers, some backed by nation-states, which relentlessly search for vulnerabilities in information security.

Staff understanding of agency procedures is key to preventing claims By Christopher W. Cook When it comes to risk, agents may find it necessary to arrange coverages for emu and ostrich farms. Flightless bird establishments present a plethora of risks for both employees and visitors. Okay, I seriously do know what E&O stands for, and I’m well aware that it’s neither emus and ostriches nor my previously suggested eggs and