the leading authority on insurance agency productivity, technology & profits
1) It is affordable! For less than the cost of a typical night's stay in a hotel, you get deluxe accommodations, sumptuous food 24 hours a day, myriad amenities, and exotic ports of call. 2) It is tax deductible! The cruise will have pleasure time, for sure, but it really is about your business and features several conference sessions, so it is a deductible and truly is a genuine business expense. 3) It will give your business a formidable … [Read more...]
Summer wasn't quite the same for me this year. Something was missing: HIGH-TECC. After hosting HIGH-TECC for the last nine years, I took a break this summer and reevaluated what we were offering at HIGH-TECC, along with the logistics associated with creating a great experience. The April 2010 editorial provides the full details. As I said in that editorial, "The purpose of HIGH-TECC has always been to provide a forum for industry leaders … [Read more...]
I could give a hundred reasons why it's worth your time and your money to attend HIGH-TECC 2009. But, let me point out the top 10 reasons you should be at this year's Summit. Yes, budgets are tight. Yes, the economic forecast looks grim. But that's precisely why now is not the time to retreat. In fact, the more proactive and entrepreneurial you are with the changes in the industry and your organization, the better positioned you'll be when … [Read more...]
Protecting Independent Agent Clients with Secure Email Using TLS (Transport Layer Security) Protecting clients' and prospects' personal information is becoming an increasingly important issue. Most insurance agencies do not currently take any steps to protect or encrypt information that they send by email to a third party. Unsecured email and attachments are like sending an open postcard through the mail. State privacy, security, and data … [Read more...]
National Underwriter, in partnership with the ACORD LOMA Insurance Systems Forum, invites entries for the second annual NU Agency Technology Achievement Award. Multi-line agencies are encouraged to enter their own IT programs for consideration. However, insurers, managing general agencies, and tech vendors are also welcome to nominate an agency for NU to contact about entering the award program—although a third-party nomination is not required … [Read more...]
Approximately 80 people gathered in Vail, Colo. in July to spend 2½ days exploring how the insurance industry can bridge the many gaps that stand in the way of continued success. I always return home from HIGH-TECC amazed and humbled. I am amazed by the creativity, passion, and willingness to explore new ideas that is demonstrated by the people who attend. I'm also humbled by the knowledge and breadth of experience that is represented in such a … [Read more...]
I’ve been around this industry a long time. Over the years, I have had the privilege of participating in many projects that attempted to work on improving how agents, agencies, insurance companies, and vendors work. While I believe that progress has been made, there are many gaps in our industry. The industry as a whole needs to work on closing these gaps in order to make a profound difference in the profitability and viability of independent … [Read more...]
