Getting your message through to clients and prospects takes creativity. Anything you can do to make your message stand out in overloaded Outlook inboxes is a good thing. Eyejot is a Web-based service that allows you to quickly and easily send video e-mail (v-mail) to anyone. All you need is a Webcam and an Eyejot account. The best part is that the basic service is free (at least for now). Once you have a Webcam and an Eyejot account, creating … [Read more...]
Find Your Blue Oceans
One of my passions is helping insurance agencies be successful and profitable. As I mentioned in my editorial last month, the current economic conditions have some agency owners questioning their ability, at least over the short term, to be both profitable and successful. In today’s economy, it’s extremely important for you to distinguish yourself by selling your value. Sometimes value is how an agency utilizes technology to improve internal … [Read more...]
New Web Site Makes Individual Health Insurance Easy to Understand
Clients who have been confused or intimidated by the complexity of health insurance now have an easy way to take the first step towards getting the individual medical coverage they need. A new Web site, SimpleCoverage.org, provides information and guidance to help consumers quickly understand the basics of health insurance and how to find and select a health plan that’s right for them. The site was developed by Consumers for Competitive … [Read more...]
Thriving in Difficult Times
It’s hard to read the headlines without thinking about the future of your agency. Many agencies wonder what business will be like over the next 12 to 24 months. Due to the soft marketplace over the last couple of years, insurance agencies have already had to create plans to address lower premiums—and thus, lower revenues. Premium reductions continue to average about 12%. As sales volumes are reduced and as businesses cut back on payroll, you … [Read more...]
Text Messaging Most Important for Cell Phone Buyers
Cell phones aren’t just used for talking anymore. In a survey conducted by Amplitude Research, buyers of new cell phones look at video capability (33%), music (34%), Internet access (61%), e-mail capabilities (63%), camera (67%), and text messaging (73%) as the most important features. For driving in the car, 62% said they would use Bluetooth, while 51% would use the hands-free microphones. Forty-one percent said they send or check e-mails one … [Read more...]
Creating an Online Presence
As increasing numbers of people use the Internet to find information, savvy producers or staff members should begin creating an online presence. You may need a personal Web site or blog (which can function like a Web site), especially if you will be job hunting anytime soon. Many recent articles say that, increasingly, job recruiters are placing a heavy emphasis on applicants’ online presence. “Online presence” means how active one is on … [Read more...]
FTC Issues Updated CAN-SPAM Rules
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has issued updated provisions to the 2003 CAN-SPAM Act. These new provisions became effective in mid-July. In the updated rule on consumer opt-out requests, e-mailers are prohibited from complicating the opt-out process by charging fees to consumers wishing to be added to opt-out lists. It also prevents e-mail marketers from requiring consumers to provide information other than an e-mail address and opt-out … [Read more...]
HIGH-TECC 2008
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...]
