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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...]
A recent blog posting by marketer Seth Godin caught my attention, and I’d like to share it with you in its entirety: Most existing systems (organizations, cities, careers, governments) are resilient to external shocks. If they weren't, they wouldn't still be here. Earthquakes, edicts, and emergencies come and they go, but the systems remain. And yet, it's the emergencies we pay attention to. No single event demolished the music business. … [Read more...]
The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN) was signed into law by President Clinton in October 2000. Now, almost 10 years later, the insurance industry—especially property and casualty insurance companies—have lagged behind most other industries in adopting the use of electronic or digital signatures. As clients and prospects continue to become comfortable with electronic communication, it is important for agents … [Read more...]
The vast majority of insurance agencies do not have any insurance coverage for reimbursement of the costs incurred due to a client data breach. Here are just a few of the reasons why a Network Security and Privacy (NSAP) policy makes sense for insurance agencies: Coverage for data and other non-physical perils is routinely excluded under Property policies. The “intentional acts” exclusion found in a standard E&O policy might … [Read more...]
I recently received an e-mail from an industry friend who asked, “When is information too much?” Here is what he said: I am truly wondering at what point—if we haven't reached it already—the collection of information is just that—a collection that will most likely not be used. It's like the stuff you keep in your attic, garage, or basement, thinking that maybe someday you’ll need it. I realize that memory is relatively cheap, but … [Read more...]
Understanding consumer behavior is a key to making sure your agency will continue to prosper. In this TED talk by John Gerzema, co-author of the book The Brand Bubble, he says there's an upside to the recent financial crisis -- the opportunity for positive change. Speaking at TEDxKC, he identifies four major cultural shifts driving new consumer behavior and shows how businesses are evolving to connect with thoughtful spending. How is your … [Read more...]
