A recent article in National Underwriter listed the top 10 technology trends for insurance companies. One of the trends was “Web Services and SOA Tools.” Here is how this trend was described: “P/C insurers operate a large ecosystem of systems and applications that integrate for seamless processing. In the past, companies had to hard-code integration between systems, which was costly, time-consuming, created challenges when applications … [Read more...]
Helping Agents Stay Ahead in the Technology Game
As I travel across the country talking to agents, the question I hear most often is, "Can you just give us a couple quick tips on the top things we can do right now to make our agency more profitable and effective?" The answer is, YES! As an insurance technology consultant and editor, I've been able to discover the cool new tools, websites, gizmos and gadgets that can make your life easier, more productive, and more competitive. I have … [Read more...]
Creating a Blog
Most agencies should consider using a blog as a communication tool for employees and clients. Essentially, blogs are simple Web sites. They are perhaps one of the easiest—and quickest—technologies to implement. Creating a blog is simple. Sign up for an account at Blogger.com, TypePad.com, WordPress.com, or another blog publishing tool of your choice. Next, select a name for your blog. Finally, choose a theme. A theme determines what your … [Read more...]
Proactive Communication
I recently discussed the need for agencies to take steps to "create a plan to survive these difficult times.” One of the steps I recommended was to communicate with clients. I suggested that you be proactive in providing them "extra information and services that will help them manage their business better.” Over the last couple of months, I have thought even more about how important it is to be proactive with clients. As I said earlier, … [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...]
Adding Instant Message Capability
Are your clients able to communicate with you any way they want—whether by phone, e-mail, Web, call center, or live access? Instant Messaging (IM) is an option that is becoming easier to implement. Understandably, agencies are often concerned about the practical aspects of IM. How will the conversation be documented? Is it worth the time? One service worth considering is Provide Support, a software and Web process that provides a “Live … [Read more...]
Make Cell Calls on Airplanes
Israeli company Aerophone Ltd. has developed a communication system that enables telephone calls to be made from airplanes—independent of GSM/CDMA ground stations. The system supports all wavebands and requires neither prior written registration of the passengers nor a particular billing system. Calls cost $1.60 per minute and are invoiced via the normal mobile telephone bill. The development has been made possible by the installation of … [Read more...]
