I’ve been working with insurance associations for most of my career.
Early in my career – the mid-80s – I was asked to join the Board of Directors of the EBS Users Group for the management system the agency was using. This was my first experience with the benefit and power of bringing a group of people together with a common goal and mindset. That volunteer board worked diligently on behalf of all the other agencies that were using the same agency management system to work with the vendor on making improvements.
In the late 90s, I wrote a white paper for insurance agencies about the technical and coverage issues surrounding the Y2K problem. The Independent Insurance Agents of America distributed that white paper to every member. I was also asked to be the first agent representative for the then newly formed Agents Council for Technology (ACT) and have been involved with ACT in some way ever since.
For the last 20 years, I’ve worked with virtually every state insurance association providing educational programs through workshops and convention keynotes.
Last year I was asked to join the Board of Directors for the Big I of New York as an at-large member. One of their strategic objectives is helping agents with technology, and my knowledge and experience could be a benefit to the board.
Impact Financial Systems publishes a regular blog that includes updates on business process automation, financial services and technology trends, news, information and more.
Last year, they published this post on the top financial services blogs to follow. Not only has this blog post been one of their most viewed, it’s also served as a great resource for FinServ and FinTech industry news, trend, and commentary. They decided to do the same for InsurTech as they launch more products for the insurance industry.
I am pleased that my website is included in this roundup of blogs IFS feels represents the best commentary, insight and news in the insurance space about Insurance Technology (InsureTech).
Keep up-to-date on insurance technology news by subscribing to TechTips.
I began suggesting that every insurance agency should add multiple monitors to their desktops over 15 years ago. I could see blank stares from the people in the audience. “Why would we do that?”
I no longer need to convince agency owners of the wisdom of having multiple monitors on every desk. Today, the questions I receive revolve around fine-tuning the setup, and how many and what type of monitors is optimum.
Following are some of the questions I receive and my opinion on what might be best for your particular situation, or your office. My disclaimer is that your final decision on how to best set up your desk is ultimately your decision based on your personal preference and what will work best for you.
How Many Monitors?
On December 7, 2016, Amazon successfully completed its first drone delivery as part of its Prime Air initiative. The package was delivered to a customer in the Cambridge area of England. The package arrived at his house just 13 minutes after the order was placed. Guess drone delivery just might be closer that many thought.
I first read Daniel Pink’s book Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us a few years ago on the beach in Costa Rica. Karen and I were on vacation and I could not put the book down. It continues to resonate with me. I keep thinking about the section where he talks about how paying commissions may not actually motivate salespeople to sell more. Counterintuitive, isn’t it? I realize suggesting that insurance salespeople should not be paid commission is heresy. But, what if Pink is right and you are wrong?
This TED talk by Pink is 18 minutes long. I recommend you take a few minutes and listen. Then, if you are intrigued, read his book.
