On the Level features Jamie Deapo and Steve Ruchman bringing us the views of the two major P/C insurance agents’ associations, in alternate issues. Both Jamie and Steve are strong voices for the independent agent and dedicated advocates for the respective approaches of their associations.
New Threats in the 21st Century It was dramatic to watch the chief executives of Target and Neiman Marcus testify this month in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee about recent data hackings at their stores during the holiday season. But as I caught parts of the hearings, I wondered if the size of these […]
Peace of Mind Some 30 years ago when I was starting my new career as an independent agent I learned a concept at the time that I thought was just a gimmick to get people to buy the coverage they needed. During my training at the Aetna’s PRIME school they stressed we weren’t selling Insurance […]
Resolutions We all make resolutions this time of year … some of us with more success than others. In fact, by the time this article reaches your desk, many resolutions will have been broken already. I, personally, have resolved to lose five pounds and I’ve already broken my resolution to exercise more. In the big […]
Reacting to Change This started out to be a simple article on independent agents and brokers having a plan in 2014. Every time I wrote a draft it felt wrong. I knew what I was saying as I wrote was accurate and necessary but it wasn’t what I really wanted to say. My words where […]
When Will Agents Be Represented Fairly as “Good Guys?” Perhaps it’s the time of year, but over the last month or so, I’ve been particularly sensitive to the constant image challenge agents face as scapegoats and fall guys. Agents take false and undeserved hits from all directions all the time: primarily from ubiquitous direct-writer ads, […]
One or Two – It’s Your Call Independent agents and brokers face many challenges today. In the personal insurance arena competition is fierce and the choice that dealing with an independent agent provides also creates its greatest liability, as working with multiple companies creates increased agent/broker costs, workflow issues and a lack of carrier support […]
Reflections During a Difficult Time Iam writing this article at the end of a difficult week for me. I attended the wake and services for my long-time friend and assistant, Roberta. It’s difficult to describe the depth and importance of the relationship Roberta and I shared. I was lucky enough to hire my Roberta 45 […]
You Wouldn’t Take a Trip Without a Map or GPS As we enter the last quarter of 2013 it’s time to make that final push for production and to start the planning process for 2014. The day to day operation of an insurance agency is pretty hectic and it’s not easy to find the time […]
Technology is a wonderful thing. It makes our lives easier and our businesses more efficient; it continuously provides us with the ability to do things we never would have been able to do before; and it solves problems. It builds businesses and provides jobs. But, we have to keep up with it. Often, it seems […]
My last 2 blog posts at IIABNY have been about establishing the value of buying protection from an independent agent. Having consumers appreciate that value takes the decision on where to buy coverage out of the realm of just price. Technology has allowed price sellers who deal directly with consumers over the internet to offer […]
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