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.
This summer, I participated in a webinar on ethics, offered by PIA and taught by Steve Lyon. Steve is the cream of the crop when it comes to teaching continuing education courses for our industry. I always encourage those who want something more than just credit from their professional education to take PIA’s classes—but especially […]
The independent agency business is going through a metamorphosis. The slow but steady caterpillar that served the public so well for so many years has become wrapped up in a cocoon of change and now must break out into an agile and quick flying modern day butterfly if it intends to survive. There are many […]
The insurance marketplace is changing rapidly. New competitors are joining constantly, many looking to leverage technology and transact primarily or completely online. Existing direct response carriers like Geico, Esurance and Progressive Direct are ramping up campaigns to attract more clients. For many consumers, insurance is something they don’t truly understand and they hate paying for. […]
Recently, I had a routine checkup at a new doctor’s office. After running typical blood work, the physician told me one of the tests seemed off and asked to repeat it. I went back to the lab and got stuck again. I was advised that my results would be posted on the “Doctor’s Portal,” […]
There’s a big rush today by venture capitalists and Silicon Valley techies to turn the purchase of insurance into an impersonal, technology driven business. There couldn’t be a worse outlook for consumers! Technology is wonderful and a great way to speed up processing and offer 24/7 availability. It should never replace the professional guidance and […]
Before I share my opinion on this topic, I will admit to a brief Internet search. As I expected, Google revealed no shortage of customer service advice supporting what I have to say. One source opines that business interests consider the value of a client over a lifetime versus a customer who is forgotten after […]
How well do you know and understand your customer? Not only your current customer but the customer you are looking to add in the future. Are they similar in their wants, needs and motivations? What are their expectations? Meeting and exceeding customer expectations is the key to growing a successful agency today and going forward. […]
For decades, I worked with a local alarm company that knew my home alarm system inside and out. Early this year, I received a letter from a different alarm company based in Wichita, Kansas, informing me that it had taken over my local vendor and if I had any questions or issues, I could […]
When I sat down to write this article, I gave quite a bit of thought to previous articles I have written. I also thought about the enormous amount of unsolicited advice being put out by many well-intended industry folks preaching to agents about all the changes they need to make if they want to stay […]
It was welcome news to agents last month when Google announced it would withdraw from the online insurance sales business. It turned out Google Compare, the online auto insurance comparison-shopping tool, was not a big hit and after just a year, the search engine said it would fold its price comparison services. According to the […]
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