news For Hiring Managers

Study: Independent Agency System Stable and Growing

The number of independent agencies has stabilized — that’s one of the key findings of the 2008 Agency Universe Study. Future One, a collaboration of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) and independent agency companies, has released key findings from the recently completed study, a ( more )

Safeguards in Hiring Process Can Help Prevent Lawsuits Later

By Insurance Journal

There are five times in the employer-employee relationship when the company is most vulnerable to a worker’s lawsuit: when a person is hired, promoted, disciplined, fired or affected by a new policy.

Both litigation and employee relations problems can be reduced significantly if a company’s managers are alert to ( more )

8 Easy Strategies for Building Your Agency

By Insurance Journal

While building a successful agency takes much dedication and hard work, it may not be as difficult as you think provided that you implement several key strategies.

A wealth of material exists on the tangible factors and steps necessary for building a successful agency like product/service offerings, pricing, business ( more )

Leverage agency resources by retaining your talent

By Insurance Journal

(Editor’s note: This is the fifth in a series of articles offering “best practices” suggestions for the hiring process in the independent agency. More information is available at iiat.org under Agency Management.)

In previous articles, Paul Martin and I have shared key strategies for recruiting, hiring and training employees. ( more )

Are Your CSRs Providing REAL Customer Service’

By Insurance Journal

What is customer service?

Customer service in an insurance agency is made up of four specific functions: Processing, Professional Advice, Production and Positive Communications.

Processing
For most CSRs in an agency, processing has become customer service. When I ask CSRs, “What is the biggest interruption to your work?” They respond, “The ( more )