January 15, 2009 by Steve.

Google has released a new service called Google Friend Connect that makes it possible for Web sites to easily add social networking features that don’t require visitors to join a new social network. Google Friend Connect lets any Web site operator easily add functionality to a site that lets visitors join the site, see other users of the site, and participate in social networking activities such as commenting on and rating content.

From a strict feature standpoint, there isn’t much in Google Friend Connect that seems all that new. There are many other services already available that offer these types of services. What does make this service stand out is its extreme openness and potential for near-unlimited extensibility. That’s because, rather than using proprietary technology, Google Friend Connect heavily leverages open technologies such as OpenID, OpenSocial, and OAuth.

To get the service up and running on your site, you simply need to enter the site information on the Google Friend Connect site, download two files that need to be uploaded to your site’s root directory, and choose the gadgets you want to add to the site. For the gadgets, Google Friend Connect generated code that I then needed to add to my Web site templates and pages.

Gadgets include a Members gadget that displays visitors who have joined the site. This makes it possible for visitors to sign in, join the site, and utilize other social networking gadgets. Other gadgets include a Wall gadget that lets visitors comment on and link to a site, a ratings gadget, and a couple of demonstration gadgets. There is also a code snippet provided to aid developers in creating their own custom gadgets.

For more information on Google Friend Connect go to www.google.com/friendconnect/.

Posted in Marketing, Cool Tools, General | Print | No Comments »

December 16, 2008 by Steve.

Clients who have been confused or intimidated by the complexity of health insurance now have an easy way to take the first step towards getting the individual medical coverage they need. A new Web site, SimpleCoverage.org, provides information and guidance to help consumers quickly understand the basics of health insurance and how to find and select a health plan that’s right for them.

The site was developed by Consumers for Competitive Choice (C4CC) Education Fund Inc., a non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide consumers with information and tools to make informed choices in the marketplace. More than 44 million Americans do not have health insurance and another 25 million have less health insurance than they need.

SimpleCoverage.org explains in easy to understand language, the different types of coverage available and how to find insurance, evaluate plans, and what to expect during the application process. For example, the Web site gives consumers suggested questions to ask when choosing individual medical coverage. In addition to the online information, SimpleCoverage.org offers consumers a downloadable brochure: Health Coverage Made Simple. The site was developed and is maintained with a grant from Assurant Health Foundation.

Check the site out. You may want to include a link on your agency Web site to direct clients and prospects to this information resource.

Posted in Marketing, General, Benefits Management Systems, Agency Management Systems | Print | No Comments »

November 24, 2008 by Steve.

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 can expect further reduction in premiums. I am not an investment wizard, nor can I predict the future. Still, it seems likely that agencies will continue to see reduced revenue over (at least) the next 12 to 18 months.

This may sound like doom and gloom, but it’s also an opportunity to face the situation head-on and create a plan to survive these difficult times.

Following are a few suggestions to get you thinking about how to create a strategic plan that will move your organization forward during the next 12 to 24 months.

Communicate with clients: Many of your clients have the same concerns as you about how current economic conditions are going to affect them. Now is the time for you to be proactive. Provide extra information and services that will help them manage their businesses better. Partner with a local CPA to provide a seminar on cash flow management. Seek companies that can help your clients with their marketing programs. Basically, do anything possible to let your clients know that you’re an advocate for them. This will go a long way to build loyalty with your clients.

Marketing: Acquiring new clients has always been an important part of running an insurance agency. Now, it’s even more so. Explore new target marketing niches. Explore new marketing tools that are available, such as using the Internet to attract prospects and look for new revenue sources. Agencies that continue to foster a sales-focused mindset seem to be able to grow regardless of current economic conditions.

Back office: Make sure that you are as effective and efficient in your back office operations as possible. Concentrate on getting any technology projects that are currently underway finished as soon as possible. Utilize all the tools available to streamline operations. Don’t allow staff’s resistance to change to derail projects.

Staff training: This is one of the least expensive options available. Make sure your staff is fully trained to use your existing hardware and software systems.

While times are certainly challenging, independent agents have shown again and again that they are resilient and can weather most storms. It won’t be easy. But continuing to maximize your technology investment will go a long way to help you weather the storm.

Posted in Marketing, General, Opinion | Print | 1 Comment »

October 22, 2008 by Steve.

Microsoft recently launched a new Web site called Photosynth that creates 3D views from digital photos. With nothing more than a digital camera and some inspiration, you can use Photosynth to transform regular digital photos into a 3D, 360-degree experience.

Photosynth is a mixture of two independent breakthroughs: the ability to reconstruct the scene or object from flat photographs, and the technology to bring that experience to virtually anyone over the Internet. Using techniques from the field of computer vision, Photosynth examines images for similarities to each other and uses that information to estimate the shape of the subject and the vantage point each photo was taken from. Photosynth was inspired by the breakthrough research on Photo Tourism from the University of Washington and Microsoft Research.

It is easy to use. Using any digital camera, take a series of pictures of a scene or object (such as a client’s factory). Make sure you overlap each photo. Take as many pictures as you want, and take them from as many different angles as you can. Fifty to 100 pictures should be sufficient. Upload the photos to Photosynth and the service will “stitch” the pictures together, creating a panoramic view you can navigate using a browser.

Photosynth provides an interesting new way to deliver visual information to a client or underwriter—and it’s currently free.

Posted in Marketing, Cool Tools, General | Print | No Comments »

September 25, 2008 by Steve.

Cell phones aren’t just used for talking anymore. In a survey conducted by Amplitude Research, buyers of new cell phones look at video capability (33%), music (34%), Internet access (61%), e-mail capabilities (63%), camera (67%), and text messaging (73%) as the most important features. For driving in the car, 62% said they would use Bluetooth, while 51% would use the hands-free microphones.

Forty-one percent said they send or check e-mails one to five times per day, while 28% said they do not use their cell phones for e-mail. Thirty percent said they use their cell phones for banking transactions. As these trends continue, agencies will want to learn how to communicate with their clients in multiple ways.

Posted in Marketing, General, Agency Management Systems | Print | No Comments »

September 18, 2008 by Steve.

As increasing numbers of people use the Internet to find information, savvy producers or staff members should begin creating an online presence. You may need a personal Web site or blog (which can function like a Web site), especially if you will be job hunting anytime soon.

Many recent articles say that, increasingly, job recruiters are placing a heavy emphasis on applicants’ online presence. “Online presence” means how active one is on the Web, including personal Web sites, blogs, published articles, etc. A personal Web site can also be a great way to introduce yourself to potential clients. Writing about risk management issues and the solutions you have created will help you stand out in the crowd of other agents.

If searching for your full name online comes up with nothing, consider buying a FirstNameLastName.com domain. You can create a simple Web site on the domain by publishing copy that explains who you are and what you do—basically a résumé site. Start a blog on that domain or establish a free hosted one on services like WordPress.com and link to it. There’s literally nothing to lose except a few dollars for the domain and hosting. Having a Web site gives you the added benefit of being able to link to your site when commenting on other blogs. This is another great way to gain exposure.

Posted in Cool Tools, Marketing, General, Benefits Management Systems, Agency Management Systems, Opinion | Print | No Comments »

September 6, 2008 by Steve.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has issued updated provisions to the 2003 CAN-SPAM Act. These new provisions became effective in mid-July.

In the updated rule on consumer opt-out requests, e-mailers are prohibited from complicating the opt-out process by charging fees to consumers wishing to be added to opt-out lists. It also prevents e-mail marketers from requiring consumers to provide information other than an e-mail address and opt-out preferences, or take any steps other than sending a reply e-mail message or visiting a single Internet page to opt out of receiving future e-mail from a sender.

Other updated provisions include:

• Clarifying the definition of what constitutes a “valid postal address.” Under the revised rules, businesses may publish a P.O. Box or a private mail box in a commercial e-mail message to comply with the valid physical postal address requirement provided that either address is “accurately” registered with the U.S. Postal Service or with a commercial mail-receiving agency established pursuant to U.S.P.S. regulations.

• Clarifying the definition of “person” to include individuals, groups, unincorporated associations, limited or general partnerships, corporations, or other business entities. The FTC confirmed that both for-profit and not-for-profit businesses that send commercial messages are within the scope of the CAN-SPAM requirements.

• Clarifying the definition of “sender.” The modified rules clarify which of multiple advertisers in a single message is responsible for compliance. The FTC’s clarification allows multiple marketers in a single e-mail to designate a single sender for purposes of CAN-SPAM compliance. The benefit from this rule is that a single opt-out link and single valid physical postal address can be displayed in a multi-advertiser e-mail. The sole sender appearing in the “from” line becomes the designated sender of the e-mail and is responsible on behalf of all advertisers in the message for complying with key provisions of the act.

Posted in Marketing, General | Print | No Comments »

September 2, 2008 by Steve.

Approximately 80 people gathered in Vail, Colo. in July to spend 2½ days exploring how the insurance industry can bridge the many gaps that stand in the way of continued success. I always return home from HIGH-TECC amazed and humbled.

I am amazed by the creativity, passion, and willingness to explore new ideas that is demonstrated by the people who attend. I’m also humbled by the knowledge and breadth of experience that is represented in such a unique group of people. I received the following from one attendee. It’s just one example of the creativity and open-mindedness I saw.

HIGH-TECC to-do list

I am looking forward to setting up my iGoogle and Facebook pages, using GoToMeetings, and uploading a Flip video to YouTube. Or, maybe I’ll use Silverlight for the HD and agree to work on my “Pillow Talk” blog. Hmmm, I wonder what actress to “walk onto” that page, as I contact Greenleaf with a Jott. I’m sure that name will get plenty of hits, but will West Bend approve?

I better actually accomplish some business before the week goes by! So, I will definitely iDictate, order DYMO Stamps, and follow up with Postful and FlyDoc to get certificates automatically rolling out. Now, if I could just stop Twirling and Twittering with my wiki…

To get all of this done before Friday, I may need to hit Provide Support to Get Satisfaction. Ahhh, maybe in a Second Life. Where did I put that Amazon Kindle?

— Jim Tuisl, “Satisfied HIGH-TECC customer”

That letter may seem a little weird—but every bolded word is a product, Web site, or service that we discussed during HIGH-TECC.

This year, I opened HIGH-TECC with a general session titled Communicate, Collaborate, Connect. It is my belief that the insurance industry as a whole needs to embrace new communication technologies that are already being used by younger generations. During the session, I highlighted several reasons for my belief and delved into specific technology and ways it is being used by others to create relationships in an electronic world.

I explored social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. I talked about how wikis can be used to facilitate conversation and collaboration. I ended the session by showing AVIVA insurance company’s Second Life Island. (Second Life is a 3-D virtual world created by its Residents.)

Agencies and companies need to explore and experiment with these types of communication options to determine how these technologies can and should be used to further customer interaction and enhance business.

The conversations ranged from “this seems really stupid” to “if college graduates are using these tools, we should learn how to use them—especially if we want to hire the younger generations.”

That’s what HIGH-TECC is all about: helping the industry explore what tools are on the horizon and how to use them to make your organization more effective. Make sure you don’t miss out next year. Mark your calendar now for HIGH-TECC 2009, July 19 to 22 in Vail, Colo.

Posted in Marketing, Events, Cool Tools, General, Agency Management Systems, Benefits Management Systems, Opinion | Print | No Comments »