I have always used quickbooks vs using the system built into my agency management system. I wanted ease of use, also I had very few surplus line policies, so I did not really need to tie in the management system with my accounting system. Yes everyone once in while there as double entry, but not muc...

Please visit my site linked below, I have nearly a 100 groups listed. Each group is different, one size does not fit all, some may serve you better than others. Doing what you are doing now by asking for feedback is the right thing to do, you should also reach out in different ways by going contacti...

What websites or apps are agents using in the P&C industry? I would like to know the answer to this question to help me better serve my agents. Any feedback is much appreciated! http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/93BXXDL My site linked below has a number of resources for both website and lead provid...

As we head towards the end of the year, what are you doing to help increase your profit sharing bonus?

Although in some ways it is beneficial to have a Niche, if this specialization goes south, it could cost you. For instance, my (2) former employers specialized in the construction arena. Well, due to the economy not much construction going on so they lost or reduced a big part of their business. So...

Agencies that specialize tend to have an edge in specific markets. While most agencies do not specialize, I recommend giving specialization some thought, as it can bring in higher profit margins due to economies of scale. Specialization also means, however, that you will turn away accounts that are ...

Agencies that sell for a high premium do so because of the quality of the book. What does a quality book mean? Here are some characterics of a quality book: 1. Well rounded accounts with a minimum average of 2 policies per account 2. Policies with high liability limits and even more so, accounts wit...

Misleading adverts are a staple feature of the beauty industry, but the market for gadgets must run a close second. Now an Apple iPhone advert has been banned by the advertising standards watchdog for exaggerating the phone’s speed. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) makes sure all adverts f...

Each books is different, multipes are all over the map dependent on the book. Its seems like more valuation professionals are using EBITA or doing valuation based on net income, though it may make sense to look at book multiples only if an existing agency is buying out another agency and their expen...

Affiliating with a group is a huge decision, there are over 100 groups out there that provide markets (including direct appointments), profit sharing, and much more. Each agency has very different needs and each group is different. I put together a list of questions that you anyone becoming a part o...

You really need to do your homework on what best fits you needs for your specific agency, but given a one person operation, you should consider a web based system especially if you want to work from multiple locations.

I have sold in every state but two while working for a national agency and run an agency that is in 20 states right now. There is nothing special about having an office around the corner from the client and new clients are becoming aware of that every day. We have also written several commercial pr...

I had a problem with the online systems I looked at and the one I tried. They were slow, went down if your internet went down and I hated not having the necessary control of the data. I also wanted to be able to make changes to the information I could input, etc. The list just kept going and going....

What exactly do you mean by an "online agency network?" Are you talking about a carrier's system? There is so much more to a management system than inputing applications, you need to store documents, note client files, set reminders, pull a renewal list, create certs, this list can go on a...

An agency management system is essential in running an independent insurance agency. Many carriers will not provide an agency appointment without some sort of a system. There are well over 15 different vendors who offer well over 20 different insurance agency management systems in the marketplace. T...