THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2010 

                                                Big “I” National News


2010 Future One Agency Universe Study
Participate in the Agency Universe Study
Check your e-mail for the chance to share your perspective on the independent agency system.

The 2010 Agency Universe Study is here. The 2010 Agency Universe Study will provide critical information for the independent agency system, the Big “I” and insurance carriers. Future One, a cooperative effort of the Big “I” and more than 20 leading independent agency companies, has carried out this research since 1983. Please take part in this valuable research.

The Big “I” has retained TRC, an independent market research firm, to carry out the survey and ensure the quality and confidentiality of all participant data. Over the past 30 years, Future One has been able to gather information and opinions from a wide variety of agency principals or managers nationwide—and the information has helped the association carriers better respond to the needs of the independent agency system. The 2010 Agency Universe Study will take a look at the role of social networking in agency operations, as well as a variety of other innovations and challenges affecting today’s business.

Within the next few days, you will receive an e-mail from the Big “I” inviting you to participate in this critical research. The e-mail will include link to the website where you can complete the survey online. The survey will take less than 30 minutes to complete and responses are completely confidential.

For information or questions about the 2010 Agency Universe Study, please contact Madelyn Flannagan (madelyn.flannagan@iiaba.net), Big “I” vice president of agent development, research and education.


Big I Advantage^®
Sign Up for the the Big “I” Virtual Risk Consultant Webinar
Join staff on June 9 to learn more about reducing E&O exposure.

Join staff from the Big "I" E&O risk management team and the Rough Notes Company for a free, 45-minute web conference to explore the benefits of the Big "I" Virtual Risk Consultant ("VRC") on Wednesday, June 9 at 2:00 p.m. ET. Member agencies from across the country have purchased subscriptions for this exclusive tool that will help your agency better serve customers, increase sales and reduce exposure to costly E&O claims. If you're looking for risk exposure analysis questionnaires and checklists, the VRC has them.

Take the important first step to leveraging the VRC's competitive advantage by learning about all the benefits it can bring to your agency for as little as $250 per year. In addition to gaining more familiarity with this valuable resource, you will learn how the VRC will help you:

1. Increase sales through writing new classes of business and rounding accounts.
2. Avoid E&O claims relating to failure to identify exposures and offer coverage solutions.
3. Develop a better understanding of your customer’s operation and exposures.
4. Increase professionalism of agency staff and service to your customers.

Click here to register for this valuable webinar.


YAC
Make the Young Agents Leadership Institute a Must
Big “I” Young Agents Leadership Institute covers technology, marketing and growing your agency.

Want a platform to get new ideas, education, leadership skills and network with other leading insurance professionals? The National Young Agents Committee will host the Big “I” Young Agents Leadership Institute in San Francisco Calif., on Sept. 24-25. The National YAC understands that technology, as well as saving money while growing client base, is imperative. That’s why this year’s event will feature two technology/marketing sessions. Break the ice at the ACT Jeopardy game, where attendees will be quizzed on everything from workflow and social media to agency management. Who better to talk to young agents about marketing and technology solutions than other young agents? Big “I” young agents Chris Jordan with Atlanta Insurance Live and Ryan Hanley with Guilderland Agency, Inc. will share tips, techniques and strategies for harnessing the power of both traditional and social media marketing. The event is also home to the acclaimed Big “I” Young Agents Presidents’ with Big “I” Leadership as well as a keynote address and ample networking time. Register today at www.indpendentagent.com/events and make sure you have the competitive advantage.


Big “I” Fall Leadership Conference
Registration Open for Fall Meeting
Head to San Francisco Sept. 22-26.

Join us in San Francisco for the Big “I” Fall Leadership Conference Sept. 22-26. Enhance your leadership skills and network with your peers at this flagship event. The schedule of events includes the installation of the incoming Big “I” Chairman Mike Miley and new to the fall line-up, the Young Agents Presidents’ Panel with Big “I” leadership and CEOs from Fireman’s Fund, The Hanover Insurance Group and MetLife Auto& Home. The program also includes the VU User Group on Sept. 21, Executive Committee meeting on Sept. 22-23, InVEST Board meeting on Sept. 22-23, Education Convocation on Sept. 22-23, Young Agents Leadership Institute on Sept. 24-25 and the Board of Directors meeting on Sept. 25-26. Visit www.independentagent.com/events to register today and check out the schedule of events. You don’t want to miss it!


Big I Advantage^®
Big I Advantage^® Virtual Risk Consultant a “No-Brainer for Most Agencies”
Decrease E&O exposure and increase sales with this valuable tool.

The benefits increasing sales while lowering E&O exposure have Big “I” members from across the country flocking to purchase the Big I Advantage® Virtual Risk Consultant Powered by Rough Notes (VRC). And those who have purchased it are very glad they did. A recent survey of registered VRC users found that 92% were extremely satisfied and would recommend VRC to other agents.

Starting at $250 a year, the VRC is an easy-to-use agency resource website offering:

Risk Exposure Analysis Tools:
Commercial and personal risk exposure analysis information at your finger tips with hundreds of industries, including narrative descriptions, minimum coverages and suggested WC, ISO GL, SIC and NAIC codes. The popular “Coverages Applicable” material, customized questionnaires and E&O coverage checklists are also included.

Reference and Proposal Tools:
Reference materials to make sure agency staff understands the product they are selling and help create winning proposals. Included are access to ACORD forms, PF&M and a glossary of insurance terms.

Marketing and Prospecting Tools:
Access to articles on various insurance topics that the agency can share with customers, post on their websites, or use to create a client newsletter. There are also hundreds of professionally written building business letters so you can spend more time selling and less time writing.

Gain a competitive advantage by purchasing the exclusive VRC today. Visit www.independentagent.com/VRC to learn more, view a product demo and purchase.