Technology isn't the enemy. It also is not the silver bullet for all that ails a business. So what is it?
It's a set of resources and capabilities that help agencies and brokerages do more, focus on core business and compete in an always-tough marketplace.
Selling insurance isn't what it once was. Yes, building relationships is crucial. But you're not out there just competing with similar companies. When people buy insurance today, they surf the Internet, compare prices, click a button and they're done. Is working with you that easy? Are you that quick and responsive? Are you that accessible?
Tech-savvy agencies implement crucial capabilities like real time and download (both personal and commercial). They know it's vital to use technology to its fullest—to eliminate redundant data entry, multiple manual quotes and other time and resource drains so they can focus on their real purpose: servicing customers and selling.
So why isn't everyone using real time and download?
As the IVANS 2011 Insurance Agents, Carriers & Technology Survey shows: “Although the use of interface automation technologies has been increasing year-over-year…there is room for growth and many agents are still not engaging with all of their carriers…For example, when those agents who are not using real-time were asked why they hadn't implemented it yet, an overwhelming 60 percent said it was because their carriers do not offer the technology.”
Do you know if your carrier supports real time or download? If you don't know, ask. If they don't support it, ask for it, encourage it and advocate for it.
Make your company as efficient as possible and ensure that you're taking advantage of the tools available. There are three things you can do to help yourself, your company and the industry:
- Learn what's available. Technologies are available today and you need to learn about them. Download for personal and commercial lines and real time are two essential opportunities. Read about them, ask questions and find out how they can help you.
- Join in the process. Groups such as AUGIE, the Agent's Council for Technology (ACT) and user groups are examples of industry participants joining forces to drive change. Sign up, get involved and attend meetings to make change happen.
- Make your voice heard. Every voice is critical. Discuss your pain points, tout your successes and be an example of the benefits of technology implementation.
Technology is your friend in the end. Let's make this “the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
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