In business, we all know that it's vital to know your audience. In my case, I know that the lion's share of our readership is agents and brokers; those aren't the only segments that enjoy our content, of course, but those insurance professionals, in particular, are at the heart of what we do.

But I'll let you in on a little secret: I actually receive little feedback from our readers. Doing much of your work "in a bubble" can make you sometimes wonder whether your message as an information provider is really resonating with your audience.

So when I decided last year to create an awards program designed specifically to raise the profiles of independent P&C agencies, I had to wonder what the response would be. Everyone likes to have a win under their belt, sure, but would many agencies take the time to write thoughtful, comprehensive essays, fill out the entry form and take a shot at glory in the pages of NU?

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Shawn Moynihan

Shawn Moynihan is Editor-in-Chief of National Underwriter Property & Casualty. A St. John’s University alum, Moynihan has earned 11 Jesse H. Neal Awards, the Pulitzers of the business press; seven Azbee Awards, from the American Society of Business Press Editors; two Folio Awards; and a SABEW award, from the Society of American Business Editors & Writers. Prior to joining ALM, he served as Managing Editor/Online Editor of journalism institution Editor & Publisher, the trade bible of the newspaper industry. Moynihan also has held editorial positions with AOL, Metro New York, and Newhouse Newspapers. He can be reached at [email protected].