Insurance Software & Technology Blog
Tips to Reboot your Organization
By Kitty Ambers, CIC, CPIA, CISR, Chief Operating Officer at AVYST January is a month for growth and renewal. While it can be challenging to regroup after the chaos of the holidays, there is no better time to stop, take a deep breath, and evaluate what’s working well and what may be creating challenges. To…
Approach Integration With Caution
By Kitty Ambers, CIC, CPIA, CISR, Chief Operating Officer at AVYST Cybersecurity is a top concern of lawmakers, business owners, and consumers alike. As insurance professionals, data protection must be a critical consideration when selecting new applications and technology solutions. The term “API” has been a major topic of conversation when it comes to improving…
Great Consultative Selling Qualities…From my Contractor
Kitty Ambers, COO/AVYST I am a master of the ‘task’ list. Several years ago I read David Allen’s very helpful book – ‘Getting Things Done’. Practicing the concepts Allen outlines has reduced my stress level by keeping things organized electronically. One thing Mr. Allen recommends is keeping an ongoing long-term project list at hand. Finally,…
Small Changes Lead to Big Results
by Kitty Ambers, COO, AVYST I attended an industry meeting where the concept of the “21-day challenge” for embracing change was discussed. We all agreed on the idea that it takes 21 days of consistent action to begin to create a new habit and is a great place to start. Diet, exercise, and stop-smoking programs…
Agents Should Remember to Sell the Sizzle
by Kitty Ambers, COO/AVYST An article I read in Daniel Burrus’s TechoTrends newsletter titled, Continuously De-Commoditize, made me think about the concept of product/service de-commoditization as it may relate to the typical insurance agency. Burrus says, “Look at every product and service you have and ask, ‘Why is this item a commodity?’ Then ask, ‘What…
Business Basics, Lest We Forget!
by Kitty Ambers, COO, AVYST Several years ago, I had a wonderful week working with a dynamic group of new producers. I facilitated the Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA) designation program as part of an insurance company’s 3-week producer training curriculum, and this was the first week. I was extremely impressed with the caliber, background,…
Baseball Concepts for Business
I love baseball season! Although the status of Major League baseball was iffy for a while, Opening Day has finally arrived! Each year as the season gets underway, I’m reminded of some parallels between baseball and business. The following are a few ideas that come to mind: Conditioning – Inevitably, at the start of each…
Empower New Agency Hires
by Kitty Ambers, Chief Operating Office at AVYST The “Silver Tsunami” is a term for the aging workforce in America today. Demographic research states that 10,000 baby boomers will reach retirement age every day from 2011 until 2030. Translate this to the insurance industry and half of the workforce is on track to retire by 2034.…
Insurance Technology and E & O Claims: What’s the Connection? (Part 4 of 4)
Part 4: Protecting Your Investment Kitty Ambers, CIC, CPIA, CISR Chief Operating Officer, AVYST Over the years, you have invested a significant amount of time, energy, blood, sweat and tears in your agency, your clients, your staff, and your technology. Statistically, one in 3 agents will face an E & O allegation in any given year. …
Insurance Technology and E & O Claims: What’s the Connection? (Part 3 of 4)
Part 3: Digitization of Sales & Service Touchpoints Kitty Ambers, CIC, CPIA, CISR Chief Operating Officer, AVYST Insurance Activities that can benefit from Digitization In a recent article published in National Underwriter, the author explains his view of the balance between human input and digitization. He makes an excellent point: “There is a time…
