Approach Integration With Caution

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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…

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Agents Should Remember to Sell the Sizzle

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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…

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Empower New Agency Hires

Lightbulb with title, "Empower Your 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.…

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Insurance Technology and E & O Claims:  What’s the Connection? (Part 1 of 4)

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Part 1:  Understanding the Digital Ecosystem Kitty Ambers, CIC, CPIA, CISR Chief Operating Officer, AVYST Independent insurance agencies are striving to deploy technology that offers the promise of providing consumers with a convenient, engaging, and meaningful digital experience.  As part of selecting and implementing new technology, it’s critical for agency leaders to consider the impact…

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Customer Spotlight – John D’Agostino

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Meet John D’Agostino of D’Agostino Agency in  Hammonton, NJ How long have you been with your firm and what’s your role there? I started part time January 1974 working my way through college. If you have a niche market that you’re involved with, how did you get started in that niche? Risk Management Consulting for…

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Customer Spotlight – Steve Cranford

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Meet Steve Cranford of ASU Assure in Thomasville, NC How long have you been with your firm and what’s your role there? I was with another agency and my contract expired in 2017. I started my agency in August of 2017. At this point it’s just me; I am a one-man band. My goal is…

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Customer Spotlight – Ellen Kutchmanich

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Meet Ellen Kutchmanich of Price Insurance Agency in Carbondale, PA How long have you been with your firm and what’s your role there? My parents bought the agency from my uncle in 1980 when I was 2. I used to have a desk in our family home when I was little, and I used to…

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