Approach Integration With Caution

Photo of lock/computer, representing cyber concerns with title "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…

Read More

Great Consultative Selling Qualities…From my Contractor

Group of 3 people reading architect plans

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,…

Read More

Small Changes Lead to Big Results

21 days, title page

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…

Read More

Agents Should Remember to Sell the Sizzle

Title photo, word sizzle with a flame for the "i"

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…

Read More

Business Basics, Lest We Forget!

Title, Business Basics on chalkboard

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,…

Read More

Baseball Concepts for Business

Title page "Baseball Concepts for Business" with baseball sitting on a field

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…

Read More

Behind the Scenes With Your Customer Success Team!

Behind the scenes with AVYST Customer Success Team

Kitty Ambers – Chief Growth Officer, AVYST In my current role as Chief Growth Officer at AVYST, I use my diverse background in the insurance industry to further AVYST’s mission of empowering insurance professionals with transformative technology and connecting the dots across the insurance industry. I grew up in the insurance business as part of…

Read More

Leadership Lessons from Hosta Plants

Flowerbed with hostas

By Kitty Ambers Each spring, I enjoy the time I spend freshening up my flowerbeds. I don’t have a particularly green thumb, so I appreciate hardy perennials, like Hostas. During this year’s spring gardening frenzy, it struck me that cultivating Hostas is like developing leadership skills. Here are five lessons on leadership we can learn…

Read More

Meet the NU Property & Casualty 2021 Editorial Advisory Board

kitty with avyst logo

Kitty Ambers, Chief Growth Officer at AVYST, has been selected to be a part of the NU Property & Casualty 2021 Editorial Advisory Board. Kitty is a third-generation insurance agent. She has worn many hats including that of CEO at the Network of Vertafore Users. She also served as executive director of the American Insurance…

Read More

Reminder:  Electronic Policy Delivery Requires Authorization

Digital Document Delivery

Understand The E-Sign Act The goal of “going paperless” has been a major initiative in insurance companies and agencies for decades.  The E-Sign Act was signed into law back in 2000 and granted electronic signatures the same legal status as handwritten signatures.  Also within this law are provisions regarding the use of electronic records and…

Read More