Tuesday, March 7, 2006 Issue 32   VOLUME 2 ISSUE 32  
 
What in the world is a web bulletin board and how is it going to help me? If you are asking yourself that question, then put yourself in good company.

A web bulletin board is defined as, "An electronic forum that hosts posted messages and articles related to a common subject." Ok, so maybe that's still about a clear as mud so let's try again.

In the case of SOLUTIONS, it is a powerful tool and the primary way for you to communicate with, and get answers from, other agencies to solve all the problems of the universe (or at least in your agency).  Sounding better?  I hope so.

 

So how does it work?  First, it is divided into User Groups, or forums.  You can choose to subscribe to as many groups as you want and only select those that have interest to you. For example, someone on AMS/AFW will probably not want to join the group for Applied Systems WinTam.  Once you have subscribed, you can view postings, submit your own replies, and even choose to receive updates as new information comes in.

 

Let's say you have a question about personal lines download.  All you have to do is subscribe to the Personal Lines User Group and post a question.  Simple.

 

So who is going to answer your question?  Well, it might be another agency or it could be one of the Advanced Automation staff. 

 

But, as they say on the commercials, there's more. You can create buddy lists, send messages to others in the SOLUTIONS Community and search for specific topics.

 

So, what does the Web Bulletin Board do for you? It puts, right at our fingertips, the brightest, most innovative minds in the industry and connects you with a network of agencies throughout North America.

 

Got questions on how to use it, simply visit the SOLUTIONS Home Page and click on the links for training classes.  If you still have questions, contact Dan Young at dyoung@advancedautomationinc.com.


Special Request For Agency Staff



  • Recognition?  
  • Training?
  • Compensation?
  • Communication?

  • An upcoming issue of The Source will feature an article titled,

    "What Staff Needs Most From Their Agency Owner"

    Please email what you need most from your agency owner to

    tom@advancedautomationinc.com

    Your anonymous contribution will be used to complete this important article for all agency owners.


     
    In this issue...
    Making The Most Of Tradeoffs
    Maximizing Hit Ratios and Cross-Selling
    Chris Burand

    Cheetahs are the fastest land animal, but the tradeoff is they can only run fast for a short distance.  Similar tradeoffs exist in our every day lives and in our insurance agencies.

    [FULL STORY]
     
      4 Questions Guaranteed To Increase Your Effectiveness As A Leader
    Learning to Move From Manager To Leader
    Tom Baker, SOLUTIONS Coordinator Advanced Automation

    You don't need a bookshelf full of the latest books on management. 

    These 4 simple questions are guaranteed to transform you into an effective leader.

    [FULL STORY]
     
    The Crazy Math of E-mail
    Making The Most Of Email Marketing
    Bill Nussey

    Two plus two equals four, right? Not always.
     
    When it comes to e-mail, a relatively tiny investment can net huge returns -- or disappear down a black hole forever, taking any potential future returns with it.


    [FULL STORY]
     
    Words - The Key To Reducing Communication Conflicts
    Learning To Use The Tools of Communication
    Tom Baker, SOLUTIONS Coordinator Advanced Automation

    Ever wondered, "Why is it so hard to communicate with some people?"  The answer is easier than you think! 

    Words.  And how we use them.

    [FULL STORY]
     
    Just The Fax, Please
    (Desktop Faxing, That Is)
    Greg Arnold, VP Sales Advanced Automation

    Desktop faxing is simply a way to fax directly from the computer screen, without creating a piece of paper.  Anything that can be printed can typically be faxed.

    [FULL STORY]
     
    Interested in Finding 5,000 New Prospects... Overnight?
    The Secret of Worksite Marketing
    John McDonald, Agency Resource Tools

    The greatest challenge agencies face in seeking to grow their personal lines books is gaining access to desirable prospects in sufficient numbers.

    With the Agency Revenue Tools, agents meet their new customers in the workplace.



    [FULL STORY]
     
     


    Attention All SOLUTIONS Agencies



    Mark Your Calendars For Our
    Advanced Solutions Agency Convention
    May 23 - 25 in Tyler, TX

    This 2 1/2 day conference is open to all SOLUTIONS agencies.  You will hear from Advanced Automation staff, some of our Strategic Partners, and other SOLUTIONS Agencies! SOLUTIONS agencies will receive special email announcements with much more information.

     

    For more information about the conference, contact Cal Yngve at solutionsinfo@advancedautomationinc.com.


     
    SOLUTIONS News


    IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR
    ALL SOLUTIONS AGENCIES

    New classes have been added to the Training and Learning Center

    and

    Enhancements have been added to your CAROL web application

    List of new classes

    CAROL enhancements



    Click on the above links
    for more information


    Having trouble finding time for these important goals?

    • Motivate Staff
    • Manage Stress
    • Reduce Paper/ Postage/Printing Cost
    • Improve Consistency & Compliance
    • Start Annual Client Reviews
    • Improve Account Rounding

    You deserve to have the resources to grow your agency.

    Advanced Automation is the industry leader in agency growth.

    You have Questions,
    We have SOLUTIONS!
     




    For More Information





    AMS Users’ Group Announceso:p>

    2006 Automation Excellence Award

     

    Advanced Automation is pleased to honor Sattler Insurance as one of the finalists for the industry’s second-ever Automation Excellence Award. 

    “These agencies are the benchmark for all of us,” said Jerry Fox, president of The AMS Users’ Group. “They’re embracing technology and seeing the results in their bottom line.

    Congratulations
    Nancy & Crew!


    SOLUTIONS...At Work

    I had a client come into the office wanting to cancel her umbrella policy.

    I asked her if she left our office today after canceling the policy and ran the stop sign at the end of the block and hit a vehicle full of surgeons and one lost his arm and could no longer operate how she would want this paid. 

    She said, "Insurance, of course". I said, "Well, your auto policy will pay $250,000.  Do you think this is enough coverage?" 

    She answered back….."Don’t cancel my umbrella, I understand now."  I learned to ask Protection questions since we became a
    SOLUTIONS agency.

    Jennifer Mellady
    Underwood Agency

     


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    If you have any questions about an article in this issue of "The Source", or you would like more information about any of the proven, profitable, solutions offered by Advanced Automation -

    Please visit www.advancedautomationinc.com
    or contact solutionsinfo@advancedautomationinc.com
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