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Tuesday, June 6, 2006
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Issue 38
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VOLUME 2
ISSUE 38
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I was talking with an
agency this week about how their agency compared with other
agencies in their city. The conversation eventually
led us to a discussion about the difference in the "Features"
and "Benefits" the agency offered their clients.
They were surprised to learn how important it is to know
the difference between "Features" and "Benefits".
By definition, a "feature" is a description of something you do, such as providing a product or service. A "benefit", on the other hand, is "Something that promotes or enhances well-being".
For example, some "features" of shopping at Wal-Mart are low prices and convenience. But the "benefit" these features provide is more money in the customer's pocket and more time with their families. Features are objective facts. Benefits are emotional opportunities to connect what you do with enhancing the consumer's life and lifestyle.
So what are the unique "Features" and "Benefits" in your agency? Not sure? Don't feel alone! But also don't let the ignorance continue!
One of the main reasons for our blogs is to allow you to share ideas and solve problems with other agencies. If you plan on doing any marketing for the remainder of 2006, it is essential that you learn how to connect on an emotional level with your prospects with your benefits, rather than simply presenting facts. Features may give a prospect a reason to buy, but benefits provide the motivation to buy.
If you are a SOLUTIONS agency, Click Here to respond to Ted's Blogs and join with other agencies to explore the Features and Benefits of your agency. |
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Part
II: Will Your Agency Become "Distinct" or "Extinct"
Learning How To Become A Purple Cow
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The idea of a purple cow is that it would be "remarkable" compared to ordinary "brown" cows.
This article is the second in a series to explore the elusive goal of becoming remarkable. |
A key element is learning how to recognize your greatest strength. Do you know where to look?
The answer may surprise you.
[FULL STORY]
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In this issue...
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How To
Make The Web Work For You
Putting The World Wide Web To Work In Your Agency
Kevin McDonald, Confluency Solutions
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Is your website making you money?
If not, then you need to read what Kevin McDonald with Confluency Solutions has to say about making your website a profitable part of your business model. |
[FULL STORY]
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Wanted:
Radical CSRs
How To Quit Your Current Job, And Still Get Your Paycheck
Tom Baker, SOLUTIONS Coordinator Advanced Automation
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Processing is an essential part of agency life. But is it the defining role of CSRs?
This article is a must read for every CSR wanting to learn how to gain control over their work day and change their job overnight. |
[FULL STORY]
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Balancing
Your Agency's Value With Your Client's Needs
Creating a Powerful Value Proposition
Tom Baker, SOLUTIONS Coordinator Advanced Automation
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With today's tight economy and overburdened decision makers, you need a clear message to break through the clutter and get the attention of your clients. Learn how to balance value with your client's needs by creating a strong value proposition. |
[FULL STORY]
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PART
2: Hiring The Best...Not The Rest
One Dozen Powerful Strategies For Avoiding Thieves, Spies, Con-Artists and ...
Don Phin, HR That Works
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As an employment law attorney, Don Phin has seen every form of bad employee. This article is Part 2 in a series presenting insights on how to keep these cancers out of your workplace. |
[FULL STORY]
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Stay The
Course
Why You Should Never Ever Change Your Annual Plan In The Middle Of The Year
Jack Stack
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Did you set goals for 2006? And if so, what has happened to them in the last 6 months?
A noted small-business CEO explains why you should never, (ever!) change your annual plan in the middle of the year. |
[FULL STORY]
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Special Information
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Information
on Newsletter Tip
In our last issue of The Source, we passed along a tip for a Home Inventory Software at www.knowyourstuff.org.
After closer review of the Terms and Conditions for the Home Inventory software, we recommend that you contact the Insurance Information Institute at www.iii.org before duplicating the software. The Terms and Conditions, which you must agree to when downloading the Home Inventory software, have restrictions on duplicating the application.
One additional way to make use of this resource is to include it as a link on your CAROL site as a value-added benefit of doing business with your agency.
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SOLUTIONS Update
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SOLUTIONS Works!
As a new SOLUTIONS agency, The Soden Agency attended a 2 1/2 day leadership training in Tyler, TX.
When they returned to the agency, it sounds as though they had a lot of fun and enthusiasm introducing SOLUTIONS to their staff.
"We just finished our first Monday morning meeting. I knew I was excited about SOLUTIONS but did not realize Hal and Karoline were also as enthused as I am.
It showed in our first 10 minute meeting.
Ted, you would have been proud of us. It was your upbeat style. I even incorporated your pumping hand on heart and said "because we care" and we do. I am sure that brought a smile to your face! We all look forward to an ongoing learning relationship with all of you. "
Robert Soden
Soden Agency
AGENCY OWNERS!
Having trouble finding time for these important goals?
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Manage Stress?
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Reduce Paper/ Postage/Printing Cost?
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Improve Consistency & Compliance?
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Complete Annual Client Reviews?
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Improve Account Rounding?
You deserve to have the resources to grow your agency.
Advanced Automation is the industry's unique leader in agency management development and profitable growth.
You have Questions,
We have SOLUTIONS! |
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For More Information
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