All the headlines from our Chris Burand Topic Page, ordered by recency.
Jan 9 2012 // Most agencies are managed from the perspective of the shareholders and executives. But what would an agency want if it were a shareholder?1. Good health. The foundation of agency health is the balance sheet. The most...
Dec 12 2011 // When agency owners think of perpetuation planning, they often think only of the financial aspect: Selling their agencies. In some circles, among some advisors, perpetuation planning is really another term for acquisitions....
Dec 5 2011 // When agency owners think of perpetuation planning, they often think only of the financial aspect: Selling their agencies. In some circles, among some advisors, perpetuation planning is really another term for acquisitions....
Nov 22 2011 // I have often been asked why procedural consistency is important for reducing errors and omissions (E&O) exposures. Another way of asking the question is, “Why is inconsistency an issue?”Let’s first...
Nov 7 2011 // I have often been asked why procedural consistency is important for reducing errors and omissions (E&O) exposures. Another way of asking the question is, “Why is inconsistency an issue?”Let’s first...
Oct 3 2011 // Someone once said: “Every agency should write small accounts because one or two will eventually turn into big accounts.”If I had a dime for every time I’ve heard this, I could make a healthy contribution...
Aug 15 2011 // I am frequently asked how agencies can increase their revenue per person. Since all agencies are basically the same, I have developed a three step program that is sure to help every agency increase this all important...
Aug 1 2011 // Within confines, people can succeed without accepting reality. The Western church succeeded in building itself into a hugely successful entity while denying the world was round for 1,000 or so years. Many banks and bankers...
Jul 4 2011 // Are you a great producer running an agency on the side or are you an executive running an agency where one responsibility is making sales?There has always been too much truth to the old adage that doctors are the worst...
May 16 2011 // It’s a funny experience writing articles for insurance publications and speaking at industry functions. After nearly 750 articles and presentations, the only articles or presentations that really ever spark anger...
Apr 29 2011 // For the last 20 years, at least, consultants, associations and publications have been worrying about the future of the independent agency system because the average age of agency owners has been in the late 50s. The same...
Apr 4 2011 // For the last 20 years, at least, consultants, associations and publications have been worrying about the future of the independent agency system because the average age of agency owners has been in the late 50s. The same...
Mar 21 2011 // This industry is filled with confusing and often contradictory recommendations regarding how to avoid E&O claims. This is frustrating for me, so I know it is frustrating for agents. I believe the source of the...
Dec 20 2010 // Great music combines so many elements. When terrific lyrics are combined with an awesome arrangement, the result is powerful. And sometimes if you separate the two, the power is lost.Developing successful producers is...
Nov 14 2010 // Cash flow today is probably more critical to small businesses than anytime in 20 or maybe even 40 years. This is especially true for agencies. I have seen many articles written about agencies cutting expenses, but for many...
Oct 18 2010 // It’s a question of potential. Without strategic planning, what is being left on the table? What opportunities are being missed? Can pure optimism and raw skill generate thriving agencies in the midst of the softest...
Oct 6 2010 // I believe the future of independent insurance agencies is at a tipping point. A number of forces are pushing agencies toward the precipice of major change. A few of those forces include: legislation, case law, the Web,...
Sep 20 2010 // Proactively Manage Your Future and Be Ready for Change I believe the future of independent insurance agencies is at a tipping point. A number of forces are pushing agencies toward the precipice of major change. A few of...
Sep 13 2010 // In the early 1700s, John Law, a brilliant mathematician, advised the French government their economy could be improved by printing lots of paper money not backed by gold or silver. The key was getting people to trust the...
Sep 6 2010 // In the early 1700s, John Law, a brilliant mathematician, advised the French government their economy could be improved by printing lots of paper money not backed by gold or silver. The key was getting people to trust the...