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EXPRESS
“What You Don’t Know Can’t Help You!” … Eddie K. Emmett, Editor / Publisher
12 Days of Christmas
starts NOW!
The 12 Days of Christmas, invitations and more. You’ll know
contrary to much popular belief, what’s going on at a glance. And
Table of Contents are not the twelve days before you only need to visit Facebook
Christmas, but are the twelve days when there’s something to do.
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS STARTS from Christmas until the 3 Wise
NOW! ........................................... 1 http://fbquick.com/
Men arrived to present gifts to the
#1: GET FACEBOOK NOTIFICATIONS baby Jesus.
ON YOUR DESKTOP ......................... 1 But at FYI Express, the 12
#2: GET RICH IN YOUR NICHE ......... 1 Days of Christmas Freebies starts
as soon as you read this article! #2: Get Rich in Your Niche
#3: A
CUSTOMIZABLE DESKTOP
CALENDAR ..................................... 2 Throughout the year I test free U.S. Census Bureau is your
software that can make your source for population, housing,
#4: ONE PERSON’S TRASH … ........ 2 agency more efficient and more economic, and geographic data by
#5: FREE EMPLOYEE TIME CLOCK .. 4 profitable. city / town / county/ zip code. It will
Here’s my Top 12 Christmas help you zero in on your niche! For
#6: FREE AGENCY ACCOUNTING
Freebies for you: example, I just checked and found
SOFTWARE .................................... 4
that 30093 (Norcross, Gwinnett
#7: FREE SPECIALTY BUSINESS County, GA) has a 29.3% Hispanic
CARDS FOR EVERY EMPLOYEE ....... 6 population and 60.2% of the
population in 30093 lives in
#8: FREE E-MAIL MARKETING
apartments. If my niche was
SOFTWARE .................................... 8
#1: Get Facebook Hispanic population, that’s where I
#9: WHILE THE CAT’S AWAY … ..... 10 notifications on your desktop would concentrate my marketing
strategy.
TURN YOUR WEBCAM INTO A SPY Facebook is a powerful social-
CAM ............................................. 10 networking site. You can waste a http://factfinder.census.gov
#10: DAILY POSITIVE INSPIRATION 10 lot of time checking throughout the
day to see if any activity. But what
#11: FREE ONLINE VISIBILITY ....... 11 if Facebook contacted you when
new things happened?
#12: FREE FYI EXPRESS
SUBSCRIPTION ............................. 11 You’d only need to check
SUCCESS ATTRACTS SUCCESS!.... 16 Facebook when there’s something Insurance House has a 26
to check. fbquick does this well. It page handout used in their “Get
MILLER EDWARDS JOINS FIN runs in the background on your Rich in Your Niche” seminars that
MARKETING ................................. 18 computer. Pop-ups will notify you outlines this and much more. Ask
of activity on your account. your IH Rep to e-mail a copy to
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKING ............. 20
You’ll get notifications for you and “Get Rich in Your Niche”.
messages, friend requests, event Continued on page 2
FYI EXPRESS Page 1 December, 2010
Two young boys spent the night at their
Smile‐A‐While at Christmas grandparent’s house the week before Christmas. At
Why is Christmas just like a day at the office? You bedtime, they knelt to say their prayers. The youngest
do all the work and the fat guy in the suit gets all the one, eyes closed, started praying at the top of his lungs.
credit! “I pray for a new bicycle,” he shouted. “I pray for a
A woman goes into the post office to buy stamps for Nintendo …”
her Christmas cards. “What denomination”: the clerk The oldest boy leaned over and nudged the boy.
asked. “Why are you shouting your prayers?” he asked. “God
“Oh, good heavens! Have we come to this?” the isn’t deaf, you know.”
woman asks. “Well, give me 50 Catholic and 50 “No,” the boy replied. “But Grandma is!”
Methodist.”
After being away from home visiting agencies the
week before Christmas, Wayne thought it would be nice
It was Christmas and the judge was in a merry to bring his wife a small gift. “How about some
mood. perfume?” he thought.
“What are you charged with?” he asked the A cosmetics clerk showed him a bottle that cost
defendant. about $50. “That’s a bit out of my range,” Wayne said.
“Doing my Christmas shopping early,” the man The clerk returned a moment later with a smaller
answered. bottle costing $30. “That’s still quite a bit,” he groused.
“That’s no offense,” the judge said. “How early were The clerk brought out a tiny $15 bottle. Wayne grew
you doing this shopping?” agitated. “What I mean,” he said, “is I’d like to see
something really cheap.”
“Before the store opened,” the defendant replied.
The clerk handed him a mirror.
More “News, Satire & Opinions for Independent Agents from Independent Agents” at www.fyigeorgiaviews.com
12 Days of Christmas Freebies
Continued from page 1
#3: A customizable desktop calendar
Rainlendar is a great little calendar program that sits #4: One Person’s Trash …
right on your desktop. It has three independent panes.
There’s one each for the calendar, upcoming events and Believe it or not, sometimes people give away good
a to-do list. You can place them anywhere on your stuff they don't need. Even if you don’t need anything
desktop. right now, you might know someone who could use the
stuff. Here’s a couple of websites I checked earlier
Double-click any day on the calendar to add an today:
event. You can enter a title, time, description and
category. Each category comes with a different icon. The Craigslist – www.craigslist.org
icons sit over their designated day. So, you can see the Did you know CraigsList has a listing for free items?
kind of event with just a glance. Go to the For Sale section and click the Free link. I
You can set alarms for any event. You’ll get a found free office furniture such as desks, filing cabinets
reminder when you have something to do. Current and and office chair.
upcoming events are also displayed in the Events pane. FreeNapkin – www.freenapkin.com
You can also create a to-do list for your FreeNapkin does not have a free section. Instead,
miscellaneous items. Everything on your list is displayed everything on the site is free! I wonder if my wife will let
in the To Do pane. me get the Star Wars Slumber Lounge I spotted a few
Link: www.rainlendar.net minutes ago?
Continued on page 4
FYI EXPRESS Page 2 December, 2010
T H E F R O N T- R U N N E R I N P E R S O N A L A U T O I N S U R A N C E I S
LEADING THE WAY
IN GEORGIA
Are you ready to join the championship team?
Hundreds of Georgia agents have taken the green flag with us. To learn more and apply for agent
Should you join them? appointment, visit
Since driving into Georgia in 2009, GAINSCO Auto Insurance has
established a strong presence in the Peach State. Our Georgia agent www.gainsco.com/georgia
partners say what they appreciate about GAINSCO is our competitive
product, ease of doing business, and commitment to long-term growth.
Established in 1978, GAINSCO offers:
NO CREDIT SCORING Competitive rates
Non-U.S. licenses accepted Low downpayments
Bilingual customer service Credit cards accepted
SR-22s
Apply now for agent appointment at www.gainsco.com/georgia
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• 19.5 % AVERAGE COMMISION
• COMMISIONS WILL BE PAID AS WRITTEN
OR AS EARNED – YOU GET THE CHOICE!
• NO CREDIT CHECK!
• INTERNATIONAL LICENSING – 0 POINTS
• OUT- OF - STATE LICENSE ACCEPTED!
• 5 VERSATILE PAYMENT PLANS TO FIT
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• NO CLUE REPORTS
• BILINGUAL STAFF!
Help your agency increase its bottom line!
Contact our Marketing Reps
Hilleri Brown (678) 559-7987 & Heather Konitshek (678) 559-4342
Please don't hesitate to call to get your producer code today!
12 Days of Christmas Freebies
Continued from page 2
#5: Free Employee Time Clock
#6: Free Agency Accounting Software
Do you monitor your
employees’ hours? GnuCash is a free personal and small-business
financial-accounting software designed to be easy to
How about a program that use, yet powerful and flexible.
can also calculate hourly pay
and keep track of overtime? GnuCash allows you to track bank accounts, stocks,
income and expenses. As quick and intuitive to use as a
Lastly, do you want it to be checkbook register, it is based on professional
affordable? accounting principles to ensure balanced books and
CKZ Time Clock is your solution. This is a free time accurate reports.
clock program that you can set up at your office. All you Of course, you don’t have to use all of the included
need is a computer to run it. features. If you want, you can just use GnuCash to
You can set up to three employee accounts with the balance your checkbook. Or, you can focus on any
free edition. Each one can clock in and out as needed. combination of its features.
You can set hourly rates for each employee and even Link: www.gnucash.org
make adjustments if mistakes occur.
Continued on page 6
Link: www.ckzinc.com
FYI EXPRESS Page 4 December, 2010
Strickland General Agency, Inc.
Wanted!
Your Garage Risks
Used Auto Dealers
Auto Repair Shops
Auto Auctions
Body Shops
Car Washes
Tire Shops
Valet Services
Storage Lots
Gas Stations
Mobile Auto Repair
Motorcycle Dealers
Tow Operations
Truck / Trailer Sales
Lube & Oil Change Shops
Plus Many Others
Multiple Carriers Rated "A-" or better by A.M. Best
Coverages
Garage Liability Dealers Open Lot (DOL)
Garage Keepers (GKLL) Broadened Garage Coverage
Legal Liability - Direct Primary Personal Injury
Medical Payments Fire Legal
Truth in Lending Liability Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
Property (Building) Federal Odometer Liability
Excess Limits Property (Business Equipment)
Larry Lietch (Manager) Ext126 llietch@sgainga.com
Robin Mote Ext1023 rmote@sgainga.com
Strickland General Agency, Inc.
4800 River Green Parkway
Duluth GA 30096
678-259-3700 * 800-825-5742 * Fax 678-259-3701
garage@sgainga.com
www.sgainga.com
"Think Strickland First""
More “News, Satire & Opinions for Independent Agents from Independent Agents” at www.fyigeorgiaviews.com
12 Days of Christmas Freebies Motorcycle policyholders hang out with other
motorcycle enthusiast. Apartment dwellers swap stories
Continued from page 4 with their neighbors. Construction workers start their
days at Waffle House.
Trick question: who in your office is the salesperson?
Answer: Everyone!
So everyone should have business cards. And
everyone should have business cards that specifically
promote the lines that you have chosen to target market.
Whenever you write a targeted policyholder or
process a transaction for them, write their name on the
back of a couple of the specialty business cards and ask
#7: Free Specialty Business Cards for Every them to refer their “fellow birds” to your agency.
Employee You should have a ‘Motorcycle” business card, a
“Construction Worker” business card, etc. Have on hand
The hardest part of creating a specifically targeted
a specialty business card for each of your targeted
marketing program is figuring out just what markets you
markets. Dress up the card with a picture of the
wish to target.
insurance product and show your website address in big,
So the next time y’all are sitting around waiting … bold letters. Hand them out to everyone you meet.
and waiting … for the phone to ring, use some of that
Link: www.janzoon.com
time to hammer out a list of target markets.
Link: www.VistaPrint.com
There’s an old saying that “Birds of a feather flock
together”. It is so true in our policyholders. Continued on page 8
FYI EXPRESS Page 6 December, 2010
SM
SM
Insurance Company
Become an Agency Partner Now!
No Credit Scoring! Great Commissions!
• Low Down and • Automated Phone
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Reminders for
• Agent-Friendly Retention
Website for Policy
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Agency Download Commission with
Available Smart Choice Auto
Club Program and
• Superior Customer Accidental Death
Service and 24-Hour Coverage
Claims Service
• Free Agency Website
• Bridge to MaxRater and Weblink to Write
and Issue the Business 24/7 365
Policy, Print Dec Days a Year!
Pages, ID Cards and
Application, All at
Point of Sale
Gary Ardoin Contact
Judy Alderson
1-770-312-8628 (cell) or or 1-877-810-9942
1-877-858-4100 ext. 2100 judy@insuremax.net
gardoin@insuremax.net
To become a producer, visit
insuremax.net
and click on
1-877-Max-4-Less
More “News, Satire & Opinions for Independent Agents from Independent Agents” at www.fyigeorgiaviews.com
Are you thinking about
doing some online marketing
in 2011?
In our offices, we are
being proactive and
contacting our renewals
ahead of time. A personal
phone call is the best way to
reach out and “touch” your
client but if you don’t have the
time or personnel to do that,
why not consider sending an
email or postcard?
You haven’t been
harvesting email addresses
from your clients? Don’t
worry…it’s only a fad.
Seriously, today’s a good
day to start collecting email
addresses.
Send a “thank you” email
later in the day to folks who
purchased (or renewed) a
policy in your office. In the
brief email, remind the client
of how much they saved and
reinforce the fact that your
agency is there for them if
they have any other
insurance needs.
Be sure to suggest the
client forward the email to
friends and family members
they think might appreciate
saving on their insurance.
But don’t just send a plain
e-mail.
Jazz it up by using the
templates in one or both of
these free Online Marketing
Tools:
12 Days of Christmas Freebies
Continued from page 6
#8: Free E-mail
www.MailChimp.com
Marketing
Software
Are you thinking of
getting on board the
Social Media
Machine?
www.SimplyCast.com Continued on page 10
FYI EXPRESS Page 8 December, 2010
More “News, Satire & Opinions for Independent Agents from Independent Agents” at www.fyigeorgiaviews.com
12 Days of Christmas Freebies
Continued from page 8 Maybe you want to view your Webcam’s feed live.
This would let you check in on pets at home. Or, you can
#9: While the cat’s away … see if employees are doing their job. As long as your
Turn your Webcam into a computer has Internet access, this is pretty easy.
spy cam Check these free programs:
Wouldn’t it be great to see Vitamin D – http://vitamindinc.com/
what’s going on at your office &
home when you are not there? Yawcam - http://www.yawcam.com/
All you need is a webcam My WebCam Broadcaster –
and one of these free software.
http://www.eyespyfx.com/mywebcam.html
You may already have a webcam built into your
computer. If not, treat yourself and pick up one while the
sales are on in December.
I bought a great webcam the other day for less than
$20.00.
You can monitor an area by pointing a Webcam at it
and can check in from nearly anywhere. Or have it #10: Daily Positive Inspiration
record so you can check the video later.
Get a free daily dose of inspiration! Sign up to receive
Having your Webcam record days of video doesn’t Napoleon Hill's Thought for the Day in your email.
make much sense. It would take up a ton of hard drive
space. And watching it would take forever. Motion Link: www.naphill.org
detection is a better solution. Continued on page 11
FYI EXPRESS Page 10 December, 2010
More “News, Satire & Opinions for Independent Agents from Independent Agents” at www.fyigeorgiaviews.com
Take Online Card and E-Check Payments
For Free!
Your Customers want to pay online anytime. When they pay at your carrier's site you lose the
ability to stay in front of them, build an email list and cross sell.
Our service lets you take online payments, send electronic invoices with a link to pay online, take
card payments over the phone and take card payments in your office All at no cost to you.
As more of your customers pay online and with credit and debit cards, we give you the tools to
provide the service they expect.
www.simplyeasierpayments.com
To get started call Calvin or Strickland at 800-768-0907
12 Days of Christmas Freebies
Continued from page 10
www.AmIVisible.org
#11: Free Online Visibility Local Search is the new Yellow Pages.
A couple of years ago Google brought the World
Speaking of Yellow Pages …
Wide Web into your back yard. They realized that folks
were using the web to find local businesses. So Google What do you do with the Yellow Page book that is
now displays the top 10 listings in whatever region delivered to your office? If it’s not used for its original
searched. Properly optimized local search results are purpose, why not save a tree and stop the delivery?
placed ahead of the ones that normally appeared at the
Link: www.YellowPagesOptOut.com
top of the page. It didn’t take Yahoo and Bing too long to
get on the same bandwagon.
Try it and see what comes up. Go to your favorite #12: Free FYI Express Subscription
search engine and type “insurance your city, state”. Did
your agency show up in the top 10? If not, your potential
clients did not see it either.
How can your phone ring if they can’t find you or
even know you exist?
Here’s a couple of websites that can help you Did you get from me an e-mail notification that this
increase your online visibility. edition of FYI Express was waiting for you to download
for free at www.FYIGeorgiaViews.com?
If yes … great! You also know about the stuff that I
didn’t have room for in this edition.
If no … you’ll never know what you missed!
www.GetListed.org
Why wait on the news?
Am I Visible is great but is limited to metro areas. It’s
worth a look to see if your area is in their database. Subscribers to FYI Express get regular e-mails that
contain tips ‘n tools, industry news and fun stuff.
I use both websites!
Sign up for free at www.FYIGeorgiaViews.com.
It’s the best Christmas Freebie of all.
FYI EXPRESS Page 11 December, 2010
More “News, Satire & Opinions for Independent Agents from Independent Agents” at www.fyigeorgiaviews.com
A wonderful message
attributed to George
Carlin:
The paradox of our time in
history is that we have taller
buildings but shorter tempers,
wider freeways, but narrower
viewpoints. We spend more, but
have less, we buy more, but
enjoy less. We have bigger
houses and smaller families,
more conveniences, but less
time. We have more degrees
but less sense, more
knowledge, but less judgment,
more experts, yet more
problems, more medicine, but
less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke
too much, spend too recklessly,
laugh too little, drive too fast,
get too angry, stay up too late,
get up too tired, read too little,
watch TV too much, and pray
too seldom. We have multiplied
our possessions, but reduced
our values. We talk too much,
love too seldom, and hate too
often.
We've learned how to make
a living, but not a life. We've
added years to life not life to
years. We've been all the way
to the moon and back, but have
trouble crossing the street to
meet a new neighbor. We
conquered outer space but not
inner space. We've done larger
things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air,
Letters to the Editor but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not
Want to comment on something you read in FYI our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan
Express? more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but
not to wait. We build more computers to hold more
Comments & Observations are welcome to be sent to information, to produce more copies than ever, but we
eddieemmett@windstream.net. communicate less and less.
If you wish to remain anonymous, just say so. I have These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion,
yet to betray a confidence. big men and small character, steep profits and shallow
Bill Murrey sent this to me and suggested I pass it on. relationships. These are the days of two incomes but
more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes......
May I make the same suggestion to you …? These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers,
Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - gross and throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight
mouthy comedian of the 70's and 80's – has been given bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet,
credit for writing something so very eloquent ... and so to kill.
very appropriate in these trying times? Continued on page 14
FYI EXPRESS Page 12 December, 2010
www.insurancehouse.com
Welcome to the Website that
Offers You More!
With new tools to make your experience better…
Make a Credit Card Payment Online Report a Claim Online
We now offer another way to help you retain Our goal is to provide you with more tools to make
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RSThomas Training Associates, Inc. George Carlin Continued from page 12
Let us help you prepare for an exciting career in It is a time when there is much in the showroom window
the Insurance and Financial Services Industry, as we and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can
have for thousands of others for 26 years in Georgia, bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose
Alabama and across the nation. either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.
We prepare you to pass the Insurance Agents Exam Remember; spend some time with your loved ones,
for Property & Casualty as well as Life, Accident and because they are not going to be around forever.
Sickness, Claims Adjusters, Excess Surplus Lines Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to
Broker, Georgia P&C Counselor, and the Limited Sub you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and
Agent Qualification leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one
next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give
We Offer the 20/40 Hour Pre-Licensing Classroom with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
and Online School for
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your
Property & Casualty Agents/Claims Adjusters loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace
will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Life, Accident and Sickness Agent
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for
20 Hour Limited Sub-Agent someday that person will not be there again. Give time to
love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious
Excess Surplus Lines Broker
thoughts in your mind.
Georgia P&C Counselor Exam
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
8 Hour Variable Products but by the moments that take our breath away.
8 Hour Long Term Care Partnership HOW TO STAY YOUNG
Series 6 & 63 1...... Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes
age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them.
Continuing Education
That is why you pay him/her.
(Training Materials Also Available In Spanish)
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you
down.
Class Schedule 3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts,
ATLANTA SITE gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. “An idle mind
is the devil's workshop."And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
Weekday: P&C / LAS Jan 10-14 & Jan 21-28
4. Enjoy the simple things.
Weekday: P&C / LAS Feb 7-11 & Feb 21-25
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for
Weekend Classes for 2 Weekends breath.
Weekend: P&C / LAS Jan 7-9 + 14-15 6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The
Weekend: P&C / LAS Feb 4-6 + 12-13 only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be
ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's
VARIABLE PRODUCT: 8 HOUR CLASSES family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies,
whatever...... Your home is your refuge.
DEC 17, JAN 14, FEB 11
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is
SERIES 6 / 63 unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve,
DEC 18-19, JAN 15-16, FEB 12-13 get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next
DULUTH SITE county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.
Weekday: P&C Dec 6-10, Feb 14-18 10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every
opportunity.
Contact us at www.RSThomas.net or
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the
Info@RSThomas.net 770.933.4199 or Toll
number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take
Free 1.877.345.9237 Fax 770.933.4195 our breath away. If you don't send this to at least 8 people....
who cares? ………….. Attributed to George Carlin
FYI EXPRESS Page 14 December, 2010
Thank you for your Business !!
We take Great Pride in the service we Provide.
Our Priority is YOU.
Our Average Hold Time is only 30 Seconds!
Benefits of doing business with Aggressive
• Commission paid Twice Monthly - Direct Deposit to your account
• Down-Payments with Credit Card or E-Check
• Multiple payment options for customers including recurring EFT
• Roadside Assistance Coverage - 80% commission
• Web enabled Point-of-Sale and Policy Administration System
• Quote, Bind and Issue directly from our Live System
• Rates on AccuAuto - Bridge to our Live System for policy issue
• Real Time Agency Reporting
• Real Time Endorsements
• POS Endorsement Issuance
• Competitive Rating Structure
• Fast and Friendly Customer Service
• Reliable In-Office Claim Service
• KnightBrook Insurance Company - A- A.M. Best Rated Company
• Our commitment is to provide quality products with a State-of-The Art processing and claims service
Helpful Hints
Rewrite your policies up to 30 days with NO additional paperwork NO new signatures!!
You have 2 options once a policy is in cancellation status:
• Day 1-10 No Loss
• Day 1-30 you can elect to rewrite. Located in the "Status" tab of the Insured's policy you will find a "rewrite"
button. At this time you can leave the policy as is or make any necessary changes.
Janice Cantrell, CPIW H. David Emmett Jill Contarino
Marketing Representative SouthEast Director of Operations Marketing Representative
Office: (972) 827-3651 Office: (972) 827-3668 Office: (972) 827-3651
Cell: (912) 398-5295 Cell: (770) 490-7861 Cell: (404) 625-4505
Janice.Cantrell@AggressiveUSA.com David.Emmett@AggressiveUSA.com Jill.Contarino@AggressiveUSA.com
More “News, Satire & Opinions for Independent Agents from Independent Agents” at www.fyigeorgiaviews.com
Success Attracts Success!
SUCCESS ATTRACTS SUCCESS AND FAILURE ATTRACTS FAILURE BECAUSE OF THE LAW OF
HARMONIOUS ATTRACTION.
In physics, positives attract negatives and vice versa, but in human relationships the opposite is true. Negative people
attract only other negative people, while positive thinkers attract like-minded individuals. You will find that when you begin
to achieve success more successes will follow. This is the law of harmonious attraction. When riches begin to come your
way, you’ll be amazed how quickly they accumulate. Train your mind to visualize yourself acquiring a specific amount of
wealth or achieving a certain goal-whatever you most desire. Then use self-suggestion to persuade your subconscious
mind that you can achieve your goal, and put your plan into action. When you use the tools that you have at your disposal
to prepare yourself for success and visualize yourself as having already reached your objective, you can achieve any
reasonable goal that you set for yourself.
This positive message is brought to you by the Napoleon Hill Foundation. Visit us at http://www.naphill.org.
This is truly an amazing advertisement.
If you are not a Ford fan, that’s OK, but please watch this
commercial, it's not what you think, and it's one of the best
ways to promote a product I've ever seen. Loved it, it touches
the heart.
This can put a tear in your eye.
Ford has not accepted a penny from the government bailout
and should be marketing their action. But in my mind they have
chosen to take a higher road ...a road with class. Enjoy this to the very end. Ford out did themselves with this
commercial. Turn on your speakers and go to http://www.richhumor.com/wp-filez/PerhapstheBestFordCommercia.wmv
FYI EXPRESS Page 16 December, 2010
While visions of sugarplums
danced in the agent’s head,
he dreamed of writing bu$ine$$
as he slept in his bed.
With , it doesn’t have to be only in your dreams!
So, seriously, why not stay home with the ones you love this holiday season,
every weekend & after hours free from your cell phone & office while InSite answers
YOUR phone and takes care of your customers when you’re not there!
We don’t take holidays or weekends off ~ we’re there for you round the clock!
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INSITE SUPPORT SERVICES, INC.
203 CASH CONTROL RD / NEWBERRY SC 29108
TOLL FREE / 866-446-3555 / FAX / 803-405-7272
marketing@insitesupport.com / www.insitesupport.com
More “News, Satire & Opinions for Independent Agents from Independent Agents” at www.fyigeorgiaviews.com
Miller Edwards joins FIN Marketing He added, “I am a people person above all else, so
being in the field is right down my alley. I enjoy meeting
First Insurance Network is stepping up their efforts people and hope that I can be a catalyst for positive
with the hiring of a new Marketing Representative. With experiences with First Insurance Network down the
their new rates debuting for WACO Fire and Casualty in road.”
Georgia on 12/1 and new rates already in place in
Florida with Peachtree Casualty, this hire shows a focus Miller will continue to learn the nuances of the
on the future. business with each day of work, and he welcomes any
kind of advice from the old pros. He expressed wisdom
Miller Edwards grew up in Atlanta, GA and has again beyond his years with, “There is not as much of a
made it his home after recently graduating from Auburn learning curve in the real world, it is important to hit the
University. ground running, but I appreciate every little incite I can
I recently sat down with Miller and asked him to tell get.”
me a little about his background and plans for his brand- Keep an eye out for this young man; he may be in
new career in the Insurance Industry. your area sooner than you think. If you want to get in
Miller replied, “I am ready to get started, training has touch with Miller, give him a call on his cell (404) 539-
been a long but necessary process. I am itching to get 6464, or drop him a line miller@finusa.com.
out on the road so that I can feel more productive.”
Miller plans to visit all around both Georgia and North
Florida, meeting as many agents as he possibly can.
FYI EXPRESS Page 18 December, 2010
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Do you think the hard working agents of Georgia
would be interested in working a day less per week and
Opportunity Knocking at the same time increasing sales?
Agency Manager needed to run multi-million dollar We have a solution that can reduce an agent’s “cost
P/C agency in Tallahassee, FL. Huge opportunity for of doing business” by 30%. Do you think they will be
right person with agency plans to start growing in FL and excited to hear about that?
expand into all 50 states. Need the right person to run
agency with our aggressive marketing plan. Contact What about the future? How many agents do you
Patrick Shores initially to discuss details of the know of that have a “roadmap” for their future? Most that
opportunity. Patrick@800ms.com. I’ve met have a monthly or yearly plan, but are stumped
to discuss three or five year plans. We have a plan for
Hi Eddie, them!
Merry Christmas! My team is excited about launching in Georgia, but
despite best efforts we are looking at a January 2011
I wanted to take a minute and let you know that my launch date. It will be great working with you and the rest
partner and I have been very busy with the Gotham of the Georgia agents again.
project. As you recall, Gotham is an MGA hybrid,
focused on training, developing, and growing Keep up the great work and thanks for all you do!
agents/agencies. Our team’s capabilities combined with Sincerely,
those of our partner’s gives us advantages that no other
insurance company or MGA offer today. Wes “Batman” Sivley
We know agents’ needs go beyond a commission President
check and we are bringing solutions that will address Gotham Agency Services, LLC
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FYI EXPRESS Page 20 December, 2010
Georgia Insurance Agents Alliance
Believe!
Why should you be a member of GIAA? Belief … Enthusiasm … Support … Trust
My answer? The Independent Agent is the most We are the GIAA! We are the BEST! Belief,
important factor in making things happen in the Enthusiasm, Support, Trust. This makes us the BEST!
insurance industry in GA.
As Independent Agents, we may be competitors, but
WE BELIEVE we are smart competitors who enthusiastically believe
WE BELIEVE we can do anything. WE BELIEVE in and Trust that WE will support each other every day and
what we do, and WE BELIEVE all we have to do is ask, in every way.
and people will respond to us like they do every day in You can try to continue on the path that made your
our agencies when they purchase a "promise" that we agency a good agency in the past, or you can join forces
will take care of them. It is an intangible. It is TRUST! with people that are making their agencies great.
You can't touch it, but you feel it. You BELIEVE it!
The Companies TRUST us that we will bring people
together in a way that is different, refreshing and
rewarding. They know our organization will be motivating
Risk-Free Money-Back Guarantee
to all who join because WE are the best at what we do. Don’t just take my word for it. Sign up for the 3 month
All our members are successful business people, and Money-Back Guarantee at www.Georgia-Agents.com.
others want to be just like us. I joined the GIAA which at
If you don’t think GIAA Membership provides tips ‘n
the time was made up of my biggest competitors. Crazy
tools that pay for the membership dues many times over
you say, yeah, crazy like a Fox. In fact, when I look back
… I’ll refund your money!
on it, there were a lot of Fox's at that meeting. I had
nothing to lose and everything to gain and so did those The hard part is trusting and believing in that first
other Fox's. step and that first step is joining the GIAA. WE will share
our ideas, WE will support you, and WE will give you the
tools to help you succeed.
GIAA Promise to Members Together WE can make it happen. Together WE are
We promise to give you ideas to help you grow your the BEST.
business. We promise you networking, to put you with Come join us and learn how to change that good
those companies that want you to succeed. agency into a great agency.
Eddie
And we promise we will show you the way to survive
the bad times, and then shout “I am the BEST when it is
all over”. Show your enthusiasm. Be Enthusiastic!!!
Success Breeds Success! Smart people want to be Eddie K. Emmett, GIAA Membership Chairman
aligned with other smart and successful people. Align
Georgia Insurance Agents Alliance
yourself with the GIAA.
www.Georgia-Agents.com
You may ask, "What does the GIAA really do?"
Simply put, I Believe We Enthusiastically Support and (770) 312-2342
Trust in our Members.
eddieemmett@windstream.net
Much more information at www.Georgia-Agents.com
Georgia Insurance Agents Alliance
“How To” Booklets available for GIAA Members Only
Setting Realistic Goals for Super Sales & Management Marketing to Hispanics
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• We are specialists in insurance agents
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A FFINITY I NSURANCE
AGENCY, INC.
Robert Hansen, CPCU
Executive Vice President
3950 Cobb Pkwy, Suite 707, Acworth,GA 30101
Tel 770-974-5502
Fax 770-974-5359
Email RHansen@profliability.com
A.D. Banker of Atlanta
Owner: Gary A Bobo
Tel: (678) 838-6507
Email: gbobo@adbtc.com
Website: www.georgiainsuranceschools.com
A.D. Banker of Atlanta is pleased to provide this special CE credit offer to the subscribers of FYI.
If you purchase any additional course of 5 hours or more, we will give you the 3-hour Ethics course free!
That’s 8 hours for $12.50. Keep in mind that this 3 hours counts for all credits so even if you have met
your ethics requirement, this 3-hour course will be credited towards your 10-15 mandated hours.
Ethics for the Insurance Professional (Online)
Surviving as an insurance producer is a challenge in these times of increasing
industry compliance requirements. This course leads students through difficult ethical
and compliance issues. There is a discussion of these issues at each stage of the
insurance transaction, including prospecting, recommending a policy to the client,
rebating and replacement, and self-disclosure.
Fundamental 3-hour Ethics course. Popular nationwide as the go-to-book to meet the
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If you purchase the 15-hour Business Ethics course, we will give you a $5 discount. Any CE credit hours
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Business Ethics (Online)
General Ethics common to all insurance agents. Satisfies both Life and Health
and Property and Casualty requirements. This is a full 15-hour course dedicated
to Ethics as it applies to the agent dealing with business owners. Course
concludes with a study of duties of agents to insurers and the ethics of our
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The 15 hours includes the mandated 3 hours of ethics as well as additional
information providing the balance of 12 hours. Hardcopy book is available.
Regular Price: $25 - $20 with FYI special promo code – call Gary Bobo at (678) 838-6507
Note: The Georgia Department of Insurance allows a student to repeat any ethics course every year!
DEAN M. REED
1833 Waters Ridge Dr Newburgh, IN 47630 T: 812-459-5787 deanreed4545@yahoo.com
INSURANCE MANAGEMENT & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Specializes in leading a thorough, efficient, regulatory compliant, and profitable operation
Insurance management professional with 20+ years of hands-on claims experience and 10+ years in leadership for personal
and commercial areas of the Property/Casualty sector. Deep knowledge and understanding of the industry with exceptional
communication (written and verbal) skills. Interacts well with internal/external staff at all levels, clients and customers, as
well as a host of professionals from supportive agencies and associations (i.e., legal, accounting, and administrative).
Consistent track record of driving the highest levels of quality, customer service, and productivity.
Apply keen analytical, investigative, and research strengths to evaluate critical legal decisions and
implement necessary changes to ensure alignment with corporate goals and minimization of risk.
Effective team builder who is personable and enthusiastic and has resulted in high staff retention.
Noted for driving operational excellence and proactively reducing costs.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Insurance Management • Operational Streamlining • Organizational Management
Policy & Procedure Development & Implementation • Risk Management • Regulatory Compliance
Contractual Agreements • Presentations & Communications • Public Speaking
Negotiations • Employee Development • Team Building & Leadership
Project Management • Recruiting & Staffing • Quality Initiatives • Problem Solving
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Progressive Insurance Indianapolis, Indiana 7/1997 – 11/2010
Claims Director (6/2009 – 11/2010)
Managed staff of 78 consisting of injury manager, property damage managers, branch claims managers, Concierge Service
Center manager, and supervisors. Supported and administered all facets of insurance claims management and real estate
decisions for office locations, fleet management, and asset management for Central and Downstate Indiana. Provided top
level claims adjudication for the state that included review for payment, reserve authority, coverage and liability decisions,
and litigation of claims up to $100K. Reviewed, analyzed, and escalated claims for management review in excess of $250K.
Served as a liaison at state level between sales and product management personnel and entire claims organization. Worked
with Department of Insurance to respond to and resolve any complaints, processed changes as warranted by law, and
maintained appropriate business relationships with field offices. Supported monthly business review, marketing initiatives,
claims performance issues, and hosted monthly conference calls to lend support and expertise throughout company.
Initiated and implemented reduction in leased space and achieved cost savings of $175K annually.
Led team that lowered claims inventory by 419 features (39% improvement in 6 months) and a
$1.252M reserves reduction.
Spearheaded multiple employee recognition and rewards programs that enhanced productivity, work
efficiency, staff morale, and retainment (reduced turnover from 14% to 6%).
Exceeded customer service expectations for 4 consecutive years and recognized by Midwest Zone for
best customer service by a claims organization. Improved quality scores from 0.63 to 0.78, work
environment index from 0.82 to 0.92, and productivity from 1.21 to 1.42.
Created and applied plan that improved leader to claim representative ratio from 4.1:1 to 6.25:1 and
maintained key metrics.
Appointed as State Recruiter for Indiana. Responsible for interviewing and hiring all external
candidates in Indiana. Certified using the Targeted Selection Interview Method for all hiring decisions.
Reviewed and updated customer service processes and procedures for the state/territory and
conducted training sessions as warranted for uniformity and consistency throughout the division.
DEAN M. REED PAGE 2 OF 2
Regional Manager, Evansville, Indiana (7/2003 – 6/2009)
Managed four branches with a staff of 56 that consisted of injury manager, property damage managers, branch claims
managers, and team leaders. Supported and administered all facets of insurance claims management and real estate
decisions for office locations, fleet management, and asset management within Southern Indiana. Provided top level of
claims adjudication for the state of Indiana that included review for payment, reserve authority, coverage and liability
decisions, and litigation of claims for up to $100K. Reviewed, analyzed, and escalated claims in excess of $100K.
Improved quality scores from 0.69 to 0.86, work environment from 0.84 to 0.93, and productivity from
0.98 to 1.21 within a 2 year period.
Created and implemented a plan that recognized employees’ skills and development allowing them to
design a career path. 9 employees went on to become Managers, 7 Supervisors, and 2 Trainers to
support the company’s growth.
Played a key role working with the corporate efficiency team designing and implementing PCS 2.0
which was the stepping stone moving productivity into the 1.45 range while improving quality and
retaining solid customer service.
Branch Claims Manager, Evansville, Indiana (4/2000 – 7/2003)
Managed staff of 25 that consisted of 3 team leaders and 22 claims representatives. Supported and administered all facets of
insurance claims management, physical plant management, asset management, and fleet management for this branch.
Provided mid-tier level of claims adjudication for the Evansville, Indiana claims office that included review for payment,
reserve authority, coverage and liability decisions, and litigation of claims for up to $35K. Reviewed, analyzed, and escalated
claims for management review in excess of $100K.
Spearheaded successful reorganization of claims division for the branch and applied new processes
and procedures that changed status of branch from a ‘does not meet’ to a ‘high meets’ organization in
all metrics. Branch grew from 9 employees in 2000 to 25 in 2003 under my leadership.
Improved (CQI) quality scores from 0.51 to 0.74, work environment from 0.82 to 0.90, and reduced
inventory by 200 features for a 32% improvement.
Team Leader, Fort Wayne, Indiana (3/1999 – 4/2000)
Directed and supervised staff of 6 and facilitated quality review, analysis, and processing of injury and property damage
claims. Provided input on hiring recommendations, personnel actions, and terminations (as warranted).
Trained and mentored 10 newly hired employees and improved quality scores from 0.44 to 0.65.
Claim Representative, Fort Wayne, Indiana (7/1997 – 3/1999)
Responsible for handling various types of claims. Claims included injury, liability, and coverage investigations as well as
fire/theft, commercial auto, and special line claims. As a claim representative, I became PD3 certified enabling me to assess
damage on all facets of property damage including motorcycles, boats, RV’s, travel trailers, and mobile homes.
State Farm Insurance ◊ Fort Wayne, Indiana 8/1989 – 5/1997
Claim Adjuster (8/1989 – 5/1997)
Began my career handling coverage, liability, and property damage resolution. In 1992, I was promoted to Senior Claims
Adjuster where I handled bodily injury claims. Responsibility included evaluating, reserving, and resolving through mediation
and litigation. In 1995, I had a unique opportunity to implement and develop a SIU program for Northeast Indiana.
Included ownership for all SIU investigations including but not limited to fire/theft , staged accidents including bodily injury,
medical provider fraud, and agency issues.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Management
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Associate of Arts
Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Kalamazoo, Michigan
More “News, Satire & Opinions for Independent Agents from Independent Agents” at www.fyigeorgiaviews.com
All Aboard the FYI EXPRESS!
200 Russell Court
Canton, GA 30114
Eddie K. Emmett, Publisher / Editor / Janitor
eddieemmett@windstream.net
www.FYIGeorgiaViews.com
Cell: (770) 312-2342
Fax: (770) 783-8226
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FYI EXPRESS Page 24 December, 2010