Practice management

The Democratic Party late on Monday unveiled its election platform, a non-binding political document that party delegates will vote to adopt at the national convention in Charlotte on Tuesday evening.

In the immortal words of Albert Einstein, “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result.” Are you trapped in this pattern? If so, embrace the guiding principle of evolve or perish to take your career to the next level. As I travel the country, speaking with my colleagues at state and local health underwriter association meetings about surviving and thriving in a post-health care reform world —…

There are four words that sum up the tremendous growth experienced by San Mateo, Calif. brokerage Sequoia Benefits and Insurance Services in 2012: "Coming through for people." To Greg Golub, CEO and founder, it is that simple, and it all comes back to impeccable customer service. In a year when other firms struggled to remain solvent, Sequoia brought in 135 new clients and 50 new 401(k) plans, developed an innovative smartphone application and overhauled its online customer service portal.A client-first attitude yields tremendous growth and employee admiration for Sequoia's Greg Golub, EBA's 2012 Employee Benefit Adviser of the Year.

Employee benefits clients demand greater technological fluency, advisers adjust.

The recent ruling on health reform has created an even greater need for accurate benchmarking data. Proving the age old adage that if you can't measure it, then you can't manage it. Advisers armed with information that drills down through national, regional, state, industry and company size will be better prepared to assist larger employers with employee acquisition and retention, and smaller employers make intelligent decisions on whether or not to "pay or play."

Social media tools provide endless opportunities for individuals and businesses to network locally, nationally and internationally. Effective use of social media by benefit advisers will help promote an adviser's services, locate business partners and service providers, and even secure new business. Here are two tips to begin social media networking on the right track:

Benefits Advisors Network members rally to tackle market uncertainty says executive director of 45-member BAN.

With health reform summary of benefits and coverage advisers must help employers change communication

Insurance broker John Battey shares a day in his life.

Sequoia's Greg Golub is EBA's 2012 Employee Benefit Adviser of the Year.

Broker John Lamb on how total compensation statements can be the ultimate planning tool for PPACA

Nelson Griswold on how to reinvent your brokerage come 2014 and the start of Obamcare, PPACA

Mel Schlesinger shares how brokers salesperson can double their income using a sales mindset

Jack Kwicien shares how brokerages can conduct a business valuation

Collaboration between benefit consultants and health management providers is essential for any employer client. But if collaboration doesn't exist, or the integration between providers isn't seamless, it can influence the experience for participants and can ultimately affect program outcomes.

Gallagher deal with Liazon markets latest addition to complex state health care reform exchange market

Why health care reform will produce positive change in the private exchange market.

Whether it's a bar association, a teachers union, a club or professional society, affinity groups know that one of the best ways to attract and retain membership is to offer insurance to their members. Specifically, many are looking to add health care benefits to their growing lists of offerings. Providing access to an array of member benefits also provides an avenue for these groups to generate non-dues revenue - a key to thriving in tough economic times.

The other day I was having a conversation with a valued client with whom I have enjoyed a long-term relationship. I asked what really differentiates a good advisory firm from a great one. With many agencies out there to choose from, what are employer groups looking for in an adviser that makes a tangible difference in helping them achieve their strategic business goals?

Retirement plan participants who hand pick their own mix of investment options are generally exposed to greater risk, due to reduced diversification and a tendency to not automatically adjust their portfolios over time, according to research from The Principal Financial Group.