Sales and marketing

Commentary: Female leaders have the unique challenge of cultivating perception to avoid the typical stereotypes, walking a tight rope between the bitchy tyrant and the obliging child, says ACI Specialty Benefits’ Erin Krehbiel.

Commentary: He’ll tell you his efforts were imperfect. And he didn’t get to everything. But what one adviser did do — his commitment to action, to implementation — produced 55% growth in 24 months.

Brokers send mixed messages on technology needs, strategy and spending plans in EBA’s second annual technology survey.

Commentary: After a terrific phone conversation, a prospect hangs up before booking an appointment. Consider sending a handwritten note to thank them for hanging up on you, and you just may close the sale, says adviser Eric Silverman.

Commentary: Statistics show this is an industry that doesn’t believe in social selling. Too many agencies are not meeting goals at the same time they are rejecting social selling business practices.

Commentary: Brokers don't achieve high organic growth by accident. Successful agencies and brokers have their eyes up — they consistently look ahead, and this foresight drives thoughtful planning that leads to an effective execution strategy, says Zywave's Dave O'Brien.

Commentary: A new opportunity has emerged, and we have entered another inflection point in an era of change. What each of us does next could very well determine our long-term destiny, says Digital’s Mike Sullivan.

Many individuals think coverage is too expensive or unnecessary in certain stages of life — that’s why advisers need to emphasize the true cost of a policy and help clients think about their future when discussing life insurance.

Commentary: The company’s new tactic of comparing itself to brokerages across the country “goes beyond the line of ethical standards,” says HR Technology Advisors' Joe Markland.

Commentary: With most businesses, ours included, we derive 80% of our revenue from 20% of our clients. Frequently, we don’t take the time to analyze the characteristics of the 20%, says EBA Advisory Board member Andy Torelli.

Commentary: Applying advice from two legendary coaches, adviser Eric Silverman shares the mantra that drives his recruitment efforts and creates the office culture that produces consistent levels of success for his entire team.

Commentary: Many first impressions crash and burn because people are trying to present themselves as something they’re not. Here are four ways to avoid that fate.

Brokers say they increasingly view the ACA as an avenue toward new revenue opportunities and roles around education and communication.

Commentary: Five ways to make positive progress with transforming your business, according to EBA Advisory Board Member Mark Gaunya.

Commentary: If the owner/seller has a management team that can’t sustain the growth of the company without his personal involvement, the business represents little value to a buyer.

Commentary: Is the way I think hurting my business, or is there a lot of groupthink going on? Should I do the opposite of what I think, like Seinfeld’s George Costanza, asks Joe Markland.

Class action lawsuits claim the professional services firm breached its fiduciary duty by agreeing to the $18 billion deal.

Commentary: As you grow and hone your craft, you should feel the privilege and obligation to limit those who get your attention, for your own benefit as well as the clients’, says columnist Wendy Keneipp.

Commentary: The broker’s dependence on the medical carriers — and their value to the broker’s business business — has about run its course, says columnist Nelson Griswold.

Independent insurance brokers recorded a median organic growth of nearly 6% for the second quarter of 2015, continuing a growth trend that’s been steady for the past few years.