During their meetings, ASCnet Product Advisory Committee members share ideas they come across that can save fellow members time and make their jobs more efficient. Sherry Koehler, vice president, Warner and Company Insurance in Fargo, N. Dak., brought up one idea—something she’s making use of in her Vision system.

“I had known about this feature, but just recently put it to use for one of our larger entries” she says. “It’s a real timesaver.” The process involves recurring, monthly journal entries she uses to record management fees to each of the agency’s offices and three departments. Here is how she describes it:

By Laurie Donohue

“People don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan.”

Most agents spend a good deal of time working on annual business plans. They work with carriers to set sales goals, annual budgets and future staffing needs. But, too often, they fail to include marketing in this process: marketing to both customers and prospects.

Why? Because agents focus on day-to-day operations. They spend their time on the “urgent,” and not always the “critical.” Marketing often falls in the “critical but not urgent” pile and gets put aside for the next claims issue or billing error.

Many say, “Marketing doesn’t work for me. It’s just an added expense.” And they’re right! Not because marketing doesn’t work—but because they didn’t plan or implement a thoughtful communications strategy.

By Patty Andree

Facing growing financial difficulties, Bob was hiding from creditors, including his auto finance company. In despair and tired of collection calls, Bob decided to pray. “God,” he said, “I’m about to lose my car and I need your help. Please let me win the lottery." The winning numbers were drawn but, unfortunately, Bob was not the winner.

Things got worse. His car was repossessed and, without transportation, Bob was unable to keep his job. With no income, his mortgage company foreclosed on the house. With no home, his wife left him and took the kids. At each event, Bob pleaded with God to let him win the lottery. As luck would—or wouldn’t—have it, each time someone else won.

Broke, hungry and living on the street, Bob tried again. "God, my life is a wreck. I have no car, no home, no family. Please let me win the lottery just this once so I can turn my life around. Please."

Amid bolts of lightning and rumbles of thunder, a voice came from the heavens: “Bob, meet me halfway. Buy a ticket.”

This year we’ll achieve a number of milestones at ASCnet. Each reflects a deep level of commitment on the part of staff, volunteers, members and business partners. Such dedication is the cornerstone of our association’s theme for the year: Commit, Connect, Prosper.

In 2010, we mark 25 years of users helping users—something made possible by the clear vision and tireless leadership of hundreds upon hundreds of dedicated volunteers who have given of themselves and their knowledge over the past quarter-century.

This September, we’ll come together in Chicago to officially celebrate ASCnet’s Silver Anniversary at TENCon 2010. The commitment of our staff, committees and volunteers will surely make this an event like no other—one you cannot afford to miss and one you’re certain to remember for years to come.