For many, social networking seems complicated, mysterious, intimidating and even a bit scary. While the social web is a “hot” topic, it is not new. Activities on social networks are just like the real-life activities we have engaged in most of our lives. If you have ever asked or given advice, given or received a recommendation, shared an experience, collaborated on a project, or interacted with a group, you have participated in social networking.In short, social networking is all about building and strengthening relationships. This is encouraging news for independent agents and brokers. The meteoric rise of tools like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter are telling us customers want to do business with people they feel like they know and trust. This should be reason enough for agents and brokers to get in the game and implement a social networking strategy.

Five topics have been added to the ASCnet webinar series for the second quarter of 2010. They include: Creating Custom Forms in Vision; Real Time: Preparing TAM for use; Back to Basics in Accounting & Basic Invoicing; Checks, Deposits, Vouchers, and Journal Entries; and Creating Proposals in Vision. ASCnet webinars provide members with the ability to explore more functions,  platforms and topics that increase your agency’s productivity.

Participants may register for the individual 60-minute live webinar sessions or sign up for an entire series and save. Be sure to register early, as space is limited. The new webinar topics start April 21, so don’t delay. Got questions? Check out the webinars FAQ.

Have you taken part in an ASCnet webinar? How did it work out? What other topics would you like covered?

The Sacramento Bee reports that California firm has launched what it calls the first nationally available insurance coverage designed specifically for the medical marijuana industry. Only 14 states allow use of medical marijuana today, but Statewide Insurance Services is nonetheless offering coverage in all 50 states. Mike Aberle, commercial insurance agent with the firm and national director of its Medical Marijuana Specialty Division, told the newspaper, "Given the growth in the industry, I think it's only a matter of time" before other states allow medical marijuana. "Now that we can offer (services) in all 50 states, we can start the minute they go legal, without delay."

The Insurance Automation Group, an Applied ConneXion® Integrating Vendor and ASCnet sponsor, has released Version 4.4 of its iAutomate: Erlon Surety software, a surety workflow automation solution designed to reduce the costs and potential for error in developing and managing surety bonds. The new enhancements include the ability to manage dividends associated with Texas-based construction projects, electronically transmit bid-bond data, and improve navigation and workflow.