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.

By Dave Willis

When Insurance Journal magazine announced the six winners of its “2009 Best Independent Insurance Agency to Work For Survey,” odds are one or two ASCnet member agencies would have made the list. Wrong. ASCnet members beat the odds. Half of the winning agencies are part of your users group! These include Heffernan Insurance Brokers, headquartered in Walnut Creek, Cal.; Rathbun Agency, in Lansing Mich.; and Senn Dunn, based in Greensboro, N.C.

A common theme among winning agencies is one of family ideals, the magazine noted. “The leaders and managers of these agencies encourage and listen to their employees, create opportunities for success and growth, and provide a sense of stability and protection against the challenges of these uncertain economic times,” the Insurance Journal writer said in an article showcasing the winners.

Given the strong showing by member agencies, ASCnet wanted to dig deeper. So we did, speaking with our contacts for each. We found interesting tie-ins between corporate culture, job satisfaction and the agencies’ use of technology and education—ASCnet focus areas.

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.

For the fourth straight year, folks associated with Wisconsin ASCnet member agency The Starr Group froze their tails off—for a great cause. They took part in the annual Polar Plunge, raising more than $7,500 for the Special Olympics of Wisconsin and earning the spot as third-highest online fundraiser in the state. The Starr Group team, “The Starr Group Frozen Assets,” was made up of 18 employees, family and friends who raised pledges before jumping into some icy water on January 31, 2010.