On Sept. 8, 2022, Suffolk County, New York, learned a professional hacking group known as BlackCat had gained unauthorized access to over 20 agencies with the county. Everybody from the police forces, to social services, to emergency dispatchers were forced to figure...
Anxiety. Burnout. Depression. Make mental health a priority for your agency
Almost every day, mental health is in the news. Increasingly employers are understanding that they must be part of the solution to improve mental health for millions of Americans. In my decades of experience in the insurance industry and the behavioral health field, I...
Premiums on the rise: What to do about it
I’m not sure if you noticed, but prices went up in 2022. After decades of low inflation, the dams burst last year—and the United States experienced the highest inflation since the Carter Administration. In order to combat this historic inflation, the U.S. Federal...
Insurance renewal cross-selling strategies
You have heard the old saying from the movie Glengarry Glen Ross, that talks about the ABC’s of selling: “Always be closing.” Well, I am a firm believer in a similar concept of “Always be cross-selling.” Cross-selling is one of the most powerful tools you have as an...
How can FinTech help reduce startup costs for small businesses
Launching your own small business can feel like a dream come true for aspiring entrepreneurs. After all, business ownership is a labor of love. It is an opportunity to earn a living pursuing your passions. And, there are few joys greater than that. However, the dream...
Agent resources available to assist customers in anticipation of severe winter storms
A massive winter storm bringing a mix of heavy snow, rain, and high winds is set to lash across the northern U.S.—putting more than 60 million people across 28 states under winter weather alerts for Tuesday. As PIA members and their customers face extreme weather...
Real-life data breaches, experienced by real-life PIA member agents
Small businesses—which can include PIA members—are tempting targets for cyber crooks. They are just as vulnerable to data breaches as big companies, but they have fewer defenses. Members who have walked clients through the cyber claim process or who have been hacked...
Better video marketing campaigns emphasize accessibility to all, garner audience growth
Video marketing is more popular than ever, and it shows no signs of slowing down. While the types of videos your agency posts might change, it’s clear that consumers connect with this type of content. However, when you’re building a video marketing campaign, it’s...
Behavioral analytics is transforming marketing
Analytics is essential for any marketing campaign. Analytics tools are what you use during research to inform targeting and interpret results during and after the campaign. It’s important to realize the application of behavioral analytics when you’re building your...
What’s in a brand? A lot, actually!
Are you a business owner or a startup looking to separate yourself from the competition? There are many ways to go about this, but it starts with branding. This article will dive into branding best practices, including identifying your target market, maintaining...