Over the recent holidays we witnessed a rise in webinar viewing and can only assume some of you finally found a quiet moment in the office to catch up on topics of interest.

For those of you who didn’t, the following offers a quick review of 2018’s top viewed webinars, each focusing on ways to improve business practice through use of technology:

Future of Distribution: The Changing Digital Demands of the Independent Agency Channel

This lively discussion offered insights from both the agency and carrier side. Dan Goodwin of Nationwide Insurance and Lori Heemstra of BHS Insurance openly share their challenges of doing business and reflect upon the results of IVANS’ 2018 Insurer-Agency Connectivity Report.

The discussion opens with a reflection on the survey response: 82% of agents indicate that they will place more business with carriers that offer automation. This is followed by a list of benefits agents experience through use of automated platforms, including time savings (93%), ease of use (93%), and ability to serve clients faster (83%). The narrative that continues there after is both enjoyable and informative.

3 Essentials for Becoming a Carrier of Choice

Continuing on this topic, Shirley Van Ginkel reflects on the struggles of agents, offers a solution to the struggle and then shares a case study of Nationwide’s experience addressing these challenges. The presentation opens with an overview of the top 7 characteristics of a carrier deemed ‘easy to do business with‘ by surveyed agents. Transitioning from easy to not-so easy to do business with, Shirley shares great insights into the struggles of the submission process and areas of potential improvement suggested by agents. (Available for viewing through Feb. 2).

5 Competitive Strategies to Help Insurers Face the BigTech Threat

Rickey Burke, former Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer and Chief Innovations Officer of USAA offers his perspective on how carriers can compete against BigTech’s superior customer service, delivery, brand recognition and use of data. This straight forward discussion offers 5 strategies in just 35 minutes (with questions and answers to follow!)

Happy viewing!

(If these topics don’t resonate but you’re interested in something you don’t see readily available on Research & Trends, why not take our quick survey and let me know what you are most interested in and I’ll try to deliver in 2019.)