From the Pony Express to the Internet – Jack Fries E-Newsletter

April, 2009

In 1860 the Pony Express revolutionized communications.  The Internet has done the same thing -- truly revolutionizing the way we are able to communicate.  In some ways though, we are still conducting business the Pony Express way!  Agencies have adopted technology, but often times it is piecemeal.  Of course there are valid reasons, primarily because an agency’s focus is on sales and service.  Marketing, communications and technology are things that must be done, but are not core to the day-to-day business of an agency.

The challenge is that the direct writers spend billions of dollars on advertising and technology; they have left the Pony Express days, and they are now a vital part of the digital community.  How can independent agencies compete in such an environment?

Industry legend and pundit George Nordhaus saw this tsunami battering the independent agency community.  He teamed with acclaimed industry consultant Val Jordan to simplify the marketing, communications and technology challenges facing independent agencies.  Together, they created a single, integrated platform to consolidate all of these critical components for agencies needing to better compete in this new digital world.

The most immediate gateway to any agency is its website.  However, a study of hundreds of independent agency websites discovered a plethora of mediocrity.  The vast majority are simple, on-line, one-dimensional brochures. The sites are seldom visited the first time, practically never get repeat visits, and worse yet, are usually terribly out of date.  AgenciesOnline creates a custom-branded, powerful website for each of its members.  These sites become the hub for communication and service enhancement for their members’ insurance clients.  But, that is just the tip of the iceberg; there is so much more that goes on behind the scenes.

AgenciesOnline brings a number of other solutions to the fore.  For example, they provide marketing programs and campaigns, coupled with one of the most powerful lead-generation systems in the country.  Custom online “smart” quote forms are embedded in the website.  All of this integrates with the leading agency management systems for tracking and reporting.  To compete today, you must do more than just “throw spaghetti” against the wall.  AgenciesOnline helps their members focus the power of their agency management systems to better manage their marketing programs, communications, and business in general.

Often an agency will purchase a tool thinking it will change the way they do business.  All too often, it is used once, or not at all.  The key difference with AgenciesOnline is that a dedicated marketing specialist is assigned to each member.  These marketing specialists, an integral member of the agency management team, proactively work in designing a customized plan for implementing the various components of the AO system.  These specialists have wide industry experience, and truly partner with the agencies to continually find new ways to implement the various components of the AO offering thereby helping the agencies grow.

Just as many agencies have joined groups to leverage carrier relationships and increase commissions, members of AgenciesOnline benefit because they are not reinventing the wheel. The time has come for agencies to partner for these critical functions, rather than trying to do it on their own the Pony Express way. 

For more information on AgenciesOnline, contact George Nordhaus,
george@agenciesonline.biz

Or call 888-985-3331 X210 or 505 820 6699
George Nordhaus
1323 Old Pecos Trail
Santa Fe, NM. 87505