Aggressive Rocks! - July 2015

More Agency Tips ‘n Tools at www.Aggressive.Rocks

“What You Don’t Know Can’t Help You!” … Eddie K. Emmett, Editor / Publisher

Turn Your Vacation into a Tax Deduction Compliments of Spencer Hostetter, CPA http://www.shostetterllc.com You must have at least one business appointment before you leave in order to establish the "prior set business purpose" required by the IRS. Keeping this in mind, before he left for his trip, Tim set up appointments with business colleagues in the various cities that he planned to visit.

In This Edition Turn Your Vacation into a Tax Deduction................................1 Just because it's true in Texas doesn't make it true in Montana. ............................... 10 How safe is your workplace? ................................................ 10 8 Steps to the Ultimate Online Visibility .................................. 13

Special “How-To” PDF

Tim, who owns his own insurance agency, decided he wanted to take a two-week trip around the US. So he did--and was able to legally deduct every dime that he spent on his vacation.

Here's how he did it.

1. Make all your business appointments before you leave for your trip.

Most people believe that they can go on vacation and simply hand out their business cards in order to make the trip deductible.

Wrong.

Let's say Tim is an insurance agent looking to expand his business and distribute more of his products through independent insurance agents. One possible way to establish business contacts--if he doesn't already have them--is to place advertisements looking for independent insurance agents in newspapers in each location he plans to visit. He could then interview those who respond when he gets to the business destination.

Example: Tim wants to vacation in Hawaii. If he places several advertisements for agents, or contacts some of his downline agencies to perform a presentation, then the IRS would accept his trip for business.

Continued on page 2

Aggressive Rocks!

Page 1 of 14

July 2015

More Agency Tips ‘n Tools at www.Aggressive.Rocks

Going on Vacation Continued from page 1 Tip: It would be vital for Tim to document this business purpose by keeping a copy of the advertisement and all correspondence along with noting what appointments he will have in his diary.

2. Make Sure your Trip is All "Business Travel."

In order to deduct all of your on-the-road business expenses, you must be traveling on business. The IRS states that travel expenses are 100 percent deductible as long as your trip is business related and you are traveling away from your regular place of business longer than an ordinary day's work and you need to sleep or rest to meet the demands of your work while away from home.

Example: Tim wanted to go to one of the seminars presented by FYI Express in Atlanta, which is only a one-hour drive from his home. If he were to sleep in the hotel where the meeting will be held (in order to avoid possible automobile and traffic problems), his overnight stay qualifies as business travel in the eyes of the IRS. Tip: Remember: You don't need to live far away to be on business travel. If you have a good reason for sleeping at your destination, you could live a couple of miles away and still be on travel status.

3. Be sure to deduct all of your on-the-roadexpenses for each day you're away.

For every day you are on business travel, you can deduct 100 percent of lodging, tips, car rentals, and 50 percent of your food. Tim spends three days meeting with potential brokers. If he spends $50 a day for food, he can deduct 50 percent of this amount, or $25.

Tip: The IRS doesn't require receipts for travel expense under $75 per expense--except for lodging.

Example: If Tim pays $6 for drinks on the plane, $6.95 for breakfast, $12 for lunch, $50 for dinner, he does not need receipts for anything since each item was under $75.

Tip: He would, however, need to document these items in your diary. A good tax diary is essential in order to audit-proof your records. Adequate documentation includes amount, date, place of meeting, and business reason for the expense.

Example: If, however, Tim stays in the Bates Motel and spends $22 on lodging, will he need a receipt? The answer is yes. You need receipts for all paid lodging.

Tip: Not only are your on-the-road expenses deductible from your trip, but also all laundry, shoe shines, manicures, and dry-cleaning costs for clothes worn on the trip. Thus, your first dry cleaning bill that you incur when you get home will be fully deductible. Make sure that you keep the dry cleaning receipt and have your clothing dry cleaned within a day or two of getting home.

4. Sandwich weekends between business days.

If you have a business day on Friday and another one on Monday, you can deduct all on-the-road expenses during the weekend.

Example: Tim makes business appointments in Florida on Friday and one on the following Monday.

Even though he has no business on Saturday and Sunday, he may deduct on-the-road business expenses incurred during the weekend.

5. Make the majority of your trip days count as business days.

The IRS says that you can deduct transportation expenses if business is the primary purpose of the trip. A majority of days in the trip must be for business activities; otherwise, you cannot make any transportation deductions.

Example: Tim spends six days in San Diego. He leaves early on Thursday morning. He had a seminar on Friday and meets with distributors on Monday and flies home on Tuesday, taking the last flight of the day home after playing a complete round of golf. How many days are considered business days?

All of them.

Thursday is a business day since it includes traveling - even if the rest of the day is spent at the beach. Friday is a business day because he had a seminar. Monday is a business day because he met with prospects and distributors in pre-arranged appointments. Saturday and Sunday are sandwiched between business days, so they count, and Tuesday is a travel day.

Since Tim accrued six business days, he could spend another five days having fun and still deduct all his transportation to San Diego. The reason is that the majority of the days were business days (six out of eleven). However, he can only deduct six days' worth of lodging, dry cleaning, shoe shines, and tips. The important point is that Tim would be spending money on lodging, airfare, and food, but now most of his expenses will become deductible.

To make sure that you can legally deduct your vacation when you combine it with business, call our office before you plan your trip.

Phone: (678)382-0444

Aggressive Rocks!

Page 2 of 14

July 2015

More Agency Tips ‘n Tools at www.Aggressive.Rocks

UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES: THE FALLOUT FROM BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE

However, as I mentioned, this is so last century. It was in the year 2000 that Trip Advisor began serving up travel related content and reviews on the Internet. Not that many years later, in 2004, Yelp was born. These were early forms of social media. In the past three to five years the concept of socializing reviews of companies, their products and their services, has become common.

Which leads us to the concept of unintended consequences.

The stats on complaining customers just mentioned are no longer valid. With Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites, the customer’s voice is louder than ever. Customers turn to the social channels to broadcast their likes and, unfortunately, their dislikes to their connections.

Ultimately, that could be millions of people. The unintended consequence of not managing your customer’s experience can turn into much more than one or even a few lost customers.

So, consider this a reminder or a wake-up call to manage each and every customer as if they will publicly review you. One simple technique is to ask yourself one of my favorite questions, which ties into building repeat business: Is the interaction that I’m having with the customer right now good enough get the customer to come back and do business with us the next time they need what we do or sell?

If the answer is YES, then you don’t have to worry about any negative unintended consequences.

Someone in your organization irritated your customer. The customer left angry or upset. Maybe the customer was less than friendly and was difficult. Maybe the customer was too demanding or had unrealistic expectations. Whatever the reason, it doesn’t matter.

The customer left unhappy.

Copyright ©MMXV, Shep Hyken – www.Hyken.com

Someone might say, “Well, it was just one customer.”

Well that way of thinking is so last century!

First, do you really want to lose a customer? And, if you did, is just one customer an acceptable loss? But it hardly ever turns out that way. It used to be, depending on what statistics you looked at, that the average customer who was unhappy might tell eight to twelve people about the negative experience. That’s bad news, but there is even worse news. 13% of unhappy customers would tell 20 or more. Now, maybe you can afford to lose one customer, although I’ll argue that you really shouldn’t think that way. But, are you willing to part with the eight or more customers that may stop doing business or choose not to try you because of one customer’s amplified message of dissatisfaction? I don’t think so.

Aggressive Rocks!

Shep Hyken, CSP, CPAE is a customer service expert, hall-of-fame speaker and New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. He works with organizations to build loyal relationships with their customers and employees. He is also the creator of The Customer Focus, a customer service training program that helps organizations develop a customer service culture and loyalty mindset. For more information contact (314) 692-2200 or www.Hyken.com

Page 3 of 14

July 2015

PROGRAMS Aggressive Elite (TXE) Standard Policy Aggressive Select (TXS) Limited Policy (All Programs offer 1, 3 & 6 month terms) BENEFITS • TX ID not accepted on this program • Matricula/International License (copy required)

Insured Web

Customers have access 24/7 to their insurance policy information. https://aggressiveinsured.com • • • •

Print Dec & ID Cards Make Payments Report Claims Policy Detail

• • • •

• Out of state drivers license accepted (No Surcharge) • No Medical Statement required

Live Chat Go Paperless Upload Documents 24 hour access Celestite Policy Scan

Photo Upload Made Easy

• Up to 40 years for liability • Up to 20 years for Comp/Coll • Salvage Title accepted with Liability only • One Ton's (No more than 4 wheels)

Upload photos in 1 simple step Celestite Policy Scan is available for both Iphone and Android devices.

• Automatic 25 miles into Mexico AGGRESSIVE SELECT PROGRAM DISCLOSURES WARNING: A NAMED DRIVER POLICY DOES NOT PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUALS RESIDING IN THE INSUREDS HOUSEHOLD THAT ARE NOT NAMED ON THE POLICY • TXS policy does not provide liability coverage: o For damage to rental vehicles o To any family member or household resident who is not listed on the declaration page; o For any person under any agreement, contract or bailment.

• TXS policy does not provide physical damage coverage: o For any gross vehicle weight in excess of 10,000 lbs; o For a covered vehicle not in the care of an authorized driver.

• TXS gives the insured 10 days to report a newly acquired vehicle.

• TXS does not provide out of state coverage for first party coverages

SCAN TO SMARTPHONE ACCESS TO MAKE PMT & ID CARD

Text Alerts / Email Alerts

Sign your customers up today to receive text and email alerts for payment reminders. Once signed up, we will send your customer alerts for the following: • Welcome Text or Email for new customers • Payment / Renewal reminder the day prior to their due date • Payment / Renewal reminder the day prior to cancel or expiration.

Agency Fees

Upload your agency fees in a single transaction. When binding a policy or simply posting a payment, you can add your agency fees and eliminate the duplicate transaction.

How does it work? When posting both Credit Card & E-Check payments you will be prompted “Are you charging additional fees”. Once posted the premium payment is applied to the policy and the agency fee will be added to your next commission statement.

You will not receive a 1099 for your agency fees.

PAYMENT PLANS Pay # of 1st Due Plan Inst Date 15% 5 15 days 16.67% 5 20 days 19.5% 5 25 days 24% 4 30 days

1st Cancel Date 26 days 30 days 33 days 42 days

FEES 1 Month Policy Fee $12.85 SR-22 $10 Late Fee N/A Return Check $25 Installment Fee N/A

3 Month $36 $12 N/A $25 N/A

Future Due Date 30 days 30 days 30 days 30 days 6 Month $72 $25 $10 $25 Rule 14

Credit Card Processing Fee $2.95 (Primoris charge) Recurring Credit Card $2.95 E-Check – Single payments or recurring No Charge Non-Owners - Not written DISCOUNTS Homeowner Multi-Car Safe Driver Prior

5% 20% 15% 20%

Maximum policy discount is 40%. Prior Insurance qualification is named insured provides at least proof of six-month’s of continuous coverage with no more than a 30-day lapse in coverage.

PROHIBITED VEHICLES • Any vehicle with a ISO symbol greater than 22 for Model Years 1991 to 2010 or 49 for 2011 and newer for OTC/Collision • Any vehicle with an ACV of $45,000 or more; • Any vehicle with a salvage title for OTC/Collision; • Any vehicle older than 40 years; • OTC and collision coverage on vehicles over 20 years old; NO LOSS PROCEDURES Agents have the ability to accept a no loss up to 10 days from the cancellation date. Only a company generated no loss will be accepted. A company generated no-loss is provided in the memo section of the policy.

REWRITE PROCEDURES Policies that have cancelled for nonpayment may be eligible to be rewritten. A new policy number is assigned with the rules and rates that are in effect at time of the rewrite. The policy will be issued with the same drivers, vehicles and coverage’s as the prior policy. The rewrite option is located in the status tab of the policy.

CONTACT INFORMATION MAILING ADDRESS P O Box 143249 Irving, Texas 75014 CUSTOMER SERVICE Monday – Friday 8:00am – 6:00pm CST Saturday 10:00am – 2:00pm Phone - (866) 424-9511 Fax - (866) 424-9510 PAYMENT SERVICES Automated Inquiry – (877) 634-8533 (24 x 7) CC & E-Check Payments – (877) 634-8533 (24 x 7) Online – www.Policy-Service.com CLAIMS SERVICE Monday – Friday 8:00am – 6:00pm CST Phone - (877) 754-9534 Fax - (877) 754-9537 MARKETING Supplies: Marketing@Aggressiveusa.com Phone (866) 424-9511 Fax (866) 424-9510 HELPFUL CONTACT INFORMATION Texas Department of Public Safety Attn: Safety Responsibility Bureau P O Box 15999 Austin TX 78761 TDI - http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/

TDI 800-252-3439 ITC 800-383-3482 QQ 800-940-6600

VALUE ADDED SERVICES Cash Payment Location ® www.IsoPay.com (location search)

10,000 Locations Nationwide Including IPP & Ace Cash Express $8.00 Per Month Per Policy Add to Liability & Physical Damage Policies Nation Safe Driver CS – (855) 548-5630 Towing Dispatch – (800) 745-5791 • Towing up to 15 Miles • Run out of gas • Lost or Keys locked car • Flat Tire • Dead Battery

More Agency Tips ‘n Tools at www.Aggressive.Rocks

4 sales pitches every insurance agent should know

By James Dougherty, CIC The sales approach can't be limited to one style, one pitch. A producer has to adapt to the client's needs to be successful.…Read more

Insurer May Rescind Policy from Inception if Issued Based On False Answers to Insurance Application Questions

www.Aggressive.Rocks

Labor Department’s 6-Part Test for Classifying Employees, Independent Contractors

As hopefully every agent realizes, the answers to the various questions on applications are extremely important. When those answers are not correct, the insurer has some options that can be very worrisome for agents and clients alike.

The issue of employee or independent contractor has been the root cause of many problems (and probably some additional premiums on some WC policies) over the years. There is no doubt that it has also found its way into an E&O claim from time to time.

The attached well done article that appeared on insurancejournal.com on July 16th should serve as a great resource for agents and their customers on this key issue.

The attached article written by Richard B. Wolf (a partner in the Los Angeles office of the nationwide law firm of Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP) addresses many interesting perspectives that agents need to clearly and totally understand.

Continue Reading Insurer May Rescind Policy from Inception if Issued Based On False Answers to Insurance Application Questions

Continue Reading Labor Department’s 6-Part Test for Classifying Employees, Independent Contractors

How to do a background check on an employee, tenant, or just the person next door It's great to hire new employees and expand your business, but it can be a nightmare if you hire the wrong person. What if they have a drug problem, recent felony or bench warrant? (Yes, I've had to turn down potential employees for all these reasons!)

Aggressive Rocks!

Page 6 of 14

July 2015

More Agency Tips ‘n Tools at www.Aggressive.Rocks

Policy checking: an important agency responsibility If an agency were to list all of the various duties that they need to perform and then rank them, I would be very curious where on the list “policy checking” would be. My gut feeling is that this task would be in the bottom third. In some agencies, I am not sure that policy checking would even appear on the list.

There are a few thoughts on why this task does not get the attention it deserves:

Aggressive Insurance E&O Express Quote & Binding For assistance in our E&O quote/bind process contact Affinity Insurance at 877-843-4553.

If coverage cannot be placed through Aggressive, Affinity can place coverage with one of their many carriers.

Office hours from 9am - 5pm Mon – Fri EST.

- Possibly, there is a perspective that the policies are perfect so why bother checking them. Although many agencies feel that the quality of the policy issuance has improved, these same agencies will tell you that mistakes are occurring and that some of the mistakes are extremely significant. Issues like locations or vehicles being left off, or incorrect named insureds have occurred.

- Possibly, some may believe that if the company made the mistake, then at the end of the day, the company is responsible. One could contend that this is a valid position for year 1 but not after that.

Affinity Insurance - Brandi Baggett - Kristin Howland - Martha Klocke Robert Hansen - Joan Mobley Underwriting Referrals For underwriting referrals and/or special acceptances please contact Bruce Jones at 972-827-3681 during office hours from 9am - 5pm Mon - Fri CST. Here's what we offer:

- Possibly, there is the position that it is up to the customer to catch the error and advise the agency.

While there is a duty in most states for the customer to read the policy, I am not sure to what degree courts will make the customer responsible for not catching a mistake in the policy.

When some agencies get really backed up in their policy checking, I have seen where the policies get mailed with a letter that states something to the effect of “Here is your policy. Please understand that we have not checked it”. Personally, I would be embarrassed to send a note like this.

Agents need to understand that not only is policy checking very important, it is also appropriate that it be done in a prompt manner and the policy should not be mailed until it has been checked.



Competitive prices



We focus on the small to mid-sized personal lines agency



Limits up to $ 1 million per claim/ $2 million aggregate



Retroactive coverage available.



One Month Down-payment with 11 equal monthly payments



Automatic EFT from your operating account.



No premium finance charges



Minimum $1,000 deductible



Automatic Renewals

There are a variety of approaches to note in the file that the policy has been checked. Some agencies use a checklist that is completed and saved in the system while I have seen others that use a “policy checked” stamp that indicates who checked it and when. Simply noting in the system with some type of activity code that the policy was checked is okay but not preferable to either of the two options just mentioned.

More E&O Tips at http://www.agentseotips.com Aggressive Rocks!

Page 7 of 14

July 2015

PROGRAMS Tejas Seguros Elite (TSE) Standard Policy Tejas Seguros (TEJ) Limited Policy (All Programs offer 1, 3 & 6 month terms) BENEFITS • Texas ID Accepted

Insured Web

Customers have access 24/7 to their insurance policy information. https://tejasinsured.com • • • •

Print Dec & ID Cards Make Payments Report Claims Policy Detail

• • • •

• Undocumented Foreign Drivers • Matricula/International License • Out of state drivers license accepted (No Surcharge) • Medical Statement required for operators 79+ • Up to 40 years for liability • Up to 20 years for Comp/Coll • Salvage Title accepted with Liability only • One Ton's (No more than 4 wheels) TEJAS SEGUROS PROGRAM DISCLOSURES WARNING: A NAMED DRIVER POLICY DOES NOT PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUALS RESIDING IN THE INSUREDS HOUSEHOLD THAT ARE NOT NAMED ON THE POLICY • TEJ policy does not provide liability coverage: o For damage to rental vehicles o To any family member or household resident who is not listed on the declaration page; • TEJ policy does not provide physical damage coverage: o For any gross vehicle weight in excess of 10,000 lbs; o For a covered vehicle not in the care of an authorized driver.

• TEJ does not provide out of state coverage for first party coverages • TEJ policy does not provide coverage for delivery of goods.

SCAN TO SMARTPHONE ACCESS TO MAKE PMT & ID CARD

Live Chat Go Paperless Upload Documents 24 hour Access Celestite Policy Scan

Photo Upload Made Easy Upload photos in 1 simple step Celestite Policy Scan is available for both Iphone and Android devices.

Text Alerts / Email Alerts

Sign your customers up today to receive text and email alerts for payment reminders. Once signed up, we will send your customer alerts for the following: • Welcome Text or Email for new customers • Payment / Renewal reminder the day prior to their due date • Payment / Renewal reminder the day prior to cancel or expiration.

Agency Fees

Upload your agency fees in a single transaction. When binding a policy or simply posting a payment, you can add your agency fees and eliminate the duplicate transaction.

How does it work? When posting both Credit Card & E-Check payments you will be prompted “Are you charging additional fees”. Once posted the premium payment is applied to the policy and the agency fee will be added to your next commission statement.

You will not receive a 1099 for your agency fees.

PAYMENT PLANS Pay # of 1st Due Plan Inst Date 15% 5 15 days 16.67% 5 20 days 20% 5 25 days 24% 4 30 days

1st Cancel Date 26 days 31 days 33 days 41 days

FEES 1 Month Policy Fee $12.85 SR-22 $10 Late Fee N/A Return Check $25 Installment Fee N/A

3 Month $36 $12 N/A $25 N/A

Future Due Date 30 days 30 days 30 days 30 days 6 Month $72 $25 $10 $25 Rule 14

Credit Card Processing Fee $2.95 (Primoris charge) Recurring Credit Card $2.95 E-Check – Single payments or recurring No Charge Non-Owners - Not written DISCOUNTS Homeowner Multi-Car Safe Driver Prior

2.5% 20% 15% 20%

Maximum policy discount is 40%. Prior Insurance qualification is named insured provides at least proof of six-month’s of continuous coverage with no more than a 30-day lapse in coverage.

PROHIBITED VEHICLES • Any vehicle with a ISO symbol greater than 22 for Model Years 1991 to 2010 or 49 for 2011 and newer for OTC/Collision • Any vehicle with an ACV of $45,000 or more; • Any vehicle with a salvage title for OTC/Collision; • Any vehicle older than 40 years; • OTC and collision coverage on vehicles over 20 years old; NO LOSS PROCEDURES Agents have the ability to accept a no loss up to 10 days from the cancellation date. Only a company generated no loss will be accepted. A company generated no-loss is provided in the memo section of the policy.

REWRITE PROCEDURES Policies that have cancelled for nonpayment may be eligible to be rewritten. A new policy number is assigned with the rules and rates that are in effect at time of the rewrite. The policy will be issued with the same drivers, vehicles and coverage’s as the prior policy. The rewrite option is located in the status tab of the policy.

CONTACT INFORMATION MAILING ADDRESS P O Box 143249 Irving, Texas 75014 CUSTOMER SERVICE Monday – Friday 8:00am – 6:00pm CST Saturday 10:00am – 2:00pm Phone - (877) 754-9530 Fax - (866) 424-9510 PAYMENT SERVICES Automated Inquiry – (877) 634-8533 (24 x 7) CC & E-Check Payments – (877) 634-8533 (24 x 7) Online – www.Policy-Service.com CLAIMS SERVICE Monday – Friday 8:00am – 6:00pm CST Phone - (877) 754-9534 Fax - (877) 754-9537 MARKETING Supplies: Marketing@TejasSeguros.com Phone (866) 424-9511 Fax (866) 424-9510 HELPFUL CONTACT INFORMATION Texas Department of Public Safety Attn: Safety Responsibility Bureau P O Box 15999 Austin TX 78761 TDI - http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/

TDI 800-252-3439 ITC 800-383-3482 QQ 800-940-6600

VALUE ADDED SERVICES Cash Payment Location ® www.IsoPay.com (location search)

10,000 Locations Nationwide Including IPP & Ace Cash Express $8.00 Per Month Per Policy Add to Liability & Physical Damage Policies Nation Safe Driver CS – (855) 548-5630 Towing Dispatch – (800) 745-5791 • Towing up to 15 Miles • Run out of gas • Lost or Keys locked car • Flat Tire • Dead Battery

More Agency Tips ‘n Tools at www.Aggressive.Rocks The court case cited in this IN ACTION is from Texas. It has a very specific rule about intoxication in the workplace. An employee who is intoxicated is not eligible for benefits. The argument in this case was that the employee may have had

If you have the knowledge to see the problem, you will also have the ability to discover the solution.

traces of cocaine in his body at the time of the accident, but

The Producer Online IN ACTION is a monthly reminder of how you can turn the knowledge gained from The Producer Online into powerful sales opportunities.

use vary by state and it is very important that insureds

Ricardo and Victor sustained serious injuries following an electrical explosion at work. Victor received workers compensation benefits but Ricardo’s benefits were denied because traces of cocaine were found in his system.

Click here to review the PF&M analysis of the Workers

there was no outward indication that he was actually intoxicated. The laws about intoxication and drug and alcohol understand that coverage or lack of coverage that may apply in one state may not apply in theirs.

Compensation and Employers Liability Insurance Policy.

Who is abusing?

According to testimony in this case, Ricardo used the drug on

Yes to drugs. No to impairment

a Tuesday and the accident occurred on Friday. Ricardo did not act or appear to be intoxicated, according to the various witnesses. Many individuals who use drugs are able to mask signs of intoxication. Many employers are now turning to outside firms to help them determine which of their employees are currently using drugs. However, and even more importantly, they are attempting to screen prospective employees so they do not hire any that may abuse drugs.

Ricardo and Victor were both injured when an electrical

Click here for an article form Rough Notes Magazine that

explosion occurred. Both were taken to the hospital and

discusses pre-screening methods to prevent hiring problem

treated. However, Ricardo was denied workers compensation

employees.

benefits because the hospital found evidence of cocaine use during a routine urinalysis it conducted in conjunction with his treatment.

Click here to see how the courts reacted to the insurance company's denial.

Just because it's true in Texas doesn't make it true in Montana.

How safe is your workplace?

The employer is responsible for worker safety on the premises and at job sites. Effective pre-screening and follow-up drug testing can help keep employees safe. However, while drug use is a safety concern, there are many other areas that employers should consider.

Click here for a series of emarketing articles you could put on your website or include in your newsletter to encourage your clients to take some simple steps to protect their employees.

Aggressive Rocks!

Page 10 of 14

July 2015

For 135 years Rough Notes has been dedicated to making you a better agent.

Become the coverage expert with the Producer Online-Plus Producer Online-Plus Includes Commercial Lines Risk Evaluation Survey Personal Lines Risk Evaluation Survey Policy Form & Manual Analysis Coverages Applicable The Insurance Marketplace Marketplace Cybercast

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Go to www.roughnotes.com for your Free 30-Day Trial Or call 800-428-4384 To order go to: http://shoppingcart.roughnotes.com/produceronline/ Enter Code: 1POLAPIATX

7/30/2015

Do-It-Yourself Internet Marketing

The “How” behind the “Wow!”

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Google will soon be offering to compare and sell auto insurance.

Type “Google Compare” in your browser and read the bad news.

You can’t “Out-Google” Google but you can “Out-Local” Google.

And all of it is free. https://www.google.co.uk/compare/carinsurance/code-of-conduct.html

2 5

1 4 7

3 6 8

8 Steps to “Out-Local” Google

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1 Create the Perfect Website It’s the only Internet Real Estate that you truly own!

8 Steps to “Out-Local” Google

Example of a Perfect Agency Website

http://preview.accuagencywebsites.com/GMKN31

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2 Claim Your Local Search & Citations It doesn’t do any good to have the Perfect Website if no one knows your agency exists!

8 Steps to “Out-Local” Google

Google Search for “Car Insurance in Dallas, TX”

http://www.localvisibilitysystem.com

Where do you show up in your local area?

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LOCAL SEARCH: The Best Web Marketing Strategy in the World Google Local – The What, The Why, The How • 97% of consumers use the Internet to shop locally • 90% of online searches start with a search engine, not a company website • 90% of businesses have not claimed their local listings • It’s Your Edge on the Competition Let’s take a poll Have you claimed your Google Listing?

How to be on page #1 in Local Search

http://www.Synup.com

https://moz.com/local

http://www.LocalSiteSubmit.com

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Download this 31 page PDF It has everything you need to claim your online listings: • Screenshots • Embedded Hyperlinks • Easy Explanations • Suggestions for content

www.Aggressive.Rocks

3

The only thing it doesn’t have is a calculation of what your time is worth.

It takes up to a month of steady work to claim all the listings you need.

So … how much is YOUR time worth?

It may seem odd, but one huge factor in your Google+ Local rankings has to do with your listings on other sites - particularly online business directories.

Every time you’re listed on one of those sites, you’ve got what’s called a “citation.”

Citations are important because, to Google, they are “mentions” of your business on sites that Google generally trusts to have accurate info on local business.

Any time the name, address, and phone number of your business are published online together, that’s a citation.

8 Steps to “Out-Local” Google

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In order to gain the most out of your business’s website and other online materials you will want to sign your company up for listings in the following online directories:

https://www.whitespark.ca/local-citation-finder

• • • • • • • • •

Google My Business Yahoo Local Bing Places Yelp Merchantcircle Yellow Pages.com Superpages Citysearch MapQuest

• Local.com • Foursquare • LinkedIn • Angie’s List.com • Manta.com • Kudzu • BONUS! Facebook Fan Page

Free “How to Claim Top Listings” Download this 83 page PDF It has everything you need to claim your online listings: • Screenshots • Embedded Hyperlinks • Easy Explanations • Suggestions for content

www.Aggressive.Rocks

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4

Why are online reviews worth the effort?

There’s one reason that towers above the others: Reviews are the main way to build a solid reputation online.

You may know that already. But “reputation” is a vague term most people don’t define.

I’m referring to two main benefits: If you have a good reputation (1) someone other than you is explaining why you’re good, and (2) potential customers can read the reviews and form an opinion as to whether you’re a good fit for them.

8 Steps to “Out-Local” Google

Virtual Reputation Management: Reviews

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21 ways to get Online Customer Reviews http://www.localvisibilitysystem.com/2012/04/13/21-ways-to-getcustomer-reviews-the-ultimate-list

Respond quickly to all reviews by setting up Google Alerts Set up Google Alerts for your agency: http://www.google.com/alerts

https://www.whitespark.ca/review-handout-generator

Top Excuses for Not Asking Customers for Reviews http://www.localvisibilitysystem.com/2013/08/29/top-excuses-for-not-asking-customersfor-reviews

5 Create Videos https://www.powtoon.com

Download at www.AgentsFirst.org

8 Steps to “Out-Local” Google

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How do your customers search?

6 Is Your Website Mobile-Friendly? https://www.google.com/webmasters /tools/mobile-friendly

8 Steps to “Out-Local” Google

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Mobilize the Moment!

The Mobile Movement: Understanding Smartphone Consumers http://youtu.be/CjUcq_E4I-s

Folks Buy When They Want to Buy ‌ Mobilize the Moment!

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Quick Response Codes Create for free at www.QRStuff.com YouTube Video

Facebook “Like”

Mobile-Friendly Business Card

Slow Down! Please!

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7 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Consistent Client Communication Send “Thank You” e-mail to every client / quote What Brady Should Have done Gather e-mail addresses from everyone Sign Up for free e-Newsletters for inspiration / ideas Costs nothing but your time Create series of e-mails on specific insurance product Establish follow-up e-mail program: www.MailChimp.com Follow guidelines for CAN-SPAM Act

8 Steps to “Out-Local” Google

Celestite Policy Scan Photo upload in 1 Simple step!

Scan QR Code

Take Photo

Auto Upload

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Celestite Insurance Mobile

Post Payments View ID Cards Contact Claims

TEXT ALERTS! SIGN YOUR CUSTOMERS UP TODAY!

TEXT ALERTS HELP WITH POLICY RETENTION •

Welcome text

•

Payment reminder

•

Cancellation reminder

•

Renewal reminder

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Free E-Mail Marketing Software Free eNewsletter • www.MailChimp.com Free Video e-mail • www.eyejot.com Free Animated Video • www.powtoon.com http://www.komando.com/happening-now/286186/fake-confirmation-emailscontain-nasty-malware

Two main obstacles agencies face when asking for email addresses How to ask for e-mail addresses: script http://www.insurancejournal.com/blogs/2013/01/11/277194.htm

PIANC monthly news: http://us5.campaignarchive1.com/?u=492d277dd40a72ce6a88b4792&id=16417d63c8&e=40b5b1e7d5

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Where to find interesting info to share Look for links online & in magazines that appeal to your target market & sign up for their e-newsletters Advertise on HopStop for free

• • • • • • •

www.AARP.org www.cooking.com www.Score.org Shooger Coupons Metro CPA House Beautiful Zillow

• • • • • •

Family Handyman American Home Shield EarthLink InsWeb Grandparents.com Make every employee a Marketer

8 Create a Facebook for Business Page Facebook for Business Facebook Advertising Facebook Videos Guerilla Marketing

8 Steps to “Out-Local” Google

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Download for FREE at www.Aggressive.Rocks

Access for FREE at www.Aggressive.Rocks

www.AgentsFirst.org

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Members Only “How-To” Library at www.AgentsFirst.org

Aggressive E&O Get a Quote Today!

Competitive Prices • We focus on the small to mid-sized personal lines agency • Limits up to $ 1 million per claim/ $2 million aggregate • Retroactive coverage available.

• One Month Down-payment with 11 equal monthly payments • Automatic EFT from your operating account.

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Facebook’s Fan Page lets you gather as many fans as you want. It also provides a way to interact with a large scale of customers. You can set up Facebook Fan Page links on all of your business’s online media outlets, which lets online users go to the fan page and directly interact with your company.

This increases your SERPs presence, as well as increasing customer participation and brand recognition.

Bonus Section Facebook Fan Page

To start creating a Facebook Fan Page go to: www.facebook.com and either log into your account or sign up for an account.

Step 1- If you do not already have a Facebook account for your business then you need to create one. If you do already have an account you can skip this section.

Steps to Creating a Fan Page

First Facebook will ask you if you already have friends- you can skip this by clicking ‘Skip this step’.

Step 2- Fill out the profile information for your business or skip what information you do not want to appear online.

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Step 3- Upload any business-related or product photos that you want to appear on the site. Photos are very helpful for brand and company recognition and are highly encouraged.

Step 4- Facebook will ask you to verify the e-mail address that you have provided for them. This email address will be publically shared so make sure it is something that you want to be available on the internet. Open your e-mail and click ‘Agree’.

Step 5- You have now created a Facebook profile page and have a Facebook account.

You will want to add photos and other content to make your company profile page interesting to online viewers. You will also want to share it with as many ‘friends’ as is possible.

Step 6- On your profile page click on the ‘Create a Page’ icon at the bottom of the screen to begin creating your company’s Facebook Fan Page.

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Step 7Choose what type of Fan Page you want to create- either a local business or place or a company, organization or institution.

Step 8- Once you have chosen a page to create fill out the information box about it.

This includes the business’s name, location and category. Then click the box to agree to the ‘Facebook Pages Terms’.

Step 9- Fill in the security check words and click ‘submit’.

Step 10- Upload or import photos for your Fan Page.

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Step 11- Invite as many friends as contacts as you can to share your Fan Page.

Then add your website’s URL address and a short description that tells viewers about your company.

Your Facebook Fan Page is now set up.

Constant updates, interesting content and photos and establishing as many contacts as you can will help ensure that your Fan Page gathers fans and keeps your company listed high up on SERPs.

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