Author: ACT News Team
Cross-pollination and collaboration broaden our view and deepen our knowledge. To that end, in March, ACT and NetVU are co-locating conferences in Nashville with a laser focus on emerging issues that can benefit or sink the independent agency channel. Sessions deal with everything from what's available to why we should care to how we can implement change at a very specific user level. On a podcast show called "On Point," published by Insurance Journal, ACT executive director Ron Berg and NetVU CEO Kitty Ambers talk to Peter van Aartrijk about the key issues where industry stakeholders are integrating thought leadership and business activities. Take a glance below at some highlights. You can also access the podcast here. We hope it will get you ready for a great learning experience in Nashville.
Here's a taste of some of the questions that ACT Executive Director, Ron Berg, and CEO of NetVU, Kitty Ambers, answered on the podcast...
Where are you in agreement on issues impacting the independent agency channel?
Ron says both groups are about driving consistency in workflow: use of eDocs, eSignature, best use of passwords, voice over IP, transferring documents, cyber strategy, finding the opportunities in our industry from new technologies. There's not only overlap but also complementarity.
Kitty say NetVU and ACT are in accord on driving consistency in workflow both from the internal work perspective through to the end user's needs, the consumer's expectations, for the use of technology. NetVU specializes in showing you how you can make that happen while ACT is bringing everyone to the table to discuss the broader impact and view of technology.
Check out the conference offerings HERE for NetVU and HERE for ACT.
How do you think our distribution channel can overcome "silos" and truly start working together more effectively?
Kitty says we're an information economy, so we need a seamless way of presenting and communicating information. That includes core systems through to mobile platforms. We have to figure out how to get much better at sharing information and embracing that sharing. This includes vendors, and NetVU conferences help them and carriers understand why silos have to be dismantled.
Ron says ACT is all about collaboration and getting past silos. He talks a little about his reasons for getting involved in ACT and having continued over the years to attend NetVU conferences.
Check out what Ron says about how silos affect work and efficiency. You might recognize your own agency!
What are some major issues you are tackling together right now?
Ron says ACT is promoting awareness and adoption of things like eSignature at agencies and carriers. Small commercial rating, security and cyber tools are other things on the radar. He points to resources and webinars that also allow for good opportunities to co-advocate on markets and resources.
Kitty says it all starts with understanding the business need, understanding why a particularly technology is valuable. ACT helps people understand the big picture, and NetVU can assist with drilling down into the how-to and understanding what best choices can be made at the user's end to make it all work to serve the customer better.
Check out what Kitty has to say about how Download is going and how independent agents are actually somewhat dependent on each other, carriers and vendors when it comes to making the consumer experience better.
Are conferences themselves still valuable?
Ron says they absolutely are—if the conference is done well. ACT is committed to making sure there are actionable takeaways for all levels of attendees. This is one of the reasons ACT jumped at the chance to collaborate with NetVU. ACT is laser-focused on emerging issues that will affect our industry; issues that none of us will escape. Ron discusses the rich groupings of topics that the upcoming conference will offer for different age groups and different personnel.
Kitty says the technology, vendor, market overlap is huge. We should be working together! She talks about educational sessions, role-based learning and other innovative information-sharing methods that are built into the NetVU portion of the conference. ACT members, as they participate, will be able to see the exact kinds of projects they work on. Kitty also gives some pointers on how to get a return on your investment in conference attendance. Tune in to find out how to make the most of your experience.