Full disclosure – I am biased. I help organizations with their social media. I work at providing education around this topic and most typically help organizations in the development of their social media strategy. That being said, I still think there is a debate over the advisability of outsourcing social media to a third party. Clearly, developing your own unique voice and showcasing your personality in an honest and authentic way is an important component to building trusted relationships. Yet, I believe there are instances where a third party adviser can provide value. Take a watch and let me know what you think. Do you outsource any of your social media? How is it working? What advice would you give others?

A common question I get from agents getting ready to journey into social media is, “Where do I start?” While there is no “one size fits all” answer to this question, I do feel that it is important to first make sure you have given your website proper attention.
Do you agree and what other advice would you give to anyone just starting to get involved with the social web?

Friday, June 4 was my last day as Interim CEO of ASCnet (Applied Systems Client Network). This video blog is just a quick thanks to everyone I had the pleasure of working with over the past 11 months – especially the dedicated and talented staff at ASCnet. As I start the next chapter, I am looking forward being able to spend more time participating in the industry dialogue regarding the relevance and value  social media offers agents, carriers, and associations. I will stay involved with the ACT (Agents Council for Technology) Social Web Work Group. If are not familiar with ACT, I would encourage you to visit the site. There are many great resources (articles, recorded webinars, etc.) for any organization wanting to make the most of their social web experience.  I am also excited to be able to work more closely with Aartrijk on several exciting projects including Brand Camp 2010 and WAHVE. If you really want to understand the impact the social web is having on your brand and how to tap into the great opportunity that it offers – Brand Camp is the place to be.

WAHVE is unique in that it is a model that is redefining retirement for many insurance professionals and offering a great staffing resource for agencies and brokers.

I am very much looking forward to being able to devote more time to this blog. Clearly the social web is evolving and transforming and I am fascinated by the changes taking place in our industry. What trends are you seeing? How are you using new tools to grow your business – or are  you?

The rush is on. Clearly, there has been a dramatic increase by insurance agencies in the level of interest, involvement and even a realization that the  social web has business relevance. Yet, there is also caution and concern over the potential increase in  E&O (Errors and Omission) exposure.  Last Thursday, the Agents Council for Technology (ACT) sponsored a webinar that addressed E&O issues head on. The webinar explored  risks involved with social networking and provided specific guidance on how agencies can manage those risks.  Presenters were Sabrena Sally, from Westport Insurance/Swiss Re, Colleen Murphy with Goldberg Segalla, David Hulcher with IIABA. Jeff Yates, ACT and I facilitated.

Interestingly,  to date, none of the presenters was aware of an E&O claim specific to social networking. All agreed that agencies should feel comfortable using social media but should have a good social media guide/policy in place.

To access the recorded webinar or the PowerPoint click here.