As a small agency, it’s often challenging to do everything
you need to in a day, much less keep up with new technology. But deNise would tell you that you don’t have
time not to embrace technology. Cullifer
and Associates is proud to be a paperless office. Embracing technology and
electronic communications saves the agency, their carriers and, most
importantly, the customers a great deal of time. If anyone understands the truth of “time is
money,” it’s the multi-hat wearing small agency principal!
A long-time Prime user, deNise and team made the leap to
AMS360 Online last year. She is the
first to admit that making the change was not easy. When you were one of the national go-to
people on Prime, it is difficult to throw something you know so well away in
favor of a new system you know very little about.
In an agency that can’t afford any downtime because there is
a direct writer on every corner waiting to scoop up business, transitioning
systems requires a level of agility larger agencies might not face. Dealing
with 80% Commercial Lines, many of whom are artisans – builders, plumbers, etc.
– Cullifer and Associates is an agency known for turning policies quickly. deNise knew her team would have to be
well-prepared to make the change as seamless as possible for her
customers.
How does an agency face a great system change? With a little help
from their friends! deNise, a NetVU board member and long-time
volunteer reached out to her Network of Vertafore Users. Along with
fellow Prime users, she formed an
email group which exchange ideas, tips, tricks and support for surviving
the
transition.
This small group has grown into Transition Champions. These champions held a HUB Hangout session at
NetVU Conference and will be expanding.
The 2014 NetVU Conference provided deNise and others who are
on a new Vertafore management system the opportunity to immerse themselves in
the technology, and pick up tips and tricks from the experts. Cullifer sent 2/3
of their staff this year, and they both saw the pieces of AMS360 coming
together. With one tip deNise picked up, she will be taking the 2-3 hours it
was taking her to process a submission on her new system down to 30 minutes.
Principals of small agencies, deNise would encourage you to
not limit yourselves. Expand your
network outside your agency walls, and you will be amazed at what your agency
can achieve!
Is your agency considering a transition or contemplating your migration strategy? Be sure to join the NCOM
Community just for agencies like yours.
Attend one of the two kick off webinars:
Thursday,March 27, 12:00 Pacific/2:00 Central/3:00 Eastern
Thursday,April 3, 12:00 Pacific/2:00 Central/3:00 Eastern
Learn from your peers who have been through the
transition. Get the tips and tricks that
will make your transition successful!