| By Jim Lombardo, CPCU, AAI, AIM, MBA, AVP of Learning & Development Arnold Palmer, the legendary golfer, once said, “Timing is everything in life and in golf!" Well, while we certainly have had some mild winter temperatures here in the north east, it is still not time for golf. However, I have always felt that timing does indeed play a role in many situations. That being said, I also firmly believe we make our own opportunities. We all are in a tremendous industry- what we have chosen to do for a career- help people manage the risks in their lives and help them protect what is important- is something to be proud of every day!!
It is incumbent upon us to always “be at our best". We are competing against million dollar TV ads, numerous misrepresentations and a historically bad image- we need to break through that and continue to show our value each and every day!
How can we do that? Well there are many ways but, again, timing is everything!! Take classes (see links below) to become more knowledgeable; volunteer in the community; participate at school functions (ask me about Project InVEST); modestly but proudly promote how your agency helps people daily; perhaps teach a class at the local community college or sponsor a cultural event. Get your name out- you never know when someone in need will spot you and pursue a business relationship.
Here are some upcoming classes: Insuring Condominium and Homeowner's Associations
Ethics and EO: Synergy Not Rivalry
Alphabet Soup: The Mistakes & Coverages- DO, EPLI, FLI & EBL
ALSO – if you even sell a small amount of life insurance don't miss our free webinar on the upcoming Reg 187- Best Interest Standard.
Reg 187 - It's In YOUR Best Interest
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| New York enacted a cybersecurity law last year. What does that mean for insurance agents and brokers? If they're complying with the New York regulation on Cybersecurity Requirements for Financial Services Companies, not much. Just be prepared to notify the state attorney general if something goes seriously wrong. Watch: Big I NY report, June 21, 2019 New York General Business Law Section 899-bb
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| The New York State Department of Financial Services has told automobile insurers and insurance producers that it will not tolerate rate discrimination against newly-licensed undocumented immigrants. In a circular letter dated January 16, 2020, the department advised that these drivers "should not be subjected to any unfairly discriminatory practices when they seek motor vehicle insurance." The letter follows the enactment last year of New York's "Green Light Law." The law, passed by the State Legislature and signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo last spring, allows all New Yorkers of legal driving age to apply for a standard, not for federal purpose, non-commercial driver license or learner permit, regardless of their citizenship or lawful status in the United States. It took effect last month. The letter, signed by Deputy Superintendent - Property & Casualty Insurance Stephen Doody, said that an insurer should: - Recognize that these drivers may have driving histories from their original homelands that an insurers might consider for underwriting purposes
- Not deny, based on immigration status, a driver's opportunity to participate in useage-based or telematics programs
- Eliminate bias, disparate impact or factor useage based on immigration status from its underwriting and rating data sources, formulas and models
- Remember existing state laws against discrimination based on lack of credit history and unfair rate discrimination
The department warned of potential disciplinary action against insurers or producers who undercut the Green Light Law's purpose by reneging on their legal obligations.
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| Getting into the LMS and using the templates is definitely an adjustment. It's nice because there are helpful ways of seeing what each template can do and how they function. Being able to see them before I use them helps so I know how to prep the information before I put it into the platform. Planning the layout and materials needed in a word doc is helpful so that I have a map and way to go about things.
This is also my last day in the office ☹ I had a delightful lunch with two of the women from the marketing team. They make working in an office and a cubicle for that matter look like a good time. I am very grateful for being able to have this opportunity at Big I and I'm excited to continue my role from campus. I will miss the lively atmosphere the office has and all of the pleasantries of sharing cubicle walls with some rockin women. I will be blogging less frequently from my Ithaca campus so you'll hear from me again soon! Until then, Thank You Big I!! #Goodbyecubicle #Jenniferiscool #thankyou
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| Today in the office I explored the platform a bit more on my own and started to set up a module. Later in the day I had a meeting where we learned about the creative aspects of the LMS more. The company walked us through template options and helped us with the design aspects of the platform. We got to ask questions and gain a reference point for any questions or advice we may need when adjusting to the platform. It's beneficial to be able to see how another company is onboarding us when one of my main projects is focused on onboarding people for our board. Tomorrow I'm going to get more serious with how we are going to lay out the remaining modules and map out a more concise plan. I have information from interviews I did and the video databases but other than that I have to decide on the implementation of the information to the board. I look forward to having the board eventually give the platform a shot and really see how it works for them!
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| Today we got to enter into the LMS and check out the features for ourselves. There are a lot of templates we have access to and from looking at them there are so many ways to learn. Making learning more interactive and less dull is a top priority for this system and the ways in which we can implement the information really mixes it up. There are wheels, videos, multiple choice, fill in the blank and some other buttons to add into photos we already have. I'm excited to put the plans I've made into action with this system. Being able to see the ideas come to life in a new visual sense is satisfying especially when there are so many ways to do it.
I only have two more days here in the office with Big I before I return to school in Ithaca. I will be sad to leave but, very excited to get back on campus and learn more about Television Radio. Being able to see how my major can relate to the real world makes my classes seem more valuable than I initially thought. I'm excited to start the module work tomorrow!
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| Today's work revolved around potential videos that are going to be made regarding our onboarding process. Big I is making an effort to become more modernized and being able to onboard people from a remote location is part of that. Having these videos will allow for the members to learn about the organization and the different departments on their own time in a quick and easy way. Hopefully this will result in more efficient meetings and new ideas being discussed.
Audio isn't enough anymore we like to learn visually. Making videos similar to these ones are among the things I learn at Ithaca in the Television Radio department. I'm excited to see how this organization will make my ideas come to life in a way that's different to how I would in the classroom. I'm excited to start a module with the new LMS soon!
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| By Jim Lombardo, CPCU, AAI, AIM, MBA, AVP of Learning & Development Happy New Year!! I hope you all have recovered from the holidays and are raring to go in 2020!! I had a very interesting conversation with someone the other day when I was asked if I had any New Year's resolutions. She was surprised when I said I didn't...BUT I did tell her the following:
I am a firm believer in setting goals and working toward them. I have had a lot of success over my career when I had very clear goals and worked, bits at a time, to hit them. Here is the wisdom that a mentor shared with me many years ago when setting goals- they have served me well.
1. Be Realistic- don't make goals that are truly unattainable- it is ok to stretch yourself but don't get crazy! 2. Plan ahead- make your goals something that you can plainly see coming to fruition but need some planning and a little effort- don't make goals at the last minute or out of emotion. 3. Talk about it- there is a lot to be gained from sharing your goals with some key contacts- friends, family, co-workers- depending on your relationship with them, they can serve as a coach, mentor, support or just act as a reminder to keep you focused on your goals 4. Reward yourself- this is why I like smaller sub goals within your main goals- they are good for tracking, rewarding and helping you stay on track in a positive manner 5. Don't beat yourself up- Let's face it – sometimes “life gets in the way"—and you might miss a sub goal, veer off course or fail to put in the work... don't quit- just keep moving!
If getting your CE credits taken care of earlier rather than later is one of your goals, take a look at our upcoming webinars. These are not only timely, but can be helpful in your professional and personal life to help you attain one or more of your 2020 goals.
Newly Enacted & Pending Legislation for NY Producers
Insuring Condominium and Homeowner's Associations
Alphabet Soup: The Mistakes & Coverages- DO, EPLI, FLI & EBL
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| In my cubicle I had a call with a reference today and I asked her about her experience with the LMS. Luckily, she spoke fondly of it and educated me on some of the features that I wasn't aware of. This woman runs a non-profit organization that helps people enact change in the world and fight poverty. It was very interesting hearing her perspective of teaching through a learning management system (LMS). Some of her participants have never used the internet before and they were able to complete the trainings she created with the system. As fascinating as that is, it made me feel really privileged to be able to have access to the internet and education in general. That's something we don't think about often in our day to day lives once we're stuck in a routine. Today we also took the next steps of contract reading, and debriefing on our next moves to get closer to a module being created. I enjoy seeing all of the teamwork that goes on here and how there are efforts made by multiple people to get things done. This also is the end of my first full week of work in a cubicle and it wasn't as bad as I was expecting. Having a space to work and spread out all of your papers is helpful and makes life easier when working on projects. Also wanted to thank all of my consistent readers I couldn't have gotten here without all of you! #cubiclestrong #workgrind
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