2010 Survey Results

How did you rate?

The 2010 version of our agency productivity survey appeared in the January issue of The Anderson Agency Report. For the first time, we also invited those of you who subscribe to this TechTips newsletter to complete the survey. I thought I’d let you know the results.

This survey is by no means scientific. The results are not statistically validated. Such is the nature of a survey in which participants are self-selected. The value of the survey is that it helps agencies get a picture of how they are increasing overall productivity and effectiveness in comparison to my view of what an “ideal” agency would look like. I hope you use your results to stimulate discussion on what steps your organization can take to improve productivity, and thus, profits.

The results at a glance

The survey has a total of 83 questions, seven more than last year. This is a reflection of the continuing rapid change in technology. One-half of the questions are about management, administration, and infrastructure. Sales, customer service, and communication issues comprised the remaining questions.

Overall, most agencies scored well on the first part of the survey and not as well on the second half. We separated TAAR newsletter subscribers from non-subscribers. On average, subscribers had higher scores than other agencies. The effective use of technology for “back office” functions continues to improve. But there is much room for improvement in customer service, marketing and sales, and communication. Use of technology tools for marketing and sales continues to yield the lowest scores.

The highest possible score on this year’s survey was 229. There was a virtual tie for the top scoring agency. Bollinger Insurance in Short Hills, N.J. (a TAAR subscriber) had a score of 187. Bollinger also had the top score in the 2009 survey. In the non-subscriber category, Top O’ Michigan Insurance in Alpena, Mich. had the high score of 189. Close behind was Banker’s Insurance in Glen Allen, Va. with a score of 181.

The lowest score we received was 21 for subscribers and -45 (yes, you can receive a negative score) for non-subscribers. The average score for subscribers was 115 and 94 for non-subscribers. I like to think that the articles in TAAR each month provide the information and motivation for subscribing agencies to maximize the benefit they receive from their technology investment. This year’s average score increased, which is a very good trend. All surveys were completed online.

Haven’t taken the survey? It’s not too late. Take the survey now.
http://TAAReport.com/TechTipsSelfTest