I’m a huge advocate for asking for referrals. While I don’t teach an aggressive approach, I do advocate finding ways to be appropriately proactive. Sometimes it’s appropriate to promote the referral process by planting referral seeds. One of my favorites, that many reps are having great success with is, “Don’t keep me a secret.” Sometimes it’s appropriate to come right out and ask for referrals.  Read Story

Michigan congressman calls for answers on health insurer ‘gag order’

Indicating it was “inappropriate political pressure,” a ranking member of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee wants answers on why a federal agency is preventing health insurers from discussing the impact of reform efforts with their clients.  Read Story

Tennessee agent suspected of murder also accused of cheating clients

A Cordova, Tenn., insurance agent, already charged with killing his wife, is now accused of stealing more than $500,000 from clients to pay for a collection of cars.  Read Story

Frank Winston Crum Insurance, located in Clearwater, Fla., announced that it is licensed to write workers’ compensation insurance in Virginia, effective Sept. 22.  Read Story

Wells Fargo chairman Kovacevich to retire; CEO named as successor

With the economy improving and a merger with Wachovia complete, the chairman of Wells Fargo & Co. has announced he will retire in early 2010.  Read Story

Paterson signs law expanding independent contractors health coverage

Gov. David A. Paterson signed into law a measure allowing state insurance regulators to approve allowing health insurers to issue group health insurance policies to cover temporary, part-time, freelance and self-employed workers.  Read Story

New Jersey CPCU chapters to hold All Industry Day Oct. 16

The New Jersey chapter and Central Jersey chapter of the CPCU Society plan the 41st Annual New Jersey CPCU All Industry Day for Oct. 16  Read Story

Edward Jones’ advisors can now sell John Hancock retirement products

Financial advisors affiliated with Edward Jones will be able to use the John Hancock platform under a new arrangement.  Read Story

NAIW of Pa. Council Day set for Oct. 16-17

The National Association of Insurance Women of Pennsylvania has scheduled its Pa. Council Day 2009 event for Oct. 16-17 in Corapolis, Pa.  Read Story

District regulators delay CareFirst reserve decision until end of year

A little less than a week before it was to decide whether the reserves of a CareFirst subsidiary is “unreasonably large,” Washington, D.C., insurance regulators are delaying their final verdict until the end of December.  Read Story