RISKY BUSINESS

In a hurry? We can expedite this search for resources YOU need.

The team at IIAW created agency-focused evaluations that match an agency to the member benefits they would find value in. Answer a few questions and receive an immediate report with necessary links. Think of it as your personal map to IIAW resources. Visit www.iiaw.com/agencysolutions to get started.

The staff at the Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin love to find the right resource, course or form for our member agents who call when they’re feeling “stuck”. We understand it can be hard to remember every member benefit we have to offer, so tear out this article (or visit bit.ly/FebRiskyBusiness for a PDF of this article) and hang it on your office wall because we are diving in! E&O Risk Management

For years, IIAW members have had access to the E&O Happens website which is filled with articles and best practices for agencies. Since 2017, agents have also had exclusive access to the IIAW Agency Risk Management program which offers one-on-one consulting, E&O risk mitigation tools and discount opportunities for policyholders.

The Certificates of Insurance Resource page on the IIABA website is full of great information including a 2020 webinar and additional on-demand recordings. The IIAW website also features additional online courses for agency employees looking to sharpen their certificates of insurance skills.

The IIAW aims to provide quality online continuing education programs through our partnerships with the IIABA and ABEN. These courses are regularly updated and meet the current needs of agency personnel. In addition, the IIAW partners with MyAgencyCampus to bring members best in class training for new employees and employees looking to build their professional skills.

Updating Producer Contracts is an important task but not always a quick and easy one. The IIAW has not one, but two great resources to help with this process. The IIABA offers a Guide to Producer Contracts for agencies looking to create or update internal contracts. IIAW partners at Godfrey & Kahn have also developed an Employment Agreement whitepaper with best practices and sample clauses. Agencies can contact the law firm for additional one-on-one support as well.

As many agencies continue to grow or find the need to replace critical positions on their team, the IIAW has your back with resources to save you money and help with the process. Member agencies have access to an HR toolkit filled with sample job descriptions, a hiring guide and best practices. We also encourage members to explore a contract talent solution called WAHVE which provides the agency with highly skilled professional talent without the added internal expense. The final value-added tool is Big I Hires, offering agencies of all size a DIY Hiring Toolkit, recruiting options and many HR resources.

When it comes to marketing and branding, the IIAW has your back. Many agencies recognize the importance of digital marketing efforts and creating brand awareness within their community but they do not have the internal capabilities to fill this need. Quick and easy resources are key to success and through Trusted Choice, an agency can find social media posts, custom marketing campaigns, Marketing Reimbursement Program and training programs. The IIAW Marketing Resources page is a great place to start to find exactly the tools you are looking for. Looking access for additional markets but don’t have the volume to obtain your own contract? Big I Markets offers a no fees, no minimums option to find the products you’re looking for. This quick and easy option offers access to many carriers who can provide cyber coverage, small commercial, personal umbrellas, jewelry and many more!

The IIAW is the eyes, ears and voice of independent agents not only in our state capitol but on a national level as well. One of Wisconsin’s most respected government relations firms, Lee Government Relations, covers all facets of the Wisconsin state government and opens the door to the state legislature, Office of the Governor and state agencies.

The IIAW Online Community was launched in 2020 and is an online networking hub to ask questions, receive personal feedback and network with other industry professionals. Join today and explore this exclusive platform for insurance agents in Wisconsin.

If you have any questions about these resources or other resources available with an IIAW membership, feel free to reach out to us by email at info@iiaw.com or by calling us at 608-256-4429.

IIAW Vice President and Director of Risk Management