Blog
Monday, September 8, 2008
Broker Advisory Groups with Touch Pad Technology
Brokers are the main distribution channel for carriers. They are the carrier’s primary contact with the market. Conducting research with brokers can be extraordinarily valuable. However, sometimes, broker/agent research can be risky. Some brokers don’t like to share their thoughts with other brokers. Some brokers may be reluctant to share too much with the carrier.
But brokers aren’t shy. Once you give them an opportunity to express their feelings and feel that there is no risk and only reward for them by doing that, they open up. At least that has been our experience with the dozens of group discussions and broker advisory councils we have conducted.
One tool we have used quite effectively is touch pad technology. A set of questions is developed and, one by one, projected on a screen. Each broker is given a wireless touch pad and asked to answer or “vote” on the question. Compiled responses are then instantly projected to the group.
While some may feel that bases are too small, we have used this tool quite effectively with brokers. It allows them to anonymously respond to questions, gives some idea of how they feel as a group, allows them to be more comfortable with sharing their ideas, and makes for a more engaging and lively discussion. But perhaps most importantly, this tool provides an excellent “springboard” for discussion as we lead a discussion of the results immediately after they “vote.”
posted by John Riester at
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