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Is The Insurance Industry Ready For Social Media?

OfficeArrow — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:20:37 -0500

Given the nature of its business, the insurance industry does not tend to be quick to change. Despite this, insiders have heralded the rise of social media as having the potential to revolutionize the way that insurance companies do business. It holds great potential as a marketing and communication platform.

If you run a small insurance business, you may be wondering how to harness the power of social media to expand your reach, improve your company's visibility and offer superior service to your customers. To get an idea of how social media is being used in the industry, it is insightful to take a look at how one of the nation's insurance giants is taking advantage of this new technology.

State Farm has been very successful in its use of social media. Not only does it have a well-established presence on Twitter and Facebook, it also uses YouTube to great effect, generating video views that number into the millions, such as this viral hit starring William Shatner

Some of the key things State Farm is doing:� Using each respective site (Twitter, Facebook and YouTube) to publish diverse and comprehensive content� Using social media internally to facilitate improved employee communication and cooperation� Enhancing the online connectivity of field agents� Creating new customer relationships entirely onlineMarketing costs can be crippling for insurers, but the problem with social media has been that most brokers do not view it as a practical forum for explaining the nuances and complexities of insurance policies. However, you should also consider that social media is an outstanding forum for dealing with customer concerns, releasing price quotes and enhancing competitive intelligence.

In essence, social media provides you with a very powerful customer service platform that more than makes up for its limitations as an insurance marketing tool. Focusing your efforts on using social media to reach out to customers and to start conversations is an excellent place to start.

If you'd like further information on how to use social media to boost your brokerage, visit SocialStrategy1 and OfficeArrow. We help small business owners - of all industries - use today's cutting-edge technology to make big strides in the digital w

Human Resources Outsourcing: The Benefits And Drawbacks

OfficeArrow — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:17:36 -0500

Every business, no matter how large or small, requires some level of human resources support. For smaller businesses and start-ups, there often comes an point when you need to decide whether to hire dedicated staff or to try human resources outsourcing to meet these needs. This is not a decision to take lightly; it can impact your company's finances, office morale, and efficiency of operations.

Advantages of human resources outsourcing� Focus on your strengths: Outsourcing human resources will allow you to spend more time on the business activities you do best. Small business owners often wear many hats; outsourcing will allow you to remove a few.� Increase efficiency: Although you and other members of your staff may be able to fill the human resources gaps, outsourcing to a professional will increase efficiency because they have the necessary industry expertise. � Lower overhead: Growing your business does not necessarily mean you need to increase your office space and employee expenses. Human resources outsourcing helps keep these costs low while still allowing you to expand.� Flexibility: If you are doing a big hiring push, human resources outsourcing allows you to temporarily beef up your staff without hiring new HR employees. The same is true during other peak times such as year-end tax preparation.

Potential disadvantages of human resources outsourcing� Management quality: Outsourcing a few human resources functions does not mean that managers no longer have responsibility for their staff. It is important for small business owners to understand that they still hold all of the responsibility for managing people and ensuring that HR processes are appropriately handled.� Alignment of values: If fostering a company culture is important to you, make sure your outsourcing provider has consistent goals and values.� Loss of knowledge: Outsourcing providers should not work in a vacuum. Make sure key members of your staff regularly interact with the provider to maintain knowledge within the company.

For more helpful tips about human resources outsourcing and solving office staff problems, join OfficeArrow today. You'll gain access to webinars and other training tools, and have the opportunity to network with other business owners facing the same challenges.

Intellectual Property: What It Is, And How To Protect Yours

OfficeArrow — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:59:39 -0500

It can be difficult to understand the property rights of businesses that deal with "intellectual" works. You cannot touch what they create, yet what they produce with their intellect is no less valuable than what a craftsman in the physical world might shape out of concrete or steel.

Intellectual property is the product of working with thoughts, concepts and ideas. It includes written literary works such as novels, articles or stories; musical compositions, such as sheet music, songs or operas; artistic creations, including paintings, drawings and sculpture; dramatic works, including movies and plays; and architectural designs. It also includes inventions and technical material; symbols, logos and signs; industrial designs; computer software; and business processes and secrets.

So even if your small business does not create intellectual works directly, they still have much at stake regarding intellectual property rights. There are three main protections you can use to preserve your intellectual property: copyright, patent and trademark.

CopyrightCopyright covers literary and artistic works (books, poems, movies, music, artwork and architecture). Copyright gives the holder exclusive right to copy, trade or sell a covered piece of intellectual property. Currently, copyright protections on material created after Jan. 1, 1978, last for the life of the creator plus 70 years.

PatentPatents protect inventions and technological advances. A patent typically lasts for 20 years and prevents anyone other than the patent holder from making, using, offering or selling the invention in the United States, or from importing that invention into the United States. Patents are typically granted for specific types of devices, scientific or medical processes or substances, technical designs, instruments and procedures.

TrademarkTrademarks protect symbols, words, letters, signs, sounds, colors and other distinguishing marks that identify businesses, goods and services. The Nike "Swoosh" and the McDonald's arches are among the more recognizable trademarks.

Controversies are plentiful in the world of intellectual property. Some advocates believe that "information should be free" and that copyright or patent laws stifle creativity, suppress innovation and deny citizens equitable use of ideas. Others, such as those with a vested interest in profiting from the sale and distribution of intellectual property, fiercely oppose any attempts to loosen laws that govern its use and sale.

The conflicts that erupted earlier this year over the proposed Stop Online Piracy Act and the Protect Intellectual Property Act (SOPA and PIPA), supported in large part by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), are a good example of the heated conflicts that arise over intellectual property and its uses.

OfficeArrow supports the responsible use and protection of intellectual property. We can help you with information on what intellectual property means to you and your business, and how and when to seek intellectual property protection. Contact us t

Survey: Does Your Business Use Coupons?

OfficeArrow — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:28:14 -0500

Does your company use coupons? OfficeArrow wants to get insight on how our community is using coupons like Groupon and LivingSocial. By completing this survey, you will be entered to win a Kindle Touch. TAKE THE SURVEY HERE!

Please see terms and conditions below.

The "OfficeArrow� Does Your Business Use Coupons" Survey (the "Survey") is sponsored by OfficeArrow, Inc. ("OfficeArrow"). The Survey begins at 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on February 8, 2012 and ends at 11:59 PM. Eastern Daylight Time on March 8, 2012. One winner will be selected by random drawing to receive a Kindle Touch valued at $99. Subject to the limitations described below, natural persons at least 18 years of age at the time of entry who are legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia may enter the Survey online by completing the "Does Your Business Use Coupons" survey at http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22EQ7VCQVWF during the term of the Survey. One winner will be selected. The winner will be notified by e-mail or telephone within 5 business days of drawing. The Survey prize is not transferable, exchangeable or redeemable for cash. OfficeArrow reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to suspend or cancel the Survey at any time if a technical issue corrupts the administration, security, or proper play of the Survey. OfficeArrow is not responsible for, and shall not be liable for, late, lost or misdirected entries, failure or malfunction in electronics, hardware, software, communications or security or unsuccessful efforts to notify the winner. All entries become the exclusive property of OfficeArrow and will not be acknowledged or returned. Employees, officers and directors of OfficeArrow, and their respective affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies are not eligible.By participating in the Survey, each participant agrees to these terms, to comply with all applicable laws and to release and hold OfficeArrow and its employees, officers, directors, shareholders, agents, representatives, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, OfficeArrow's legal advisors, and Facebook harmless from any and all losses, damages, rights, claims and actions of any kind in connection with the Survey or from acceptance, possession, or use of any prize. Federal, state and local taxes are the sole responsibility of the winner.The use of any trademarks, service marks, logos or other marks in connection with the Survey or any prize, other than those of OfficeArrow, is not meant to imply the endorsement of the respective owner(s) of such marks (including without limitation Facebook or Amazon Kindle), or any affiliation or sponsorship of the respective owner(s) of such marks with OfficeArrow or the Survey.NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Business Travel To China In Your Future? Know The Ins And Outs

OfficeArrow — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:37:15 -0500

China is one of the world's most explosive growth markets, and Western business travel to China has risen dramatically over the past few years. It can be a very fruitful endeavor for any business. If you're planning on making a business trip to China in the near future, however, there are some practical preparations you should make in advance.

First and foremost, make sure your travel documents are in order. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of your business travel to China, regardless of how long you are planning to stay. You also need at least one blank page in your passport for your Chinese visa, which is required for U.S., Canadian, and European Union citizens intending to visit the country's mainland.

Because it is a somewhat independent entity, you won't need a visa if you're only visiting Hong Kong, but if your business travel to China includes a visit to the mainland, you should apply for your visa as soon as possible. You will be required to supply the beginning and end dates of your trip, and you may be asked for supplemental documentation, which might include letters from your Chinese business associates confirming the validity of your application.

In terms of technology, it's advisable for you to bring an unlocked cell phone along with you if your current handset or smartphone isn't compatible with Chinese telecommunications services. You can then add a SIM card to your unlocked phone when you reach the mainland. If you do a lot of business travel to China (or foreign countries in general), you may want to consider investing in a satellite phone, which will give you the ability to communicate no matter where you are.

Also, it may seem like a basic consideration but it's an easy one to forget; bring AC adapters designed for use in China. Without one, you won't be able to charge your phone or your laptop, and finding one once you reach China could prove difficult, given the language barrier.

You should also be prepared to take the office on the road with you, and that means making the most of the services we offer at OfficeArrow. Before you head out on the road, check out our comprehensive library of business travel articles to ensure that you're fully prepared for whatever might come along.

Business travel to China requires special preparation, without a doubt, but it can be a boon for you business. If you take care of all of the practical issues, then there is not reason why your business trip can't be a suc

Using Social Media to Drive Your Entrepreneurial Plans

OfficeArrow — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:05:30 -0500

Title: Using Social Media to Drive Your Entrepreneurial Plans

Speakers: Alex Avendano, Product Manager and Strategist for Social Strategy1

Steve Ennen, President of Social Strategy1

Do you know your social media presence and what people are saying about your company? Are you aware of the variety of products out there that can help you manage this sort of info? What about how to use these tools effectively for your business?

Tell us what you think in the comments section below, and let us know what other topics you'd like us to cover

Watch Using Social Media to Drive Your Entrepreneurial Plans

Download the slides

"The webinar was very helpful, and the speakers were great!"

-Josu

OfficeArrow TV: Where in the World is Social Media Guru Erik Qualman? Tuscany

OfficeArrow — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:02:17 -0500

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Follow Erik Qualman, social media guru and bestselling author of Socialnomics (the first great read in social media) and his latest book Digital Leader, as he shares social media advice from around the world. "Where in the World is Erik Qualman?" charts his life on the road as he breaks into new territory - social media for small business - and gives you insights to grow your business.

In this episode of "Where in the World is Erik Qualman?", Erik comes to you from a Tuscany vineyard where he discusses the state of Wifi connectivity in Europe. Watch now and tell us what you think below.

Check out these other segments or view the entire OfficeArrow TV channel list.

Keep Your Social Media Strategy Flexible by Erik Qualman

Why Social Media is Important to the Small Business C-Suite by Mike Lewis

The Impact of Social Media on Marketing Strategies by Mike Lewis

Business Travel Guide: Stay Virtually Connected And Maximize Your Meeting Productivity

OfficeArrow — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:15:46 -0500

One of the best ways to ensure that you have everything you need for a remote meeting is to provide it yourself. How many times have you fumbled around, trying to set up a presentation with a projector you have never used before, a laptop that just won't connect to the Wi-Fi network or, even more stressful, a waning laptop battery because there were no free outlets?

Use this business travel guide to help you make your meeting setup seamless, so you can focus on the meeting itself, not on the unpredictable technology provided by the host.

Power it upAfter you have crawled under the table to find a free outlet among the rat's nest of cables to plug in your laptop, where do you plug in your cell phone? What if you're in another country and you only have one adapter? Walkabout Travel Gear solves all of these problems with an international extension cord with surge protection. You can instantly add three universal outlets wherever you need them.

Stay connectedImagine yourself in this scenario. After waiting 10 minutes to get the office Wi-Fi password, it doesn't work. While waiting for the IT person to inevitably solve your problem with a few keystrokes, you are losing valuable work or meeting time. If you had brought an Ethernet cable and the Apple AirPort Express Base Station, you wouldn't have this problem. Just plug it in, connect it to the Internet and you have an instant Wi-Fi network in your hotel or meeting room. Many companies provide applications to turn your smartphone into a mobile hot spot as well, ensuring that you'll always have the internet when you need it.

Manage documents in the cloudEven with all that preparation, you've forgotten to bring the jump drive with the presentation on it. Or after you open up the file, you realize that it is not the most recent version of the presentation - you forgot to update the file on your laptop. If you keep your presentations or other important meeting materials in a cloud-based document management service like DropBox, you can access your files from any computer, any time, anywhere.

For more business travel guide information, check out OfficeArrow's other business travel guides Office Travel Advice & Planning section. You can learn more about international customs, creating corporate travel policies and much more. Don't get caught unprepared again when giving presentations while on the

5 Tips For A Successful Employee Training Program

OfficeArrow — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:14:51 -0500

Most small business owners know that employee training is necessary and that it effectively positions the employees, and the company itself, for success. However, many small businesses struggle to develop a training program, or do away with one altogether, because developing a successful employee training program requires time and money. If you don't see immediate results, you might be tempted to give it the axe.

Before you take such drastic measures, or if you're in the planning stages of developing a training program, you can use the five tips below to turn your training program around, and boost the overall outcome.

� Set Dedicated Training Time - Training on the job is generally not enough. While the old adage that people learn while doing is true, relying solely on on-the-job learning will limit your employees' success.

� Provide context - While your new hire will have a transferrable skill set, it's often necessary to provide an understanding of your industry or company. This includes defining specialized jargon and giving important background information. This is a crucial first step for any successful employee training program, because it will set the foundation for everything that comes after.

� Implement a standard for success - Your training program should result in one clear goal: teaching the employee exactly what he or she needs to know about the job at hand. With this guiding purpose, every training component should answer to this goal. Your employees should know exactly what is expected from them, and what their responsibilities will be.

� Be Precise - The content of the training material itself should be comprehensive and specific, tailored to each job within your organization. Creating the right balance is a delicate task, as too little or too much information won't get the results you're after. Therefore, it's critical to examine each training component during the program development phase.

� Let the trainees practice - A good training program will give new hires practical experience. This part of the training should be like a trial run, giving you the opportunity to see the employees in action. You can then review information as needed. Practice drills should be tailored to cover each component of the training program.

The outcome of a successful employee training program is clear, as research shows that a good program can boost employee productivity by 50 percent. That percentage climbs as companies invest more money in training programs. Take advantage of the guidelines for creating a successful program, and give your employees-and your company-the tools for

Website Creation: Give Your Visitors A Reason To Stay

OfficeArrow — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:11:46 -0500

Website creation is a combination of science and art. You need both components to keep visitors on your page. Visual aesthetics are important, but if you don't also readily provide the information your visitors seek, they are not likely to stick around.

Every company is different, and there are countless ways to successfully design a website. However, many successful sites incorporate the following tips into website creation:� Provide a clear structure - There is no one-size-fits-all website structure. The most important factor is that visitors to your page immediately understand what your business does and how they can find the information they seek. Do you have multiple customer types? Make sure that all of them can quickly find the pages that are most relevant to them. � Be visually appealing - You can have the most compelling content ever written, but in a world with short attention spans, you need more than just words to keep website visitors engaged. A clean, simple design with polished graphics demonstrates that you are organized and professional. First impressions are truly meaningful, and your website is often the face of your company. What image do you want to convey?� Get social - Having icons that link to your Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages lets the reader know that you are engaged beyond just the website. Including comment feeds from these pages takes that one step further and shows the visitor that other people are also interested in your company. It's a subtle hint, but potential customers are more likely to explore your website more thoroughly if they believe you have other satisfied customers. A live feed is much more compelling than a list of static testimonials.We provide numerous resources to help you with website creation. Whether you are starting from scratch or redesigning your existing website, working with a professional provider can save you a lot of time and money. If you have the necessary strategy and design skills to do it yourself, you can still benefit from our Conference Room network of experts. Stop by some time with your questions about website creat