New pilots hold tightly to and use all the checklists, make sure all the equipment is operational, plan their flight, file their plans, and concentrate while flying. Pilots with more than 500 hours of flying time return to this level of conscientiousness – because they realize there is more to know than they do. But the mildly experienced acted like they were too good and experienced to take these precautions.

What does all this have to do with insurance education and training? Insurance trainers and educators often see this same “know-it-all” phenomenon in students with insurance industry experience equivalent to pilots with 300 to 500 hours - those with between six and 10 years industry experience.

Buying the perfect present for the insurance geek, uh professional, in the office is a most difficult task. First the buyer must be sure that the chosen gift will cause no harm or damage to the receiver or others (can’t have an insurance claim right at Christmas time). Second, insurance geeks, sorry again, professionals, don’t want what everyone else wants like a tie, apple corer, or socks with bells on them; no, these folks want something to help them in their chosen profession.

When I entered the insurance world, no one I knew had access to the Internet; cell phones were rare (and cost a lot); and you had to ask someone if they had a fax machine. Typewriters were used and certificate holders were more than patient enough to wait three days for the mail to deliver the needed COIs. Otherwise known as the “good old days.” Technology and the industry has changed, and I've learned many things in my career.

Can't we all just get along? Well, no. You, dear reader and insurance professional, have the opportunity to "talk" about the other professionals within the insurance industry - just don't be too mean. In this post is a list of professions within the industry - we want your thoughts on what they do. But again, be nice. 

When it becomes necessary to write a letter that talks about coverage, there are three guidelines (I hesitate to call them “rules”) to consider before, during and after the letter is written.