2009 ICMG Conference Recap: Web, Web & More Web

February 6, 2009 - IdeaStar’s Mike Wise, Jamey Polak, and Jim Fisher recently returned from the 2009 Inter-company Marketing Group (ICMG) annual meeting with the following realization.

Insurance industry members are sensing the importance of Web sites and online functionality, including agent contracting and appointment, quoting systems, agent resource centers, matrix-driven content-managed distribution portals, corporate blogs (interactive Web sites) and more.

Based on past disappointments, Insurance Web projects are as much a marketing initiative as an IT task. Insurance companies must find a way to successfully incorporate both in order for Web projects to succeed.

ICMG promotes strategic alliances in the insurance and financial services industry.  The organization celebrated its 25th anniversary during the conference in Orlando, Florida.

In one instance, Mike said, a chief marketing officer told him about recent successes in developing much-needed agent-facing tools for lead and customer management, as well as quoting and enrollment functionality. However the success came only after several costly and unsuccessful attempts by the IT department over the last five years.

“It didn’t have to be that way,” Mike said. “Third party partners like IdeaStar have the experience and know-how to ensure your Web project is completed in a successful, timely, and cost-effective manner.
“Ask us about the successful Web projects IdeaStar has completed for numerous insurance clients,” Mike said. “There’s no need for your IT department to try and re-invent the wheel.”

Mike also noted the attendees were talking about the use of, if not actually using, social media to further company objectives.  ICMG made use of its own Linkedin discussion group, which is continuing after the conference. Mike said he even found a few Twitterers in group. “There is a much greater acceptance of social media.  I even found a few companies interested in doing a company blog.” Find out more of Mike’s take on the conference at his insurance blog, InsuraTech, and view his conference photos here.

For more information, or to learn how IdeaStar can make the Web work for your company, contact Mike Wise at 800-766-2635 ext.103