NU Online News Service, Feb.17, 2:35 p.m. EST
Liberty Mutual Agency Markets said it developed new online professional development courses for agents.
The unit of Boston-based Liberty Mutual Group said agents can register for classroom workshops and participate in virtual or self-paced online programs.
Liberty said its online Agent Learning Centers are for agents appointed with its commercial lines regional companies and are designed to help agency partners to grow their businesses.
In addition to general insurance topics, sales, product and office productivity, consultative selling skills and agency management courses are also among the items being offered.
Liberty said an Agency Manager Toolkit is available to assist agency owners or principals in hiring and developing successful new producers.
Michael Emery, manager, Learning Services, Liberty Mutual Agency Markets, said, "We've significantly broadened our learning options, expanded our AICPCU [American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter] offerings, and given our agencies the greater flexibility and affordability they need."
The Agent Learning Centers were developed for America First Insurance, Colorado Casualty, Golden Eagle Insurance, Indiana Insurance, Liberty Northwest, Montgomery Insurance, Ohio Casualty and Peerless Insurance. Producers and staff log-on to each company's proprietary agent portal to access the Agent Learning Center.
Once logged on users can:
o Register for classroom training sessions.
o Participate in instructor-led and self-paced online classes.
o Access industry links and information.
o Pay for classes by credit card.
The site contains the thirty-week Commercial Lines New Producer Program described as a blended learning approach that combines online instruction, webinars and in-agency mentoring with classroom training. The program is supported by AICPCU materials and graduates receive the Insurance Institute of America's Accredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI) designation.
"Consultative selling instruction, agency principal mentoring, and familiarity with our regional companies' products, underwriting and personnel are important interactive components that help new producers be profitable sooner," said Kenneth J. Swymer, program manager, National Learning Programs, Liberty Mutual Agency Markets.
He said the firm's approach integrates "the real day-to-day work with classroom and virtual instruction to maximize new producer success in that critical first year."
More information about agent learning offerings is available by contacting Ed Kula, director, Distribution and Product Training, Agency Markets Learning Services at 206-473-4042 or by e-mailing edward.kula@libertymutual.com.
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