During these challenging times, stories of unemployment problems abound in the media...    But, NOT IN OUR PLAYGROUND, and certainly not for stable, top performers!

"Change" has occurred quickly since our new President's historic oath of office, and it  will continue throughout 2009!   We see many of the newer firms continuing to flourish during all this activity.   Established "old line" firms are re-inventing themselves.  New brokers are being formed as others are being challenged.   The largest brokers are in the process of re-branding themselves.   Second tier brokers continue to take advantage of those who are "fed up" with their current employer's lack of direction or just the feeling of being lost in the crowd. 

Surviving brokers are on the prowl and they are looking for quality talent.  Brokerage firms will have the choice of changing their ways or face the consequences of not becoming agents of change!

So... where there is chaos, there is also opportunity.  That is because the marketplace always seeks alternatives!  Despite everything we see and hear on the news, we also continue to see the best talent getting and accepting very attractive offers!

It becomes particularly imperative the candidate is prepared to meet high expectations.  Unemployment is relatively low, even while some areas of industry are having challenges, the insurance industry is challenged to find enough good people, even with all the outsourcing they are now doing! 

Some firms have even bit the bullet to train new people. Some will continue to acquire as their only means of growth.  Information from the Internet will create more power to buyers, thus the need for people to differentiate themselves from the competition.  

Unrealistic goals for current employees at all levels is also forcing more people into the interviewing arena.  

Once upon a time there was an unlimited pool of talent to choose from -- in these times that is no longer the case.  It helps employers to have real reasons for the best and brightest to take their positions.

Customers are now less loyal and demand a higher level of service. 

Patterns of distribution...  Banks and financial institutions continue to acquire companies and brokers in many niche markets.  The Internet is reaching out through  e-commerce to many client segments that were handled by agents.  Commissions are being cut along with some services.  Others feel companies will compete with their brokers even more than they already do. How it will all turn out is what makes it all so exciting.

Any way you look at it, continuing change is a fact of life.  More and more, people from the CSR to the CEO, are concerned about their future. 

Many now feel they need an "action plan" to protect their careers, not to mention home and family!  One could hardly blame those who will discreetly investigate and weigh the alternatives. 

Are you prepared for all the opportunities that may be coming your way now and into 2009?  

email - bmgco@insurancerecruiting.com

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Resumes may be faxed 24/7 to:  (949) 660-5611