FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (April 10, 2015) – MHG Services, Inc. today announced that it has sold its holdings in VIKAND to Peter Hult, President of VIKAND, effective March 31^st, 2015. Hult has simultaneously given up all responsibilities within the MHG Group of companies, including his position as Executive Vice President at MHG Services, Inc. and as a Director of MHG Associates Ltd. MHG founding partners, Andrew Dudzinski, Chairman and CEO, and John Haagensen, President, continue to lead MHG together with a key management team while Dr. Bill Heymann, Medical Director of VIKAND, and Hult have become the majority shareholders of VIKAND.  

“The decision to separate the companies was a difficult one to make” said MHG Chairman and CEO, Andrew Dudzinski. “MHG and VIKAND are both rapidly growing and in order for both companies to continue to expand, we found it necessary to spin-off VIKAND from MHG’s insurance business. We are very pleased to have played a key role as founders in the creation and development of VIKAND and wish Peter and his team great success.”

“I am very excited to embark on this path and for VIKAND to continue to develop new medical services” said VIKAND President, Peter Hult. “At the same time, I am leaving with some sadness after having worked closely with Andrew, John and MHG since 2002. We will continue to have a close relationship with MHG and support each other’s operations, common clients and business partners.” 

MHG has been providing insurance advice and solutions to the marine and aviation industries, international and local business groups and individuals since 1991 and has offices in Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Isle of Man, Hamburg and the Cote d’Azur. 

About MHG Insurance Brokers 

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance Brokers is an independent, global, full-service insurance brokerage and consultative facility. Through its extensive relationships with international underwriting markets, MHG develops and provides a full range of employee benefits, risk mitigation programs, business insurance and financial services all supported by comprehensive attention to service support for all of our clients. In the marine community, MHG is well known for its expertise in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and developing MLC-aligned crew insurance solutions. In the U.S. MHG provides group and individual employee benefits along with advice on federal regulations regarding Health Care Reform and the Affordable Care Act. For more information about MHG Insurance Brokers and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com.

About VIKAND 

VIKAND is the leading provider of medical management and consulting services to the cruise industry and today provides consulting, management, medical equipment calibration and audit contracts to almost 60 cruise ships globally. VIKAND’s services range from full management of medical facilities to individual consulting and services modules, including formulary and bio-medical equipment management, Pre-Employment Medical Examination advice and support, marine employee wellness programs, Public Heath support and regulatory guidance. VIKAND’s team has extensive experience in the medical field, as well as the marine industry. VIKAND offers flexible medical services tailored to the clients’ unique requirements, managed by a world-class, medical team who offer a 24/7 on-call service to clients. 

Isle of Man (March 24, 2015) – MHG Ocean Benefits Ltd, which trades as MHG Insurance Brokers, announced today that Kriss Lane has joined the company as Operations Assistant. In this newly created position, Lane will provide operational support to the Operations Director in addition to providing assistance to the Underwriting and Claims Teams as needed. Lane has over 12 years of experience in the financial services sector in Douglas, having worked for various institutions on the island, including Lloyds Bank in their Fraud Detection Unit.

“As our client base continues to grow, Kriss is a welcome addition to the team” said Cathy Lane, MHG’s European Operations Director. “His experience and knowledge will help us to continue serving our customers in the expedient manner they have come to expect of us.”

MHG’s Isle of Man office has been open for six years and primarily provides insurance solutions to international residents and those who work at sea.

About MHG Insurance Brokers 

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance Brokers is an independent, global, full-service insurance brokerage and consultative facility. Through its extensive relationships with international underwriting markets, MHG develops and provides a full range of employee benefits, risk mitigation programs, business insurance and financial services all supported by comprehensive attention to service support for all of our clients. In the marine community, MHG is well known for its expertise in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and developing MLC-aligned crew insurance solutions. In the U.S. MHG provides group and individual employee benefits along with advice on federal regulations regarding Health Care Reform and the Affordable Care Act. For more information about MHG Insurance Brokers and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com  

Taking the leap and becoming an Expatriate can lead to an overwhelming wave of emotions. From excitement, to scary, to nervous, to anxious, even nostalgic, knowing that you are leaving your home to start a new life in a new place will give you a rush one way or the other. Deciding to become an expat is step one of a long list of things to take care of before you set sail on your new adventure. So use this Expat Checklist when organizing, packing, and scheduling everything that needs to be done before your big move!  

1. Medical check-ups for you and each family member are a must before you leave, and make sure to get an extended supply of any prescription drugs. Also, obtain a copy of the medical file related to the condition that requires prescription drugs, and be sure to keep these with you during your travels (keep in your carry-on). Check what vaccinations are required.
2. If you have children, look into education opportunities abroad. The countries school system, boarding school, home schooling, etc.
3. Learn the language! At least the basics in order to communicate important stuff.
4. Passports and VISAs need to be valid, and it may be a good idea to renew them if they are set to expire in the near future. If you’re filing for a new passport, file your application early because it may take some time to complete. Remember, some VISA applications require a lot of paperwork so start those early as well.
5. Cancel any subscriptions you may have. Such as magazines, telephone, cable, internet, etc.
6. Apply for an international driver’s license. Keep both your international and domestic licenses with you at all times.
7. Make photocopies of all important documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, social security cards, etc.
8. It may also be a good idea to get any important documents translated into the language of your new country of residence. It could make this whole process a lot easier and quicker.
9. Handle your property before leaving. Your house, are you selling it or renting it? Your car. Anything else of significance you may own. Also, make arrangements for your vehicle at your destination. Are you shipping your car there, or do you need to rent or purchase a new one?
10. Ask your bank about money transfers and banking abroad. Look into online international banking, it may be easier to make transfers and manage funds between countries.
11. Take food items, or any other items for that matter that you enjoy but won’t have available to you in your new country. At times you may be homesick, and these items may help sooth your soul.
12. It is very important to share the new address and your new contact information with your friends and family. Just in case of any emergencies.
13. Set up your utilities ahead of time, so you won’t be without power or water upon your arrival. This goes the same for cell phone and internet access, in order to let your loved ones know that you have arrived safely and are settling in.
14. Determine the tax rules of your new country, as each country has specific tax rules on foreign earned income. Also, there may be taxes on any shipped items that you have shipped to your new country.
15. Insurance! Expats need International Health Insurance in order to have worldwide coverage. Instead of trying to figure out the insurance plan that is best for you and your family, find an insurance broker to do that for you. You have enough things to do as it is.

Print this checklist and carry it with you to use when packing and moving to your new country. Moving to a new country can be an amazing experience. If you are interested in more information about Expatriate insurance, or are interested in purchasing Expat insurance, contact us at +1 954-828-1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com for help finding expatriate insurance coverage for you, your family or group!

Many of us work hard and save up to buy a home, car, save for retirement, etc. Things that are symbolic for success and hard work, and also provide security for you and your family’s future. But what if all of that could be taken away from you? All of that hard work, years and years of saving and planning gone in an instant. All because you were the cause of a major accident, or someone injured themselves at a party you were throwing at your house. Accidents can happen anywhere, anytime, and are never expected. So don’t go through life worrying about when or where an accident is going to happen trying to keep it from happening, you will lose your mind. Just make sure you have a good umbrella policy to give you coverage in those events. And no, I’m not talking about that umbrella. Sometimes you need more coverage 

There are times when your business or company will need coverage. Whether you are working with a company that requires you to have more coverage than your general liability policy. Rather than increasing your general liability, many times you can get an umbrella policy to cover the rest. For example. Say your general liability gives you coverage for $1 million, and you are doing work for a company who will only work with you if you have $2 million in coverage. It may make sense to take out an umbrella policy to cover that extra $1 million.

Excess Liability 

Many times, an umbrella policy can be referred to as excess liability. The excess coverage kicks in when the underlying limits on your general liability policy have been exhausted, or your have been sued for something that it doesn’t cover. It can cover you for many things that your business has nothing to do with such as eviction, defamation, false imprisonment, personal injury, invasion of privacy, malicious prosecution, and wrongful entry. Protection against slander and defamation could be a crucial feature to protecting yourself, as word of mouth and negative publicity can ruin a business. 

Lawsuits happen more than you may think

It’s not uncommon for someone to be involved in an accident and immediately look to sue. All it can take is for someone to slip and fall while walking on your property. If that should ever happen, it could destroy your business and financial security. Did I mention that lawsuits are costly? 

You have A LOT to protect

Many people don’t realize all the things they can lose in a lawsuit. Just because you don’t have $1 million in your bank account doesn’t mean you don’t need that kind of coverage. There is more at stake than which you know such as your retirement funds, investments, future earnings, and even the equity in home. If that doesn’t make you reassess whether you need an umbrella policy, I don’t know what will. 

If you own a business, and are looking for protection and would like more information about umbrella policies, MHG Insurance Brokers would be happy to assist you. Also, if you are looking to purchase other various forms of business insurance such as General Liability or Professional Liability, our insurance specialists have the experience to assist your business and offer advice in finding the perfect plan to fit all of its needs. Contact MHG Insurance Brokers today at +1 954-828-1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com.

There’s never a bad time to make the decision and commitment to live a healthier lifestyle. We all know that the most popular time to start working out and eating better is at the start of the New Year. Probably because people feel that they need to make drastic changes because this is a new year, or want to lose that holiday weight. Gyms are crowded, carbs are being cut, and many are cooking at home rather than eating out. However, there are countless reasons getting healthy should be the number one priority on your list, and it has a lot more to do with than just losing weight and starting to work on your summer body. Here are just a few that may inspire you to start living healthy today!

More Productive 

Many people don’t exercise or stay active because they have an excuse. Many times that excuse is, “I don’t have enough time.” Which is ironic, because people who do make time to work out every day, whether it be getting up earlier or staying up later, actually get more done in a day than people who don’t. Usually in less time too. Especially those that choose to work out or go for a run in the morning before going to work. It’s a bit ironic considering that exercising can make you tired, but if done correctly, it can get the blood pumping and the mind working and get you ready to perform at your best.

More Energy at Work 

One of the reasons people who live healthier are more productive is because they have much more energy. Most of us arrive at work still trying to wake up, needing to get into our zone in order to get some work done. Yet those that live healthy lifestyles tend to not go through that. They arrive at work ready to go, and when 2:00 pm comes around, they are still kicking. There are certain foods that you can eat and avoid as well to make sure you have the energy you need. Eating fruits and vegetables is a natural way to feel energized. If you’ve noticed, anytime you load up on bread and other carbs, or eat a very big meal, you may tend to feel a little drowsy.

Nip it in the Bud 

Living a healthy lifestyle goes beyond eating right and exercising, you also need to go to the doctor and have your yearly check-ups. By doing so, you may catch an issue and be able to do something about it before it is too late. Also, your doctor may be able to suggest something for you to change in your lifestyle that can aide you, such as vitamins, supplements, exercises, and nutritional advice. For instance, if you have changed your diet, you may be losing weight and feeling better, but also may be depriving your body of certain vitamins or minerals. A doctor will be able to tell you to keep up the good work, or recommend something to help! 

You will be Glad You Did 

The most important reason for you to start living a healthy right now is simple, why not? It is never a bad time to take control of your life and make the changes necessary to ensure that it’s as long and fulfilling as possible. Also, if you start now, in no time will you begin to feel better, and pretty soon, you won’t even remember how you felt before you started. If you have excuses or are waiting until next Monday every week, just remember this, the sooner you start, the sooner you reach your goal! 

Your health and wellness is a priority. MHG Insurance Brokers is committed to serving all of our clients and making sure you have the coverage necessary for you to live a healthy life. We have the experience to assist and advise you on what insurance would be the best for you. If you are interested in Health Insurance, or would like more information, contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit mhginsurance.com.

As the clock starts to count down, the New Year is almost here. The countdown can also signify the end of the holiday season. With that comes many people wanting to start the New Year on the right track. Maybe set goals and standards to help assure that this New Year will be better than the previous. Many make New Year’s Resolutions, and most fail to keep them. Whether it’s to lose weight, quit smoking, save money, many people have forgotten their resolutions by the time February comes. So instead of worrying about what to put on your New Year’s Resolution list, worry about how to make that list a long-term reality.     

Pick One Thing 

When making a New Year’s Resolution, try not to “fluff” it up with little things that you would like to change in your life, instead, pick one thing. Pick something that is important, maybe something that needs to change that is affecting your health or relationships. It is easier to focus on one item at a time rather than having several different things or habits you are trying to change. Also, you will be able to put all your time and energy into it, which will increase your chances of being successful. If you are doing well after a couple months, then add something else to the list. With this strategy, you can have a whole new you by the end of the year! 

Plan Ahead 

After you have selected your resolution, start planning ahead. Make a schedule, and start thinking of how you are going to make this change, and different things you can do to be successful. For example, if your resolution is to lose weight, start planning your workout routine and meals, etc. With a well thought schedule and strategy, it is easier to stick to it rather than waiting to see what comes up. Also, do your research! Read up on it, see what different techniques and tips there are, and see what would work best for you. 

Expect Problems 

Problems will always arise, they are just a part of life. So if something comes up that ruins your routine, try and start back fresh the next day. However, to make sure that there are as few issues as possible, think of all the problems that can come up ahead of time, and how you will deal with them.

Accept Failure

Many times, New Year’s Resolutions are created to break existing habits. They say it takes about three weeks to break a habit or create a new one. So expect to fail or have a setback. If you sneak a cigarette one day, it isn’t the end of the world, it is only part of the process. So, don’t give up! Learn from the failure, figure out what triggers caused the setback, and try to avoid them in the future. 

Reward Yourself

The best incentive for hard work is reward. We go to work every day to be rewarded with a paycheck. We try to get healthy and lose weight to be rewarded for looking and feeling better. However, sometimes hard work can leave you with no rewards to see. Which is why it is important to reward yourself, especially through those tough first weeks. Start with little rewards in the beginning, and as you achieve your goals, make the rewards fewer and farther between. Then at the end of the year, give yourself an anniversary reward such as a nice vacation or gift. Something that you will look forward to and will keep you motivated!

MHG Insurance Brokers would like to wish you, your family, and loved ones a very Happy and Healthy New Year. In order to ensure that the upcoming year is a healthy one, make sure you have the proper insurance coverage today by calling +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit mhginsurance.com for more information. Our insurance specialists have the experience to advise and assist you in selecting the best plan for you, your family, and your business.

We all consider insurance to be necessary when it comes to our health, automobiles, and homes. Though it is difficult for the average person to understand the verbiage that is contained in most policies, that does not hinder people from purchasing life insurance and other types of coverage once they reach a certain age and wish to start a family, or start planning for retirement. One type of insurance that often gets overlooked, however, is travel insurance.  Many people are not sure if they need it, or are aware of what exactly it can do for them. Travel insurance is a valuable tool that is designed to protect those traveling domestically or abroad, for business or recreation. There are several options to choose from depending on the types of coverage you require, but most travel insurance policies provide coverage for the following occurrences:

• Medial emergency or evacuation: This should be the primary reason to buy travel insurance. Although your current health plan may cover you in certain instances while you travel, emergency medical transportation is often not covered, and the cost of this service can rise upward toward $100,000. Travel insurance comes in handy here, as it can prevent you from maxing out the benefits allotted through your health plan. There are primary as well as secondary plans available, which work in tandem with your current health plan.
• Trip cancellation: When you plan a trip months in advance, there is no way to predict what circumstances may arise between now and your departure date. Trip cancellation insurance will protect you in the unfortunate event of a death in the family, an illness, or an accident. You are also covered for situations that occur which are outside of your control, such as severe weather causing the delay or cancellation of your flight.
• Baggage or Personal Items Loss/Theft: This covers you if the airline loses your luggage, or if you stored your laptop in your hotel room one afternoon, only to come back to find it missing. You can also insure camera equipment, and other valuables.
   
• Personal Liability:  If you are involved in a car accident while driving in a different country, or accidentally cause damage to something and are now finding yourself being asked to remedy the situation, this coverage will be of great value to you.

How can you determine if you need travel insurance? Here are some things to think about:

• Take Inventory: Assess the policies that you currently have in place to check to see if you are covered for health emergencies, medical care and treatment when you travel. Check the credit cards you use as well. Some automatically cover things like baggage loss or flight cancellations.
   
• Don’t Skimp on Protection: Most people skip travel insurance because they just see it as an added expense being tacked on to their trip. With most travel insurance policies costing somewhere between 3% and 8% of what the trip costs, this is a drop in the bucket compared to out-of-pocket costs if an incident does occur and you aren’t covered.
   
• You Snooze, You Lose: If you are considering buying travel insurance, it is best to purchase it within 24 hours of booking a trip, or as soon as possible afterward in order to get the best rate.
   
• Travel More, Save More! If you travel frequently, you can consider multi trip insurance policies, or annual policies, which may be less expensive as compared to obtaining coverage right before each trip.

MHG Insurance Brokers draws from their extensive experience and knowledge in the insurance industry to give clients the greatest value and most comprehensive coverage available. MHG insurance specialists will clearly outline the coverage provided to you in your travel insurance policy, as well as tell you about any limitations or exclusions so you are fully aware of how protected you are before your trip. Visit MHG Insurance Brokers online at mhginsurance.com, or call and speak to an MHG insurance specialist today at 954-828-1819. Don’t leave home unprotected.

As a business owner working in today’s litigious society, there are many different types of coverage that your company may need in place not only to protect your business but to protect your personal assets as well. Which type of insurance and the correct policy amount differs depending on your type of business.  It’s important to mention that your insurance needs will also change over time, as your business continues to grow. 

MHG can help you determine which insurance will most benefit your needs; here are the five most common commercial insurance policies that are essential to almost every business:

General Liability Insurance – General Liability insurance is the most basic form of business insurance available and protects you, the business owner, should someone suffer an injury and you are named liable. General Liability policies also provide coverage for property damage, advertising injury and personal injury, including slander. Should you be served with a lawsuit, this type of insurance could also pay defense costs and settlements even if the claims made against you are fraudulent. You should consider obtaining this coverage if you or your employees:

• Visit a client’s place of work or if a client visits yours
• Have access to a client’s equipment
• Write or speak about a client’s business
• Use third party locations for any business-related activities

Commercial Property Insurance – Disaster can strike at any time. Commercial Property insurance can protect your businesses' assets and inventory against physical damage and loss of use due to theft, an accident or other means. If you are leasing office space or retail location, you may only need to purchase "contents" coverage to protect your fixtures, furniture, inventory, office equipment and supplies; however, if you've made 'improvements and betterments' to the space you're leasing, you may want to include those expenses in your insurance policy as well. No matter what size your business is you may qualify for a Business Owners Policy or a "BOP" which allows business owners to secure Commercial General Liability, Property Insurance and often, includes loss of income and extra expenses that you may suffer following a loss. 

Commercial Auto Insurance - Car accidents happen every day and as a business owner, you need to make sure you have the proper insurance coverage in place to protect you, your employees, your assets and get you back on the road as quickly as possible. As a rule of thumb, if the vehicle is used primarily for business purposes or is titled in the company's name, you should have a Commercial Auto policy regardless if you lease or own the vehicle. Commercial Auto policies may pay for damages or medical expenses sustained by you, an authorized driver on your policy, or a third party. Depending on the type of coverage you select, your company vehicle may also be insured against damage caused by a flood, fire, or theft. 

Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) – We unfortunately live in a very litigious society and it’s important for business owners to have the right coverage in place to protect themselves against frivolous and legitimate lawsuits made by current, former and potential employees. An EPLI policy protects the business, its directors and officers and employees against allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination, emotional distress and wrongful termination among others.

Workers Compensation Insurance - As a business owner, you do your best to provide your employees with a safe working environment; however, accidents happen and it is important to have the proper protection in place. Workers’ Comp policies are mandatory for all businesses employing four or more people although contractors are required to carry a Workers’ Comp policy if they have at least one employee. Workers’ Comp covers medical expenses and some portion of an employee’s wages if they were injured on the job. Accidental injuries, occupational diseases, and even death arising from the employee’s employment are covered under this policy. In the marine industry, The Longshore Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act (USL&H) provides similar Workers’ Comp benefits for employees working on navigable waters, on a dock, during a dry dock or other areas commonly used by vessels. Workers' Comp policies can be endorsed to offer coverage for the employee while working on land as well as for USL&H exposures.

The Insurance Specialists at MHG understand that every business is unique. We have the experience and resources to help you find and purchase the right insurance to meet the needs of your business. Let us help you protect your business, good name and reputation. 

Call and speak with one of our Insurance Specialists to discuss options to cover your company's risk appropriately at 954-828-1819 or visit MHG Insurance Brokers online at mhginsurance.com to learn more. 

Have you ever jumped out of a plane? Climbed a mountain? Gone scuba diving? Relocating to a new country can evoke many of the same feelings and emotions. But, isn’t that what life is all about? Living it to the fullest? The fear and excitement of the unknown? That’s why it’s great to be an expat! An expat, otherwise known as an expatriate, is someone who lives outside of their native country. Did you know there are a staggering 50.5 million expats living and working around the world?  That number is expected to increase to 56+ million by 2017! Maybe you’ve been considering packing your bags and moving halfway across the world for your dream job, but aren’t quite sure if you’re ready to uproot your life. So for those that are on the fence, MHG would like to share some advice from our own expats that will hopefully encourage you to jump and take that leap of faith.

A New Start

New start, clean slate! Becoming an expat can allow you to leave your baggage and drama behind and give you the opportunity to, make new friends, have an exciting new job, and who knows, maybe meet your significant other.   

Language

Depending on where you go as an Expat, you may need to learn a new language. Learning a new language isn’t an easy task, however, it allows you to learn more than just some words, it can force you to learn the culture as well. You wouldn’t have the opportunity to learn a new culture by just visiting or vacationing somewhere.  By living there and having to make an effort to adapt is when you really get to experience new cultures.

Life Skills

Living in a new country can also force you to learn some basic skills such as cooking, fixing a car, performing maintenance around the house, etc. While living in your home country, if you didn’t know how to do something, you may have had the option of calling someone to come help you or fix it for you. That may not help in a new country.

Job Opportunities 

Many people become expats because of the work opportunities. Maybe you have been eyeing that dream management job which is just out of reach at home but more attainable overseas. In addition to the job opportunities, expats find compensation packages to be very enticing which can include a competitive salary, international health insurance, housing, annual tickets home, car and school tuition for the kids to name a few.

See the World

What better way to see the world than by becoming an expat! Expats will tell you from first-hand experience the only way to  truly experience a country’s culture, tradition, and language, is to live there for an extended period of time. Living like a local will allow you to see the sites and taste new foods. Before you know it, you will be involved in and partaking in things you never thought you would have. Getting to experience things that you wouldn’t have gotten to experience by just visiting. You may also develop an admiration for the traditions, and find yourself really loving your adopted country, maybe even more than “home,” and possibly want to have this same experience at a new location. 

Before relocating to another country, trying to find expatriate health insurance coverage on your own can be a daunting task. Many of us at MHG are expats ourselves and we understand the global insurance needs of international businesses, and individuals and families living and working around the world. Our Insurance Specialists have the experience, knowledge, and access to multiple international insurance carriers to find you the most suitable plan based on your budget and future plans.

At MHG Insurance, our commitment to your well-being does not end once you have purchased a plan; through our “Concierge Broker Service”, we will continue to assist you with questions about your policy and provide assistance throughout the claims process. Call MHG Insurance at +1 954-828-1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com for help finding expatriate insurance coverage for you and your family or business!

Do you remember what life was like 10 years ago? How about 5? It’s hard to think of a world without Social Media and Smartphones, and even harder to remember that these things didn’t even exist a decade ago. Five years ago, having a smartphone was a luxury, not the norm. People were still using Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn were fairly new or unknown to most, and Instagram and Google+ didn’t even exist yet. Today we live in a world where information is everywhere, and all we have to do is reach into our pocket to unlock it all. Social networking has impacted us in many ways. For one, it has made this gigantic world seem a bit smaller, with all the ways that people can keep in touch, share pictures, and make those close to us feel like they aren’t missing the big moments in our life, just because they are living elsewhere. From a business perspective, it is an essential medium for communicating with clients, and can also be utilized for customer service, lead generation, and relationship building. 

1. Relationships 

People like and communicate with others who are similar to themselves. For instance, parents connect with other parents, college students connect with other college students, doctors connect with other doctors, etc. Social media has changed things by flipping the marketing funnel upside down. Instead of trying to reach the masses in order to gain a few customers or followers, you try to connect to a few, who will then reach the masses for you. Which is why it is important to post material your followers or customers will feel connected to. By building a relationship with a customer he or she may feel like you understand their needs, and may feel inclined to share your material to their friends who are similar to themselves. Which is very important because that can expose your business to others who may have never heard of you and who may feel connected to you as well. For example, every few days Cigna will post an article with healthy lifestyle tips, or State Farm will have a safe driving contest, or best of all, MHG Insurance Brokers will post a Motivational Monday picture. These simple actions engage with customers and give them an incentive to follow you, interact with you, share with others, but most importantly that you care about and value them. 

2. Customer Service 

Social Media has also impacted the way customers are able to contact you. Rather than picking up the phone to dial their broker, they can now use social media to communicate with them in a quicker and more efficient way. Plus, social media gives customers an avenue to give you feedback or vent to you about a problem they are experiencing in your business. This makes it easier and more convenient for the customer, rather than having to call your customer service hotline and be kept on hold for an extended period of time. However, this new way of customers contacting you to give feedback and complain can give you a reason to be on your P’s and Q’s. Before social media, whenever someone had a complaint, they would call your customer service hotline and deal with the issue directly. They say that a person tells 10 people about a complaint, which could hurt your business if the information spread. Now the complaint is posted in a public forum for the world to see, which means it is critical that the issue is handled quickly and the customer is taken care of, or possibly millions can have a reason not to do business with you. 

3. Advertising and Marketing 

Social Media has billions of users, millions of whom use it on a daily basis. Sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn have given insurers the power to advertise to individuals across the world, for FREE. So many companies spend millions of dollars a year on advertising for commercials, magazine ads, radio ads, etc. These ways of advertising also have limits to the amount of people that can see them. For example, they may not have a commercial in Europe that they do in the United States. Or if I don’t have a subscription to the magazine that you put an ad in, I won’t see it. Social Media does not have the limitations and constrictions that other forms of advertising and marketing does. However, there is a catch. In order to market to someone, they either have to be following your page, or already searching for you. Which, as stated before, is why it is important to build connections with people who will then share your content to their friends and followers. It is crazy to think how a post made in Miami, Florida can be seen in Sydney, Australia in a matter of seconds. 

Social Media has made the world a smaller place. Information is more accessible than it has ever been before. The world is in your pocket. Mobile phones are no longer just a communication device, they are a business device. Are you looking for relevant insurance information that isn’t boring? Follow MHG Insurance on most Social Media platforms to see informative posts, fun content, and get to know us!