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Lisa Hronek Archive for November, 2009
NEWS ALERT – New survey reveals insurance producers’ preferences
We just completed analysis of a survey of insurance producers conducted in September 2009. Using Mintel Comperemedia’s Insurance Producer Panel, we asked questions about producers’ attitudes and behaviors regarding their business and their relationships with insurance companies.
We found, somewhat unsurprisingly, that insurance producers’ preferences vary substantially based on their time in the industry and whether they’re captive or independent. Check out some of the key findings in today’s press release.
We also asked insurance producers about other topics in this proprietary survey, including:
- Business structure
- Opinions about continuing education
- Agency promotional tactics
- Perception of the Internet’s importance
- Greatest challenges
- Future expectations
For more information from this survey, contact info@comperemedia.com.
1% mortgage cash back from Chase, direct mail
An incentive just for having (and paying, of course) a mortgage? Well that’s one way to make today’s dim economic picture a little brighter. In August, Chase announced a new program offering 1% cash back on mortgages held by Chase checking account customers. We started seeing offers for this appear in direct mail in October.
Mortgage incentives aren’t new, but an on-going cash back program is something we haven’t seen before. “Chase Exclusives”, which the 1% cash back program is part of, rewards checking customers for using other Chase products. It’s a great loyalty builder; tapping into the ongoing consumer need to get more for less and really delivering on the promise of an “incentive” for working with Chase.
Customers receive the 1% cash back if they follow certain criteria on new or existing Chase checking accounts. They can receive the rebate either in cash or apply it towards the mortgage principle.
Is 1% back enough to prompt mortgage-holders to refinance with Chase, especially with lending standards tightened? How else can financial institutions innovate to get more out of the customers they have?
Wireless telecommunication providers fuel social networking train
It’s a benefit to some, a burden to others, but wireless and smart phones are quickly becoming synonymous with social networking. In order to stay relevant and keep ahead of the competition, wireless telecommunications providers are shouting loud and clear about their phones’ ability to tap into social networks.
Many wireless telecommunications providers promote customers’ ability to access social media on their phones, which allows them to update friends and family about their activities. Still others advertise proprietary applications in their direct mail, like Verizon’s “SocialLife”, or allow users to upload pictures to various social media websites.
Wireless telecommunications providers are not only giving people what they want—24/7, on-the-go access to Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube (woe to the person who can’t tweet from the bus!)—they’re also finding a way to increase mobile phone usage. It’s a win-win.
So what’s next? Apps are wildly popular on the iPhone, but what can other providers do to stand out?
Auto manufacturers rethink diesel
It’s yet another challenge for the US and international auto industries. As President Obama pushes his plan to alleviate our dependency on oil, auto manufacturers have been tasked with improving fuel efficiency and reducing pollution. Hybrids are definitely hitting the spot, but they aren’t the only solution.
Enter the diesel engine. (Vrroom, vroom.) Powerful? Check. Fuel efficient? Check. Low emissions? Check. Tough sell for the American public? Check. Many people still associate diesel with high emissions and sulfur smells, but manufacturers are determined to change that.
Using an email marketing campaign, Audi previewed its Audi Q7 TDI clean diesel to US drivers a month before it was even available on the market. Volkwagen, Ford and BMW are also using direct mail and email marketing to position their diesel vehicles as modern, high-performing and good for the environment.
If automakers can successfully reintroduce today’s drivers to diesel, they’ll not only help alleviate our dependency on crude oil, but also continue the push for clean, fuel-efficient automobiles. Do you think they’ll have success? What would it take to make diesel as trendy and appealing as hybrids?