Independent insurance agents are a great example of a well established industry, uniquely positioned to greatly benefit from Web 2.0 and social media.

Independent Agent Magazine, the official publication of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, is strongly advocating that, “Agents take advantage of Web 2.0 technologies to increase sales.” The cover story of their May issue is titled, “Find Us on Facebook.”

In the article they quote Rick Morgan, the president of Rick Morgan Consulting, an insurance technology consultancy. He is also chairman of the Agents Council for Technology (ACT) committee on Web 2.0. “Social media and other Web 2.0 capabilities are creating new opportunities,” says Morgan, by facilitating communication “inside your agency and extending collaboration beyond agency walls.”

IA Magazine went on to make a strong point, “If most young adults use their computers and smart phones to communicate with friends, look for jobs, research products and buy or sell them, shouldn’t insurance agencies be part of the trend?”

Ed Higgins, president of Thousand Islands Agency in Clayton, N.Y., gave the magazine his view, “I think (social media) will be a significant part of our agency’s growth and a way to build customer loyalty,” he says. “The more links you have out there, the more positive it can be.”

As strong advocates ourselves of social media and Web 2.0, it’s great to see industries like this not only taking notice, but realizing the benefits and becoming proactive. It is no longer a secret that well established professionals, like these independent insurance agents, can immediately boost their business through social media on the web. The waiting period is over, this stuff is being proven right now, as you read. Get on board.