Invest Partners with WebCE to Address Talent Shortage 

WebCE, a trusted leader in online professional education, has announced a strategic partnership with InvestSM to become the preferred national provider of insurance pre-licensing education in high schools and community colleges. The collaboration builds on Invest’s extensive educational network, which serves students through classroom instruction and competitive business programs.

Invest students will now have access to WebCE’s complete pre-licensing library, including life and health, property & casualty, and personal lines courses. The platform features WiseBot artificial intelligence (AI), giving students real-time answers through Chat Tutor, and an Exam Readiness Score that analyzes course activity to assess preparation.

Two-Thirds of Independent Agents Plan to Increase AI Use This Year

Two-thirds of independent insurance agencies plan to increase their use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the next 12 months, according to the “2026 Big ‘I’ Agents Council for Technology Tech Trends Report.” Despite growing interest, many agencies remain in the early stages of adoption, with nearly one-third reporting they are not using AI.

A key motivation for adopting AI is operational efficiency (60%) and staff productivity (52%). However, data privacy or compliance risks (24%) and inaccurate outputs (22%) topped the list of concerns.

“The findings of the report highlight a pivotal moment for independent agencies, with growing AI interest signaling momentum, long-term success hinges on clearer governance, stronger training and more integrated technology strategies,” says Kasey Connors, executive director of the Big “I” Agents Council for Technology (ACT).

Should We Obtain Signed Applications from Our New Insureds We Obtain Via Broker of Record? 

Obtaining business through an Agent or Broker of Record (AOR/BOR) is a popular sales tactic these days. Our Ask an Expert service answers the question: Should we obtain a new signed application from a client we obtain via AOR or BOR? Or should we contact the former agent to obtain that application? Read on to learn more from our band of merry experts.  

8 Ways to Make the Most of Taking Headshot Photos

In business, your headshot is more than a picture. It’s a visual handshake, a silent introduction that conveys confidence, likability and professionalism in a single frame. Like a handshake, it can be firm and reassuring—or limp and forgettable. The difference often lies in small but critical choices.

If you have a face, you have a brand. And a strong brand puts you in control of the story others tell about you, instead of leaving it to chance. Perhaps surprisingly, likability sometimes beats credentials. Executives often assume their resumes, degrees or track record are what set them apart. But in reality, people do business with those they like and trust, and that perception is built in seconds.