Working with a Risk Control Consultant

This is Part 1 of a two-part series on working with a risk control consultant authored by guest blogger and Westfield agent Craig Hassinger of Seibert Keck.

 

Craig Hassinger is president of SeibertKeck Insurance, an independent agency specializing in both malpractice and property/casualty insurance. Craig has served as both a producer and chief operating officer, working with SeibertKeck employees to achieve double-digit revenue growth through a number of measures including streamlining business processes to improve products and customer service. Craig is active in a variety of organizations including the Professional Insurance Agents Association, Independent Insurance Agents Association, Wadsworth Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Medina County, United Way and Akron Children’s Hospital. Craig and his wife Suzie reside in Wadsworth with their two children, Haley and Nick.

Risk Control Consultants:  What to look for

Businesses today are exposed to many on- and off-site risks; some may be aware of their potential losses, while many are not. That’s where a risk control consultant steps in.

It is important for business insurance customers to take part in a risk control program to proactively identify potential losses and determine solutions to reduce losses before they occur. A qualified risk control consultant can work in conjunction with an agent to help a business owner assess his risk, and determine services needed to reduce risks.

 

Five Important Qualities and Skills of a Risk Control Consultant

1. The ability to discuss all activities with the proper person at the client’s locations, while keeping the insurance agent up-to-date on all activities.

2. The ability to collect and use facts to prove the need for the service. The right consultant compiles adequate facts to demonstrate that the problem identified is a serious risk to the customer’s operations.

3. The ability to explain how the recommendations and/or service will improve operations (i.e. smoother running operation, increased profit/production, decreased costs, etc.). Reduction of accidents alone is not a persuasive argument.

4. The ability to demonstrate leadership, and give guidance when providing direction as to who is to perform the recommended actions, how they should be accomplished, in what timeline, etc.

5. The ability to provide management with feedback on the status of the program, the recommendations and the service plans.

Most importantly, the consultant must be able to tie the recommended services to the bottom-line improvements and return on investment for the client. It is important to identify the client’s service expectations upfront, and work toward a bottom line improvement for the client.  

What qualities do you think are essential for a risk control consultant working with your agent?

Learn more about Westfield’s risk control services, or evaluate your business’s risk now using the Risk Control Assessment.

 

Stop by the Westfield Risk Factors Blog on August 06, 2010 for Part 2 of the risk control consultant series, “What to Expect in the Assessment Process.”

 

Craig Hassinger is president of Seibert Keck Insurance in Akron, OH.

 

Comments

[Suzanne]

I like that our business partners are working with us on providing information on what they need from us!