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Simple is best when it comes to improving operationalefficiency. Take a look at your core competencies, then devise away to improve everything, from customer service to technicalknow-how. Embrace technology and streamline operations byreducing waste and outsourcing non-essential functions. After all,improving on the basics is the best way to run a leaner, meaneroperation.

Here are five ways savvy brokers can improve operationalefficiencies and boost profits.

1. Tweak customer service

Good customer service is the backbone of your business. Itdistinguishes you from direct sales and aggregators. But yourcustomer service efforts must be efficient, too. Minimize the timeit takes to resolve customer issues by making small improvements toyour customer service workflow and policies. Headoff long, drawn-out cases by anticipating potential problems inadvance and creating solutions for each. In the end, you’ll havemore time for new business and to service your existing clientbase.

2. Be an expert

You can also distinguish yourself with top-notch technical orindustry knowledge. It pays to be viewed as an expert, whether inrisk management or the regulatory landscape. You’ll open up manyopportunities by becoming an authority. Position yourself well,with the right portfolio. The goal is to help your clients asquickly and effectively as possible — without degrading customerservice.

3. Embrace automation

Technology is great, but it can be difficult to stay up-to-datewhen your day is spent answering phone calls, meeting clients anddeveloping new prospects. Take a step back. Your business canbecome much more efficient when you invest in the right technology(e.g., digital document management systems), which quickly shows inthe bottom line.

4. Cut the waste

The quickest way to cut waste and improve operational efficiencyis by standardizing processes and services wherever possible.Develop custom, industry-specific approaches that will help youdevelop more business more quickly. Remove the paper trail, optinginstead for technology that will streamline operations and businessprocesses. Monitor your agents closely, and offer support to thosewho need it so they can perform better on the job.

5. Know when to outsource

Outsourcing non-essential business functionssometimes makes good sense. If you’re facing a major investment inIT infrastructure that might cripple the business, for instance,you might hire an experienced IT vendor specializing in theinsurance industry to set up a cloud solution. If you’reintegrating legacy systems with new hardware and software, yourtime would be better spent on clients and prospects than dealingwith day-to-day IT rollout and implementations. In other words,spend less time away from your core competencies and instead,concentrate on what you do best.