Getting ready to leave on a jet plane

While you’re at it, why not do a checklist for your insurance business as well? That way, you can avoid the ‘New Year’s blues’ and rush to get into things while your mind (and your body for that matter) is still very much in holiday mode.

Come on, join me quickly by asking yourself the following questions. You know in your heart there is no better time than the present to take stock of what still needs to be done to successfully close for 2013, and get your ducks in a row for an exciting year that lies ahead.

• Have you booked your plane ticket - which means in business terms - do you comply?

Compliance is your ticket for successful take-off in 2014. Your insurance business is unlikely to fly without strict adherence to the law. Having said that:

- Have you done your groundwork for TCF (Treating Customers Fairly) in conjunction with your insurer this year? Time is running out as TCF needs to be fully entrenched in the industry next year. As such, insurance business owners and managers need to know just how they are going to prove compliance with the six outcomes of TCF.

- Has your binder agreement been signed? Does everyone in the supply chain know who is responsible for what task? Do you have sufficient record keeping structures in place?

- Companies need to comply with POPI (Protection of Personal Information Bill) by the end of 2014. Have you taken the necessary steps to ensure that your business and information technology systems comply with POPI’s enhanced internal protection outlines and procedures? If not, do you know what you need to do to prepare for and successfully implement POPI?

• Have you arranged for transport to and from the airport?

The implementation and application of good quality data is the vehicle to excellent service delivery next year.

Different voices from all over the insurance sphere are craving for data. As such, it is in every insurance business’ best interest to ensure that they have robust systems and procedures in place to ensure efficient collection, extraction and submission of good quality data.

Now is the time to give some careful thought to the efficacy of your current system and its ability to provide the necessary information required at an acceptable cost in relation to existing economic and market conditions.

Give consideration to what amendments need to be implemented in 2014 to ensure that your IT platform or system achieves your and your insurer’s requirements going forward.

• Have you set your budget so as to not overspend on holiday luxuries?

A year-end financial check-up and review of your business is always a good idea. Reflect on the good and the bad of the year’s performance and give thought to what you can change in the New Year to make your business even more profitable.

• Have you considered the likes and dislikes of family members as you planned holiday outings?

Employing the right person for the right job, and developing employee skills accordingly will be a necessary step in getting the industry to the level we want it to be next year. Consider what investments in time, yourself, and staff you have made thus far, and wish to make in 2014. This will not only motivate loyal and talented staff, but attract new blood - which will help your business achieve even higher levels of success as employee skills grow with your business.

And last but not least …

• Have you scheduled some ‘me-time’ so that you can take a break from it all?

Yes, there is still much to do (that’s why you need a business and holiday checklist)! But one important thing to remember is that we should all give ourselves a pat on the back. It’s been a challenging year, and we should all take the opportunity presented over the festive season to spend some time recharging our batteries. As insurance industry role players, we have survived the good, the bad and the ugly of 2013, and we should all take some time to celebrate!