Safeco introduces Learning Online. (Technology Notes).

Safeco Life and Investments is now offering a platform to its internal wholesalers and other sales professionals that streamlines distribution and reaches more intermediaries and also effectively uses technology and reduces the cost of the sales process.

Through Learning Online, internal wholesalers use a Centra software platform, in conjunction with Outlook e-mail scheduling and other Windows-based programs, to host scheduled or impromptu meetings with producers with Internet access. "In the online meetings, without ever leaving their desks, internal wholesalers can present information similar to what's provided in the field by external wholesalers," said Susan Davis, sales support director for Seattle-based Safeco.

Several of Learning Online's key features include administration functions that allow internal wholesalers to quickly set up meetings, create meeting updates and perform follow-up procedures; share presentations; provide tours of Safeco Now, the online quote tool for financial products; online chat capability; and record meetings for future reference.

In addition, it gives every producer a level playing field in terms of support they receive from Safeco, said Le Roi Brashears, marketing communications director. "Producers now have immediate virtual access to the same kind of information they would receive in the field from their external wholesaler."