First, I got a job—or a life. In 2007, I became the official face (get it, I’m a clock, with a face) of the industry-wide Real Time/Download Campaign. Over the years, I’ve worked with some stellar volunteers to build awareness of the latest interface technologies and workflows—things that could really help independent agents and brokers save time and money, build their business and serve customers how they want to be served.

Later, I got a physical presence. Humans call it a costume. I just call it part of growing up. That allowed me to go out to industry events and engage with some terrific agents and brokers, as well as our network of carriers and vendors that are making real time and download possible—and making it even better and faster and easier to use.

That led to the Eddie World Tour. People were taking pictures of me as I traveled around, and our supporter, Artizan Internet Services, created a compilation of pictures that has been online for a couple of years now. I know a lot of you checked it out, and it was a fun way for me (and many of you) to remember when we first met in person!

When I was a little older, I got my own Facebook page. That social networking stuff is pretty cool. It’s a great way to stay connected. I know a lot of insurance agents and brokers who are doing a bang-up job using the community to engage with clients and prospects. I’ve really liked using Facebook to stay in touch with agents and brokers, carriers, vendors, state and national associations and user groups. By the way, if you haven’t “Liked” me, please do. I love being liked.

Then they gave me a pen. Well, a keyboard. And they set me up with my own blog—EddieSays.org. Like many bloggers, I don’t post as often as I could. But I try to share interesting things, whether they’re carrier activities, my observations, suggestions or, quite often, some random thoughts. I’m willing to do more. And I’m even willing to co-author posts. If you have ideas I should discuss, just let me know in the comments section below.

And now for the latest news: First, I’m going to be starring a new series of comic strips. Yeah, that’s right. The first series will focus on speed—and how quickly real time can help agents and brokers get things done. The second, planned for next year, I’m told, will look at some of our (your and my) arch-villains. The first strip is out.

Where? Well, that’s the second part of the news. I also have a new page on the GetRealTime.org website. It’s a place where you can find the latest comics and things about me—things I talked about in this blog.  Here’s the official announcement!

Click on over to GetRealTime.org/Eddie, look around, and then use the comments section down below here to let me know what you think. But make it fast. I’m getting calls from Hollywood agents. I only took the calls because I thought they were insurance agents from the west coast. Man, those guys can be quite persuasive.

Don’t worry, though. I like insurance agents and brokers too much to leave. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want you to hurry over then come back and give me your feedback.

And, as always, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas you have. Just send them my way using the comments section below! Until next time, thanks!

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