New Year’s Resolution:
Organize Your
Corporate Documents
by Kelly Drouillard
As a new year begins, make it a priority to organize your corporate documents. It’s typically
something on every agency owner’s to-do list, but quickly loses priority for more pressing
business matters. As a lender, I can’t tell you the importance of organizing your corporate files. We have seen borrowers
who are ready to acquire a book of business or sell their agency who have a delayed loan processes due to the lack of
organization of vital company information. Here are some tips for getting organized:
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Create a file structure on your computer that makes logical sense to you. Think about folders for carrier contracts,
legal documents, financials, human resources, and business planning documents. Put all your files in one of these
folders and add to the list throughout the year if needed.
If you sign it, scan it! It’s fine to keep a hard copy as well, but the rule of thumb should be anything with your signature on it should be scanned and saved electronically. It is much easier to locate and store a digital document.
Consider renaming the document a descriptive name for easy search and access.
Pay close attention to legal documents. When preparing for a loan, your lender will ask you for business licenses
and registrations, articles of incorporation, copies of third-party contracts and commercial leases just to name a
few. Having these items in order and quickly accessible is easier for everyone involved.
Getting organized will take a little time, but will benefit you long-term. Block out some time on your calendar and get it
done. You’ll be glad you did.
|January-February 2016| KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER
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