Financial websites, such as Financial Services Online (fsonline.com), local periodicals, and publications such as Money, USA Today, Small-Business Reports, Inc., and US News are also useful sources of insurance planning articles, but don't overlook trade publications or professional journals published for or about your target markets.

In addition, National Underwriter, adviser Today and Life Insurance Selling articles may be of interest to some consumers.

Try this! Sending a series of firm or ON-Trac provided pre-approach e-mail or snail mail letters, or letters you've written yourself — or sending several highlighted third-party articles with personalized cover letters — are great ways to warm your initial approach to prospects, or keep in touch with clients. Cut out and copy articles and highlight key points. Keep a note pad or stack of prospecting cards handy, and write down ideas and the names of people who might be interested in them.

As they say — you can never tell where your next idea will come from, or how far it will take you!