Agency Intelligence

In this throwback episode of The Power Women in Insurance, Teresa speaks with Colleen as she shares her insurance journey from hair styling to falling in love with being a health insurance broker. She talks about the mindset shift she made which led to her starting the Try and Stop Me Podcast. Listen in to learn the importance of having relatable conversations with your clients to earn their trust and create connections with them faster and effectively.  “What you say out loud is the way your life is going to be…the more you speak it into existence, the more it actually happens.”- Colleen [33:22] Top Takeaways: Learning how to be personable when relating with clients to gain their trust. The importance of letting go of a negative mindset and adopting a positive one where you speak existence into your life. Taking the responsibility of actively make the change to be different for yourself.  Key Moments: [1:54] Colleen shares her insurance journey from a hairstylist to when she fell in love with being a

In this throwback episode of Agency Intelligence podcast, host Jason Cass discusses how he got involved in the Virtual Employee industry with Virtual Intelligence, how VE’s help the insurance industry in particular, and how to know that you are getting the right VE’s. Episode Highlights: Jason explains that a VA is a Virtual Assistant and VE is a Virtual Employee and mentions the key difference between them. (3:08) Jason shares how what the agricultural business went through in the past is similar to what is happening in the industry today. (4:40) Jason mentions two things people should think about when it comes to their agency and process, which are licensed and unlicensed tasks. (9:20) Jason shares about some of the great virtual companies that are available like Cover Desk, Savvital, and Lava Automation. (13:19) Jason shares what led him and his business partner, Travis Etheridge, to start Virtual Intelligence. (16:31) Jason explains that it is the people, process, and protection that are the k

The biggest problem insurance agents struggle with is not market access or even a lack of services provided by their agency. The biggest problem is a lack of trust from your prospects. In this throwback episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, host Charles Specht breaks down ten of the main reasons why insurance buyers don't trust you -- and then gives you the answer of how to overcome the first one!  Episode Highlights: Charles discusses why the insurance business lacks trust. (3:35) Charles discusses why he started a consulting company called "Constructive Risk". (6:32) Charles expresses his hope to see the insurance business improve. (11:28) Charles discusses the main reasons why your prospect shouldn't trust you. (12:15) Charles mentions that most insurance customers are surprised when they discover how much insurance agents are paid vs how little assistance they actually receive. (15:04) Charles explains why inexperienced brokers pursuing quotes from the incorrect market access

He may be a huge Bowie fan, but we’re going with a Beatles song title for this one. Sorry, Colin! As CEO of the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO), Colin knows a thing or two about the importance of bringing people together to create alignment, drive change, and build a better future for everyone. In this episode, Colin chats with Tom, Jeff, Steve, and Adam about the importance of brokers working together to create a collective voice and figure out where we need to go as an industry. With more than 38,000 brokers across Canada, this is not an easy task, but Colin says he’s definitely up for the challenge of trying to figure out how to make it happen.  He also discusses technology, different IBAO initiatives including the Going Paperless project, and a whole bunch more. Check out the podcast to hear everything he has to say! Resources: Tom Reid Jeff Roy Steve Earle Adam Mitchell Digital Insurance Pint Podcast

In this solo episode, James shares some important lessons learned from losing two accounts that total more than $50,000 in annual revenue. Visit our website to join our email list, get the scoop on our LIVE coaching calls and never miss an episode: https://www.agencyfreedom.com Connect with Agency Freedom Podcast on Facebook at the Agency Freedom Podcast group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedom Email us at podcast@agencyfreedom.com with ideas, questions, complaints or your favorite grilling recipe. Episode Highlights: James shares the story of how he lost two large accounts for his agency. (2:20) James discusses the backstory of the hotel account they had at Riskwell as well as the issues they had with the account. (4:17) James mentions that one of the issues they faced after writing all of the regulations was that they didn't ask all of the proper questions during discovery. (11:18) James explains that you get what you allow; if you allow bad behavior from an insured, they will continue

Lies, lies, and more lies. So very often that's all we hear from our prospects. It happens to you and it happens to your competitors. But, there is definitely something you can do to make it happen much less often and--even--use it to win more signed Broker of Record Letters. In this episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, host Charles Specht teaches you about why prospects are lying to you and then provides a few tips (tactics) about how to overcome these roadblocks and get the prospect to finally tell you the truth about what you have to do to win their business. Episode Highlights: Charles discusses why some insurance industry prospects are liars. (2:07) Charles shares a quick story about when he was relatively new in the insurance industry and discovered that the insured was lying to him. (3:18) Charles explains that just because you make an appointment doesn't imply you're meeting with someone who will really give you a chance. (5:48) Charles mentions that he simply cannot be some

You MUST answer only one question in 2023 to maximize your success. Are you building a lifestyle or growth agency? There is no right or wrong answer. The only mistake is not taking the question seriously. In this special episode of The Ryan Hanley Show, we break down why this question is so important and how your answer creates a filter for all decisions you make about your agency. Don't miss this one...

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens discusses what underearning is and why it is so important to see the signs of it so we can fully achieve our goals. Episode Highlights: Teresa mentions that, in her opinion, Overcoming Underearning is about becoming entirely who she wants to be, not simply about money, finances, or treating herself well. (4:54) Teresa reminds everyone that being an underearner does not mean that people are unhappy with their current situation; rather, it indicates that they are earning less than they could or should be earning. (6:13) Teresa shares that she loves the second portion of the book because it truly talks to us about how stating the truth is the beginning of saying “I want more”. (8:10) Teresa explains that we must also consider what we want to include in our financial future. (15:57) Teresa discusses the part of the book that touches on the importance of writing down every fear we have in our heads. (21:56) Teresa mentions that the only thing

In this throwback episode of Agency Intelligence, host Jason Cass offers up a solo podcast episode to address the four main goals that people want to align your business. He also shares the poll results of this question, the importance of merging your company’s sales culture and service culture to create a better customer experience. 

You may or may not be an unethical insurance agent, but your prospects don't know how to tell the difference. In this throwback episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, host Charles Specht hopes you won't "break up with him" as he bullet points a number of reasons both your prospects and your clients don't trust insurance agents, and what you can do to change it. Episode Highlights: Charles explains why insurance buyers, most of whom were construction corporations, recruited him as an independent consultant. (5:45) Charles discusses the first reason which is: insurance agents show up with quotes that have inflated premiums. (7:38) Charles believes that the average insurance buyer out in the United States is paying about 15% more for their insurance than they really need to. (9:20) Charles mentions that, on average, whenever he works with insurance buyers, he usually reduces their costs between 11%-17%. (9:55) Charles talks about hidden broker fees as well as other hidden fees. (10:49)

Reid Holzworth joins the DIPP crew for multiple drinks from the coolest garage we’ve seen on the podcast yet. A self-described serial entrepreneur and a highly regarded figure in the InsurTech space with significant experience in both broker and insurer distribution environments, Reid was the founder and CEO of TechCanary and is currently the CEO at IVANS Insurance. He talks about the work being done at IVANS and the opportunities we as an industry have to change the way insurance is transacted and insurance technology is connecting in general. He thinks that once we fix the connectivity issue it’s going to really open things up and allow people “to build some really cool shit.” As an added bonus, Reid gives the DIPP crew a breakdown of all toys filling his massive garage. For any car enthusiasts out there, we strongly recommend keeping a cloth nearby to wipe up all the drool! Resources: Tom Reid Jeff Roy Steve Earle Adam Mitchell Digital Insurance Pint Podcast

In this episode, James talks with Mike Richardson and Erin Richardson, Co-Owners of Richardson Insurance. To learn more about Richardson Insurance, visit https://www.insurewithrichardson.com/. Visit our website to join our email list, get the scoop on our LIVE coaching calls and never miss an episode: https://www.agencyfreedom.com Connect with Agency Freedom Podcast on Facebook at the Agency Freedom Podcast group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedom Email us at podcast@agencyfreedom.com with ideas, questions, complaints or your favorite grilling recipe. Episode Highlights: Mike shares that he is the fourth generation in their family agency and after reviving the agency, they consider themselves a 90-year-old startup. (3:30) Erin shares that she just celebrated her 20th year in the insurance industry, and that before joining Mike at the agency, she worked on the carrier side in claims and underwriting. (4:07) Mike shares his difficulties in moving from the stone age of genuine file cabinets to

None of the insurance carriers pay you a commission for coming in 2nd place. 1st Place is King. 2nd Place is for losers. Literally, not figuratively. The incumbent wants you to lose. The other competing agents want you to lose. Most of the time even your prospect wants you to lose. Therefore ... SALES IS WAR!  In this episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, host Charles Specht explains how to prepare a New Business Prospecting Strategy for 2023 that will help you to dominate and write up to 50% more commission in the year than you would have otherwise. *** And, he talks about the "DOMINATE 2023 WEBINAR" he's conducting on 12/16/22.  Be sure to register at: www.permissiongroup.com/2023. Episode Highlights: Charles explains that none of your insurance carriers pay commission for second place, only the incumbent agent gets paid. Everyone else loses because sales is war. (1:53) Charles mentions that insurance agency owners can't have producers who don't produce. (3:42) Charles believes that

In this episode of The Ryan Hanley Show, we're joined by Helen and Dave Edwards, founders of Sonder Studios and authors of Make Better Decisions: How to Improve Your Decision-Making in the Digital Age, an essential guide to practicing the cognitive skills needed for making better decisions in the age of data, algorithms, and AI. Do not miss this incredible deep dive into the next generation of artificial intelligence and the insurance industry… Episode Highlights: Dave shares that Sonder Studios has been operating since 2019, and it began with the purpose of truly opening people's minds to the depth of humanity in this digital age. (4:24) Helen explains that data has value once people or machines understand it since humans think in 1-4 dimensions, but machines can think in infinite dimensions. (10:29) Dave discusses that for the value of data to be translated to people, we humans must first understand what it means. (13:37) Helen explains how to determine when to ask the correct questions when presen

Grab a notepad and pen because this episode is worth a whole notebook! In this episode of The MVP Podcast, Mitch sits down with Andy Mathisen from Glovebox and Brett Young from Erb & Young to discuss their 4 Pillars for Success and why it is extremely important for young agents to build their own 4 Pillars. If you don't have a strong foundation, things can only last so long. But if you have a strong foundation, you can build an empire! Episode Highlights: To begin the episode, Andy Mathisen and Brett Young answer a series of rapid-fire questions. (3:26) Mitch discusses the importance of having a process in place to achieve your goals. (8:32) Brett mentions that one of the techniques he learned was to curate his social media feed every quarter. (10:37) Andy believes that you will be well positioned if your foundation includes the following four pillars: operations, education, marketing, and growth. (14:35) Brett discusses the four pillars of success at Erb & Young that he believes are foundational, n

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Syd Roe, Director, Agency Marketing of Vertafore. Syd and Teresa talk about her journey in the insurance space and how that journey is helping Vertafore market forward. Episode Highlights: Syd explains that she wanted to help tell the story of the independent agent in a way that made people feel like the rock stars they are. (2:30) Syd shares how her insurance career started, the companies she worked with, and how she grew in the insurance industry. (4:23) Syd mentions that she believes in small businesses because that is where her heart is, and she wants to use that to help Vertafore re-envision how it interacts with the industry. (14:20) Teresa explains that one of the things she loves about the insurance industry is that people can choose the type of environment they want to work in. (18:35) Syd believes that what she does in her personal life can give her either a competitive advantage or provide difficulty in her profes

In this episode of Agents Influence podcast, host Jason Cass interviews Stephen Harrington-Descoteaux, Performance Coach at Agency Performance Partners. Episode Highlights: Stephen shares his background and what led him to the insurance sector. (2:35) Jason believes that when it comes to branding, the name of the business is very important. (8:12) Stephen discusses how he met Kelly Donahue-Piro and how they began working together at Agency Performance Partners. (9:18) Stephen mentions that he is currently working with several clients on compensation and incentive plans. (13:19) Stephen emphasizes the importance of having replicable processes because having inefficient processes or unclear operations can be stressful to our staff. (19:51) Stephen explains that during their annual review processes, they have a checklist of 20 discounts to review to determine those the customers currently have and those they may still be able to get. (21:50) Stephen shares how he ensures that the customers are a go

Personally, I see the difference being about 50%, between those producers who have a solid plan/strategy, versus those agents who don't have a prospecting plan. It's that important! Agents and agencies with no plan write, according to my estimation, 50% less in a year than they could write, if they had a personalized and workable new business strategy for each producer. In this episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, host Charles Specht will give you four things to consider when developing your Strategy, as well as announce an upcoming training he's providing on this subject come December 16th. Episode Highlights: Charles explains that it is never too late to start making plans. Following the strategy, the plan might also result in more agents signing a Broker of Record letter. (2:15) Charles mentions that it is all of our responsibility to ensure that we are in charge of our career, assets, and business. (4:44) Charles discusses that, for those who do not have a strategic new business p

This episode sees the DIPP dudes digging into pints of Garrison and Lance enjoying some house crafted root beer from NHL hall of famer Lanny McDonald’s Tamarack Brewing Co. while discussing how to scale a brokerage. One of Canada’s fastest growing companies – in all industries, not just insurance – Surex originally opened in a town of 2,400 people, now has more than 45,000 customers across the country, and saw revenue growth of over 500% from 2014 – 2019. After defending his love of Nickelback – yep, we know that’s hard to do – Lance talks about online aggregators and how Surex leverages them, digital marketing, relationships with carriers and why online quoting is a continual evolution. He also shares some valuable (but expensive) lessons that the brokerage has learned over the past several years. It should come as no surprise to anyone that our industry is ripe for disruption, Lance thinks it’s time we all work together to get ahead of this and quit letting old insurance thinking dominate the future. Want

In this episode, James talks with Tony Caldwell, CEO of One Agents Alliance. To learn more about One Agents Alliance, visit https://www.oneagentsalliance.net/ Visit our website to join our email list, get the scoop on our LIVE coaching calls and never miss an episode: https://www.agencyfreedom.com Connect with Agency Freedom Podcast on Facebook at the Agency Freedom Podcast group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedom Email us at podcast@agencyfreedom.com with ideas, questions, complaints, or your favorite grilling recipe. Episode Highlights: Tony shares how he started his own business when he was ten and went into the insurance business after completing his political career. (2:45) Tony explains that future successful independent agents will have a much deeper and richer understanding of their clients and customers. (9:13) Tony mentions that independent agencies should stop thinking of themselves as a service organization and start thinking of themselves as sales organization that takes care o