Insurance Agency Trendsetters

Brad Ruben of Archway Computers joins us to talk about all things IT for independent agencies: Cybersecurity and unusual requirements in carrier contracts How DMARC impacts your agency emails and what you must do immediately Why Multi-factor Authentication is so critical One easy-to-use tech tool that customers love How AI is being used in agencies today As an independent agent, it's easy to...

#041 -  Join us for an engaging discussion as Charlotte Hicks and George Robertson chat with Ron Shroyer from Aureus Analytics about the latest developments in their company over the past two years. In this podcast episode, we dive into the world of insurance technology and its impact on the industry's operations and client services.  Ron sheds light on the growing utilization of AI and big d...

Episode #40 Discover how Ali McLaney and Dana Grodin of Digipraise have created an easier, faster, and more affordable way for your customers to update their jewelry appraisals. What is preventing your customers from keeping their jewelry appraisals current? The hassle of taking their pieces to a jewelry store? The expense of the appraisals? Simply forgetting about them once they are scheduled on...

#039 — George Robertson and Charlotte Hicks look at some of the main challenges facing agents this year and three ways to be successful in 2023.  They talk about: ChatGPT by OpenAI and potential benefits for agents  The long-term impact of developments in cryptocurrency What to expect from the hard market and anticipated recession How insurance coverage could be affected by pandemic court cases Ch...

#038 — Ron Berg, retiring director of the Agents Council for Technology (ACT) joins us to discuss how technology impacts customer satisfaction, the critical role of cyber security in agencies, and how insurtechs are helping agents serve their customers better.  Listen in as we talk with Ron about: How the customer experience has changed and how it impacts workflows What technology touchpoints agen...

#037 — Jes Lipson, CEO of Levitate joins us to talk about the lost art of keeping in touch and how doing it the right way can spur higher sales and higher agency value.    Just some of what we cover in our discussion: The problem with most email services today How you can stay top of mind with your prospects and customers The difference between networking and building relationships A surprise use...

#036 — Diane Wagner and the First Choice Agents Alliance had a huge task: Help Nationwide agents negotiate the transition from Exclusive Agent to Independent Agent.  Hear how the transition has gone, how FCAA is helping agencies thrive, and how they are partnering with IIANC to tackle the biggest challenge in the industry today — attracting new talent.  Listen in as we dive into the topic and disc...

#035 – George and Charlotte look back at highlights from the last year and give their predictions for the industry in 2022. Referenced Podcast Episodes: Chris Paradiso   Aubie Knight – IIANC   Chris Lane - Tarmika   Kat Ternes - Agency Zoom   Carey Wallace – Agency Focus   Ron Shroyer – Donna for Agents   Peter MacDonald and Joe Schnare - Wunderite   Seth Zaremba - bAtomic Are Your Customers Heari...

Description: #034 – What you don’t know about your customers can hurt you — and them.  In this episode, we talk with Ron Shroyer of Aureus Analytics about how Donna for Agents is helping agents improve their customer experience, increase retention, and grow their agencies.  There’s no question, we’re living in the age of data analytics. Companies outside of the insurance industry are using it to p...

#033 – One form. 550 fields. Agents hate it. Customers hate it. But now there’s another way. Discover how Wunderite has transformed the information-gathering process so it’s simple, effective, and customer-friendly.  Peter MacDonald and Joe Schnare join us on the podcast for an inside look at how Wunderite is helping agents focus on what they do best — advise their clients. Just some of what we di...

#032 – Aubie Knight of IIANC see a “great day of reckoning” coming for insurance agents. Find out how IIANC is helping their agents prepare and succeed as the insurance landscape changes.       In today’s podcast, Aubie discusses: The biggest challenge agents say they are facing in the next three years Why insurance education isn’t enough to guarantee CSR success What is now causing a great divide...

#031 – Most agency owners spend their entire careers making sales but forgetting to prepare for the one that has the most impact — selling their agency. Find out what you need to do now so you don’t leave money on the table.    In today’s podcast, Carey talks about: The aging demographic in the industry and what that means to you How the pandemic has changed agency owners’ plans Four trends impact...

#030 – Discover how Chris Paradiso has established a solid, consistent brand that resonates with his ideal customers and has given him consistent, high-quality growth.  In today’s podcast, Chris talks about:  What a brand guide is and why you must have one How and why to take a stand and quit trying to please everyone The three key things that you need for a strong online presence What his agency...

#029 – Data. It’s been in our agencies all along. We just haven’t been able to see it in a way that’s helpful.  Seth Zaremba, founder of batomic and creator of neon, isn’t just helping agents with data analytics. He’s changing the way we do business and making it better for the consumer, more profitable for the agent, and bringing more value to carrier relationships.    In today’s podcast, Seth re...

#028 – Recently, two 911 calls highlighted a common problem –- we don’t always communicate clearly, even when we’re speaking the same language.   We’ll listen to the 911 call and then talk about how it applies to our conversations with customers, prospects, and others we do business with.  For full show notes and previous podcast episodes go to: www. Insuranceagencytrendsetters.com/028 And be sure...

#027 – CNA recently experienced a severe and sophisticated rasomware attack. George and Charlotte examine the aspects of the attack and the wide-ranging impacts.  Just some of what’s covered in today’s discussion: What happened and the impact to CNA’s ability to conduct business How policyholders were impacted What was done well and what could have been done better How agents can protect themselve...

#026 – In today’s episode, George and Charlotte talk with Lisa Lounsbury of the Big I New York about their experience through the pandemic, the new ways they are supporting independent agents, and the upcoming launch of Catalyit.  Just some of what’s covered in today’s discussion: The impact of the pandemic on their agents and association How they reacted to the regulatory directives from the stat...

#025 – In today’s episode, George and Charlotte talk with Chris Lane of Tarmika about streamlining the commercial lines quoting process so agents can focus their time on the customer, not carrier applications.  Just some of what’s covered in today’s discussion: The sneaky way profits may be leaking out of your agency Painlessly streamlining policy placement How agencies are benefiting from Tarmika...

#024 – In today’s episode, George and Charlotte talk with Jason Liu of Zywave about how the tech needs of today’s agencies drove their acquisitions and platform build-out.  Just some of what’s covered in today’s discussion: Why agents need to shift now into next generation sales and productivity How the acquisition of ITC gives agents the full stack agency they need to be successful How Zywave is...

#023 – In today’s episode, George and Charlotte talk with Kat Ternes, VP of Revenue at Agency Zoom, about the one step in goal setting most people forget about and how it can make all the difference in the success of your agency.  Just some of what’s covered in today’s discussion: Most agency owners are great at two of the three key steps in goal setting. It’s the critical third step that can make...

#022 – In today’s episode, George and Charlotte discuss the recent SolarWinds hack and other current cyber liability issues.  Just some of what’s covered in today’s discussion: Could you have been impacted by the SolarWinds hack? It had implications far beyond what you might have thought.  What should you do in the event of a breach? Good news – your cyber liability carrier may be able to help in...

#021 – In today’s episode, George and Charlotte discuss online censorship and how agents can mitigate the risk to their agency.    What would you do if your Facebook business page was suddenly taken down?  Or if your online ad account was shut down? Or you discovered someone was impersonating you online? And most importantly, how can you protect yourself from the negative consequences of the ban h...

#020 – In today’s episode, George and Charlotte discuss some of the acquisitions that have happened in the last few weeks and what that means for independent insurance agents.   In 2020, agency merger and acquisitions were up a whopping 20%. And there’s been plenty of activity in other areas of the industry as well.  We dive into Applied Systems’ acquisition of EZLynx, Zywave’s acquisition of ITC,...

#019 – In today’s episode, we talk about the impact of sudden data loss, ransomware in the news, and how you can keep your agency’s digital assets protected.  Discover what Charlotte did right – and what she did wrong – before her hard drive crash last week.  We discuss the Garmin ransomware attack and how you can protect your own data from the same risk.  And, we delve into the many aspects of pr...

#018 – Contrary to popular belief that InsurTech is disrupting the insurance industry, Tucson agent Jeff Arnold says we’re actually the ones in control. Find out how he is integrating the best of InsurTech with the unique talents of the independent agent to deliver a better experience to his agency customers.    In this episode, we dive into InsurTech – past, present, and future and talk about how...