The Independent Agent

How Do Agencies Continue to Find Prospects When Traditional Methods Won’t Work?

Beverage – Mike’s Harder Green Apple

Part 1: What are some new ways producers can build relationships with clients and prospects?

Part 2: What should agencies do to manage issues with agency bill premiums?

Show Notes:

In this episode, Justin and Jordan give advice on new ways producers can reach their ideal candidate when the conventional ways of meeting them are no longer an option. They also share some thoughts on how agencies can regain control of problematic agency bill balances.

What To Do When Processes and Personalities Don’t Mix

Beverage: Tom Collins

Part 1: What should agencies do to overcome clogs in the data gathering and submission process?

Part 2: How can employees move beyond interpersonal conflict?

Show Notes:

In this episode, Justin and Jordan provide insight on steps agencies can take to simplify the quoting process in a way that will ultimately use everyone’s time more efficiently and drive more consistent results. They also share their thoughts on importance of navigating personality differences and focusing on appreciating skills that colleagues bring to the agency.

Do Professional Designations Really Matter?

Beverage: Whiskey Sour

Part 1: What should agencies consider when determining goals for the organization?

Part 2: What is most valuable when it comes to insurance education and designations?

Show Notes:

In this episode, Justin and Jordan discuss the various factors agency leaders should consider when developing organization wide goals. They also weigh the pros and cons of the different options available for insurance education and debate the value of professional designations.

What Should Agencies Do When a System Conversion Does Not Go as Planned?

Beverage: Haley’s Sangria

Part 1: How can agencies adjust their approach when struggling to make the transition to a new Agency Management System?

Part 2 : What should a new employee do when the agency doesn’t provide the right resources?

In this episode Justin & Jordan discuss the steps agencies can take when working through obstacles encountered during an agency management system conversion. They also share thoughts on how a new employee can create the resources they need that will set them up for success in their role.

How Should Agencies Leverage Social Media to Expand Their Brand in 2020?

Beverage: A Tekiwi

Part 1:

What qualities should agency owners look for when hiring?

The job market in the insurance industry continues to get more aggressive. The need for bringing talent in is being felt at many agencies regardless of size or location. And while there may be several responses to a job posting, not every potential hire is going to be the right hire for the agency.

How Do Agencies Manage the Continued Disruption Caused by COVID-19?

Beverage - Kamikaze

Part 1: What should employees do when they are struggling to manage work at home?

Part 2: How do agencies handle the conversation around premium refund directives?

In this episode, Justin and Jordan discuss the critical importance of communication as employees face new challenges managing work in a remote environment. They also take a few minutes to discuss the merit of information from the insurance commissioner’s office regarding premium refunds and what strategies agents can use when discussing this topic with clients.

What Should Agencies Evaluate When Attempting to Cut Costs?

Beverage: The Libertine

Part 1: How can agencies manage expenses as revenues shrink during COVID-19?

Part 2: What should agency owners consider when deciding if employees should continue remote work or return to the office?

In this episode, Justin and Jordan discuss different approaches agencies can take to handle finances as revenues drop and budgets are tight. They also share their experiences from the last few weeks as many employees have been working remotely.

What Strategies Should Agencies and Producers Use to Overcome Challenges Presented by the Pandemic?

Beverage: Michter’s Single Barrel 10 Year Bourbon and Michter’s Single Barrel 10 Year Straight Rye

Part 1: Where can producers put their focus to continue succeeding despite massive business closures during the pandemic?

Part 2: How should agencies invest during time of economic uncertainty?

In this episode, Justin and Jordan debate the whether focusing on a specific niche can be a winning strategy for producers as more and more businesses shut down as a result of the pandemic. They also share how lessons learned in 2008 have helped them prepare for another recession.

Valuable Lessons Learned So Far During COVID-19

Beverage: Tequila Esperanto Seleccion Añejo

Part 1: How can agency employees find job security in the middle economic uncertainty caused by COVID-19?

Part 2: What kind of impact should agencies expect as a result of COVID-19?

In this episode, Justin and Jordan discuss the challenges insurance agencies, as well as other businesses, are facing as they weather the financial complications caused by Coronavirus. The guys also make predictions about the effect Coronavirus will have on the insurance industry.

How Does an Agency Shift for Success During a Pandemic?

Beverage of Choice: Old Fashioned with a Twist

Part 1: How do you know what employees are up to in a remote work environment?

Part 2: How and why agents should continue adding value and building relationships with prospects.

In this episode, Justin and Jordan talk about best practices when managing a remote workforce and how agents can continue successfully prospecting by providing valuable information to potential customers.