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#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 Challenges finding staff and the role of a remote workforce Plus, three tips for positioning you and your agency for success in 2023. A full transcript and previous podcast episodes can be found here And be sure to click “subscribe” so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes, including unannounced bonus episodes.

#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 agents need to implement to build customer loyalty How to get access to the ACT resources for free The critical role cyber security plays in your technology strategy and the cyber guide developed by ACT The emerging technologies that impact agents and their clients Where tech is working and where improvement is needed We also talk about how agencies have adapted with the challenges of the last two years.  For full show notes and previous podcast episodes go to: www. Insuranceagencytrendsetters.com/038 And be sure to click “subscribe” so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes, including unannounced bonus episodes. Links:Find out more about ACT: IndependentAgent.com/ACTEmail ACT: ACT@IIABA.net

#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 for Levitate — what he calls “black belt mode” What’s coming next for Levitate users   We also talk about the key advantage small agencies have over larger agencies that few leverage to win more accounts. For full show notes and previous podcast episodes go to: www. Insuranceagencytrendsetters.com/037  And be sure to click “subscribe” so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes, including unannounced bonus episodes.  Links:   Find out more about Levitate: Levitate.ai

#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 discuss...  Choosing and implementing an Agency Management System What Nationwide agents have brought to the IA system What challenges did the agents face during the transition The importance of marketing the industry to high schools and colleges The benefits of Insure Academy to all agencies  For full show notes and previous podcast episodes go to:  www. Insuranceagencytrendsetters.com/036 And be sure to click “subscribe” so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes, including unannounced bonus episodes. Links and Recommended Resources:  FCAAlliance.com  Investprogram.org    BigIHires.com  IndependentAgent.com    Related Episodes: Aubie Knight: Helping Agencies Thrive in the Insurtech World

#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 Hearing What You’re Saying? CNA Cyberattack Case Study Lisa Lounsbury- Big I NY Jason Liu - Zywave Recent Happenings Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 For full show notes and previous podcast episodes go to:  www. Insuranceagencytrendsetters.com And be sure to click “subscribe” so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes, including unannounced bonus episodes.

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 provide a better customer experience so your agency customers expect that level of service from you too.  Listen in as we dive into the topic and discuss... ·      What customers have been trying to tell us for years... and we haven’t been hearing ·      Why looking back at past data isn’t enough and how to be proactive ·      How the SentiMeter ® score helps you save your accounts ·      The role unstructured data plays in improving customer loyalty ·      How Donna seamlessly drives higher profitability  Plus, we discuss the move toward API-driven integrations that are improving the ease of doing business for agencies.   For full show notes and previous podcast episodes go to: www. Insuranceagencytrendsetters.com/034 And be sure to click “subscribe” so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes, including unannounced bonus episodes.Links:Videos and more information about Donna can be found here: DonnaForAgents.comor email: Ron [at] aureusanalytics.comRelated Episodes:Chris Paradiso  Aubie Knight   Tarmika  Agency Zoom  Carey Wallace  

#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 discuss…  The key problem Wunderite was created to solve  How we’ve been missing opportunities to add value to prospects and customers  Why Wunderite decided to be an API-first solution and how that helps you What it means to have a frictionless purchase experience The one thing agents must focus on to be successful now Plus, Peter shares his secret for discovering what insurance buyers want. Turns out you can use the same tactic to get great employees. Links:Toll Free Phone: 888-WUNDERITEWebsite: Wunderite.com For full show notes and previous podcast episodes go to: www. Insuranceagencytrendsetters.com/033 And be sure to click “subscribe” so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes, including unannounced bonus episodes.

#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 among agencies and how you can be on the profitable side  One thing you must be spending money on right now if you want to grow The integration of Nationwide agencies into the independent agency system and the benefits they brought with them How data analytics is changing how we sell insurance Plus, we talk about the newly launched Catalyit with a big announcement for IIANC agencies!Aubie can be reached by email: aknight [at] iianc.com or phone: 919-863-6546 For full show notes and previous podcast episodes go to: www. Insuranceagencytrendsetters.com/032-2 And be sure to click “subscribe” so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes, including unannounced bonus episodes. 

#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 impacting agency value today Avoiding a fire sale price — easy steps to take today to protect your business What to never put in your perpetuation plan The #1 value driver of insurance agencies What agencies have done to make their acquisitions successful The top 2 things CPAs say you should do now to maximize your agency’s value Plus, we talk about the newly launched Catalyit and how it’s helping agents simplify their technology decisions. Get in touch with Carey: Carey [at] agency-focus.com or visit Agency Focus For full show notes and previous podcast episodes go to: www. Insuranceagencytrendsetters.com/031-2 And be sure to click “subscribe” so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes, including unannounced bonus episodes.Related Episodes: Episode 26: Lisa LounsburyEpisode 29: Seth Zaremba

#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 does to drastically improve the customer experience – and increase retention The tech tools that are helping him better serve his customers You’ll be inspired by this time with Chris – we certainly were! Plus, Chris made a very special offer on the podcast to our listeners – you don’t want to miss this gift! For full show notes and previous podcast episodes go to: www. Insuranceagencytrendsetters.com/030-2 And be sure to click “subscribe” so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes, including unannounced bonus episodes.

#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 reveals: How Otis Elevator Company scooped the insurance industry The fatal flaws in most agency data reporting Four ways the data in your agency can increase your revenue How most agents are bringing a knife to a gunfight and the one thing you need to make it a fight you can win The two things any technology you use must do Seth gives us some real-life examples from his agency that show how the right information can make boosting both new business and retention much easier. Links:Learn more about batomic and neon here Contact Seth: Seth [at] batomic.com Twitter: @sethzaremba Special Event! Master the secrets of client attraction in today’s digital world. Join the free Category of One challenge happening October 18-22. Get all the details and sign up here.   For full show notes and previous podcast episodes go to: www. Insuranceagencytrendsetters.com/029-2 And be sure to click “subscribe” so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes, including unannounced bonus episodes. 

#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 to click “subscribe” so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes, including unannounced bonus episodes.

#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 themselves from similar attacks Steps every agent should do for their customers in this situation  For full show notes and previous podcast episodes go to:  www. Insuranceagencytrendsetters.com/027-2   And be sure to click “subscribe” so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes, including unannounced bonus episodes.

#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 state government The challenge of finding talent in the insurance industry and how they are solving the problem The importance of an agency tech stack and how it impacts hiring success The launch of Catalyit and the benefits it provides for agents Are agents retaining remote work or returning to fully in-person? Plus, Lisa reveals her new hobby and how it’s developed during the pandemic.  For full show notes and previous podcast episodes go to:  www. Insuranceagencytrendsetters.com/026 And be sure to click “subscribe” so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes, including unannounced bonus episodes.LINKS:Insuremycareer.com Catalyit.com Big I NY 

#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’s partnership with bAtomic and Neon  TarmikaX and agency lead generation Customizing Tarmika for your carrier appointments Plus, discover the story behind the Tarmika name. Links: For a demo to see how Tarmika can help your agency, visit Tarmika.com For full show notes and previous podcast episodes go to:  www. Insuranceagencytrendsetters.com/025 And be sure to click “subscribe” so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes, including unannounced bonus episodes.

#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 making data more automated and efficient for agencies The Netflix model and how it’s changing customer relationships The shift that’s happening right now in agencies across the country… and what you need to do so you’re not left behind How you can get a deeper insight into your agency and why that creates growth Plus, how Jason made the TV news at the running of the bulls in Spain! For full show notes and previous podcast episodes go to: www. Insuranceagencytrendsetters.com/024-2 And be sure to click “subscribe” so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes, including unannounced bonus episodes. Links: Get The Sales Revolution, Digital Disruption Demystified: The Ultimate Guide for Driving Agency Growth by Don Bailey and Jason Liu for free at InsuranceSalesRevolution.com  Find out more about Zywave

#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 the difference between achieving a goal and missing it.  Agency zoom is helping agency owners see if their goals are being met and what’s working the best.  Are you optimizing your business?  You may already have enough leads. But do you know which leads are producing the most clients or the best clients? Do you know when you need humanize the buyer’s experience and how? When you do, you’ll have...For full show notes go to:  www. Insuranceagencytrendsetters.com/023 And be sure to click “subscribe” so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes, including unannounced bonus episodes. Links:  Find out more about Agency Zoom

#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 an emergency.  When – and how – to train your staff to recognize and react to phishing, hacks, and other cyber attacks.  One simple step you can take to add a layer of protection now.  Password dos and don’ts. Plus, how to tell the difference between a normal tech glitch and a cyber attack.  Links:  You can listen to Part 1 here and Part 2 here.  For more information on the SolarWinds hack, this WSJ article outlines the latest.  

#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 hammer? For full show notes go to: www. Insuranceagencytrendsetters.com/021 If you missed Part 1, you can find it here:  www. Insuranceagencytrendsetters.com/020

#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, American Family’s acquisition of Bold Penguin, and Brown & Brown’s acquisition of CoverHound.  Indio Technologies was acquired last year by Applied. We interviewed Ken Wohl of Indio on Episode 3 of our podcast.  Also, we explore potential acquisitions for agency owners, including some industries you may not have thought of as potential targets.  For full show notes go to: www. Insuranceagencytrendsetters.com/020Be sure to click “subscribe” so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes, including unannounced bonus episodes.