Agency Freedom: E165: Richard Sweet On Loving What You Do

In this episode of Front Cover: A Rough Notes Podcast on the Agency Intelligence Podcast Network, Jason Cass sits down with Cyrus Jaffery, Founder & CEO of Jaffery Insurance, the agency featured on the November 2024 front cover of Rough Notes Magazine.  Key Topics: Cyrus shares the honor of being featured on Rough Notes and how his agency’s focus on personal lines sets it apart. Cyrus discusses his transition from State Farm to running an independent agency during COVID-19. Jaffery Insurance has grown to 27 employees, 100 contractors, and $10 million in revenue through organic growth. The importance of hiring key people to manage operations and support growth. Cyrus shares his journey as an immigrant from Afghanistan and how it shapes his leadership. Cyrus discusses the future of insurance, highlighting the need for tech adoption and balancing growth with retention. Reach out to: Cyrus Jaffery Jason Cass Visit Website: Jaffery Insurance Rough Notes Magazine Episode Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by The McGowan Companies. For more information about all their insurance products, visit mcgowancompanies.com/frontcover. Produced by PodSquad.fm

In this episode, James talks about breaking into commercial insurance, focusing on actionable steps and insights drawn from his own experience. Visit https://www.jamesjenkins.com/podcasts/agency-freedom/ to join our email list and catch up on episodes you may have missed. Connect with Agency Freedom on Facebook at the Agency Freedom group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedom Email us at [email protected] with ideas, requests, complaints or suggestions for how we can make the show better. Key Topics: Breaking into commercial insurance offers far higher revenue potential than personal lines Choose a single niche to focus on and develop expertise in that industry Network with thought leaders and decision-makers to build credibility Use empathetic, client-focused communication instead of typical sales pitches Create SEO-optimized content targeted to your chosen industry niche Leverage industry partnerships to secure relevant carrier contracts Next week: James will cover how his agency dominated the real estate insurance niche

There is a difference between marketing and sales. And the sooner you create that distinction in your firm, the more scalable you'll become, according to Brett Young, CEO of Erb and Young. Brett joins us this week to talk about how his agency has built a brand in their market, grown within their niche and scaled with a repeatable process. Enjoy the episode! Episode Links: Ellerbrock-Norris: https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/ Ellerbrock-Norris Wealth Strategies: https://www.ellerbrock-norris-ws.com/ Erb and Young: https://www.erbandyounginsurance.com/ LAUNCH: https://getlaunch.io/ Elliot Bassett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-bassett-aip-cpcu-84499515/ Brett Young: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettins/ This episode is sponsored by LAUNCH. In the world of insurance, independent agencies fight to survive. Brokers are forced to compete by blocking markets and bid for the lowest price. Worse yet, the industry is fragmented. Agencies find it difficult to collaborate across division on the same client. Millions of dollars in potential revenue are left on the table. And agency owners lie awake at night wondering how to scale. THAT’S WHERE LAUNCH COMES IN. Access the full-revenue potential in your existing book of business. See opportunities other agencies can’t. Offer more value. Gain a competitive advantage in a commoditized market. Visit https://getlaunch.io/ to learn more.

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens chats about how she set goals and measures them. Key Topics: Choosing a guiding theme like “discipline” to focus business and personal goals Structuring goals within four core pillars—team, money, operations, and marketing Defining measurable goals that move beyond vague aspirations Engaging your team in goal-setting to create shared ownership Using accountability partners to track progress and celebrate wins Leveraging automation and personalized touches to enhance client relationships Setting “stretch goals” to challenge yourself without overwhelm Connect with: Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: Sterling Insurance Group Produced by PodSquad.fm

Renowned sports psychologist Dr. Rick Jensen draws on his remarkable experience coaching 33 major champions across golf and tennis to reveal the mindset of elite performers. Dr. Jensen shares how performance psychology principles apply far beyond sports, offering powerful insights for excelling in insurance. He explores the value of specialization, emphasizing the competitive advantage professionals gain by becoming trusted consultants within specific niches rather than staying generalists. Highlights include: (00:00) - Rick Jensen on Growth and Leadership (12:51) - Specialization and Differentiation in Professional Advice (17:16) - Unleashing Achievement Mindsets in Leadership (32:30) - Analyzing Performance Stats for Success (39:19) - Measuring Performance Metrics in Agencies (43:36) - Learn From Experience (50:45) - Creating the Best Agency Our conversation delves into the transition from transactional to consultative relationships, highlighting how targeting a specific audience with tailored advice can elevate client connections and revenue. Dr. Jensen illustrates how professionals can benefit from a champion’s mindset, including achievement motivation, deliberate efficiency, and the importance of structured time management. This episode sheds light on practices that help top achievers reach new heights, offering listeners actionable strategies to build focus, resilience, and consistent growth. To get started on your agency's growth plan, visit www.sitkins.com/bookacall

In this episode of Agency Intelligence podcast, host Jason Cass interviews Michael Cruz, Chief Operating Officer of Virtual Intelligence for a follow-up conversation on the 4-day work week. Key Topics: Successful implementation of a four-day workweek, improving productivity and employee satisfaction Use of AI tools like ChatGPT to streamline tasks and increase efficiency Shift in work structure to promote better work-life balance and retention Strategies for team scheduling to ensure coverage on off-days Leadership's role in embracing and managing change Tracking tools reveal that fewer work hours can still maintain high productivity Encouraging leaders to align present actions with future goals Reach out to: Michael Cruz Jason Cass Visit Website: Virtual Intelligence Agency Intelligence Produced by PodSquad.fm

In this episode, James covers how to handle attacks on your business, whether from negative reviews, social media comments, or competitors. James shares his experience and offers tips on maintaining credibility and improving processes to prevent future issues. Visit https://www.jamesjenkins.com/podcasts/agency-freedom/ to join our email list and catch up on episodes you may have missed. Connect with Agency Freedom on Facebook at the Agency Freedom group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedom Email us at [email protected] with ideas, requests, complaints or suggestions for how we can make the show better. Key Topics: The importance of closing the loop in every client process Learning valuable lessons from difficult or unreasonable clients Why proactive communication is key to preventing attacks How to handle attacks while maintaining professionalism Extracting additional revenue by targeting low-hanging fruit within existing relationships The role of accountability in minimizing mistakes and misunderstandings

How can leaders help shape up their agency culture for heightened success? Dick Gibbs, CRO and VP of Sales at Hartwig Moss Insurance Agency, joins us to share how his own commitment to personal well-being has propelled his leadership abilities and fostered a thriving team culture. With Dick’s impressive background in both company and agency sides of the insurance sector, he offers a unique lens on how agency leaders can set a powerful example for their teams through modeling positive behaviors. We unravel the keys to Hartwig Moss's remarkable growth, doubling revenue over just six years. From harnessing modern technology to sustaining a strong customer service ethos, the agency's success story is one of strategic innovation and relationship-building. Learn how their five-generational legacy in New Orleans has been a cornerstone for success while embracing the challenges of balancing growth and profitability in a competitive market. Topics discussed include: (00:02) Importance of Agency Leaders Modeling Behaviors (05:05) Importance of Fitness for Agency Leaders (12:17) Multi-Generational Agency Success Culture (19:41) Balancing Growth and Profitability Challenges (26:57) Enhancing Agency Relationships and Communication This episode offers a wealth of insights for agency leaders eager to refine their relationship-building strategies and sustain business growth. If you're ready to get remarkable results like Hartwig Moss, start your agency growth plan at www.sitkins.com/bookacall

In this episode of the "Stuff About Money" podcast, hosts Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA™, ChFC®, and Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC, share their top takeaways from the IndieTech Conference. While they usually dive into saving and investing, this time they focus on boosting your income by investing in yourself. Discover how developing relationships, establishing processes, and leveraging technology can drive revenue for entrepreneurs and professionals.  Erik and Xavier sprinkle humor into their insights on maximizing personal growth and taking risks. Learn why attending conferences is more than just collecting swag—it’s about connecting with like-minded professionals and upgrading your skills. Tune in for a fresh perspective on how investing in yourself can lead to financial success and a few laughs along the way. Episode Highlights: Erik asks Xavier about the common financial challenges his clients, particularly business owners, are facing. (0:54) Xavier explains how small business owners often blur the lines between personal and business finances, which can impact their spending decisions. (2:02) Erik stresses the importance of maintaining updated financial books to manage revenue and expenses accurately. (7:30) Erik discusses the critical role of income generation in building wealth and how income does not always equate to wealth. (11:30) Xavier introduces the idea of investing in yourself as a method to increase your income and professional growth. (14:00) Erik shares their experience at the IndieTech conference and introduces the first takeaway: Developing and strengthening professional relationships. (17:45) Xavier emphasizes how attending conferences helps build valuable relationships and fosters personal and team growth. (24:05) Xavier introduces the second takeaway: Establishing processes and systems to improve business scalability and efficiency. (32:10) Erik explains how well-defined processes can streamline operations and enhance the customer experience. (34:50) Xavier presents the third takeaway: Leveraging technology wisely by focusing on tools that solve specific business problems. (49:30) Erik shares his "technology policy statement," which helps assess the value of new technology in a business setting. (52:40) Erik stresses the importance of treating new technology like an employee, with proper onboarding and training. (57:50) Xavier and Erik discuss the importance of taking calculated risks in business to drive growth and opportunity. (1:06:35) Erik shares a personal example of taking a risk by co-presenting a last-minute joint presentation with Ryan Hanley at IndieTech. (1:09:25) Xavier talks about a recent calculated risk they took by hiring a new team member to grow their firm. (1:13:10) Key Quotes: “More income does not necessarily lead to more wealth. The more income you have, the better opportunity you have to build wealth. But you and I both know, and you listening to this podcast, you know as well as I do, that there's people who make a lot of money who don't build a lot of wealth.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA “Your books in your business tell a story, paint a financial picture of your business. If you kept good books over a period of years, you can see what are the trends in your business.“ - Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA “We don't rise to the level of our goals, we fall to the level of our systems and you can substitute processes in there for systems. Right? We all have good intentions in business, but if we haven't built out a systematic way to actually accomplish that, most humans do not have the willpower just to accomplish a goal.” - Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC Resources Mentioned: Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors

Do you struggle at branding? Are you still a quasi-generalist who is not focused in a Micro-Niche? Or, maybe you've chosen a Micro-Niche industry to focus on, but you haven't figured out how to BRAND yourself so that your prospects are attracted to you and want to sign over their insurance to you? Well, I have good news for you if that describes where you're at right now.  In this throwback episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, host Charles Specht will teach you some of the MOST ESSENTIAL things you can do to brand yourself and take your Book of Business to the next level. Charles talks about both personal branding as well as how agency leaders can and should assist their producers by using the agency website to brand the sales team in each and every Micro-Niche they are prospecting. Key Topics: The importance of specializing in a micro-niche for insurance agents. The role of personal branding in the insurance industry. The impact of digital presence and social media in insurance sales. Strategies for creating effective branding in specific niches. How to use branding to differentiate from competitors. Reach out to  Charles Specht Visit: Permission Network Insurance Agency, Inc.