The Agent Leader: Trap #1 - No Clear Strategic or Financial Plan

In this episode, James talks with Richard Sweet, Owner of Vantage Point Risk Partners. To learn more about Vantage Point Risk Partners, visit https://www.vantagepointrisk.com. 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: Richard's journey from engineering to owning an insurance agency Challenges of operating within the captive insurance model and the shift to independence The growth and scaling of Richard's insurance agency Importance of selecting the right team members and leveraging individual strengths Richard's approach to business management within the insurance industry

Growing an insurance agency can be done hundreds of different ways. The tools you use to enable your sales team can expedite that growth – if it's the right tool, if it's adopted correctly, and if it's serving a true purpose. Caleb Cramer joins GPP today to talk through sales enablement. It's not about which tools you use – it's about solving a problem or creating efficiency with the tool, no matter which tool it is. And... (drumroll)... Caleb is joining us at LAUNCH to help independent agents everywhere effectively share their value proposition with clients and prospects. Enjoy the episode! Episode Links: Ellerbrock-Norris: https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com Ellerbrock-Norris Wealth Strategies: https://www.ellerbrock-norris-ws.com Indium: https://goindium.com LAUNCH: https://getlaunch.io/ Elliot Bassett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-bassett-aip-cpcu-84499515 Caleb Cramer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-cramer 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.

Do you have a defined and well-structured sales process that helps you win new business? No, I'm not talking about a few lucky points here and there. I'm talking about a "proven by long-term results" A-Z Sales Framework that covers everything from start to finish, from the type of account you're first going to prospect to the end goal of collecting the deposit check. That's what host Charles Specht will teach us all about today.  On today's throwback podcast episode, we'll learn the secrets behind his "12X Sales Framework" that empowers insurance agents to build a $1,000,000 or more Book of Business of happy, loyal, and satisfied clients. Episode Highlights: Charles mentions his framework’s main key areas for selling, servicing, and renewing clients: pre-prospecting, prospecting, first appointment/meeting, strategic report, and proposal/presentation. (4:04) Charles explains that pre-prospecting is the crucial foundation work done before making cold calls, setting appointments, and meeting with potential clients, as it sets the stage for a successful sales process. (5:50) Charles mentions that prospecting involves actively engaging in activities such as making phone calls, sending emails, visiting potential clients, and attending networking events to meet people. (10:32) Charles explains that the first appointment requires preparation and a structured strategy to identify issues, present solutions and obtain a Broker of Record letter. (13:03) Charles discusses the importance of strategic rapport and how building comfort and confidence with insurance buyers can give agents a competitive edge. (20:05) Charles emphasizes the importance of a structured approach to proposals for insurance agents, and the need for sales training and a proper proposal template to communicate with prospects effectively. (23:39) Charles mentions that having a well-defined process from the initial contact to closing the deal is crucial for increasing your success rate. (30:34) Key Quotes: “When you're doing your pre-prospecting, you need to really understand about all the basics of laying the foundation, because if you're going after the wrong business, right off the bat, everything else is messed up.” - Charles Specht “I love when my prospect says, " Yes, Charles, let's go with it.” That's what I like to do. That is just fun. Quoting and not winning, that's not fun. That's something that amateurs do.” - Charles Specht Resources Mentioned: Reach out to Charles Specht Permission Network Insurance Agency, Inc.

In this episode of Front Cover: A Rough Notes Podcast on the Agency Intelligence Podcast Network, Jason Cass sits down with Chris Peterie, CEO of Tower Street Insurance, the agency featured on the September 2024 front cover of Rough Notes Magazine.  Key Topics: Chris shares the excitement of being featured on the Rough Notes magazine front cover, acknowledging his team's hard work. Emphasis on building a positive workplace culture by hiring the right people and focusing on "The Ideal Team Player" principles. Importance of investing in employees through regular meetings, education, and personal development. Prioritizing strong client and carrier relationships to deliver high-quality service and ensure client satisfaction. Leveraging technology to enhance client interactions and streamline agency operations. Reflection on leadership, the value of continuous learning, and how it influences agency success. Discussion on how Chris’s approach serves as a model for excellence within the industry. Reach out to: Chris Peterie Jason Cass Visit Website: Tower Street Insurance Rough Notes Magazine Episode Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by MEM. We're what workers comp should be! Get to know us at hello-mem.com to see how we can help you work with confidence This episode is brought to you by The McGowen Companies. For more information about all their insurance products, visit mcgowancompanies.com/frontcover. Produced by PodSquad.fm

In this episode, Adam Hare, CEO of Petley-Hare Limited, shares his journey in the insurance industry and the rebranding process his company went through. The conversation covers topics such as the impact of branding, the cancellation of carrier contracts, and the process of rebranding a brokerage. Adam emphasizes the importance of staying true to your brand and making tough decisions when necessary. Adam discusses his journey of starting an agency, creating a meaningful brand, and the lessons he has learned as an entrepreneur. He shares his accomplishments, mistakes, and the importance of reinvesting in your business. Adam also emphasizes the need for collaboration in the industry and the desire to change the perception of the insurance industry.

In this episode, James talks with Andy Neary, Founder of Complete Game Consulting. To learn more about Complete Game Consulting, visit https://andyneary.com/complete-game-consulting. 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: Andy's transition from professional baseball to the insurance industry The impact of moving to Colorado on Andy's career and personal brand development Strategies for building credibility in the insurance industry The role of content and public speaking in establishing thought leadership Overcoming personal challenges and fears to succeed professionally Innovations and trends in the insurance industry post-COVID The importance of addressing real problems and making it easy for clients to engage

You know, if a producer doesn't get to $100,000 of commission in a reasonable amount of time, they often either get fired or they find a new job outside of insurance. So, we not only need to help them get to $100,000 of commission but I think -- more importantly -- we need to get them to a $250,000 commission Book of Business as soon as humanly possible. Why? Because, once a producer gets to $250,000 in annual gross commission, they are usually not going to get fired, they're in the insurance business for life, and they're typically making six-figures in annual take home pay themselves. Therefore, that's why I am launching the PERMISSION PRODUCER SCHOOL, which is a 3-week intensive new producer sales training school to help new producers write $250,000 of commission in 1.5-2 years. (Go to www.permissiongroup.com to learn more) Key Topics: The importance of hitting the $100,000 gross commission milestone for job security. The challenge of transitioning from learning to producing quickly in the insurance industry. Strategies for reaching $250,000 in gross commission, including the Permission Producer School. The need to focus on a single micro-niche to accelerate growth from $100,000 to $250,000. Why a shift in strategy is required to move from $250,000 to $650,000 in commissions. Key changes needed to leap from $650,000 to $1.2 million, such as targeting larger accounts. The mindset and strategy shifts necessary to achieve a $3 million book of business. Reach out to  Charles Specht Visit: Permission Producer School Permission Network Produced by: PodSquad.fm

What is your agency's talent and growth strategy? In this episode, Brent Kelly gets into how under-utilizing your agency's technology and talent is Good Results Trap #7. Investing in your people and technology is crucial for your agency staying competitive and efficient, with a direct link between employee development and organizational success. It's time for you as a leader to view technology not just as an expense, but as an essential investment in your future. Get ready to start your agency's continuous commitment to learning and adaptation with this episode of The Agent Leader. To learn more about how your agency can reach its Best Version Possible, book a call with one of our coaches at https://www.sitkins.com/bookacall

In this episode of the "Stuff About Money" podcast, host Erik Garcia CFP®, BFA™, ChFC®, is joined by long-time friend of the show, Dr. Matt Morris. Together, they tackle the question: "Should I adjust my portfolio?" as they navigate the emotions of investing in a volatile market. Erik provides insights into current market noise, discussing factors like employment rates, Japan's rate changes, the federal reserve, and media influence on investor sentiment. Dr. Matt and Erik discuss strategies for managing emotions and making informed decisions amid uncertainty. The conversation explores stories from the trenches and examines destructive and disruptive behaviors impacting wealth building. Erik and Dr. Matt emphasize the importance of attaching purpose to your investments. By managing emotions with objective facts and educating oneself on market performance, investors can maintain perspective and avoid fear-based decisions. Tune in to gain valuable insights and learn how to keep your investment strategy on track despite market fluctuations. Episode Highlights: Erik explains the importance of active listening and respecting clients' emotions in financial planning. (3:00) Dr. Matt discusses learning from Erik about behavioral finance and how irrational behavior can affect financial decisions. (5:32) Dr. Matt brings up the complexities of the stock market and Erik responds with an analogy comparing it to a highly emotional client. (10:13) Dr. Matt recounts the alarming news headlines from August 7th that stirred market fears, leading to a broader discussion on media impact on investment behavior. (15:07) Dr. Matt shares a personal experience of reacting to market news and consulting Erik, leading to a discussion about the proper timing for adjusting investment strategies. (22:32) Erik discusses the significance of aligning investment decisions with long-term financial goals and not succumbing to short-term market events. (27:10) Erik emphasizes the commonality of market pullbacks, correcting misconceptions about market corrections and their normalcy. (39:58) Dr. Matt and Erik discuss the importance of aligning investment decisions with long-term financial goals, not short-term market movements. (42:09) Key Quotes: “I think the most successful financial planners are the ones who are good at investor management.” - Erik Garcia “Making a decision that impacts your long-term investment strategy based on a short-term economic market-driven event is often a poor decision.” - Erik Garcia “How do fear and alarm influence my decision making? And that can be financially, but in my field, it's often relationally. Fear is a very effective driver of behavior change.” - Dr. Matt Morris Resources Mentioned: Dr. Matt Morris Matt Morris & Associates Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors

In this episode of Agency Intelligence podcast, host Jason Cass interviews Reid Holzworth, CEO of Ivans Insurance Solutions. Key Topics: The significant impact of AI on insurance practices, especially in risk assessment Insights on the importance of cultural integration and team dynamics post-acquisition Broad potential and future applications of AI within the insurance industry Advancements and future vision of Ivans under Reid's leadership Seamless integration of technology in improving business efficiencies and client relationships Reach out to: Reid Holzworth Jason Cass Visit Website: Ivans Insurance Solutions Agency Intelligence Produced by: PodSquad.fm