Episodes
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Brad Ruben of Archway Computers joins us to talk about all things IT for independent agencies:
Cybersecurity and unusual requirements in carrier contractsHow DMARC impacts your agency emails and what you must do immediatelyWhy Multi-factor Authentication is so criticalOne easy-to-use tech tool that customers loveHow AI is being used in agencies todayAs an independent agent, it's easy to push IT to the back burner but as Brad explains, having up-to-date software and security procedures is critical. Outsourcing the management of your agency's IT is a good way to reduce the risk of cyber crime and system downtime.
Links:
Archway Computer: myarchway.com
Full show notes and more episodes: Insurance Agency Trendsetters -
#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 data analytics in insurance agencies. These technologies are playing a significant role in streamlining operations and improving efficiency, ultimately leading to better service for clients. He also shares insights into Aureus Analytics' successful integrations with management system platforms like Applied and EZLynx, as well as their partnership with Agency Zoom.
This isn't Ron's first time on our podcast, and his experience and expertise in the insurance industry make for a fascinating conversation. He offers valuable insights into the future of the industry and how technology is driving demand and adoption by new players in the market.
If you're interested in learning more about the evolving landscape of the insurance industry and the role of technology in shaping its future, join us for this informative discussion with Ron Shroyer from Aureus Analytics.
00:35 Revisiting the Journey of Aureus Analytics
00:54 The Evolution of AI in Insurance
01:26 The Impact of AI on Insurance Agencies
02:23 The Role of AI in Customer Retention and Cross-Selling
02:57 The Increasing Interest in AI Among Insurance Agencies
04:12 The Integration of Donna with Other Platforms
04:35 The Difference Between Reporting and Analytics
05:44 The Role of AI in Enhancing Agency Workflows
09:14 The Future of AI in Insurance Agencies
21:27 The Impact of Acquisitions on Tech Adoption in Insurance Agencies
26:38 Emerging Insurtech SolutionsLinks:
Aureus Analytics
Insurance Agency Trendsetters Episode 041 (with full show notes) -
Missing episodes?
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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 the policy?
Digipraise has solved all of these problems and given insureds a quick and affordable way to update their most treasured jewelry.
Listen in as we dive into Ali and Dana's history in the jewelry business, their patented process for streamlining jewelry appraisals, and the unique way they can prevent a total loss of heirloom pieces.
Companies and agencies: Partner with Digipraise to enhance your customer relationships!
Full show notes can be found here:
insuranceagencytrendsetters.com/040-2
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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 cryptocurrencyWhat to expect from the hard market and anticipated recessionHow insurance coverage could be affected by pandemic court casesChallenges finding staff and the role of a remote workforcePlus, 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.
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#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 workflowsWhat technology touchpoints agents need to implement to build customer loyaltyHow to get access to the ACT resources for freeThe critical role cyber security plays in your technology strategy and the cyber guide developed by ACTThe emerging technologies that impact agents and their clientsWhere tech is working and where improvement is neededWe 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/ACT
Email ACT: [email protected] -
#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.
The problem with most email services todayHow you can stay top of mind with your prospects and customersThe difference between networking and building relationshipsA surprise use for Levitate — what he calls “black belt mode”What’s coming next for Levitate users
Just some of what we cover in our discussion: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
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#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.
Choosing and implementing an Agency Management SystemWhat Nationwide agents have brought to the IA systemWhat challenges did the agents face during the transitionThe importance of marketing the industry to high schools and collegesThe benefits of Insure Academy to all agencies
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...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.
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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.com
or email: Ron [at] aureusanalytics.com
Related Episodes:
Chris ParadisoAubie Knight
Tarmika
Agency Zoom
Carey Wallace
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#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 youWhat it means to have a frictionless purchase experienceThe one thing agents must focus on to be successful nowPlus, 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-WUNDERITE
Website: Wunderite.comFor 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.
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#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 yearsWhy insurance education isn’t enough to guarantee CSR successWhat 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 growThe integration of Nationwide agencies into the independent agency system and the benefits they brought with themHow data analytics is changing how we sell insurancePlus, 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: 919-863-6546For 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.
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#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 youHow the pandemic has changed agency owners’ plansFour trends impacting agency value todayAvoiding a fire sale price — easy steps to take today to protect your businessWhat to never put in your perpetuation planThe #1 value driver of insurance agenciesWhat agencies have done to make their acquisitions successfulThe top 2 things CPAs say you should do now to maximize your agency’s valuePlus, 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 FocusFor 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 Lounsbury
Episode 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 oneHow and why to take a stand and quit trying to please everyoneThe three key things that you need for a strong online presenceWhat his agency does to drastically improve the customer experience – and increase retentionThe tech tools that are helping him better serve his customersYou’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.
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#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.
How Otis Elevator Company scooped the insurance industryThe fatal flaws in most agency data reportingFour ways the data in your agency can increase your revenueHow most agents are bringing a knife to a gunfight and the one thing you need to make it a fight you can winThe two things any technology you use must do
In today’s podcast, Seth reveals: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 hereContact 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.
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#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.
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#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 businessHow policyholders were impactedWhat was done well and what could have been done betterHow agents can protect themselves from similar attacksSteps every agent should do for their customers in this situationFor 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.
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#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 associationHow they reacted to the regulatory directives from the state governmentThe challenge of finding talent in the insurance industry and how they are solving the problemThe importance of an agency tech stack and how it impacts hiring successThe launch of Catalyit and the benefits it provides for agentsAre 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 agencyPainlessly streamlining policy placementHow agencies are benefiting from Tarmika’s partnership with bAtomic and Neon TarmikaX and agency lead generationCustomizing Tarmika for your carrier appointmentsPlus, discover the story behind the Tarmika name.
Links:
For a demo to see how Tarmika can help your agency, visit Tarmika.comFor 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.
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#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 productivityHow the acquisition of ITC gives agents the full stack agency they need to be successfulHow Zywave is making data more automated and efficient for agenciesThe Netflix model and how it’s changing customer relationshipsThe shift that’s happening right now in agencies across the country… and what you need to do so you’re not left behindHow you can get a deeper insight into your agency and why that creates growthPlus, 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
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#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
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