Insurance Agency Trendsetters – Details, episodes & analysis

Brad Ruben of Archway Computers joins us to talk about all things IT for independent agencies:

• Cybersecurity and unusual requirements in carrier contracts
• How DMARC impacts your agency emails and what you must do immediately
• Why Multi-factor Authentication is so critical
• One easy-to-use tech tool that customers love
• How AI is being used in agencies today

As 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 Solutions

 Links:

Aureus Analytics

Insurance Agency Trendsetters Episode 041 (with full show notes)

#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 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 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.