Agency Intelligence: The Insurance Podcast Network

Agency Intelligence

The Agency Intelligence Podcast Network is the top insurance podcast network with many unique series that let you hear from both insurance agency owners and insurance industry influencers. Learn from real insurance agents in real insurance agencies, get the latest and greatest that thought leaders in the insurance industry have to offer, and more! read less
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Episodes

Stuff About Money: Episode 62: Margin, Seasons, & Values. Work-Life Balance in Perspective.
Yesterday
Stuff About Money: Episode 62: Margin, Seasons, & Values. Work-Life Balance in Perspective.
In this episode of the Stuff About Money podcast, Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ is joined by a long-time friend of the show, Couples Counselor Dr. Matt Morris, and first-time guest Michael Baudin. Listen in as they discuss what work-life balance is and, maybe more importantly, what it is not. This recording extends from a casual conversation among friends that originated at a Pelicans NBA basketball game. Erik felt compelled to share this compelling dialogue with Stuff About Money listeners.  Drawing from his expertise as a family therapist, Dr. Matt offers valuable insights, while Michael contributes his perspectives as a successful entrepreneur. Together, they conclude the discussion by offering practical strategies to attain fulfillment in one's professional and personal life. They address pressing questions such as: Is work-life balance merely a myth? How can entrepreneurs effectively juggle the demands of business, family, and self-care while maintaining their well-being? And what sacrifices are acceptable in the pursuit of business growth? A standout moment in the episode is when Dr. Matt underscores the significance of creating margin in one's life to achieve a sense of “balance”. Episode Highlights: Dr. Matt explains why work-life balance is important due to the limited time we have on earth. (6:27) Michael discusses work-life balance using the analogy of dividing a dollar into life's responsibilities: work, family, and self. (13:54) Michael shares experiences of his business's growing pains, hiring employees, and increasing responsibilities that occasionally made him less present at home. (21:33) Dr. Matt discusses the distinct challenges entrepreneurs face compared to employees, particularly in balancing time and resource allocation between business and family. (29:00) Michael acknowledges that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work for managing family dynamics and business commitments. (34:58) Erik emphasizes the importance of maintaining a "margin" in life, especially for entrepreneurs managing multiple demands. (41:00) Michael values maintaining a work-life balance, prioritizing attendance at his children’s events and allowing his employees the same flexibility. (59:38) Key Quotes: “You get a lot of pride out of building your business, it's an enjoyment for you to build your business.” - Dr. Matt Morris “Leave enough margin in your life and in your day that you can respond to needs as they pop up.” - Dr. Matt Morris “You have to be fluid, you have to just be able to recognize what's happening and what's coming and be able to react, because that's all part of being a business owner and entrepreneur, whatever you want to call yourself. ” - Michael Baudin Resources Mentioned: Dr. Matt Morris Michael Baudin  Matt Morris & Associates Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors
Millionaire Insurance Producer: Throwback: Sales is War!
6d ago
Millionaire Insurance Producer: Throwback: Sales is War!
None of the insurance carriers pay you a commission for coming in 2nd place. 1st Place is King. 2nd Place is for losers. Literally, not figuratively. The incumbent wants you to lose. The other competing agents want you to lose. Most of the time even your prospect wants you to lose. Therefore ... SALES IS WAR!  In this throwback episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, host Charles Specht explains how to prepare a New Business Prospecting Strategy for 2023 that will help you to dominate and write up to 50% more commission in the year than you would have otherwise. *** And, he talks about the "DOMINATE 2023 WEBINAR" he's conducting on 12/16/22.  Episode Highlights: Charles explains that none of your insurance carriers pay commission for second place, only the incumbent agent gets paid. Everyone else loses because sales is war. (1:53) Charles mentions that insurance agency owners can't have producers who don't produce. (3:42) Charles believes that it is very difficult to achieve any goals as an agency owner if you do not have a plan or a strategy. (9:00) Charles mentions that if you want to dominate in 2023, you need to start planning your strategy now. (13:10) Charles mentions that the goal of his "DOMINATE 2023 WEBINAR” is to teach people how to create a step-by-step process that will help them achieve up to 50% more commission written or earned rather than received in 2023. (15:05) Charles discusses that in the "DOMINATE 2023 WEBINAR”, he will also teach how to put together the simplest differentiator service that you can offer to your prospects in return for their business. (19:11) Charles explains how to sign up for the "DOMINATE 2023 WEBINAR”, which will take place on December 16th at 1:30 p.m. CST. (21:39) Key Quotes: “None of your insurance carriers pay commission for second place. Only number one gets money, only number one gets to sit on the throne as an incumbent agent. Everybody else is a loser. Sales is war. And it's no different when it comes to insurance sales.” - Charles Specht  “The whole strategy of selling insurance and quoting business, the way the industry is set up, you're expected to lose if you are an agent who is just competing, based upon how everything has always been done.” - Charles Specht  “If you want to dominate 2023, you really have to get after it here in 2022. And by getting after, I mean, we start putting together a plan of attack for 2023. This is important because I know that those who have it tend to be successful, and those who don't are not successful.” - Charles Specht  Resources Mentioned: Reach out to Charles Specht Permission Network Insurance Agency, Inc.
GPP: The Domino Effect to Winning: Training and Team Building with Brett Young
1w ago
GPP: The Domino Effect to Winning: Training and Team Building with Brett Young
Talent acquisition is a game-changer for your company. But adding solid team members can be useless without proper training on your process, your ideology, or your sales model. Brett Young, CEO of Erb and Young, joins the show to talk through talent acquisition via networking, establishing culture within your team, and training new producers to adapt to your firm's target market. 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/ Ryan Brott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-brott-cepa%C2%AE-77a278a/ 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.
GPP: Adapt Your Agency to a New Generation of Commercial Clients With Mick Hunt
10-04-2024
GPP: Adapt Your Agency to a New Generation of Commercial Clients With Mick Hunt
There has been a shift in business owners. Generationally, today's owners are different: expectations, buying habits, communication preferences, pace of production, and plenty more. Mick Hunt, CEO at Premier Strategy Box, joins the show today and challenges you as an insurance agency to put yourself in the shoes of your audience. How do you need to shift your firm today to better fit with the modern buyer? How can you ask the right questions to understand that audience? Hear how Mick and his team have created the playbook around building these relationships. Enjoy the episode! Episode Links: Ellerbrock-Norris: https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com Ellerbrock-Norris Wealth Strategies: https://www.ellerbrock-norris-ws.com Premier Strategy Box: https://www.mystrategybox.com/ LAUNCH: https://getlaunch.io/ Elliot Bassett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-bassett-aip-cpcu-84499515 Ryan Brott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-brott-cepa%C2%AE-77a278a Mick Hunt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/ 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.
Stuff About Money: Episode 61: S-Corp vs. LLC: Which Is Best for My Company?
09-04-2024
Stuff About Money: Episode 61: S-Corp vs. LLC: Which Is Best for My Company?
In this episode of the Stuff About Money podcast, Xavier Angel, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), and Certified in Long-Term Care (CLTC), sits down with CPA Keith Raymond to discuss common questions from business owner clients about LLCs and S-Corporations. Keith Raymond simplifies the key differences and misconceptions about LLCs and S-Corporations, providing valuable insights into how business owners should navigate tax considerations. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, understanding the tax implications of being taxed as an LLC versus an S-Corp is essential. With the complexities of tax codes, having a knowledgeable CPA like Keith Raymond as a guide is invaluable for business owners. Tune in to this episode to gain clarity on LLCs, S-Corporations, and make informed decisions for your business's financial future. Episode Highlights: Keith discusses his career beginning in accounting with Ernst and Young in New Orleans, facing early challenges due to Hurricane Katrina. (1:53) Keith explains the distinction between an S Corp (tax status) and an LLC (legal structure), highlighting misconceptions about tax implications. (7:57) Keith emphasizes the protective benefits of an LLC, which safeguards an owner's personal assets from business liabilities, such as lawsuits or bankruptcy. (15:25) Keith discusses S Corp benefits, including tax savings on earnings above a reasonable salary with certain limitations. (18:19) Keith shares the key differences in business structures: sole proprietorship for simplicity, partnerships for flexible profit allocation, and S Corps for equal distribution among owners. (22:21) Keith discusses the importance of considering both direct and indirect expenses when operating or planning to start a business. (28:04) Keith mentions that it is important to understand deductible expenses, including recent changes to meals and entertainment rules, and encourages consulting professionals to ensure correct tax deductions. (29:47) Key Quotes: “The whole purpose of the LLC, the Limited Liability Company, is to protect the assets that are in the business, to the business.” - Keith Raymond, CPA “The benefits of an S corp, for the most part, comes down to a popular strategy that is used where earnings within an S Corp are generally not subject to self-employment taxes.” - Keith Raymond, CPA Just make sure you're capturing all of your business activity. Because, if you miss some expenses, that's tax dollars, that could be in your pocket that you're ultimately could be paying into government, that you just don't want to miss out on.” - Keith Raymond, CPA Resources Mentioned: Keith Raymond, CPA Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors
GPP: Building the Right COI Relationships With Ryan Brott
03-04-2024
GPP: Building the Right COI Relationships With Ryan Brott
Let's talk all things COIs. What kind of relationships are building with your centers of influence? Do have three or four COIs giving you multiple leads each month? Or are you spreading yourself too thin, trying to work with dozens of industry-adjacent professionals to little or no avail? Ryan and Elliot talk through what makes for an effective COI, and how to build your relationship to the point that it's mutually beneficial. Enjoy the episode! Episode Links: Ellerbrock-Norris: https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com Ellerbrock-Norris Wealth Strategies: https://www.ellerbrock-norris-ws.com LAUNCH: https://getlaunch.io/ Elliot Bassett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-bassett-aip-cpcu-84499515 Ryan Brott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-brott-cepa%C2%AE-77a278a 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.
Power Women In Insurance: Throwback: Showing Up Courageously and Making a Difference With Rebecca Adelman
03-04-2024
Power Women In Insurance: Throwback: Showing Up Courageously and Making a Difference With Rebecca Adelman
In this throwback episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Rebecca Adelman, a lawyer for insurance companies defending insureds in lawsuits to talk about the legal and insurance industries and how she had made her home in that space. They also talk about how to step over challenges and show up authentically by embracing the courage to make a difference in our world. Episode Highlights: Rebecca talks about her past and how she got to where she is in her work now. (2:01) Rebecca notes that she has dealt with a wide range of coverage kinds and finds it to be an interesting aspect of her job. (9:39) Rebecca explains that over the years, insurance companies have been able to adapt to what the consumers' needs are. (15:21) Rebecca discusses her story and how she overcame the odds in the insurance and law fields, which have traditionally been controlled by men. (18:23) Rebecca explains that she tells her story to inspire people, especially women, to pursue the path that they want in their careers. (23:03) Rebecca shares that there is no work-life and no life outside of work, but only your life that you have to live out. (28:00) Rebecca discusses how empowerment for her is the byproduct of this idea of showing up authentically and showing up with courage. (34:50) Rebecca explains that thresholds are at the beginning and end, depending on how you courageously see it. (43:47) Rebecca shares that part of courageous living is showing presence in our professional lives, particularly in this world of insurance. (48:30) Rebecca says that, despite the industry's natural progress, she believes there is still a long way to go. (53:14) Rebecca shares that a way to authentically show up is to ask yourself if you have done five things that made you happy. (55:54) Key Quotes: "10 years ago, well, most of the interfacing I would do and the networks on my insurance side were men. Now 10 years down the road 90% of the work that I do is for women." - Rebecca Adelman "There's nothing like your work life and your life outside of work. There's just your life. It's just your life. There's no work-life, this life is just your life, go and live your life." - Rebecca Adelman "Dismantling the idea that there's any, that there's even a possibility to find a balance, like, it's not really about balance, it's how you deal with being inbalance." - Rebecca Adelman Resources Mentioned: Rebecca Adelman LinkedIn Adelman Law Firm Contact Teresa Kitchens Sterling Insurance Group