The Broker Link: Recent Episodes
The Brokerage Inc.
The Broker Link empowers insurance agents to sell more, earn more and stay independent. Hosted by The Brokerage Inc.
In this episode, Cheryl Chapman, Annuities Specialist with 19 years of experience, joins Sherry Kelson, Director of the Life Team at The Brokerage Inc., to break down what agents need to know about annuities.
Cheryl walks through the key requirements for selling annuities, including:
- A life and health license
- State-specific certifications
- Anti-money laundering (AML) training
- Errors & omissions (E&O) coverage
- Product-specific training
She explains the main types of annuities—fixed, indexed, and single premium income annuities (SPIAs)—and shares how each can serve clients' long-term goals like retirement, college funding, or guaranteed income.
With current interest rates around 5.3%, annuities are becoming an attractive, low-risk option offering tax-deferred growth and portfolio diversification.
Cheryl also notes that annuities typically issue within a week, and agents can reach out to her directly for guidance and support.
You can reach Cheryl through The Brokerage Inc. website.
Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday.
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In this episode of The Broker Link, Mike Papuc and Trey Owens from the Health team at The Brokerage Inc., explore what it means to be truly independent as an insurance agent.
They break down the importance of carefully reading and negotiating contracts, ensuring agents aren't locked into unfavorable terms that limit their growth.
Trey shares why being a 1099 agent is essential for long-term success and business control, while Mike talks about the power of ongoing support through tools like Monday masterminds and personal outreach. If you're an agent looking to maintain independence, communicate effectively, and grow with confidence—this episode is for you.
Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday.
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Website: https://thebrokerageinc.com/
In this episode, Chris Newberry from The Brokerage joins Cory Procter, founder of Pro Capital, to explore what it means to take a truly holistic approach to financial practice. Chris emphasizes that advisors must go beyond selling just Medicare or life insurance, advocating for a broader suite of services that meet clients’ evolving financial needs.
Cory shares his powerful personal journey from financial instability to building a career in wealth management, highlighting the value of long-term planning, managing through market volatility, and conducting regular financial reviews. He sheds light on common issues such as probate pitfalls and the importance of naming contingent beneficiaries—details that are often overlooked but critical to effective planning.
Together, they stress the need for advisors to offer a diverse menu of financial services and to prioritize ongoing education for both themselves and their clients, to deliver real, lasting value.
All the information you can need about Pro Capital can be found on Cory's website, http://www.procaptx.com. Or check out his podcast, The Pro Capital Show Wisdom & Wealth, on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday.
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Website: https://thebrokerageinc.com/
In this special episode, Mike Smith of The Brokerage Inc. leads a timely and insightful panel discussion from the FMO Summit, joined by two distinguished guests: John Greene, Founder & Principal of Tri-Branch Resolution LLC, and Nick Uehlecke, Principal at Todd Strategy Group. Together, they unpack the latest legislative and regulatory developments surrounding the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Listeners will gain insider perspectives on key policy shifts, implications for FMOs and agents, and what to expect in the evolving healthcare landscape. With their deep experience in government affairs and healthcare strategy, Greene and Uehlecke shed light on how these changes might shape the future of Medicare marketing, compliance standards, and the overall regulatory environment.
This episode is a must-listen for professionals navigating the complexities of healthcare legislation and those looking to stay ahead of CMS updates.
Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday.
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Website: https://thebrokerageinc.com/
In this episode of The Broker Link, Trey Owens and Mike Papuc dive into platform updates designed to simplify and enhance the onboarding experience for insurance agents. They address a common industry problem: agents often feel forgotten after joining. TBI is tackling this through ongoing support tools, including brief, twice-weekly training sessions and a personalized white glove contracting service.
The episode also discusses TBI's financial incentive called Brokerage Bucks, offering agents up to $450 per sale each month. Trey and Mike stress that true success comes not just from tools, but from ongoing coaching and mentorship — both of which are central to TBI’s agent-first philosophy.
Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday.
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Website: https://thebrokerageinc.com/
In this insightful episode, Crystal Bustillos joins the show to spotlight the often-overlooked topic of disability insurance, timed perfectly with Disability Insurance Awareness Month. Crystal emphasizes that a client’s income is their most valuable financial asset, and protecting it should be a top priority.
She breaks down the differences between short-term and long-term disability insurance, helping agents understand when each type makes sense. Crystal also covers disability riders—customizable policy add-ons—and shares strategies for overcoming client objections, a common challenge in this area.
To support agents, Crystal highlights tools available on The Brokerage Inc.'s Disability Center, including educational resources and marketing materials. She encourages proactive outreach through webinars and social media series to build awareness and trust with clients.
A key takeaway: the best time to secure disability coverage is when clients are young and healthy, ensuring lower premiums and greater peace of mind.
Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday.
Join our Community!
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Website: https://thebrokerageinc.com/
This episode of the Broker Link podcast discusses the upcoming Life Symposium on May 20 at the new Flower Mound office.
Chris Newberry and Crystal Bustillos from the Life team highlight new features like the Vive platform for term insurance, which allows agents to run quotes and apply directly. The symposium will cover various life insurance products, including term, IUL, long-term care, final expense, and worksite products.
It will feature presentations from carriers and other partners, with a fast-paced schedule and a working lunch. Registration is encouraged as space is limited.
Additionally, monthly webinars and custom partner program calls are available for further training and support.
To RSVP to the Life Symposium, click on this link: https://thebrokerageinc.com/training/life-symposium-dfw/
Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday.
Join our Community!
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Website: https://thebrokerageinc.com/
Marketing & Sales Strategies to Maximize Event Success
In this episode of Broker Link, Cynthia Rosales, Regional Sales Director at The Brokerage Inc., with 28 years of experience in Medicare sales, discussed the importance of differentiating between sales and educational events, emphasizing the need for reporting in sales events.
She advised choosing venues where seniors gather, such as restaurants or senior centers, and securing dates consistently. Rosales recommended a budget under $15 per person and highlighted the significance of national marketing during AEP (August-December). She suggested scheduling events 21 days in advance and maintaining consistency for six months. Rosales also stressed the importance of being compliant, using the correct language, and being confident in product knowledge.
With years of experience in the field, Cynthia offers practical, actionable tips to help agents and teams host successful, high-impact events.
Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com. Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday.
Join our Community!
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Website: https://thebrokerageinc.com/
What Agents Really Want from an FMO
In this episode of Broker Link, Trey Owens from The Brokerage Inc. sits down with experienced agent Lewis to explore what truly matters to agents when choosing an FMO (Field Marketing Organization).
Louis shares valuable insights from the field, warning agents to steer clear of FMOs offering “free leads”—often a red flag for low-quality support. Instead, he stresses the importance of partnering with an FMO that provides real value, including carrier connections, community involvement, and growth support.
Trey highlights how The Brokerage Inc. delivers on these needs through: ✅ Recruitment assistance ✅ Financial marketing tools ✅ A powerful broker dashboard for training and tracking sales
Both emphasize that consistent training and responsive support are key to helping agents succeed.
Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com. Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday.
Join our Community!
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Website: https://thebrokerageinc.com/
In this episode of Broker Link, Cristal Bustillos with The Brokerage Inc. Life team dives into the critical role of life insurance in legacy planning.
She breaks down how it helps manage estate taxes, facilitates charitable giving, and ensures a smooth wealth transfer.
Cristal also explains how life insurance provides liquidity for illiquid assets like family farms or businesses, helping families avoid financial strain. Plus, she highlights how it can bypass probate, saving time and legal costs.
Crystal encourages agents to take action by attending our legacy planning workshops in April and starting meaningful conversations with clients about their future goals.
Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com. Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday.
Join our Community!
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Website: https://thebrokerageinc.com/
The Brokerage Inc. is so excited to announce Yunior Santana is joining the company as a new Regional Sales Director in Florida. Yunior is an experienced agent and agency owner in the Miami area and is a great addition to our sales team. Yunior takes over for Carl-Philippe Denis, who has been promoted to Senior National Sales Director.
In this episode of The Broker Link, get to know Yunior and what he brings to the Brokerage team and the state of Florida.
Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com. Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday.
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Website: https://thebrokerageinc.com/
In this episode of Broker Link, we’re joined by Mike Smith for an inside look at the NABIP Capitol Conference in Washington, D.C. This annual event brings together insurance professionals to discuss legislative updates and advocate for policies that impact Health and Medicare agents.
Mike shares key takeaways from the conference, including discussions on regulatory changes, industry challenges, and what agents need to know moving forward. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the industry, this episode provides valuable insights into the future of healthcare policy.
To learn more about NABIP, visit www.nabip.org look for the tab "your voice matters" and sign up to have your voice heard in this industry. Partner with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com. Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday.
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Website: https://thebrokerageinc.com/
As expected, the new administration is proposing changes to the ACA Marketplace. CMS, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, has issued the "2025 Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Proposed Rule," and we are breaking it down.
In this episode of The Broker Link, we talk with The Brokerage Inc. Health Director of Operations, Belynda DiCiaccio, about what these proposed changes could mean for the ACA Marketplace.
Some of the topics include:
- Strengthening Income Verification
- Modifying Eligibility Redetermination Procedures
- Implementing Pre-Enrollment Verification for SEPs
- Adjusting the Open Enrollment period
- And more!
Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com. Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday.
Join our Community!
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Website: https://thebrokerageinc.com/
Do you understand how group life insurance works? In this episode of The Broker Link, Cristal Bustillos from our Life team shares insights into how group life insurance works. She will also explain ways The Brokerage Inc. can help you grow your business with life insurance.
We have a list of webinars and trainings on our website that can directly assist you. Click on this link for more information: https://thebrokerageinc.com/event-type/life-insurance
Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday.
Join our Community!
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas
Website: https://thebrokerageinc.com/
In this episode of the Broker Link Podcast, Executive Vice President at The Brokerage Inc., Josh Slattery discusses the future of Medicare post-2025 AEP, focusing on industry trends and the impact of the new presidential administration.
Other topics discussed include the potential changes to the Value-Based Insurance Design (V-BID) program, which simplifies eligibility for benefits based on income rather than specific chronic illnesses.
If you haven't listened to Part 1, click here first.
Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday.
Join our Community!
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Website: https://thebrokerageinc.com/
If you are all taking a beat after the 2025 Medicare AEP, you are not alone. But as we look back, we see a lot of positives. In this 2025 recap episode, The Brokerage Inc. Executive Vice President, Josh Slattery discusses the highlights.
Some highlights include; a 36% year-over-year growth, with UnitedHealthcare leading with 1.2 million enrollments. The conversation also covers the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on standalone Part D members and the importance of D-SNP enrollments.
The podcast also touches on the challenges of retention, the potential impact of the new administration on Medicare Advantage, and the importance of targeting the turning 65 demographic and the chronic market for future growth.
Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday.
Join our Community!
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/
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Website: https://thebrokerageinc.com/
There are many exciting things going on in health insurance in 2025, none bigger for The Brokerage Inc. than the additon of our new Health Regional Sales Director, Trey Owens!
In this episode of The Broker Link, our National Health Sales Director, Mike Papuc introduces us to Trey and what you can expect from our health team.
Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday.
Join our Community!
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas
Website: https://thebrokerageinc.com/
February is Insure Your Love Month and it's a great time of year to talk to clients about adding life insurance or final expense to their portfolio.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Cristal Bustillos from our Life team shares strategies to talk to your clients about life insurance. She will also explain ways The Brokerage Inc. can help you grow your business with life insurance. We have a list of webinars and trainings on our website that can directly assist you. Click on this link for more information: https://thebrokerageinc.com/event-type/life-insurance
Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday.
Join our Community!
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas
Website: https://thebrokerageinc.com/
If you enjoyed Part 1, you will love Part 2 of A Recipe for Success: Jeremy Cutlip's Rise in Insurance episode. In this episode, Mike Papuc and John Ross Hopkin from our Health team continue the conversation with Jeremy and learn how he grew his insurance business in just 7 years with The Brokerage Inc.
Jeremy's story starts in the restaurant industry where he created and cultivated many relationships. Those relationships helped him transition to becoming a successful insurance agent. If you missed Part 1, go back and listen here!
Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday.
Join our Community!
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas
Website: https://thebrokerageinc.com/
How can you go from working in the restaurant industry to thriving as an insurance agent? It may not be everyone's story but it is agent Jeremy Cutlip's journey. In this episode of The Broker Link, Mike Papuc and John Ross Hopkin from our Health team sit down with Jeremy to hear his story of success in just 7 years with The Brokerage Inc.
Jeremy's story starts in the restaurant industry where he created and cultivated many relationships. Those relationships helped him transition to becoming a successful insurance agent. This is Part 1 of Jeremy's story of success.
Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday.
Join our Community!
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas
Website: https://thebrokerageinc.com/
Happy 2025 and welcome to a new season of The Broker Link podcast! We hope this year will be the best year for everyone!
We are kicking off the year with a look at how to grow your book of business by adding life insurance. This is a great time of year to consider adding different products to your portfolio. Life insurance is something you can sell year-round.
Cristal Bustillos is our Marketing Support on our life team. She will be with us each month to give us insightful information about how life insurance can help you grow your business.
If you have any questions about life insurance, reach out to our life department by emailing them directly at lifeteam@thebrokerageinc.com. And don't forget to ask them to sign up for our monthly newsletter that will give you all the very latest news and information going on with the life team.
You can also learn about The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Agents' questions these days revolve around how the election will impact our industry. The news is pretty favorable. We asked one man, who is always in the know about the insurance business, to break it down for us.
This episode of The Broker Link features John Greene, formerly the Sr. VP at NABIP and now the founder of Tri-Bridge Resolution LLC. John spoke with The Brokerage Inc.'s Executive Vice President, Josh Slattery, and Marketing Director, Gillan Boyer about what to expect in a second Trump Administration.
Topics they discussed include:
- The New Administration's impact on the insurance business
- Inflation Reduction Act and it's future
- Prescription Drug costs
- ACA
- Short Term Plans
- Surprise Billing
- Final Rule
- And more....
This is great information that offers hope for our industry. To learn more about John and his new business, visit www.tri-branch-resolution-llc.com.
And as always you can connect with The Brokerage Inc. online at www.thebrokerageinc.com
Are you still a little confused about the redesign of Part D of this AEP? There are some changes you need to understand. There is also a solution to help your clients get their prescription drugs. It's the Canadian Medstore.
In this episode of The Broker Link, The Brokerage Inc. Executive Vice President, Josh Slattery talks with Bill Hepscher about the top drugs offered by The Candian Medstore you can offer your clients for only $50 a month.
Those drugs include:
- Eliquis (5 mg)
- Xarelto (20 mg)
- Farxiga (10 mg)
- Pradaxa (150 mg)
- Breo Ellipta (200 mcg)
- Ventolin HFA (100 mcg)
- Spiriva (18 mcg)
- Janumet (50/1000 mg)
- Januvia (100 mg)
- Symbicort (200/6 mcg)
You can find a direct link to the Canadian Medstore on our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com. You can also sign up on the Sunfire customer intake form. You can find that information on our website too.
Have you heard the news about some Medicare Advantage plans changing to non-commissionable plans? We are about halfway through AEP, but some of the carriers have made adjustments to their commissions.
In this episode of The Broker Link, The Brokerage Inc. Executive Vice President Josh Slattery gives some insight into the changes to these plans. Josh will also provide some clarity into the differences between non-commissionable and suppression.
If you would like a closer look at all of these commission changes, please click this link in our Agent Portal https://agent.thebrokerageinc.com/medicare-non-commissionable-plans/
While selling Medicare and ACA, don't forget to include Life insurance in your client's portfolio. Each of our Brokerage Inc. 2025 AEP Kickoff events included a discussion with our Life Sales Director, Chris Newberry and Tyler End the CEO of Retirable.
We wanted to share this discussion in a look back at our events. Our Life team is always available to discuss adding life insurance to your portfolio.
If you want to watch each of these panel discussions, you can visit our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com/kickoff.
We covered a lot of information during The Brokerage Inc. 2025 AEP Kickoff events including information on selling other products. As look back at one of the panel discussions we do a deep dive into selling ACA or health insurance products. The Brokerage Inc. National Health Sales Director, Mike Papuc hosted a discussion with various reps on diversifying with ACA & ancillary products.
Included are reps from:
- Aetna
- Ambetter
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield
- Cigna
- UnitedHealthcare
- UnitedHealthcare Golden Rule
If you want to watch each of these panel discussions, you can visit our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com/kickoff.
During The Brokerage Inc. 2025 AEP Kickoff events, we hosted panels discussing important information for insurance agents as they prepare for their selling season. We look back at these discussions in this replay from the DFW event.
One of our Regional Sales Directors from the DFW area, Leigha Hayes talks with reps from the top Provider Marketing carriers to discuss how to partner with them for 2025.
Included are reps from:
- CenterWell
- WellMed
If you want to watch each of these panel discussions, you can visit our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com/kickoff.
Here's another chance to catch up on some of the panel discussions The Brokerage Inc. had at their annual 2025 AEP Kickoff events as agents start their selling season. We look back at these discussions in this replay from the DFW event.
Our President Emeritus, Mike Smith talks with reps from the top Medicare Supplement carriers to discuss the plan benefits for 2025.
Included are reps from:
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- Humana
- UnitedHealthcare
- Wellcare
If you would like to see each of these panel discussions, you can visit our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com/kickoff.
During The Brokerage Inc. 2025 AEP Kickoff events, we hosted panels discussing important information for insurance agents as they prepare for their selling season. We are taking a look back at these discussions in this replay from the DFW event.
Our Executive Vice President, Josh Slattery talks with reps from the top Medicare Advantage carriers to discuss the plan benefits for 2025.
Included are reps from:
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- Humana
- UnitedHealthcare
- Wellcare
If you would like to see each of these panel discussions, you can visit our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com/kickoff.
Were you able to make it to one of our annual AEP roadshows this year? If not, we have you covered. Fresh off our 7 Annual AEP Kickoff events, we are sharing some of our discussions.
The first is a discussion titled "Fireside Chat on the Inflation Reduction Act Impact & Part D with our Executive Vice President, Josh Slattery and Bill Hepscher, Founder of The Canadian Medstore. It is an in-depth conversation about how prescription drug changes will affect you and your clients.
If you would like a full recap of our events, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com.
If you have been around since the beginning of Facebook, you have probably noticed differences in how you see and share your content. The same goes for Facebook Ads. The Facebook algorithm is creating better results for organic content and stories rather than ads.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Bob Whitis with BrightFire busts a few myths about using Facebook Ads for Independent Insurance Agents.
Here are some suggestions for getting better traction on Facebook:
- Post consistently
- Invite policyholders to follow your page
- Create content showing the personal side of your business, rather than just text
- Engage with followers especially when they engage with you
BrightFire partners with The Brokerage Inc. to help agents with their website, SEO, social media, and a lot more. Visit www.brightfire.com/thebrokerageinc to learn more about how to use BrightFire for your business.
Are you planning on attending one of The Brokerage Inc. Kickoff events? We really hope to see you there! Each year at the time The Brokerage Inc. hosts a kickoff event in four Texas cities. This year we have expanded it into three more. These events are to help our agents prepare for the upcoming AEP and OEP.
We have already hosted our Miami, Tampa, and El Paso roadshows but have four more coming up in Texas. In this episode of the podcast, Gillan walks you through what to expect at each event.
The Roadshow schedule includes:
- Houston, Tuesday September 10
- Corpus Christi, Thursday, September 12
- San Antonio, Tuesday, September 17
- Dallas, Fort Worth, Tuesday, September 24
You can learn more about these shows and RSVP online at https://thebrokerageinc.com/kickoff.
Have you considered using AI in your business? What is the best way to use it? It can be very effective if used properly.
In this episode of The Broker Link, we talk with Bob Whitis from BrightFire. BrightFire provides a suite of tools for digital marketing solutions. So how can you use AI in your insurance business? One way is for brand awareness and messaging. Another way to use it is for content, code, answers to questions, and so much more.
Some AI solutions include ChatGPT, Gemini by Google, and Microsoft Co-Pilot are among the top tools.
Bob will also talk about some of the misconceptions people have about using AI.
Go to www.brightfire.com/thebrokerageinc to find out how BrightFire can help you.
Wouldn't it be great if insurance agents could have a place to go to help inform and keep their clients? Now you do. The Brokerage Inc. is offering its agents a way to stay in touch and provide the very latest, up-to-date information. It's called the Member Retention Program and is now available.
In this episode of The Broker Link, The Brokerage Inc. Executive Vice President, Josh Slattery introduces us to the Member Retention Program. This is a re-watch of a webinar he shared with agents. He will also go over everything you need to know about it. Discover how The Brokerage Inc. can help you reach and retain members.
For any additional information or if you would like to be a part of it, visit us at www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Do you understand all the changes coming to Medicare Part D in 2025? These changes are significant so we decided to run through everything you need to know!
In this episode of The Broker Link, Josh Slattery, Executive VP at The Brokerage Inc. and Regional Sales Director, David Ireland talk through all of the changes.
They will help you:
- Understand the critical Part D changes for 2025 and how it impacts both the agents and members
- Determine what consumer and agent behaviors will change as a result of the Part D program changes.
- Provide solutions to agents on how to assist members in becoming educated about Part D changes and evaluate plan options.
Learn how to prepare yourself for the new changes, from understanding the impact on prescription medication costs to making informed decisions for your clients.
For any additional information, please reach out to Josh or David at The Brokerage Inc. (www.thebrokerageinc.com)
As we approach the insurance selling season, it's time to review and strategize your techniques for selling.
In this episode of The Broker Link, we peek in on a presentation by our National Health Sales Director, Mike Papuc on mastering your sales technique.
You will gain insights on understanding client pain points, positioning yourself as a multifaceted solution maker, and practical strategies for identifying and addressing client concerns, building trust, and driving loyalty.
Unlock success by identifying client needs, optimizing commission and bonus potential, and developing a tailored plan of action that addresses your client's goals and objectives.
If you want to learn more, visit us at www.thebrokerageinc.com.
It's been a very turbulent year in the insurance industry, are you ready for all the changes? Do you have the tools necessary to thrive in AEP 2025? The Brokerage Inc. is here to help guide you through.
In this episode of The Broker Link, The Brokerage Inc.'s Executive Vice President, Josh Slattery and President Emeritus, Mike Smith break down all the information you will need to have a successful AEP.
You will learn;
- Where we stand with the CMS Final Rule of 2024
- How the political season will impact AEP
- Where we stand with the "Chevron" deference
- How is direct mail impacted this year
- Med Sup trends for 2025
- Technology updates
- How our new Member Retention Program will help you with your book of business
- And so much more...
Be sure to mark your calendars for August 8 at 10 am for our webinar on the new Member Retention Program. You can register here.
Have you ever considered selling travel insurance to your clients? Travel insurance can be an essential part of your travel planning, especially for Medicare customers.
In this episode of The Broker Link, we hear from Todd Taylor of GeoBlue, about the importance of travel insurance. We also explore all of GeoBlue's travel insurance plans, why your clients need it, and how it works, including premiums, policy periods, and coverage options. We'll delve into the details of what's covered, such as medical evacuations, hospital stays, and more.
If you would like to learn more, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com and search our portal for more information.
How much do you keep up with Social Security? Do you understand how it's calculated or even how it's even changed over the years?
For the second year straight, The Brokerage Inc. hosted a special webinar with Social Security expert Jody Harris. And today we are bringing all of that information to you. In this episode you will learn:
- Why you should coordinate your Social Security benefits with other retirement sources
- How your benefits are calculated
- What is the impact of your marital status, work history and taxes
- Why is it important to claim your benefits at the right age
- And so much more
If you have any questions, please visit our website or YouTube channel for the complete webinar along with some popular questions Jody answered. Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com
Insurance agents, have you ever thought you would like to build your own insurance agency? And if you just had the tools and knowledge you could do it. Now you do!
In this episode of The Broker Link, Regional Medicare Sales Director, David Ireland explains what it takes to start an agency, recruit agents, and grow it into a successful business.
How many years do you need as an agent? Do you need start-up money to start an agency? What will be different? He answers all these questions and more in this episode.
If you are considering it or want to learn more about The Brokerage Inc., an FMO (Field Marketing Organization) with nearly 50 years in the industry, visit us at www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Are you thinking about expanding your insurance business? Have you considered becoming a Registered Social Security Analyst or RSSA? Insurance agents are overlooking this lead generation strategy.
In this episode of The Broker Link, we talk with Thomas Drapala, Registered Social Security Analyst's Director of Strategic Partnerships. He dives into how agents can help their clients make the best decisions for their retirement while growing their businesses.
Drapala goes over what you get in return by going through the program and becoming a Registered Social Security Analyst.
It includes:
- Education
- Training
- Technology
- Marketing
- Back Office Support
For being a Brokerage Inc. agent, you will get a special discount when you sign up for the program. Go to www.rssa.com/thebrokerage for all the details on how you can become an analyst.
Have you been thinking about getting into selling Medicare? Or maybe you are a health and life insurance agent wanting to expand your portfolio. This is a great time to get into Medicare sales and we want to help you get started.
In this episode of The Broker Link Podcast, we go back to the basics of how to get started in Medicare sales. One of The Brokerage Inc.'s Regional Sales Directors, David Ireland walks us through the process of selling Medicare.
You will also learn:
- How to get certified
- How do you get paid
- The best marketing strategies
- Where to start selling
- And a lot more.
If you want to learn more about The Brokerage Inc. as an FMO partner, visit us at www.thebrokerageinc.com
It's that time of year again when people hit the roads to take to the skies for their annual vacation. It's also a great time of year for agents to see if their clients need travel insurance. Adding travel insurance to your portfolio is a great way to increase your cross-selling opportunities.
In this replay of our travel insurance episode, Ronda Logan, the Director of Business Development with IMG walks agents through the different products they offer including the iTravel insured program, short-term policies, the Patriot travel program, International Student programs, and more.
If you want to hear more of Ronda's discussion on IMG travel insurance, visit The Brokerage Inc. YouTube channel.
And to get contracted with The Brokerage Inc., go to www.thebrokerageinc.com.
In the market for an FMO? Now is the time to start doing your research. An FMO or Field Marketing Organization is an insurance marketing organization that is a third party between the agent and the insurance carrier. The insurance carriers rely on these entities to support the agent at no charge to the independent broker.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Gillan breaks down the differences between an FMO, IMO, and GA. He will also share what to look for when choosing the right partner. Some things to look for include:
- Available carriers
- Contract structure
- Training
- Service and Support
- Technology
- Company history and reputation
- And a lot more.
There are also some other previous episodes that can help you learn more about choosing an FMO.
- How to Choose the Right Insurance Marketing Organization
- Leaving a Legacy: The Brokerage Inc. Story
If you want to learn more about what The Brokerage Inc. has to offer, visit our website www.thebrokerageinc.com.
In business and life, you can learn a lot from the people who have experienced it before you. At The Brokerage Inc., we have the honor and pleasure to have Cheryl Hopkin as our CEO. Cheryl and her husband Ross started this company in the 1970s and over time it continues to be one of the premier FMOs (Field Marketing Organizations) in the country.
At a recent employee summit, Cheryl spoke with Ivonne Acuna about her history, what it takes to be a business owner and how she feels about all of her partners.
Enjoy this conversation with our owner, co-founder and CEO.
If you would like to know more about The Brokerage Inc., visit our website www.thebrokerageinc.com.
If you don't fully understand the new CMS Final Rule pertaining to FMOs you are not alone. It's still a little unclear. In this episode of The Broker Link, The Brokerage Inc. President Emeritus, Mike Smith talks with John Greene, Sr. Vice President of Government Affairs of NABIP (National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals).
This discussion occurred at an event with insurance agents and agency owners. You will hear questions from agents on what matters to them. Please excuse any audio issues we had. It's a great discussion on the insurance industry as it pertains to the CMS Final Rule.
If you still have questions about the CMS Final Rule for FMOs, visit our website www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Agents, do you ever talk with your clients about Social Security? If not you should start discussing their benefits and options when to take it.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Mike Smith, a newly appointed Registered Social Security Analyst (RSSA) discusses what agents should know about Social Security. He will also talk about the process of becoming an analyst.
If you want to learn more about RSSA, you can visit their website www.rssa.com. Or you can reach out to Mike or our office at The Brokerage Inc., www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Do you have any plans to help clients with Long Term Care? It's a growing problem that could get even worse in the coming years.
In this episode of The Broker Link, we sit down with Mike Smith, President Emeritus at The Brokerage Inc. to discuss this growing problem and how you can help with the solution.
If you want to learn more about Long Term Care or any of the products at The Brokerage Inc., visit www.thebrokerageinc.com.
As we continue our series on SEP Success, today we take a look at how to bundle some of your products.
Health expert, Michelle McLaren explains the power of strategic bundling and how it can help you thrive in the off-season.
Michelle tells us how to:
- Learn client-focused solutions
- Bundle packages
- Key practices for success in insurance sales
- Explain a client's qualifications
- Help clients dealing with Medicaid Unwinding
- Talk about deductibles
- And a lot more!
And if you would like to start this series from the beginning, check out this podcast, SEP Success: ACA 101
How can you maximize sales of ACA health insurance plans during Special Enrollment Periods? In this episode of the Broker Link, we listen to a webinar hosted by Michelle McLaren, a Sales Specialist with The Brokerage Inc.
Michelle teaches us about qualifying life events, plan options, and affordability programs to boost your sales. She offers valuable tips and strategies for selling ACA plans successfully outside of Open Enrollment.
This is a great chance for you to enhance your sales strategies in the evolving world of ACA health insurance.
And if you would like to learn more, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com.
The Brokerage Inc. ACA Health team is growing and expanding, gearing up for our best year yet! In this episode of The Broker Link, you will meet our new Health National Sales Director, Mike Papuc who talks with John Ross Hopkin, our Director of Strategic Partnerships about all the exciting things going on in the ACA department.
You will learn about:
- Our growth in other states
- Sales Techniques
- Cross Selling strategies
- Supplemental Health
- Call Centers
- Business Retention
- And a lot more!
If you want to learn more about our ACA Health expansion, visit our new and improved website www.thebrokerageinc.com.
NABIP held its annual Capitol Conference 2024 last week in Washington, DC to discuss topics and legislation affecting health insurance professionals. The Brokerage Inc. has always supported NABIP and the Capitol Conference. Mike Smith, our President Emeritus, and Josh Slattery, our Vice President, attended the conference to see what to expect in the upcoming year.
NABIP is an organization that works hard to ensure all Americans have access to high quality, affordable Healthcare and related services. If you would like to learn more or get involved in NABIP, visit www.nabip.org.
In the meantime, you can listen to Mike and Josh discuss their takeaways from this year's conference in this episode of The Broker Link.
And please visit www.thebrokerageinc.com to check out our new and improved website.
Protecting your business from cyber threats is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your success. Cybercriminals won't hesitate to infiltrate your online presence and do damage in the process. If you are an insurance agent or agency, you should take a look at what CyberFin can do for you.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Chris and Daniel from CyberFin run down all the potential threats insurance agents and agencies are facing. They will also tell you how you can protect yourself. For as low as $50 per month, you can take away all the worry about cybercriminals and protect your home life in the process.
Visit www.cyberfin.net/thebrokerageinc for more information about a special deal for all Brokerage Inc. partners. And you can schedule a free cyber assessment by going to www.cyberfin.net.
Are you looking to give your Medicare Clients financial advice? There are times when we want to help our clients beyond their insurance needs. Now there is a partner you can share with your clients. They are Retirable, a service providing your clients financial wellness benefits while growing your client relationships, retention and revenue.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Gillan speaks with Tyler End, the Founder and CEO of Retirable. They talk about how this service works and how you can help your clients.
If you want to learn more about Retirable and our other tech partners, go to https://thebrokerageinc.com/tech/ and click on the link.
Looking for something new and different to give this Valentine's Day? What about protecting your family and loved ones with an insurance policy?
February is Insure Your Love month and the perfect time for talking to your clients about protecting the ones they love. In this episode of The Broker Link, Chris Newberry discusses all the way you can protect your family and how you can secure a policy quickly without hassle.
If you don't offer life insurance or final expense insurance, you should contact the Life Team here at The Brokerage Inc. so you can add it to your portfolio.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com for all the details.
Welcome back to The Broker Link podcast! As we kick off our 4th season, we give you a look at what you can expect in this new season of the podcast.
Our host and Director of Marketing and Communications, Gillan Boyer takes a deep dive into how we will break down our new season. We have a lot of incredible podcast topics to share with you in the new season and you can expect all NEW content.
We hope you will enjoy the 2024 season and find the support you need to grow your insurance business. Please subscribe to the podcast so you will be notified when a new podcast goes live. Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com to learn more about how we can help you.
If you are an insurance agent and live in the South, you have probably heard of Miguel Delgado of Elite Partners. He is the founder and CEO of this very successful insurance agency. But his insurance journey wasn't clear-cut nor an easy one.
In this episode of The Broker Link, we conclude our series on successful Agency Partners of The Brokerage Inc. Miguel didn't start his career in insurance but quickly grew Elite Partners into one of the biggest agencies in the South. He explains his rise in the insurance industry and what made the difference in his growth. You will also learn how he came up with the name of his agency and how the Brokerage Inc. made a huge difference in his business.
If you want to learn more about Miguel or Elite Partners, you can visit his website, We Make Medicare Easy, or click the link for more information www.wemakemedicareeasy.us And if you are looking for an FMO, we hope you will consider The Brokerage Inc. All of our information can be found at www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Thanks for another amazing season of The Broker Link. We will be back early in 2024 with all new episodes. For now, we hope you all enjoy the holiday season.
If you are interested in growing your agency or starting one? Our Agency Owner Spotlight series is for you. In this third installment of our agency spotlights, we meet Tom Mays and Travis Branch from Local Insurance Advisors.
Very much like our previous owner episodes, Tom and Travis have a very unique story. LIA is based in Oklahoma but has agents all across the country. Their journey to success is unique because of their backgrounds. You will learn what drives them and what their philosophy is on growing the agency.
If you would like more information about Local Insurance Advisors, visit www.localinsuranceadvisor.com or The Brokerage Inc. at www.thebrokerageinc.com.
The Brokerage Inc. could not do what we do without our agents and agency partners. They are not only the lifeblood of The Brokerage Inc., but they are also our partners and friends. We enjoy seeing our partners thrive and grow successful businesses. In this episode of The Broker Link, we continue showcasing some of our partners.
In this Agency Owner Spotlight, we talk with Raul Gonzalez, the Founder and Owner of Texas Medicare Solutions, or TMS in the San Antonio area. Raul's journey to success started by making just one important move on his way to creating his agency. If you would like more information about TMS, visit www.tmsbrokerage.com or The Brokerage Inc. at www.thebrokerageinc.com.
The agents and agency partners are the lifeblood of The Brokerage Inc. Their successes are our successes and we love seeing our partners thrive and grow successful businesses. As we wrap up another amazing podcast season, we are showcasing some of our partners and how they grew their businesses.
In this Agency Owner Spotlight, we talk with Martha Camarillo, the Principal at MLC Insurance Group in the DFW area. Her journey to success is a unique one and she dives into her background and how she got into the insurance industry. Martha also reveals her advice for finding the right FMO and growing a successful insurance agency.
If you would like more information about MLC Insurance, visit www.mlcig.com or The Brokerage Inc. at www.thebrokerageinc.com.
If you are looking for a little bit more motivation for AEP or OEP, this episode of The Broker Link will get you there. During our 2024 Kickoff events across Texas, The Brokerage Inc. was honored and fortunate to have Dan Clark as our keynote speaker. Dan is one of the top ten motivational speakers in the world. He is also a NYT Best Selling author, Award-winning songwriter, Mentor to high-profile athletes and celebrities, an Entrepreneur, and so much more!
But what sets Dan apart from other speakers is his deep compassion and thoughtful storytelling. He truly is one of the best! In this episode, we are looking back at Dan's keynote address in San Antonio, Texas.
We hope you enjoy it as much as we did. If you want to learn more about Dan, visit him at www.danclark.com. Or learn more about The Brokerage Inc. at www.thebrokerageinc.com.
There are a growing number of providers coming into the Texas market, making this level of care a great partnership for agents. Provider based care goes beyond just the doctor, patient, and the care they receive. So how can you partner with these providers?
In this episode of The Broker Link, we revisit a panel discussion during our DFW Kickoff event. The Brokerage Inc. Executive Vice President, Josh Slattery talks with representatives from Wellmed, Centerwell and Dedicated.
If you want to learn more, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com and visit our learning hub.
Now that AEP is in full swing, it's time to think about other ways to help your clients. During our 2024 Kickoff event, we hosted a panel discussion on cross-selling tips from some of our top vendors. They included The Canadian Medstore, Retirable and Manhattan Life. We also heard from our own life department on how to sell life insurance to your book of business.
In this episode of The Broker Link, The Brokerage Inc. President, Mike Smith discusses ways to help your clients and also grow your business during this selling season.
For any information on these vendors, you can always visit our website www.thebrokerageinc.com, and visit our Broker Portal for information.
Have you started selling ACA plans? This may be the perfect time to start selling health insurance. And even with AEP underway, it's not too late to get started.
In this episode of The Broker Link, we revisit our 2024 Kickoff Events with a panel discussion on ACA Trends for 2024. The Brokerage Inc. President, Mike Smith, discusses what to expect in the Affordable Care Act in 2024. His panelists include representatives from Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Cigna.
If you want to learn more about selling ACA insurance, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com. Our staff can help you get started. And if you are already selling it, we can help you with a strategy for growing your book of business.
There are a lot of new incentives in Medicare Supplements ahead of AEP 2024! And you can find out all about them in this episode of The Broker Link.
We listen back at our Medicare Supplement panel in San Antonio, Texas during our AEP Kickoff event. The Brokerage Inc. President, Mike Smith talks with representatives from AARP (UnitedHealthcare), Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana and Wellabe.
Some of the topics they discuss include:
- Rate Stability
- The restructuring of Part D
- Trainings
- Cross-selling
- Underwriting
- Incentives
- And more!
If you are looking for more information on Medicare Supplements, visit our website www.thebrokerageinc.com, and talk with one of our product specialists.
Do you feel like you understand all of the new compliance rules? Are you ready for AEP? We continue our Let's Talk Compliance series with our final episode on sales and a final rule overview. The Brokerage Inc.'s Compliance Director, Diana McElroy, and Training Specialist, Ivonne Acuna dive deep into what you need to know about selling this AEP season.
In this episode, we will cover:
- How much time between a sales and education event
- Where did you get your leads
- Rules around the scope of appointment (SOA)
- And much more.
If you want to submit a document for approval, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com and log into the agent portal. Click on the compliance tab and look for submitting materials. Our process will also give you an ID# so you have a record of the approval process. Or you can contact our compliance department by emailing Diana at diana@thebrokerageinc.com.
What can you expect in Medicare Advantage for 2024? The plans are out and carrier representatives are talking about them. The Brokerage Inc.'s 2024 Kickoff events have wrapped up with record number of agents, agency partners, vendors, and carrier partners attending. And with that, great information to help you sell in 2024.
In this episode of The Broker Link, we begin a series of panel discussion recaps from our event in DFW. In this MAPD discussion we hear from our partners at Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Care n Care, Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and Wellcare.
Next week, we will hear from our Medicare Supplement panel on what to expect in 2024.
As always, you can visit www.thebrokerageinc.com for any questions you have about the upcoming selling season.
As insurance agents prepare for the upcoming AEP, coming up with a marketing plan or strategy is equally as important as selling.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Cynthia Rosales goes into great detail about setting up a sales event for potential clients. Cynthia is a Regional Sales Director at The Brokerage Inc. She is also an expert on this topic, setting up many sales events for agents. This episode will help you plan a sales event with great examples of where to go, how to attract clients, and even what food to serve.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com to learn more about The Brokerage Inc. or to reach out to Cynthia or another one of our specialists.
Have you registered for The Brokerage Inc. Kickoff event yet? We will begin a series of rollout events starting next week, September 12th in San Antonio and continue onto DFW, Corpus Christi and Houston. This is our annual Brokerage Kickoff event and it will give you everything you will need for 2024 AEP.
This mini episode of The Broker Link gives you a short synopsis of what you can expect at this year's event. As with every year, we will have updates from all your favorite carrier reps, a legislative update, how to grow your business with technology, a fantastic guest speaker in Dan Clark and so much more.
Here are the dates of this year's events:
Tuesday, September 12 - San Antonio
Thursday, September 14 - DFW
Tuesday, September 19 - Corpus Christi
Thursday, September 21 - Houston
Visit www.brokeragekickoff.com to register and learn more about these fantastic events. We hope to see you there.
As agents prepare for the start of the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), it's important to learn as much as you can about ancillary products you can cross-sell during your client meetings.
In this episode of The Broker Link, we peek inside a webinar with UnitedHealthcare Sales Director Jorge Baste who talks about a few new products in their dental and hospital plans. The UHC The Chesapeake Life Insurance Company, formerly known as Surbridge, has some plans that agents will get excited about.
If you would like to view the entire webinar, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com and click on the agent portal. The original webinar also included a tutorial on the Point of Sale Tool to create an account and get quotes for your clients.
We continue our Let's Talk Compliance series with an overview of events and what rules you need to follow if you are planning an event. The Brokerage Inc.'s Compliance Director, Diana McElry, and Training Specialist, Ivonne Acuna dive deep into what you need to know about planning a Medicare event.
Some of the questions they will answer include:
- When can you use the word Medicare?
- Can you do a giveaway?
- What types of snacks can you serve? When can you serve a meal?
- Can you host a series of events in connecting locations?
- And many more.
If you want to submit a document for approval, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com and log into the agent portal. Click on the compliance tab and look for submitting materials. Our process will also give you an ID# so you have a record of the approval process.
Have you seen the new 2024 ACA rate plans yet? The new Affordable Care Act rate plans are now available for you to review... and there is some good news.
In this episode of The Broker Link, The Brokerage Inc. President, Mike Smith gives us an overview of the new 2024 plans. He will discuss what agents can expect in 2024. He will address the rate changes, carrier info and what you need to know about the plans for the new year. This is a replay of a live webinar so there will be some references to the www.healthcare.gov and look up rate review. Or you can just listen to this podcast for everything you need to know.
You can also join The Brokerage Inc. team for additional webinars on ACA opportunities. Check out our list of upcoming webinars on the events page on our website. Here's a link: https://thebrokerageinc.com/events/all-events/.
Are your insurance clients asking you for financial advice? There are times when we want to help our clients beyond their insurance needs. Now there is a partner you can share with your clients. They are Retirable, a service providing your clients financial wellness benefits while growing your client relationships, retention and revenue.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Gillan speaks with Tyler End, the Founder and CEO of Retirable. They talk about how this service works and how you can help your clients. They will also address an upcoming webinar you can attend to learn more and ask any questions you may have.
If you would like to attend the webinar, it will be on August 16th, 2023 at 10 am CST. You can register for this webinar by clicking on this link: https://thebrokerageinc.com/event/retirable-the-retirement-planning-solution-your-medicare-clients-need/.
For more information on The Brokerage Inc., visit www.thebrokerageinc.com
Have you ever heard of "keep in touch" marketing? It's exactly what you think it would be, keeping in touch with your clients with a simple email or phone call to see how they are doing. Some agents will take it a little bit farther and send advice, tips, cross-selling information, etc.
In this episode of The Broker Link, The Brokerage Inc. Marketing Director, Gillan Boyer offers advice on how to stay in touch with your book of business. This doesn't have to be complicated. He has great suggestions on how to check on your clients and show them you care.
For more information about The Brokerage Inc., visit our website www.thebrokerageinc.com
Most insurance agents appear to spend most of their time trying to figure out all of the rules and regulations of compliance. But compliance doesn't have to be that complicated, especially if you follow all of the rules CMS has set up.
In this episode of The Broker Link, The Brokerage Inc. Compliance Director, Diana McElroy, and Training Specialist Ivonne Acuna talk about all of marketing & communications guidelines agents need to follow to be compliant. They will also address other topics like websites, disclaimers, TV and social media, company titles, complaints and a lot more.
When it comes to marketing and communications guidelines, Diana suggests:
- Keep it simple & generic
- Be transparent in order to build trust
- Use pre-approved materials
- Clairify if your event is educational or a sales event
- Use common sense
If you have any questions for Diana or her team at The Brokerage Inc., email her at compliance@thebrokerageinc.com. To file a complaint with CMS, email marketing@CMS.HHS.gov.
As always you can learn more about The Brokerage Inc. online at www.thebrokerageinc.com. There you can also find a list of upcoming Compliance trainings under our Resources tab. Mark your calendars, the next compliance training is coming up on August 10th at 10 am CST.
The buzz word for 2023 appears to be "AI" or Artificial Intelligence. But is it something we really have to worry about in the insurance industry?
In this episode of The Broker Link, Gillan Boyer, Director of Marketing for The Brokerage Inc., shares his insight into AI and how agents can take advantage of it in their business. Will it ever replace agents? It's unlikely but Gillan shares his opinion on how it might help agents.
For more information about The Brokerage Inc., visit www.thebrokerageinc.com. And don't forget to subscribe to The Broker Link for new episodes every Tuesday.
Insurance agents, have you ever tried grassroots marketing when recruiting new clients? There are countless things you can do to get the attention of potential clients.
On this episode of The Broker Link, Evette Rodney from The Brokerage Inc. Houston office, discusses different strategies agents can use to recruit new clients and start a relationship with new leads. Evette is an expert on grassroots marketing and provider marketing and she offers great ideas.
For more information about grassroots, provider or other forms of marketing, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Are you a little intimidated by all the compliance for insurance agents? CMS is making changes annually to help better protect agents and their clients. But are you having a hard time keeping up with the changes?
In this episode of The Broker Link Podcast, The Brokerage Inc. Compliance Officer Diana McElroy and Training Specialist Ivonne Acuna discuss the basics of compliance and how to understand it. Insurance Compliance doesn't have to be the boogeyman. It can be followed if you have the tools to understand it.
The Brokerage Inc. is hosting a webinar titled "Communication and Marketing Compliance- 2024 Final Rule" on July 13th. You can attend in person or virtually. Visit The Brokerage Inc. Event's page to learn more.
Are you aware of the new regulations coming to the ACA in 2024? These changes are related to the notice of benefits and payment perameters from CMS regarding healthcare.gov and marketplace plans.
In this episode of The Broker Link, The Brokerage Inc. President, Mike Smith discusses how CMS is trying to fix the issues involving the "agent of record" changes taking place without clients knowing.
To learn more about these new regulations, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com and log into the agent portal. Visit ACA Resources and click on CMS consent form for the download. Or you can just download the CMS Consent form here!
Agents, are you getting countless questions about Social Security from your insurance clients? You are not alone. The topic of Social Security is an important one and most people have questions about how it will work and if it will be available when we retire.
In this episode of The Broker Link, brought to you by our friends at Protective Life, Social Security Consultant, Jody Harris will answer all of those most asked questions. Jody worked for the Social Security Administration for 34 years and is the leading expert on this topic. You will also hear from Amanda Fleskoski, a VP at Protective Life about how to help your clients with their retirement.
There were additional questions Jody didn't have time to answer during the broadcast, for those answers visit www.thebrokerageinc.com and visit our portal.
And for those interested in checking the status of your Social Security, go to www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
The certification season is upon us, are you ready? Each year at this time, Medicare agents have to catch up on their certifications if they want to continue selling Medicare insurance through specific carriers.
This year, there is more than just the AHIP certification to consider. You may also certify under NABIP.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Gillan sits down with one of The Brokerage Inc.'s Regional Sales Directors, Nick Cindric, about the process of getting certified.
And if you want a complete list of the carriers, and the certifications they require, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com and log into the agent portal. You can also find links to the certifications there as well.
Are you thinking about selling Medicare? Or are you an agent looking for ideas on how to grow your business?
In this episode of The Broker Link Podcast, we go back to the basics of how to get started in Medicare sales. One of The Brokerage Inc.'s Regional Sales Directors, David Ireland walks us through the process of selling Medicare.
You will also learn:
- How to get certified
- How do you get paid
- The best marketing strategies
- Where to start selling
- And a lot more.
If you want to learn more about The Brokerage Inc. as an FMO partner, visit us at www.thebrokerageinc.com
What do you or your clients know about life settlements? Life settlements are all the buzz these days in the life insurance industry. It's essentially a legal sale of an existing life insurance policy to a third-party investor. The sale is for more than its cash surrender value but less than its net death benefit. It's becoming very popular with folks over 75 who have had a change in their health condition.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Ryan Thompson, founder of PolicyMarket, discusses all the ins and outs of life settlements with The Brokerage Inc.'s Life Insurance Regional Sales Director, Chris Newberry.
Together they answer these questions:
- Who is an ideal candidate for life settlements/
- What options do clients have?
- What are the steps to get started?
- And many more...
If you would like to contact The Brokerage Inc. life department about getting started, visit us at www.thebrokerageinc.com for more information.
It's that time of year again when people hit the roads to take to the skies for their annual vacation. It's also a great time of year for agents to see if their clients need travel insurance. Adding travel insurance to your portfolio is a great way to increase your cross-selling opportunities.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Ronda Logan, the Director of Business Development with IMG walks agents through the different products they offer including the iTravel insured program, short-term policies, the Patriot travel program, International Student programs, and more.
If you want to hear more of Ronda's discussion on IMG travel insurance, visit The Brokerage Inc. YouTube channel.
And to get contracted with The Brokerage Inc., go to www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Are you using social media to its full potential? Social media can be really effective to grow your brand, improve your local reach and convert leads if used correctly.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Gillan runs through the state of social media marketing for 2023 from the perspective of marketing your business.
What platforms should you be on? How often should you post? These are just some of the questions he will answer during this episode. This is a great podcast to listen to if you want to think outside the box.
For more information on The Brokerage Inc., visit www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Agents, do you have diabetic clients in need of help affording supplies for their medications? Advanced Diabetes Supply or ADS offers specialized, personal home delivery to diabetes patients. They carry all brands of Continuous Glucose Monitoring supplies, insulin pumps, and pump supplies, as well as other brands of diabetes supplies and accessories.
In this episode of The Broker Link, we listen to a presentation by Tom Calder of ADS about how agents can help their Medicare clients with this personalized service.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com and click on our Agent Portal to find out more about ADS. Not an agent with us yet? You can also register on our website.
Are you aware of the Medicaid redetermination (or unwinding) process? Since COVID, annual Medicaid redetermination was put on hold, meaning people stayed on Medicaid even if they didn't qualify. So in February, states began their Medicaid redetermination process with dis-enrollment to start on April 1st of this year.
Several million people will become uninsured because of this and a quarter of those people are expected to qualify for an ACA plan. This could be a great opportunity for agents in the ACA market.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Sonia Porras with UnitedHealthcare shares UHC's strategy to help enroll clients into their ACA plan.
If you have any questions about Medicaid redetermination or unwinding, visit a new website we have set up. It's www.medicaidopportunity.com. And as always, you can visit www.thebrokerageinc.com for more information.
The CMS Medicare Marketing Final Rule will go into effect for Medicare agents later in June and there are definitely some changes agents need to be aware of.
The Brokerage Inc. President, Mike Smith, and Vice President, Josh Slattery sat down to discuss how these changes can impact you and your business. This deep dive into the CMS rule is a thorough look into what you can expect and how to make changes to accommodate.
As always, you can find out more at www.thebrokerageinc.com. Reach out to any of our Medicare Specialists to answer any questions.
There are many ways to generate leads in this business, but one of the more unique strategies for Medicare and Health Insurance brokers is provider marketing.
Whether it’s a primary care physician, dentist, or pharmacy, these providers need experts who can ethically advise their clients regarding their healthcare coverage.
Evette Rodney has helped hundreds of agents to succeed with these strategies, and she’s giving us the full scoop in this informative masterclass.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Evette runs through her Provider Marketing strategies for agents to expand their businesses.
For more information on Provider Marketing, visit our website www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Retail Marketing has become a great source of business for insurance agents. In fact, since Covid, this has become the #1 lead source for agents.
In this episode of The Broker Link, DFW Regional Sales Director, Jamie Gaskill shares her strategy for retail marketing from an agent's perspective. Who is retail marketing best suited for? How much does it cost? Where can agents go to meet potential clients? Jamie answers these questions and a lot more.
If you are looking for information on Retail Marketing or want to know more about The Brokerage Inc. visit our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Can Value-Based Care make a huge difference for Medicare patients? Value-Based Care is a model where providers (doctors, hospitals, and others) are paid based on the health outcome of their patients and the quality of services given. This is to insure patients the quality of their care.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Gillan talks with Carl-Philippe Denis, our Medicare Regional Sales Director in Florida, to discuss how to incentivize doctors to provide the correct care for their patients. This is a great conversation about the accountability of health care.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com to find out how to reach out to CP or any of our Sales Directors.
If you are looking for a CRM for your insurance business, now is a great time to look into AgencyBloc. AgencyBloc is an agency management system that helps health & life insurance agencies grow. It's an all-in-one solution that helps you keep track of the day-to-day. And with the acquisition of Radius, AgencyBloc can offer you even more for your growing business.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Gillan talks with Steve Ogden and Bob Burns about the acquisition and what it means for you. Learn about what's new and how it can help your business.
If you would like to see if AgencyBloc is right for you, go to www.agencybloc.com/thebrokerageinc for more information. And if you would like to learn more about The Brokerage Inc., visit www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Looking for a new life insurance partner? American Amicable is a great option for agents and their clients.
In this episode of The Broker Link, The Brokerage Inc. Life Insurance Support Specialist, Cristal Torres talks with Darren Hancock of American Amicable about the product and pointers when you are out in the field.
American Amicable is a 100+-year-old company founded in 1910. Its home office is in Waco, Texas. Their specialty is in the Simplified Issue marketplace with an emphasis on Final Expense.
If you would like to add a final expense product to your products, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com to get contracted through The Brokerage Inc.
Now may be a perfect time if you've ever considered selling ACA. Two new ways to expand into the ACA or Affordable Care Act, are Medicaid Redetermination and the Family Glitch.
In this episode of The Broker Link, The Brokerage Inc. President, Mike Smith explains how you can take advantage of these changes to add ACA to your product portfolio.
Mike also mentions a website to get more information and clarity on the Medicaid Redetermination and that is www.medicaid.gov/unwinding. And if you want to learn more about selling ACA, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com and go to ACA resources for more information.
This past week NABIP or The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals, held its annual Capitol Conference in Washington, D.C. The conference attracts insurance professionals from around the country along with legislators to discuss what is going on in the industry.
NABIP represents more than 100,000 licensed health insurance agents, brokers, general agents, consultants, and benefit professionals through more than 200 chapters across America.
The Brokerage Inc. President, Mike Smith, a member of NABIP, attended the conference to get some answers on some important topics facing brokers and others in the industry. He recently sat down with Gillan to discuss some of those topics.
If you would like to become a member of NABIP or find out more about it, visit https://nabip.org/membership.
To learn more about The Brokerage Inc., visit our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.
In the market for an FMO? Now is the time to start doing your research. An FMO or Field Marketing Organization is an insurance marketing organization that is a third party between the agent and the insurance carrier. The insurance carriers rely on these entities to support the agent at no charge to the independent broker.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Gillan breaks down the differences between an FMO, IMO, and GA. He will also share what to look for when choosing the right partner. Some things to look for include:
- Available carriers
- Contract structure
- Training
- Service and Support
- Technology
- Company history and reputation
- And a lot more.
If you want to learn more about what The Brokerage Inc. has to offer, visit our website www.thebrokerageinc.com.
If you've ever thought about building your own insurance agency, this episode is for you. The Brokerage Inc. Regional Sales Director, David Ireland takes a look at what it takes to start an agency and what you can expect when you do.
How many years do you need as an agent? Do you need start-up money to start an agency? What will be different? He answers all of these questions and more in this episode of The Broker Link.
And if you are considering it or want to learn more about The Brokerage Inc., an FMO (Field Marketing Organization) with nearly 50 years in the industry, visit us at www.thebrokerageinc.com.
In the month of February, the insurance industry reminds us it's a great time to Insure your Love. Meaning, it's a wonderful time of year to think about life insurance. And if you are an insurance agent, you may be thinking about selling life insurance to your clients this month.
"Insure Your Love 2023" is an episode that will catch you up on everything life insurance from an agent's perspective. The Brokerage Inc. has an amazing life insurance team that works all year to provide agents with the best information and the best carriers.
In this episode, Chris Newberry, The Brokerage Inc. Regional Sales Director for Life Insurance, talks about some of the changes to the industry and what you can expect in 2023.
As always, you can reach out to our life department online at www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Are you concerned about cyber security for your small business? If you are not, you should be. According to Cyberfin, cyber threats and cyber extortion are the biggest online threat to your business, second is business interruption caused by an online threat.
Cyberfin offers a simple, all-in-one solution that protects you against cyber attackers. Their solution protects your internet, email, devices, and mobile. And they specialize in helping insurance agents and agencies.
And right now, Cyberfin is offering a free-cyber self-check for you and your business. Email them at protectme@cyberfin.net or call 612-888-0032. The Brokerage Inc. is proud to be a partner with Cyberfin and we offer a special for our agents. Go to www.cyberfin.net/thebrokerageinc for details.
Are you clients asking for a better prescription program to help save time, money, and stress? The Canadian Medstore can help your clients get their prescription medications, delivered to their door at a fraction of the cost.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Founder Bill Hepscher explains how they find the best price on prescription medications and arrange delivery directly to your client's home. Canadian Medstore can be of special assistance to Seniors with Medicare Part D coverage who do not want to get caught in the “Donut Hole” or uninsured person who needs to take expensive medication for the maintenance of their health.
If you want to look into this service for your client, you can find all the information on our website inside our Agent Portal. Go to www.thebrokerageinc.com and log in. Once inside the portal, search Canadian Medstore and you will find the application. If you are currently not an agent in our system, you can register online as well.
Welcome back everyone and Happy 2023! We start the year with a very important topic, client retention. So what can you do to boost client retention? It's important to remember the phrase "keep in touch marketing" or marketing for the sake of being familiar and building on the relationship.
In this episode, Gillan offers solid advice on how to retain your book of business and be a good agent to your client list. Being a good agent will lead to new business and Gillan tells us how.
Remember to visit The Brokerage Inc. website at www.thebrokerageinc.com to listen to past episodes or to learn more about becoming an agent at The Brokerage Inc.
Have you ever wondered how The Brokerage Inc. first started? Ross & Cheryl Hopkin started this FMO (Field Marketing Organization) for the insurance industry back in the 1970s and it's grown to be one of the biggest individually-owned FMOs in the country.
In this final episode of 2022, we revisit an interview with the owner, Cheryl Hopkin, and The Brokerage Inc. President, Mike Smith detailing the story behind The Brokerage Inc.
And if you want to learn more about The Brokerage Inc., visit us at www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Thinking about selling ACA during this open enrollment period? Now is a great time to get into the ACA market.
In this episode of The Broker Link, 5 Reasons NOT to sell ACA, Gillan walks through five excuses most people give for not getting into selling under 65 health insurance. Then he explains why these reasons aren't valid. You will learn how to get started, how much commission you can make, and a lot more about why now is the perfect time to get into selling ACA insurance.
If you want to learn more, visit our website www.thebrokerageinc.com.
As people continue to live longer and longer, it's important to understand our aging population. During The Brokerage Inc.'s Kickoff Event in Corpus Christi, a special Keynote address was given by Viola Monrreal, the Director of the Area Agency on Aging. She discussed the importance of how we see the aging population.
In this episode of The Broker Link, we are replaying the keynote address on The Value of AAA.
As always, if you have any questions or want more information about The Brokerage Inc., visit us at www.thebrokerageinc.com.
OEP season is officially underway! If you are selling ACA or are thinking about it, this podcast is for you. The Brokerage Inc. hosted many ACA carrier reps at all of our Kickoff Events. Panels from each event discussed how to get started, strategies for selling, and how commissions work.
This episode of The Broker Link looks back at the DFW ACA panel discussion on selling ACA for the 2023 season.
If you want more information on selling ACA, visit our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com
As OEP gets started for all ACA agents and clients, we take a deep dive into the uninsured population.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Gillan reviews some research done to identify where the uninsured population is located. Find out which states have the most uninsured Americans. It's an interesting study that may help agents as the selling season begins for the American Rescue Plan Act.
If you want more information about selling ACA or are looking for a new partner, visit The Brokerage Inc. website at www.thebrokerageinc.com.
If you've ever heard Dan Clark speak, you would never forget it. We had the privilege of hosting Dan Clark as our Keynote Speaker for our annual Kickoff events. He spoke to thousands of insurance agents and was met with a standing ovation at every event.
Now is your chance to hear Dan again or for the first time. His presentation The Art of Significance: Achieving the Level Beyond Success is one to listen to on repeat.
We hope you enjoy this encore presentation of Dan Clark. His website is www.danclark.com if you want any additional information about him. And as always you can find out more about The Brokerage Inc. at www.thebrokerageinc.com.
If you are an ACA Insurance Broker you are aware of all the headlines making news in the Affordable Care Act.
In this episode of The Broker Link, The Brokerage Inc. President, Mike Smith gets us caught up on all the late-breaking news. This includes the Family "glitch" being fixed, making more Americans now eligible for subsidies, there are new Carriers entering the ACA plus changes to Medicaid. Learn about all of these changes on this week's podcast.
Still, have questions? Reach out to The Brokerage Inc. by visiting www.thebrokerageinc.com.
What's new in Medicare Supplements in 2023? The Brokerage Inc's 2023 Kickoff Events explored what's new with a host of panelists from the top insurance carriers.
In this episode of The Broker Link, we listen to our Dallas/Fort Worth Medicare Supplement Panel with representatives from AARP, Aetna, Allstate, Capitol Life, Cigna, Medico, and Prosperity Life. Find out what's new with each carrier for 2023 and the highlights of their plans.
If you're an agent looking for an FMO (Field Marketing Organization) or an agency looking for support, find out what The Brokerage Inc. has to offer. Go to www.thebrokerageinc.com to learn more.
Did you attend any of The Brokerage Inc.'s 2023 Kickoff Events? We had a record number of agents, vendors, and carrier partners at each location.
In this episode of The Broker Link, we listen to our Dallas/Fort Worth MAPD Panel with representatives from Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Wellcare, and United Healthcare. Find out what's new with each carrier for 2023 and the highlights of their plans.
If you're an agent looking for an FMO (Field Marketing Organization) or an agency looking for support, find out what The Brokerage Inc. has to offer. Go to www.thebrokerageinc.com to learn more.
Referrals are the key to any growing insurance business and did you know you have the power to turn your business into a referral machine? But before you do that, there are ways to make your business more attractive to potential clients.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Gillan walks through a strategy to make your business worthy of a referral. Do you have a unique angle, mission, or story that people can connect to?
Learn more about connecting with The Brokerage Inc. at www.thebrokerageinc.com.
As you get ready for the selling season, sometimes you need a moment or a podcast to motivate you. In this episode of The Broker Link, Gillan provides some inspiration and ideas on how to be successful in this AEP.
"Sometimes you just need to figure it out" is the name and theme of this episode. Gillan walks through all the excuses we give to not do something and provides some advice on how to get things done.
If you want to be part of The Brokerage Inc. family of agents, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com to find out how to get contracted.
As insurance agents prepare for the upcoming AEP, coming up with a marketing plan or strategy is equally as important as selling.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Cynthia Rosales goes into great detail about setting up a sales event for potential clients. Cynthia is a Regional Sales Director at The Brokerage Inc. She is also an expert on this topic, setting up many sales events for agents. This episode will help you plan a sales event with great examples of where to go, how to attract clients, and even what food to serve.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com to learn more about The Brokerage Inc. or to reach out to Cynthia or another one of our specialists.
Are you curious about how recent legislation could impact your insurance business?
From the Inflation Reduction Act to CMS Call Recordings, The Brokerage Inc. President, Mike Smith updates us on everything he is learning about recent legislation and how to navigate it.
If you want to learn more about how legislation can affect your business, Mike will be talking more about it at The Brokerage Kickoff events starting next week in Dallas/Fort Worth. Go to www.brokeragekickoff.com to find an event near you.
With AEP just around the corner, you may be thinking about how you are going to market your insurance business and gather more leads.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Chris Weir of Lead Concepts runs through many marketing strategies you can implement before open enrollment begins. He discusses direct mail, client retention, leads, and seminars. Chris will also offer you his cell phone number to reach out to him personally.
Visit his website at www.leadconcepts.com. Or if you are looking for an FMO and someone to help you with your insurance business, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Attention insurance agents and brokers! Are you looking for an online platform that can do everything to help you streamline your business?
Simply Enroll or Sunfire Matrix is a platform that provides quoting and enrollment services for health planners and brokers, including call centers and FMOs. It's a service that allows businesses to operate more efficiently.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Gillan talks with David Graf, the CEO of Sunfire Matrix, to explain how his business can help your business.
Go to www.thebrokerageinc.com to learn more about Simply Enroll and Sunfire Matrix.
It's that time of year again, insurance carriers are rolling out their Medicare plans for 2023 and agents are soaking it all in as they prepare for the start of AEP.
On this episode of The Broker Link, The Brokerage Inc.'s Executive Vice President, Josh Slattery runs through the trends in Medicare Advantage for 2023. Josh is actually on the road talking with carrier partners and agents preparing for AEP.
For all the information you need for AEP, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com. You can also learn about our annual kickoff events coming in September.
Are you still confused about the new CMS Medicare Call Recording Requirements? Things continue to change every day but there are ways you can prepare now so you are ready for AEP.
Gillan Boyer breaks down ways you can comply with the new CMS Medicare call recording requirements. He will share our recommendations for how to follow all of the guidelines and help you understand the best approach to take.
Find all of these details on our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Are you looking for a lower-cost alternative to the Affordable Care Act while building your book of business in the over 65 crowd? Pivot Health has an excellent solution for your clients and can help them transition to Medicare.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Todd Greene with Pivot Health explains how to help those clients bridge the gap into Medicare. While Pivot Health is not a carrier, it is a product development, management, and marketing company providing alternative solutions to individuals in the marketplace.
If you want to learn more, you can always visit our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com, and log into our dashboard for information on Pivot Health.
Are you looking to generate leads through advertising? There are two ways insurance agents can create ads to drive leads. One way is with SEO the other is PPC or Pay-Per-Click advertising.
SEO or Search Engine Optimization refers to ways to help your website rank higher in search engine results and PPC is a type of internet marketing where advertisers pay a fee each time one of their text or graphic ads is clicked.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Bob Whitis with BrightFire helps us break down the pros and cons of each of these advertising techniques.
If you want to learn more, visit www.brightfire.com/thebrokerageinc
Agents, did you know you could save your clients hundreds of dollars on their prescriptions? A GlicRX prescription card can provide relief from the high cost of prescription medication for anyone whether they are insured, on Medicare, or do not have insurance.
On this episode of The Broker Link, Chris Jacobs from GlicHealth walks us through all the information you need about GlicRX and all the benefits you can pass off to your clients to help save them money on prescriptions.
To learn more about GlicRX or to sign up, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com and log into the portal and click on Quick Forms. If you are not registered with The Brokerage Inc., you can do so on the website.
Are you confused over the recent CMS ruling requiring agents to record all calls with beneficiaries in their entirety? The Brokerage Inc. President, Mike Smith walks us through the new CMS guidelines.
You'll also learn about the tools coming available to help TBI agents remain compliant. It's important all agents become aware of what will be required of agents before this upcoming AEP.
If you have any additional questions, reach out to The Brokerage Inc. or go to www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Gone are the days when insurance referrals come at the water cooler or golf course. Today referrals are generated person to person or through online reviews and testimonials. So how do you get insurance referrals without asking?
In this episode of The Broker Link, Matthew Smith of Rocket Referrals walks us through their process of helping agents acquire and hold onto their clients and possible referrals. You will learn the kind of agent you need to be to grow your business through leads and referrals.
You can learn a lot more at www.thebrokerageinc.com/blog.
It's that time of year again when Agents have to plan for their annual certifications to sell certain products.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Nick Cindric runs down the list of the important certifications you will need for the open enrollment season. He will also talk about the cost and what you will need to do to pass.
Some of the 2023 certifications are available now and can be found in The Brokerage Inc. website portal. If you are currently not an agent with The Brokerage Inc., register today and complete our certifications. Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com to learn how.
Thinking about selling Medicare? It's a great product for insurance agents to provide to their clients.
In this episode of The Broker Link, we go back to the basics with a discussion on How to Get Started with Medicare Sales. David Ireland from The Brokerage Inc. shares his thoughts on FMOs, certifications, marketing strategies, how to pitch yourself and so much more.
Then go to www.thebrokerageinc.com to find out how to get started with The Brokerage Inc.
As insurance agents, we take pride in helping all of our Medicare-eligible clients. That includes all areas of the income spectrum.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Evette Rodney explains how to help low-income consumers get affordable coverage through D-SNP or Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans. These types of plans enroll individuals who are eligible for both Medicare and medical assistance from a state plan under Medicaid.
Have any additional questions? Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com for help.
What your clients say about you can be very important to growing your business.
From Google reviews to website testimonials, all agents should have a collection of keywords and phrases others use to describe you and your agency.
In this episode of The Broker Link, find out the steps you can take to develop your unique value proposition.
And then visit www.thebrokerageinc.com to learn more about partnering with our FMO.
How would you like to work less but continue to grow your insurance business? When it comes to growing your business, automation is the one tool that can help you get there. In this episode of The Broker Link, Steve Ogden of AgencyBloc explains how automation allows you to do more work in less time with less effort. Work smarter, not harder! AgencyBloc has partnered with The Brokerage Inc. to help you grow your business. Visit The Brokerage Inc website to learn more about an offer from AgencyBloc.
When it comes to marketing tactics for your insurance business, are you pushing a boulder uphill or building a flywheel? What do we mean by that? Basically, are you spinning your wheels or taking steps to grow your business.
In this unscripted discussion of The Broker Link podcast, we look at how you could be doing a better job growing your business, how to check in on yourself and your goals, and move forward rather than standing still.
Want to partner with The Brokerage Inc.? Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com to learn how.
The Brokerage Inc. held its annual company-wide meetings this month and discussed important information that will be beneficial to our agents.
One topic that came up is the topic of Value-Based Care: How Medicare Advantage Works to Keep People Healthy. After the meetings, Carl-Philippe Denis, our Medicare Regional Sales Director in Florida, sat down with Gillan for a promising discussion.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com to find out how to reach out to CP or any of our Sales Directors.
Are you looking to mix it up a bit when selling health insurance? Super Agent, Gary Walker has found success doing things outside the box.
In this Agent Spotlight, Gary shares how he, along with his wife Mary, has grown his agency into a thriving business.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com to learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc.
Agents, are you thinking about adding Health insurance to your portfolio? Health or ACA insurance continues to grow with 4 out of 5 consumers now able to get coverage for under $10 a month.
On this episode of The Broker Link, Belynda DiCiaccio, our Healthy ACA, Ancillary Director answers your questions about getting started.
You can also visit www.thebrokerageinc.com to read more about what The Brokerage Inc. has to offer in our ACA Health department.
Did you know 82% of Americans are on social media? That is 4 out of 5 consumers that may need what you are selling. But not all social media is created equal.
On this episode of The Broker Link, Bob Whitis with BrightFire dispels some social media myths for insurance agents. What platforms should agents be on? Bob answers this and other questions about social media.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com to learn more.
If you are considering adding life insurance to your portfolio, here's a great guide to help you get started. In Part 1 of How to Sell Life Insurance to Clients Age 65+, Joel Flores of The Brokerage Inc. shared a strategy on how to approach your clients about adding life insurance.
In Part 2, Joel goes more into detail about the different types of life insurance for your client. Keep in mind, that the application process for being approved has changed and is now much easier and faster to do so.
To learn more about life insurance and what The Brokerage Inc. has to offer, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Are you considering expanding your portfolio to selling life insurance? The application process has changed quite a bit and can be submitted for approval in less than 10 minutes in some cases.
In Part 1 of our series on Selling Life Insurance, Joel Flores of The Brokerage Inc. walks through a strategy to approach your clients about adding life insurance.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com for more details and mark your calendars for Part 2 next week.
Do you feel like your business is too small for cyber security? A lot of insurance agents feel they don't need it. However, Chris Steffl with CyberFin says whether you are a business of one or one hundred, everyone needs some form of online security.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Chris talks about an online security plan his company offers to insurance agents to help protect their business and their clients.
For more information, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com.
If you are looking for legislative updates that will have an impact on the insurance business, this podcast is for you.
The leadership team of The Brokerage Inc. recently attended a meeting in Washington, DC with NAHU, the National Association of Health Underwriters, to learn more about What is Happening on Capitol Hill and How it Will Impact my Business.
The Brokerage Inc. President, Mike Smith shares what he learned at the national meetings.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com to learn more about The Brokerage Inc.
Are you an insurance agent or agency looking for an FMO or IMO partner? Finding the right partner is so vital in growing your business.
So what should you be looking for? In this episode of the Broker Link, Louise Roberson breaks down the strategy in choosing the proper insurance marketing organization. What are the things to look for and what are the pitfalls to avoid?
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com to learn more about what The Brokerage Inc. has to offer.
If you are looking to grow your agency or insurance business, you may be looking for some inspiration. In this episode of The Broker Link, we hear the story of Sonny Gurney, the founder, and owner of 4T Brokerage based in Michigan.
His success in the insurance business comes from hard work, persistence, and finding the right partner. Learn how he grew his agency from 3 agents to over 300 in this inspiring, in-depth conversation with The Brokerage Inc. President, Mike Smith.
You can learn more about Sonny on his website, 4TBrokerage.com.
Or if you are looking for an agency partner, visit TheBrokerageinc.com to learn more about the services we provide.
Are you looking for products to cross-sell to your Medicare clients? SureBridge is a great option for agents looking for a cross-selling partner.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Jesse Brewer, a Senior Sales Director at SureBridge, breaks down the best products to cross-sell as well as strategies to sell.
Read more about SureBridge and cross-selling online at www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Are you looking for a different method of generating leads for your insurance business? One of the more unique strategies for Medicare and Health Insurance brokers is provider marketing.
Evette Rodney has helped hundreds of agents succeed by reaching out to primary care physicians, dentists, or pharmacies. She shares her strategies on this episode of The Broker Link.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com for more details.
Are you considering growing your insurance business into an insurance agency? In this episode of The Broker Link, we talk with David Ireland, an expert on how to start and scale an insurance agency. Are you the right candidate for this? Do you know how the commission structure works? These questions answered plus how to set goals and recruit brokers in this episode.
For more information, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com and learn how to get started.
Are you looking for an AMS or CRM for your insurance business? AgencyBloc specializes in the insurance business and is a great option for an Agency Management System.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Steve Ogden of AgencyBloc offers advice on what to look for in an AMS. He will also reveal an exclusive discount opportunity.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com to learn more.
It's never been easier to sell Life Insurance than it is now. Especially with Bestow where you can apply for life insurance in under 10 minutes.
Selling Bestow eliminates the underwriting process in most cases and will give clients an answer on their policy in just 10 minutes or less.
We sit down with Chris Ferguson of Bestow Life insurance to talk about how their company is making it easier than ever to sell term life products.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com for more details.
If you’re selling Medicare plans, ACA Health Plans, or any other health insurance products…that means you are a licensed health AND life insurance agent.
So why aren't you selling Life Insurance? It's never been easier to sell life products to your clients. In this episode of The Broker Link, we are getting Back to the Basics, How to Start Selling Life Insurance with Chris Newberry.
Read more at www.thebrokerageinc.com. You can also check out our Life Products on our website.
Does SEO confuse you? Getting ranked on Google can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be.
Local SEO is your chance to get found by local consumers who are ready and willing to work with local insurance agents instead of the large call centers or corporate insurance agencies.
BrightFire is one of the leading insurance web design and digital marketing providers in the United States. In this episode, they will share what you need to do to get ranked.
Find out more at www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Recruiting new clients is always important for insurance agents but so is retaining the ones you already have. It actually may be more important to take care of your clients so they stay with you for a lifetime. So How to Improve your Client Retention?
One way to do that is to improve your communication with them. Rocket Referrals is a leading communications platform that helps insurance agents and agencies keep their customers happy so they stay longer, buy more and refer their friends.
To find out more about Rocket Referrals or how to best use them, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Do you have a plan or strategy for your business and personal goals this year? Did you know these two areas of your life actually go hand and hand? In our first Broker Link podcast for 2022, we talk with Strengths Coach and Strategist Brent O'Bannon.
Brent is a full-time Gallup strengths champion coach and speaker. He’s facilitated more than 27,000 coaching sessions and given hundreds of presentations to organizations across the globe. He was also last year’s keynote speaker at our Stronger Together conferences.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com for a full recap of this episode.
What a great season 2 it has been! Our podcast has tripled in listeners this season and we are so grateful.
In the Broker Link episode 94, we take a quick look back at 2021 and a look ahead for a new season in 2022! What can you expect in the new season? Join us for a new perspective in the new year.
And as always you can visit www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast to catch up on all the episodes in season 2.
Happy Holidays everyone!
Looking to make some changes in your business in the new year? Sometimes changing your mindset can change your business for the better.
In this Broker Link Podcast, episode 93, a replay from a very popular podcast about changing your mindset. It's a great discussion on how little things can make a huge difference.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast for other great podcasts.
Agents, are you looking for a partner when it comes to selling insurance? If an FMO partner is something you are considering, you will need to know what to look for.
In this podcast replay, we take a look at what to look for and look out for when it comes to looking for a partner. Louise Roberson is The Brokerage Inc's New Agent Advisor and she shares her checklist on what you want in an FMO.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast for a look at other podcasts in our podcast library.
As we count down to the end of the year, we look back at a few of our Broker Link favorite episodes. In this episode, "How to Be More Approachable as an Insurance Agent, we examine some best practices from author Dale Carnegie. In Carnegie's book "How to Win Friends and Influence People", he shares his best-selling advice on attracting more clients and how to be better at business.
Could a simple smile make all the difference in selling? This episode relates how this book can help you expand your business, be a better agent and challenge yourself to grow as a person. It's a good one.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast for a full recap.
To understand the future of Medicare Marketing, you need to understand the trends in Medicare Choice and Distribution.
In episode 91 of The Broker Link, learn more about a study conducted by Greenwald Research on the trends and behaviors of agents and clients in Medicare. This very interesting discussion between Greenwald and Mike Smith and Josh Slattery of The Brokerage Inc. breaks down what they found.
The learn more about The Brokerage Inc. or this podcast, go to www.thebrokerageinc.com
Are you thinking about selling health insurance this selling season? In episode 90 of The Broker Link, Mike Smith, President of The Brokerage Inc., outlines what you need to know before selling.
Mike also shares the value each of the ACA carriers provides for 2022. And which ones you need to be contracted with this year.
A lot of valuable information in this audio replay. Go to www.thebroekrageinc.com to get contracted through us.
What's your local digital marketing strategy for AEP? Have you tapped into the great online resources to get yourself and your business noticed?
In this audio replay, The Brokerage Inc.'s Digital Marketing Manager, Gillan Boyer lays out his strategy for selling locally during AEP and beyond.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com for additional information and resources to help you during this selling season.
How would you like to use your own strengths to be more successful at selling? Sounds interesting right?
In this audio replay, Strength's Coach Brent O'Bannon explains how to identify your strengths and how to leverage them when you sell. Brent will also help you figure out the different selling styles to use when selling this AEP.
Go to www.thebrokerageinc.com for more.
Is Group Health or Medicare better for your client? Is this a question you get often? In this episode of The Broker Link, The Brokerage Inc. President, Mike Smith explores the option between the two.
Which is best for your client? Find out the pros and cons of both and what may help you make the decision.
Then go to www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast to read more.
Are you considering selling health insurance this season? Now is the time to get into the ACA game. The Brokerage Inc. President says ACA = Opportunity! Find out how in this podcast.
This episode is a replay of Mike's presentation at our Houston AEP Kickoff Roadshow, Stronger Together. Mike outlines how you can get started selling ACA, how to find leads and how you can make money doing it.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast for more information.
Are you looking to help your clients find insurance to cover the gap between group health insurance and Medicare? Pivot Health is a great option for those clients.
The Brokerage Inc. President, Mike Smith talks with Robin Depenbrock the Director of Broker Sales at Pivot Health to get all the details about this product.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com to find out more about Pivot Health and other great options for your insurance clients.
The time has come to gear up for the 2022 AEP kickoff. The Brokerage Inc. is hosting its annual conference in five different cities starting this week. It's called Stronger Together!
This year we are focusing on strength-based selling and for the first time, we're offering information on ACA as well as Medicare. We will all be under the same roof plus keeping everyone safe with Covid 19 safety protocols.
Learn about some great discounts for your business online and at the event.
Visit www.brokeragestrong.com to register for an event near you.
As you prepare for the upcoming AEP 2022 selling season, here's something to consider. Agent Vizion is a great tool to measure your production.
In this episode, learn about the top advantages of using Agent Vizion and how you can get a free 30-day trial.
Visit www.brokeragestrong.com and register for one of our upcoming events to get the free trial.
How would you like to sell without closing the deal? Did you know you could earn a referral fee through The Brokerage Inc. without actually making the sale?
The Brokerage Inc. provides a referral service for agents who may not specialize in ACA or Life but want to help out a client.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast to read more about our referral program.
Are you looking for a CRM for your insurance business? Having a customer relationship management (CRM) system is vital to the growth of your business.
In this episode of The Broker Link, we visit with Steve Ogden, the Sales Manager of AgencyBloc. Steve outlines why every agency needs a CRM and how it can benefit your business (big or small).
Steve will also give you a discount for opening an account with AgencyBloc. Go here for the discount!
Find out more at www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast.
Considering cross-selling this AEP or OEP? One product that stands out in the market these days is Ameritas.
On this episode of The Broker Link, Ameritas National Sales Director Todd Cowan tells the Brokerage Inc. President, Mike Smith why Ameritas is a great product to sell. He will also outline his top 5 strategies for selling this and other products.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast for more information.
In part 2 of How to Prepare for a Succesful AEP, The Brokerage Inc.'s Josh Slattery finishes this Audio Masterclass on getting agents ready for the selling season.
Learn more about different marketing strategies including Facebook, Ads, Simply Enroll, and improving your website. Josh will also unveil his AEP Best Practices list.
Go to www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast for the full recap.
Are you ready for AEP season? If you are getting ready now, you are in good company.
In this episode of The Broker Link, we replay an Audio Masterclass on How to Prepare for a Successful AEP Part 1 with The Brokerage VP of Medicare Sales & Marketing, Josh Slattery.
This episode will help you plan online and in-person events, send direct marketing mailers and think about sending Every Door Direct Mail pieces.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com and sign up to learn more.
Do your clients often ask you the difference between an NP and a PCP? In this episode of The Broker Link, we ask a Nurse Practitioner from WellMed to help us understand the differences.
This Audio Masterclass was recorded following a seminar between The Brokerage Inc. and WellMed and offers great information about the differences between a Nurse Practitioner and a Primary Care Physician.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast for more.
Are you considering Succession planning or starting your own agency? Preparing for your future can be a complicated process but it doesn't have to be.
The Brokerage Inc.'s Nick Cindric shares his advice on getting this process started. This podcast comes from an Audio Masterclass Nick presented.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast for any additional information.
Do you want to start a small business? In this week's podcast, How to be a Company of One we'll examine why staying small can keep you happy.
Author Paul Jarvis wrote the best-selling book "How to Be a Company of One". He says "By staying small, one can have the freedom to pursue more meaningful pleasures in life, and avoid the headaches that result from dealing with employees, long meetings, or worrying about expansion."
Read more about this episode on our website www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast.
How are you preparing for AEP 2022? Yes, it's that time of year again when agents start getting ready for the upcoming selling season.
In this episode of The Broker Link, The Brokerage Inc.'s VP Josh Slattery strategizes about how to prepare for AEP. What can you be doing now to get ready for October?
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast for more information and how to get contracted for the upcoming AEP.
Are you thinking about the AHIP certification? It's that time of year again and it's always smart to get it out of the way when the certification opens.
As a reminder, AHIP certification is proof you have completed a series of AHIP Medicare training courses. These courses will help you sell plans in a way that is compliant with Medicare regulations.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com and create an account so you can access any information you need for AHIP certification.
When it comes to creating a winning strategy in your business, planning and setting goals may be the key to success.
In this episode of The Broker Link, we dive deep into a winning strategy in finding success. Winning all starts with a vision and a desire to make it happen. You'll also find out what the great author and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar believed makes a winning strategy!
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast for all the details.
After spending 30 years in the corporate world, Mark Wendt decided he wanted to make a change in his career. So in 2019, he set his sites on the insurance industry.
In episode 71 of The Broker Link, From Corporate Executive to Independent Agent: Agent Spotlight with Mark Wendt, Mark walks us through how in just two years, he has grown a business of 500 clients.
Read more about Mark on our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast.
How would you like to increase your Medicare sales through referral marketing? How to Become Known in your Local Market can be done with hard work, creative marketing strategies, and happy clients.
In this Audio Masterclass episode 70 podcast, Evette Rodney walks you through strategies for growing your business through referrals.
Go to www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast for more details on this episode.
Did you know productivity is achieved when you are relaxed and have a clear mind?
According to Author David Allen, being stress-free is the key to productivity. He writes about it in the book "Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity". And we discuss Simple Productivity Tips for Getting Things Done in our latest Podcast on The Broker Link.
Read more on our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast.
Are you looking for referrals? Most insurance agents would answer yes to that question. So what's the best way to go about doing that?
The Brokerage Inc's Regional Sales Manager for Life Insurance, Chris Newberry shares his strategy on creating referrals and how to add life insurance to your discussion in episode 68 of The Broker Link.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast for more information.
What's the best way to get the most out of a BRC or a Business Reply Card if you are an insurance agent?
In this Audio Masterclass episode of The Broker Link, Carl-Philippe Denis from our Florida office walks us through the best way to take advantage of BRCs. He tackles everything from how to handle voice mails to writing thank you cards to the perfect script to have ready when you talk to potential clients.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast to learn more.
Are you looking for ways to promote your business without spending a lot of money?
On this episode of The Broker Link, we share many ideas on how to market your business and get noticed for free or at a very low cost. We will explore ideas like creating a Google My Business profile, how to get listed in major directories, and partnering with other businesses.
Our full episode recap can be found at www.thebrokergeinc.com/podcast.
Are you considering partnering with an FMO? Would you like a brokerage agency to have your back? Finding the right partner is so important to growing your Insurance business.
In Podcast: Episode 65, Scam Alert: What to watch out for when choosing an FMO? The Brokerage Inc.'s New Agent Advisor, Louise Roberson, tells us what to look for in a reputable agency. She will also share her experience with a bad agency and what to look out for.
Go to www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast for more information.
What if a smile could change the way you attract new clients? Would you smile more? In Dale Carnegie's book "How to Win Friends and Influence People", he shares his best-selling advice on attracting more clients and how to be better at business.
In Podcast: Episode 64 "How to be More Approachable as an Insurance Agent", we relate how this book can help you expand your business, be a better agent and challenge yourself to grow as a person.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast for a full recap.
Did you know 14.9 million Americans who are without health insurance will be able to save money on their premiums? And more than 3 million newly eligible American's can take advantage of the American Rescue Plan and get coverage.
In Podcast: Episode 63, The Brokerage Inc. President, Mike Smith shares how you can help those people get insurance and build your book of business with this new plan.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast to read more about it.
Are you considering individual HRA or ICHRA coverage? This health benefit is for employers of all sizes. These health benefits are perfect for businesses, nonprofits, churches, and more.
In episode 62 of the Broker Link, Regan Olsen with Take Command Health shares the benefits of ICHRA and if it's right for your business.
Visit www.takecommandhealth.com for any questions. Or visit www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast for more information.
Do you consider your insurance business a brand? Would you like to create a brand around your business? In this episode 61 of The Broker Link, we dive into what makes a brand and the first steps you could take to create one.
We will also address some questions you need to ask yourself that will help create the brand you want your customers to see.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast for more information on this and other episodes.
Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare supplements what's the difference? In our first of several Audio Masterclasses, we explore the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplements. Podcast: Episode 60 will also share some strategies on how to add these to your client's portfolios.
Leigha Hayes is the Medigap Sales Director at The Brokerage Inc. and explores the differences between the two.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast for all the details.
Looking for a great business book? Maybe you are looking to grow your business and increase your income? In Podcast: Episode 59 we share with you one of the most popular business books of all time, "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill. This book review will give you a different perspective on how to grow your business.
You will learn the 13 principles that have shaped some of the most influential business and thought leaders of all time, not to mention past and present Presidents and other world leaders.
Go to www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast for more details.
Are you taking advantage of the Special Enrollment Period for the ACA? In Podcast: Episode 58, What I Need to Know About ACA 2.0, Belynda Diciaccio, shares her best tips and tricks for selling ACA in this special enrollment period.
You will also learn about what to do and what not to do during this special enrollment period. And how to take advantage of some bonus opportunities.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast for all the details.
Are you looking to expand your Life Insurance portfolio? In Podcast: Episode 57, From Quote to Coverage in Under 9 Minutes, Bestow Life Insurance shares their new and improved plan to give clients over $1 million in term coverage.
Gillan talks with Steve Robinson, Chief Distribution Officer, about this exciting product and learns about all the ways to include this into your portfolio.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast for all the show notes.
Have you started your social media marketing campaign for 2021 yet? In Podcast: Episode 56, Chris and Gillan explore some Social Media Marketing Ideas for 2021!
So where should you start? We will outline a plan that can help you start small and build a great marketing plan.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast for a full recap of this episode.
Thinking about getting a CRM, Customer Relationship Management System? Now is the time.
In episode 55, Gillan and Chris run through why you need to stop procrastinating and get a CRM now. You will also find out how to create a spreadsheet for each of your clients. And our top three picks for CRM systems on the market today. These CRM's are perfect for Insurance Agents and Agencies.
For more information, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast.
Cross-selling can be an agent's secret weapon to expanding a client's product portfolio. Most agents have a strategy for cross-selling supplemental insurance.
On Podcast: Episode 54, Agency Owner Rita Garza of Skyview Insurance shares her tips to cross-selling.
Find out more about Rita on our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast. Or visit www.skyviewcares.com.
Thinking about adding Hospital Indemnity to your portfolio? It's a great supplemental product that can easily be shared with your clients. In Podcast: Episode 53, President of the Brokerage Inc. Mike Smith shares some strategies for selling Hospital Indemnity.
There is are a few other benefits to selling hospital indemnity:
- Client retention
- Increased income
- Simple quotes and simple enrollment
- No reason not to
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast for all of the show notes.
There is still time to make changes for your Medicare clients this OEP season. In this episode of The Broker Link, episode 52, Medicare Sales Director, David Ireland tells agents what they should be doing before the March 31st deadline.
David also shares some strategies on how to approach your existing clients or new clients during this special enrollment opportunity.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast to listen to all of our previous podcasts.
In what started as a small business back in the 1970s, The Brokerage Inc. continues to stand out as one of the biggest and most reliable FMO's (Field Marketing Organization) in the country.
In this final installment of From a One-Bedroom Apartment to a National Insurance Agency episode 51, owner Cheryl Hopkin talks about where the business is today and how the addition of her children made it even better.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast to read more about The Brokerage Inc.'s path to success.
The Brokerage Inc. has always been a family business, starting with Ross and Cheryl Hopkin back in 1975. But in the 90s, the business added Mike Smith, their son-in-law.
In part 2 of this series, Mike and Cheryl take a look back at the many changes the Brokerage Inc. experienced in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Read more at www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast.
The Brokerage Inc. has been serving agents and clients for over 40 years. In fact, it was one of the original FMO (Field Marketing Organizations) ever in the United States.
In episode 49 of The Broker Link, President Mike Smith takes a trip down memory lane with Owner and Founder, Cheryl Hopkin for From a One-Bedroom Apartment to a National Insurance Organization: Part 1.
To read more about this episode or take a look at past episodes, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com/podcast
What a year it's been! In this episode, we wrap up our first season of The Broker Link with a look back at some of the highlights.
We focused a lot this year on new products to the market, agency & agent partners who have had success, and teaching you about branding your business online. We also talked a lot about Medicare, ACA, and Life & Final Expense insurance, making sure you understood different strategies for selling as well as all the basics.
It was a great first year on the podcast and we look forward to Season 2 starting in January!
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com to keep up with what is going on in the broker world. Happy Holidays!
Would you like to learn more about annuities? On this episode of The Broker Link Podcast, we dive into annuities.
Ken Herlihy with OneAmerica takes a deep dive into annuities offered by OneAmerica.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com for more information on annuities.
Are you looking to make your work life easier? Maybe you want to automate your emails or would like one company to organize your staff communications?
On this episode of the Broker Link Podcast, Gillan and Chris show you how to make your business more productive for under $30 a month. And no this is not an Ad, just some recommendations we have used at The Brokerage Inc.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com for more information.
If you are adding life insurance to your selling portfolio or you have it and want to spend this time selling it, this podcast will offer you some great ideas.
Tom Brown and Georgia Hale with AIG shared their marketing portfolio with The Brokerage Inc's Joel Flores. You can see the entire visual presentation here!
And as always visit www.thebrokerageinc.com for more information.
Former Olympic Figure Skater Nancy Kerrigan knows a little something about being fearless. She had to be fearless in her skating career. Now she is talking about it.
Kerrigan was the Keynote Speaker at The Brokerage Inc's Annual Medicare Conference. Today's episode of the Broker Link Podcast revisits what she had to say to motivate agents for AEP.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com for more details.
What are your marketing strategies for this AEP or OEP selling season? Do you have a website, a LinkedIn business page, or a Google Business page? There are ways you can market your business, get leads, and increase your productivity online.
In this episode of The Broker Link Podcast, Gillan & Chris discuss different ways to approach marketing your business.
Read more about the article Gillan talked about on Hubspot here! And check out The Broker Suite for ideas on creating a website. Or visit www.thebrokerageinc.com for more details.
What is Sidecar Health and why should you consider selling it? Sidecar Health is personalized, affordable health insurance. Using a Sidecar Health payment card, you pay directly for your care.
Corey Kines with Sidecar Health answers agents' questions in this special discussion about this new, innovative health care system.
Visit www.sidecarhealthinsurance.com to read more. And you can always visit www.thebrokerageinc.com for additional questions you may have.
The annual OEP for the ACA and Health Insurance is coming up and to get ready, we have put together a checklist for you to follow. Mike Smith, President of The Brokerage Inc., offers his advice on how to get ready.
The Brokerage Inc's annual ACA Conference, Fearless 2021 is tomorrow, Wednesday, October 7. Visit www.fearless2021.com to register.
And if you are interested in finding out more about the ACA referral form Mike and Gillan spoke about, log into the Broker Portal on the Brokerage Inc's website. Click on Quick Forms and you will find it there. If you are not registered, go to www.thebrokerageinc.com to register.
Are you ready for the 2021 Medicare AEP selling season? The Brokerage Inc.'s Medicare Sales Director for expansion markets, Nick Cindric shares his checklist for this upcoming AEP.
If you have any additional questions about AEP or what the carriers are offering in 2021, check out www.fearless2021.com for our annual virtual Medicare conference.
And you can always go to www.thebrokerageinc.com for more information.
John Greene is the VP of Congressional Affairs at NAHU (the National Association of Health Underwriters). He offers The Brokerage Inc. President, Mike Smith an update on what to expect this AEP season.
John was a recent guest on our Fearless 2021 Medicare Virtual Conference. He has great insight and information for insurance agents.
Visit www.nahu.org for more information about the agency or if you want to become a part of it. And as always visit www.thebrokerageinc.com for information about the upcoming AEP selling season.
Now is a great time to consider adding additional products to your portfolio. In the last episode, we talked about adding ACA and Health Insurance. Today we'll take a closer look at Final Expense.
Joel Flores is a specialist in Life Insurance marketing at the Brokerage Inc. He talks about the best ways to approach selling Final Expense insurance.
Learn more at www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Looking to sell ACA, Health Insurance this season? On this episode of The Broker Link Podcast, Belynda Diciaccio, the ACA & Ancillary Sales Director of The Brokerage Inc. walks us through the process.
If you want to add ACA, Health Insurance to your product portfolio, and start selling, Belynda will tell you how. And visit us at www.thebrokerageinc.com for more information about ACA or Health Insurance sales.
Considering selling Medicare this upcoming AEP season? It's a great idea to get your certifications in order if you are thinking about selling.
On this episode of The Broker Link, we talk with Medicare Sales Director, Nick Cindric of the Brokerage Inc about the certifications you will need this season.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com for more information about getting certified.
Do I really need a website? Is this a question you ask yourself to help grow your business? In this episode of the Broker Link, we dive into the reasons every Insurance agent or business needs a website.
Start with securing a domain with your name or your business name. From there you can visit sites like Squarespace or Wix to help you create your own. Or you can check out The Broker Suite, www.thebrokersuite.com for a customized website for insurance agents.
As always, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com for more information about growing your insurance business.
Today's episode of The Broker Link Podcast is about How to use a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to purchase insurance.
This is a replay of a webinar Mike Smith of the Brokerage hosted with Kyle Estep with Take Command Health. They run through how this works. If you have any questions, you can email Kyle at Kyle@takecommandhealth.com.
Or visit www.thebrokerageinc.com to learn more.
In these uncertain times, we are going back to a time when making sales or closing deals over the phone was our only option.
On this episode of The Broker Link, Evette Rodney walks us through a Medicare Sales phone call that will help us schedule a meeting or secure a Medicare contract for a potential client.
For this and more information about selling Medicare, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Should you choose a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan to supplement your Original Medicare? This decision can be an important one.
In this episode of The Broker Link, Leigha Hayes the Medigap Sales Director with The Brokerage Inc. dives deep into Medicare supplements.
Read more by logging onto www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Thinking about selling Medicare? It's a great addition to any agent's portfolio.
On this episode of The Broker Link Podcast, everything you need to know about selling Medicare. If you are new to selling insurance or just want to expand your portfolio to include Medicare Sales, David Ireland will walk you through the process and help you get started.
Read more at www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Do you want to learn more about cross-selling final expense insurance?
On this episode of The Broker Link Podcast, Joel Flores with The Brokerage Inc. walks us through the process of cross-selling this popular product.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com for more information about the products Joel talked about.
Agents, are you thinking about joining NAHU or the National Association of Health Underwriters? Or if you are already a member, are you gearing up for the annual NAHU conference this month?
On this week's The Broker Link Podcast, our President Mike Smith talks with NAHU CEO Janet Trautwein about all the amazing benefits of being a NAHU member.
Check out all the details about NAHU by visiting www.nahu.org. Or stop by www.thebrokerageinc.com for more about us.
Thinking about long-term care insurance? More people will one day need long-term care (LTC) services at home, in assisted living or in a nursing home - and the cost of care is rising.
Ken Herlihy the Regional Marketing Director for OneAmerica joins Joel Flores of the Brokerage Inc. to dispel 7 Myths of Long Term Care Insurance.
With this information, you'll be in a better position to protect yourself, your family, and your future.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Are you a Medicare agent sitting at home looking for ways to generate business?
Learn about Medicare marketing and generating leads in a COVID-19 era. Josh Slattery from The Brokerage Inc discusses available TBI programs and best practices that are helping agents generate business from home.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com for more information.
Is your book of business protected? Are you set up to transfer your book of business upon an expected or unexpected exit from the business?
Today's podcast comes from an excellent webinar on this topic. Josh Slattery & Nick Cindric help you understand how succession planning works and how to structure your agency or entity after you are gone.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com for more details.
On this episode Gillan and Chris dispel 5 myths around social media and insurance agents. How much should you post? What should you post? We will bust any myths surrounding social media.
If you want to learn more, visit Episode 19 to learn more about Social Media strategies for Insurance Agents. Or you can go to www.thebrokerageinc.com.
In this episode of the Broker Link Podcast, Gillan Boyer talks with UNL Insurance Rob Douglas about how to sell hospital indemnity to your Medicare clients.
UNL Insurance offers supplemental health insurance products that pay cash benefits directly to you.
Find out more at www.unlinsurance.com. Or at www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Have you been afraid of selling because you don't want to sound too salesy? This fear can keep you from creating a sale or finding new clients.
Rod Frizzell is the Director of Life Insurance at the Brokerage inc. He has 30+ years of selling and creating relationships via insurance. He gives Gillan some of his best advice in selling insurance or anything else.
Visit thebrokerageinc.com for more!
If you have ever thought about becoming an insurance agent, this is the Podcast for you. Ethan Oles, the New Agent Director at The Brokerage Inc. explains the process of becoming an agent.
Ethan talks about an insurance 3-day course at Kaplan University to get you started. After taking your insurance exam, you will contract with different insurance carriers before you start selling insurance.
The Brokerage Inc. can help get you started and walk you through the process. Visit thebrokerageinc.com to find out more.
Want to step up your email marketing game? Digital Marketing Director for The Brokerage Inc., Gillan Boyer, and Content Creator, Chris Huston explore the benefits of email marketing.
If you are looking for an email marketing partner, ActiveCampaign, ConvertKit and Mailchimp are some very popular partners.
Visit thebrokerageinc.com to find out more about growing your brand digitally.
In this episode, we are talking with Albert Robledo the CEO of PTT Financial. He built his insurance agency from the ground up and is a partner of The Brokerage Inc.
He offers his advice on starting your own agency and how to make it work. Find out more about PTT Financial at www.pttfinancial.com.
And for more about The Brokerage Inc. visit www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Thinking about expanding your social media? Or maybe you are just looking for a strategy for posting on your favorite platform?
Digital Marketing specialist, Gillan Boyer explores a social media strategy for insurance agents. His guest is content strategist, Chris Huston who provides content for The Brokerage Inc.
Learn more about social media and branding strategies for your business at www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Do you have questions about Medicare? If I delay enrolling in Medicare Part B will I be penalized? Can I have COBRA and Medicare? We'll answer these questions and many more in today's podcast.
President Mike Smith and Nick Cindric, Medicare Sales Director with The Brokerage Inc. will answer those questions and more for you.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com if you have other Medicare questions or just want to learn more about products you can sell.
Who is Oscar Health? The Brokerage Inc. President, Mike Smith sits down with Kyle Estep the Central Region Market Director of Oscar Health Insurance.
Find out why you should add Oscar Health insurance to your portfolio.
Learn more at www.thebrokerageinc.com. Or www.hioscar.com.
Have you been wanting to implement digital marketing into your insurance business but don't know where to start?
Digital Marketing Manager at The Brokerage Inc., Gillan Boyer offers simple solutions to get started in digital marketing.
Do you want to check out this course on video? Subscribe to The Brokerage Inc. YouTube channel for this video and many more that will help grow your business.
In these uncertain times, there are many ways you can continue to grow your insurance business while at home.
These ideas can be implemented immediately to communicate with your clients and add new ones.
Find out more online at thebrokerageinc.com/covid-19-agent-survival-guide/
Stay safe!
Cross-selling is a great way for an independent insurance agent to increase his/her revenue. But are there strategies for cross-selling? Agent Gary Walker has had success cross-selling products to his clients.
In this episode, Gary shares his tips and strategies for cross-selling.
Find our what additional products you can cross-sell your clients, on our website, wwwthebrokerageinc.com.
Are you looking to better brand your business? In this episode, we'll offer insight into branding your business.
Whether it's defining your purpose or creating a website, our Digital Marketer, Gillan Boyer gives his insight into what it takes to brand your business and help it grow.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com to learn more about The Brokerage Inc.
Looking to expand your Medicare portfolio? Have you considered selling D-SNP plans? Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) are available to those entitled to both Medicare (title XVIII) and medical assistance from a state plan under Medicaid (title XIX).
In this episode, Evette Rodney, a Regional Sales Director in the Houston office of The Brokerage Inc. explains the benefits of a D-SNP plan.
Find out more by visiting www.thebrokerageinc.com.
In Part 2 of this topic on long-term care Insurance, Rod Frizzell with The Brokerage Inc. shares some strategies for selling long-term care insurance. He also shares his own personal experience in dealing with long-term care.
For more information, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com.
People are living longer than ever before so long-term care insurance is becoming more and more important. Rod Frizzell is the Director of Life Insurance at the Brokerage Inc. He shares his personal experience with long-term care and how insurance makes a big difference.
This is part 1 of a 2 part series that will continue in the coming weeks.
For more information, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com.
If you have ever thought about growing your business into a thriving Insurance Agency, this show is for you.
Sunny Gurney is the founder of The Gurney Agency, a national insurance broker. He shares his story of growing his business into a successful firm. Find out more about The Gurney Agency online at www.thegurneyagency.com.
And visit us at www.thebrokerageinc.com for any questions you have about your growing your business.
Are you interested in becoming a Captive or Independent agent? Do you understand the difference between the two? In today's episode, we dive into the pros and cons of a captive agent and an independent agent.
Ethan Oles is the New Agent Director at the Brokerage Inc. and talks with agents every day about what it takes to be either a captive or independent agent. Learn more about each one in this episode of The Broker Link.
For more information, visit www.thebrokerageinc.com.
Are you looking for an FMO to work with? What should you look for? What are some of the benefits of working with an insurance marketing organization?
Today's guest, Louise Roberson is a New Agent Advisor with The Brokerage Inc. She gives Gillian some insight into finding the right insurance marketing organization in this episode of The Broker Link.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com for more information.
ICHRA or Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement is changing the game for employers looking to provide health benefits to their employees.
Jack Hooper, Co-Founder, and CEO of Take Command Health talks with Mike Smith, President of The Brokerage Inc. about how this concept can change the way employers provide employees with health benefits.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com for more information. Or read more about ICHRA at www.takecommandhealth.com
Are you ready for Medicare OEP season? In this episode of The Broker Link, Josh Slattery shares his advice on getting the most of Medicare OEP. Josh is the VP of Sales & Marketing at The Brokerage Inc. and offers his 4 Ps of Medicare Marketing.
His 4 Ps include Product, Promotion, Place, and Plan.
Listen to how you can implement these into your business for 2020.
Visit www.thebrokerageinc.com to learn more about building your business in 2020.
In this episode of The Broker Link, we talk with Mike Smith about why you, an independent agent, should get involved with NAHU, National Association of Health Underwriters. NAHU is a wonderful opportunity for agents to work with like-minded people.
Mike Smith is the President of The Brokerage inc. Read more about Mike and why you should get involved with NAHU at www.thebrokerageinc.com
In this episode of The Broker Link, Leigha Hayes shares her insight into the benefits of Medigap Plans. There seems to be a lot of different opinions about Medicare Supplements. Some agents love them, while others avoid them. This episode dives into the pros and cons.
Leigha Hays is the Medicare Supplement marketer at The Brokerage inc. Read more about Leigha and how to add Medicare Supplements to your portfolio at www.thebrokerageinc.com