Agents Growth Academy: Recent Episodes
Jim Schubert
Have you ever wondered what the top agency owners are doing to grow their book of business exponentially each and every month? I’ve personally grown my own agency to multiple locations and dozens of agents over the past 10 years learning from the industry’s leading experts and applying what they teach to my own agency, and now I’ve invited these same experts to share these industry-leading secrets...with you! My name is Jim Schubert and welcome to The Agents Growth Academy
In this episode, Jim interviews Winston Smith, CEO of Bridge, a customer communications management software designed for independent insurance agents. Winston discusses the importance of agency owners working on their business rather than in it, and how Bridge can help them achieve this. He highlights the bottleneck that agency owners often face and explains how Bridge streamlines operations and provides tools for sales, marketing, and customer communication. Winston shares success stories and feedback from Bridge users, emphasizing the increase in revenue per employee as a key metric. He also discusses the role of Bridge as a companion to agency management systems and the importance of customer satisfaction. The episode concludes with Winston's advice to be true to oneself and the opportunities available in the insurance industry.
Takeaways
- Bridge is a customer communications management software designed for independent insurance agents, helping them work on their business rather than in it.
- Agency owners often become bottlenecks in their own businesses, hindering growth and scalability.
- Bridge provides an all-in-one solution for sales, marketing, and customer communication, streamlining operations and improving efficiency.
- Bridge offers features such as video recording, marketing automation, and personalized communication to enhance customer relationships.
- Success stories from Bridge users include increased revenue per employee and improved customer satisfaction.
- Bridge serves as a companion to agency management systems, focusing on communication and customer relationship management.
Resources From Winston
Website
LinkedIn
Google Calendar
Think-Cell
How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clay Christensen
About WinstonWinston Smith is the CEO of Bridge, a customer communications management software designed just for independent agents.
Winston came to Bridge after a decade on the carrier side of P&C. Prior to Bridge, Winston ran his own micro-Private Equity fund, Hammersmith Capital.
While on the carrier side, Winston was a general manager responsible for P&Ls across multiple states for the Safeco and Liberty Mutual brands (but he takes no responsibility for the 'LiMu Emu') and spent a LOT of time in the field with Safeco-appointed agencies (and is lucky enough to count many of them as friends).
He started his insurance career at AIG on Water Street in Lower Manhattan as an underwriter of Executive Lines for Financial Intuitions during the Great Recession.
Winston holds the CPCU and API designations, has an MBA from NYU Stern and his undergrad degree from Princeton. He lives in Johns Creek, GA with his wife and two kids.
ePayPolicy
The simplest solution for insurance agents to collect credit card and ACH payments
Chris Greene from Flood Insurance Guru shares what he's learned about creating the most robust library of content that is selling flood insurance like hotcakes. In fact, he created 1,500 videos in 1,500 days! He also discusses the importance of perfecting your processes so you can free up your time to "Wow" your customers.
3 Key Takeaways
- The most effective way to create content that sells insurance for you while you sleep is answering questions your clients and prospects constantly ask you.
- Creating consistent content positions you as an expert in your field.
- You need to perfect your processes so you can keep your customers engaged without you having to exert extra effort.
Resources From Chris
Website
YouTube
Facebook
LinkedIn
Munch AI
HubSpot
Building A Story Brand by Donald Miller
Marketing Made Simple by Donald Miller
About ChrisChris Greene is the owner of the Flood Insurance Guru where they provide "Coverage For Now and Education for the Future." After buying a house in a flood zone 12 years ago and having a terrible experience with it Chris has spent the last 12 years helping property owners, real estate agents, real estate investors and business owners avoid the same thing he had to go through.
ePayPolicy
The simplest solution for insurance agents to collect credit card and ACH payments
ePayPolicy
The simplest solution for insurance agents to collect credit card and ACH payments
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Today, Melissa Stallings shares the secret formula for growing her agency to one of the most respected all-female agencies in Georgia. It all comes down to the culture she's developed with her employees and the relationships she's developed with her community and her referral partners. Get ready to learn how you can grow your own book of business through culture and relationships.
3 Key Takeaways
- Melissa started out seeking balance in her own life, but ended up fostering it in her own staff, which is a BIG part of their culture.
- If you work hard to keep your employees, they will work hard to keep their jobs.
- The key to growing referral partners is focusing on revenue generating activities and not being willing to compromise on the standard of client you want to have referred to you.
Resources From Melissa
Website
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
TickTock
InsuredMine
The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
About MelissaMeet Melissa L. Stallings, a trailblazer who forged her path by establishing Stallings Insurance Agency in the fall of 2008. She founded the agency on three core values – Positive, Polished, and Commitment while creating a brand rooted in the values of Family, Faith, and Fun.
Beyond the confines of her agency, Missy is an integral participant in industry and community circles, affiliating with organizations such as IIAG, SNA, IAOA, SecureRisk, and more in addition to actively engaging with the Douglas County and Carroll County Chambers. Her affinity for like-minded peers fosters enduring relationships that fuel her agency's success, while her philanthropic spirit drives her involvement in numerous charitable initiatives annually, underscoring her commitment to giving back to the community.
As Missy continues to inspire with her unwavering dedication, thriving agency, and genuine spirit, her story remains an embodiment of success, family values, and boundless possibilities.
ePayPolicy
The simplest solution for insurance agents to collect credit card and ACH payments
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Get ready to learn the daily habits of million-dollar insurance agents that can help you take your insurance sales to the next level. These habits will help you stay focused and motivated every day. Join us as we dive into the routines of top-performing insurance agents and learn how you can implement these habits into your own daily routine to achieve success in your insurance career.
3 Key Takeaways
- Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, reading will get your brain up and moving as well as provide you with topics of conversation and media posts; incorporate it into your day.
- Develop deep relationships that will eventually turn into transactions with minimal effort. It’s as simple as sending a “This reminded me of you” text.
- Calling someone is different from emailing or texting them. It’s now become the form of communication that feels special–utilize that!
Resources
⬇️ - [DOWNLOAD] - https://agentsgrowthacademy.com/value 🎥 - [VIDEO] - Insurance Producers: Do THIS To Skyrocket Your Sales - https://youtu.be/1BrHKg8foj8
🎬 - MOST RECENT VIDEOS: https://www.youtube.com/@AgentsGrowthAcademy/videos 🎥 - [VIDEO] - HOW TO BECOME A REMOTE INSURANCE AGENT: https://youtu.be/FkWqhKNXA2A 🎥 - [PLAYLIST] - MARKETING FOR INSURANCE AGENTS: https://bit.ly/43GjuxP 🎥 - [PLAYLIST] - CONTENT MARKETING FOR INSURANCE AGENTS: https://bit.ly/3qs75zv
🔔 - Subscribe for more tips just like this: https://bit.ly/43BmcEO
AGA PARTNERS
💰 - ePayPolicy, the simplest solution for insurance agents, carriers, brokers, MGAs, and premium finance companies to collect credit card and ACH payments: https://epaypolicy.referralrock.com/l/JIMSCHUBER35/
📦 - Marble Box, your virtual insurance processing team that lets you do the people stuff while we do the rest: https://bit.ly/3O1QdFB
About
Jim Schubert is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review, and Applied Systems.
Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction.
Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level. And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
Discover the power of Jasper AI and learn how to crush your sales goals in this game-changing video! 🚀 In this Jasper AI tutorial, I’ll reveal the top hacks that will revolutionize your sales and marketing process and help you achieve your targets faster than ever before. 💥
3 Key Takeaways
- Compelling opening subject lines are KEY to get your readers to open emails; use Jasper AI to select the best shot!
- One of the simplest ways to engage a social media audience is to ask a question–up your question game to get people talking.
- Consider implementing video titles that leave the viewer with questions in mind.
Resources🎥 - [VIDEO] - Insurance AI: 5 Game Changing AI Tools for Insurance Agents - https://youtu.be/Z3sYqK-sVXQ
🎬 - MOST RECENT VIDEOS: https://www.youtube.com/@AgentsGrowthAcademy/videos 🎥 - [VIDEO] - HOW TO BECOME A REMOTE INSURANCE AGENT: https://youtu.be/FkWqhKNXA2A 🎥 - [PLAYLIST] - MARKETING FOR INSURANCE AGENTS: https://bit.ly/43GjuxP 🎥 - [PLAYLIST] - CONTENT MARKETING FOR INSURANCE AGENTS: https://bit.ly/3qs75zv
🔔 - Subscribe for more tips just like this: https://bit.ly/43BmcEO
AGA PARTNERS
💰 - ePayPolicy, the simplest solution for insurance agents, carriers, brokers, MGAs, and premium finance companies to collect credit card and ACH payments: https://epaypolicy.referralrock.com/l/JIMSCHUBER35/
📦 - Marble Box, your virtual insurance processing team that lets you do the people stuff while we do the rest: https://bit.ly/3O1QdFB
About
Jim Schubert is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review, and Applied Systems.
Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction.
Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level. And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
I’m going to reveal some deadly mistakes that are holding you back from skyrocketing your insurance sales. 🚀💰 Don’t feel bad, you’re not the only insurance agent making these errors, and by avoiding them, you'll be ahead of the competition. So, buckle up and get ready to start selling insurance like never before!
3 Key Takeaways
- Set expectations for the time it will take to get a quote and review it.
- Set price expectations, it’s what both parties really want.
- Set incumbent expectations, your client needs to know what it looks like when their incumbent tries to keep them around.
Resources
🎬 - MOST RECENT VIDEOS: https://www.youtube.com/@AgentsGrowthAcademy/videos
🎥 - [VIDEO] - HOW TO BECOME A REMOTE INSURANCE AGENT: https://youtu.be/FkWqhKNXA2A
🎥 - [PLAYLIST] - MARKETING FOR INSURANCE AGENTS: https://bit.ly/43GjuxP
🎥 - [PLAYLIST] - CONTENT MARKETING FOR INSURANCE AGENTS: https://bit.ly/3qs75zv
🔔 - Subscribe for more tips just like this: https://bit.ly/43BmcEO
AGA PARTNERS
💰 - ePayPolicy, the simplest solution for insurance agents, carriers, brokers, MGAs, and premium finance companies to collect credit card and ACH payments: https://epaypolicy.referralrock.com/l/JIMSCHUBER35/
📦 - Marble Box, your virtual insurance processing team that lets you do the people stuff while we do the rest: https://bit.ly/3O1QdFB
About
Jim Schubert is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review, and Applied Systems.
Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction.
Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level. And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
Ready to take your LinkedIn profile to the next level? In this video, we'll share 10 expert tips to help you optimize your LinkedIn profile and stand out from the crowd. Learn how to create a powerful profile summary, choose the perfect profile picture, and leverage LinkedIn marketing strategies to boost your professional network.
3 Key Takeaways
- Use amazing visuals to look the part of a professional
- Make sure your info is up to date and ON POINT, people don’t like searching very long for who you are and what you do
- Telling stories gets viral posts, people are on social media to connect, and what’s the best way to connect with you…hearing YOUR STORIES
Resources
🎥 [VIDEO] - How To Make Your LinkedIn Post Go Viral: https://youtu.be/Tga5sODxHqQ
🎥 - [PLAYLIST] - Marketing For Insurance Agents: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHPYmzrOJiE5S2-pwVmm9bqp4iV18Odhc
⬇️ - [DOWNLOAD] - STORYTELLING FRAMEWORK: https://agentsgrowthacademy.com/storytelling
🔔 - Subscribe for more tips just like this: https://bit.ly/43BmcEO
AGA PARTNERS
💰 - ePayPolicy, the simplest solution for insurance agents, carriers, brokers, MGAs, and premium finance companies to collect credit card and ACH payments: https://epaypolicy.referralrock.com/l/JIMSCHUBER35/
📦 - Marble Box, your virtual insurance processing team that lets you do the people stuff while we do the rest: https://bit.ly/3O1QdFB
About
Jim Schubert is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review, and Applied Systems.
Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction.
Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level. And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
linkedin #linkedinmarketing #linkedinprofile
In this video, we'll explore the key skills that every remote insurance agent needs to succeed in today's digital landscape. Learn how to effectively communicate with clients, manage your time, and leverage technology to close deals from the comfort of your home. Join us as we dive into the essential skills that will help you excel as a remote insurance agent and grow your book of business.
3 Key Takeaways
- How to prioritize clients in order to maximize your time spent with each one
- Consistent and timely communication is especially important when working remotely
- Why being agile as a remote agent is more important than ever
Resources
💰 - ePayPolicy: https://epaypolicy.referralrock.com/l/JIMSCHUBER35/
🎥 - [VIDEO] - COMMERCIAL INSURANCE AGENTS: YOU NEED TO HEAR THESE 5 PODCASTS!: https://youtu.be/xPD9Q3Hn7E4
🎥 - [PLAYLIST] - MARKETING FOR INSURANCE AGENTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHPYmzrOJiE5S2-pwVmm9bqp4iV18Odhc
⬇️ - [DOWNLOAD] - REMOTE AGENT CHECKLIST: https://agentsgrowthacademy.com/remoteagentchecklist
📚 - [BOOK] - NEVER SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE: https://amzn.to/43CqtZf
📚 - [BOOK] - THE EXTRA TWO MINTUES: https://amzn.to/3Jc1tQf
🔧 - [TOOL] - LOOM: https://www.loom.com/
🔔 - Subscribe for more tips just like this: https://bit.ly/43BmcEO
AGA PARTNERS
💰 - ePayPolicy: https://epaypolicy.referralrock.com/l/JIMSCHUBER35/
📦 - Marble Box: https://marblebox.com/
About
Jim Schubert is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review, and Applied Systems.
Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction.
Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level. And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by manual paperwork, inefficient processes, and a lack of customer engagement, then you are not alone! Insurance agents everywhere are struggling to streamline their operations and increase sales due to outdated methods and limited resources. Despite efforts to attract new clients, they find themselves stuck in a repetitive cycle that hinders growth and profitability. Instead of achieving the desired result of improved efficiency and increased customer engagement, agents find themselves bogged down with administrative tasks and unable to focus on building meaningful relationships with clients. It's time to revolutionize your agency with A.I.-powered tools that will transform your operations and drive sales like never before.
5 Key Takeaways
- Grasp the impressive blend of Chat GPT and Zapier to streamline insurance processes.
- Learn to amplify your marketing copy by integrating Jasper AI in your strategies.
- Delve into the art of producing professional-quality videos by harnessing Synthesia.
- Boosting Social Media Engagement with Lately AI
- Learn how to catapult your productivity to new levels by automating content with the Albus AI-powered assistant.
Resources
Zapier: https://zapier.com/
ChatGPT: https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt
Jasper: https://www.jasper.ai/
Synthesia: https://www.synthesia.io/
Lately.ai: https://www.lately.ai/
Albus: https://www.springworks.in/
🎥 - [VIDEO] - How To Drive Sales Through Content Creation: https://youtu.be/Y3JDL9bXTRI
🎥 - [PLAYLIST] - Content Marketing For Insurance Agents: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHPYmzrOJiE5z5ZLvOFrLzySKiuUwE1ZM
🔔 - Subscribe for more tips just like this: https://bit.ly/43BmcEO
AGA PARTNERS
💰 - ePayPolicy: https://epaypolicy.referralrock.com/l/JIMSCHUBER35/
📦 - Marble Box: https://marblebox.com/
About
Jim Schubert is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review, and Applied Systems.
Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction.
Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level. And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
Join host Jim Schubert as he talks with Mark Engels from ePayPolicy about the digital shift in the insurance industry and how their product is making premium financing easier and faster. With machine learning and innovative automation technology, Engels will show you how ePayPolicy can help your agency thrive on this episode of Agents Growth Academy.
3 Key Takeaways
- Learn how tapping into customer insights and feedback directly influences product innovations.
- See how adopting automation strategies can radically improve your agency management.
- Gain valuable insight into the benefits of incorporating Epay Policy's product into your toolbox.
Resources
Website (Be sure to check out their Finance Connect and Payables Connect services!)
About Mark Engels
Mark is the CEO of ePayPolicy, a modern payments platform built just for insurance carriers, brokers and agencies. Before ePay, Mark served as the Chief Revenue Officer for Hyperwallet (acquired by PayPal) and then Paya, where he led the sales and growth initiatives for both companies. Mark has seen the rapid digital transformation of payments firsthand, having spent most of his career leading teams in the space.
Unlock the power of this unconventional way to generate insurance leads from home 🏠💼!
In this video, I reveal a game-changing approach to generating insurance leads without leaving your comfort zone. Learn how to tap into new markets, attract high-quality leads, and boost your income like never before 🚀💰. Don't miss out on this exclusive lead generation strategy that will revolutionize your insurance business! Subscribe now for more insurance agent advice and valuable insights 🔔📈
3 Key Takeaways
- Learn the power of online community forums in lead generation.
- Recognize the impact of customer reviews on referral generation.
- Find out how original content can boost your brand and attract potential leads.
Resources
💰 - ePayPolicy: https://epaypolicy.referralrock.com/l/JIMSCHUBER35/
🎥 - [VIDEO] - HOW TO MAKE MORE MONEY AS A REMOTE AGENT IN 2023
🎥 - [PLAYLIST] - LEAD GENERATION FOR INSURANCE AGENTS
⬇️ - [DOWNLOAD] - REMOTE AGENT CHECKLIST: https://agentsgrowthacademy.com/remoteagentchecklist
About Jim SchubertJim Schubert is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review, and Applied Systems.
Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction.
Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level. And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
Commercial insurance agents, listen up! If you want to stay ahead of the competition and become a better agent, then tune in today for five podcasts that are an absolute must-listen. The podcasts mentioned on Agents Growth Academy today will educate you with insights and knowledge that will take your business to the next level–and it doesn’t cost you a dime.
3 Key Takeaways
- Listening to these 5 podcasts will improve your game and help you stay ahead of the curve.
- Niching down is an important step for commercial insurance agents trying to grow their business.
- Discover new ways to truly care about your community. Get to know the people you work with.
Resources
Power Producers Podcast
Agency Freedom Podcast
The Ryan Hanley Show
Insurance Town Podcast
Millionaire Insurance Producer Podcast
My Best Advice for New Insurance Producers
Lead Generation for Insurance Agents Playlist
About Jim Schubert
Jim Schubert is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review, and Applied Systems.
Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction.
Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level. And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
Insurance producers are struggling to make use of LinkedIn’s many features and are missing out on the potential it has to offer. So for this episode of AGA, host Jim Schubert shows how to fix seven things on your LinkedIn profile to start generating more leads and sales, including how to optimize your headshot and create a lead magnet. Stop missing out on the potential of LinkedIn and learn how you can use it to get ahead of the competition!
3 Key Takeaways
- Your banner should be more than aesthetically pleasing; include clear phrases and images that convey who you are without having to scroll.
- Always list your two biggest roles and include hashtags that attract attention. This will be the second thing people notice when looking at your profile
- People want to see compassion and leadership from their agents. Volunteer work does not go unnoticed.
Resources
How to Create a Lead Magnet that Converts Like Crazy YouTube Video
LinkedIn for Insurance Agents Playlist
southernstatesinsurance.com/careers
About Jim SchubertJim Schubert is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review, and Applied Systems.
Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction.
Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level. And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
With 20+ years in the insurance industry, Host Jim Schubert has learned a thing or two about how to gain leads and become successful. So today, Jim shares his best advice tailored specifically to new producers starting their career. Learn why you should niche down, provide value, and tell your story, and hear the powerful strategies Jim used to gain success and growth on this episode of Agents Growth Academy.
3 Key Takeaways
- Tell potentials a story that demonstrates the transformation a client has gone through; help them feel the effect deeply!
- You CAN’T do it all alone; take the time to thank the people who have helped you. You won’t regret what this says about you or the help you’ll receive in the future because of it.
- Storytelling is an important tool in the insurance producer’s arsenal!
Resources
How to Create a Lead Magnet that Converts Like Crazy
Lead Generation Playlist
5 Ways to Provide Value Before asking for Anything in Return: agentsgrowthacademy.com/value
Brand Storytelling Framework and Worksheet: agentsgrowthacademy.com/storytelling
InsurGrid
Wunderite
Marble Box
About Jim SchubertJim Schubert is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review, and Applied Systems.
Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction.
Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level. And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
Welcome to another resource-abundant episode of Agents Growth Academy, where host Jim Schubert shares the best strategies for remote insurance agents to make money, including surprise selfies, content marketing, InsurGrid links, ePayPolicy, and webinars. He also provides a free resource that will help you get to a yes with your prospects in no time.
3 Key Takeaways
- Get into the habit of creating consistent content. It can be in the form of videos, blogs, and infographics.
- The simplest way to skip the line and beat out competitors is to think of ways you can provide value to potentials. If you’re not creatively inclined, outsource your ideas!
- To gain more leads, it's all about letting the individual know you are aware of them and rooting for them.
Resources
InsurGrid
Content Marketing Playlist
ePayPolicy
5 Ways to Provide Value Before Asking for Anything in Return: agentsgrowthacademy.com/value
Lead Generation for Insurance Agents Video
About Jim SchubertJim Schubert is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review, and Applied Systems.
Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction.
Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level. And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
Welcome to this “mini Masterclass” episode with guest Steve Wiideman, where he walks you through the three main categories of SEO strategy that will boost your agency website. Learn the tools and techniques necessary to create a twelve month plan to rank for competitive keywords and start getting more website visits and inquiries–with more resources in one episode than ever.
3 Key Takeaways
- Improve user behavior signals by having a call to action, keyword, and unique selling proposition in the title tag.
- Become more visible off the website by having other websites link to yours. This is known as off-page ranking and works off the concept of a voting system.
- Gain more relevancy by answering a common customer problem–one problem per web page–on your site.
Resources
academyofsearch.com (use code: SEOSTEVE for FREE access to his $600 course)
https://www.wiideman.com
Podcast
Company LinkedIn: Wiidemen Consulting Group
Email: steve@wiidemn.com
SEM Rush
RYTE
answerthepublic.com
whitespark.ca
BrightLocal
Deep Work by Cal Newport
The Wim Hof Method
Superhuman.com
Find more resources relevant to your specific location/agency in the episode!
About Steve WiidemanSpecializing in strategic planning for multi-location and franchise brands, Steve Wiideman, of Wiideman Consulting Group, considers himself a scientist and practitioner of local and e-commerce search engine optimization and paid search advertising. He is the author of SEO Strategy & Skills, a college textbook through Stukent. Wiideman has personally played a role in the inbound successes of brands that have included Disney, Linksys, Belkin, Public Storage, Honda, Skechers, Applebee's, IHOP, Dole, and others. Many of the mentioned projects with an emphasis on strategy, planning, and campaign oversight.
While serving as an adjunct professor at UCSD and CSUF, Steve’s also building the Academy of Search, while volunteering time to help improve transparency and industry standards as an agency trainer.
With 32 years of experience in the insurance industry, Morris Sims knows the importance of building your business on lasting principles. For this episode of Agents Growth Academy, Morris shares with host Jim Schubert his “Clarity Principle” and how you can use it to prioritize what really matters and foster growth. Get clear on what you want, why you want it and how you're going to get it.
3 Key Takeaways
- This is the year to stop, pick up your favorite beverage, and start thinking ON PURPOSE.
- Start with the end goal in mind: what does your ideal day look like? Why does it look that way?
- What you do with must be fueled with passion and emotion–otherwise, you won’t want to get out of bed every morning.
Resources
The Business of Sales podcast with Morris Sims
Website
morris@morrissims.com
The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People by Stephen Covey
Darren Hardy’s Sunday Planning System
Sanebox.com
The Entrepreneurial Operating System by Ignacio Aguiler
Deep Work by Cal Newport
Legendary by Tommy Breedlove
About Morris Sims
Morris was an agent and manager for NYLIC before he was asked to go into management 32 years later as the VP and Chief Learning Officer in charge of training 12,000 agents and 500 managers with a staff of 200 nationwide.
Now, Morris runs Sims Training and Consulting, helping business owners grow their business with a clear foundation and a healthy home/work balance.
Don’t make the mistake of writing a standard resume that won’t stand out in a crowd.
An insurance agent must highlight their experience and skills in an attention-grabbing resume or risk losing the job to someone who knows how to land an interview. For this episode of Agents Growth Academy, host Jim Schubert shares the details of what to include–and not include–in your resume from your contact information all the way down to your designations.
3 Key Takeaways
- You have five seconds to sell yourself to the person scanning your resume. Don’t waste it on “I’d like to further my career…”
- Show them the money! They want to see specific numbers you have generated in the past; paint them a clear picture of what you’re capable of.
- LinkedIn is more than a means to see what you look like! Your potential employer will pay attention to how you interact with clients online.
Resources
What is Content Creation YouTube video
How to Generate Leads on LinkedIn Without Spending a Dime YouTube Video
Insurance Jobs Playlist
About Jim
Jim Schubert is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review, and Applied Systems.
Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction.
Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level. And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
Justin Jaksha, VP of Marketing for ePayPolicy, will share his 15 years of experience with insurtech, medical, and real estate and explain why storytelling is always the best marketing method for insurance agencies. Identify the psychology and science behind good storytelling and leverage it in your marketing on this episode of Agents Growth Academy.
3 Key Takeaways
- Leverage the psychology of good storytelling: use the hero's journey and monomyth to craft stories that make sense of the world and help the customer along their path.
- When surveying, it’s important to ask the right questions that will uncover the benefits and transformation that comes from using your product or service.
- Pay attention to the language: listen to the words that your customers use and repeat them in your marketing to create an emotional connection.
Resources
Story by Robert McKee
Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
Kendra Hall, storytelling expert
The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbelll
CheckMate from ePayPolicy
Trello application
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Hero on a Mission by Donald Miller
The World of Artby Steven Pressfield
About Justin JakshaJustin has over fifteen years of experience as a marketing leader (with a little bit of sales) in insurtech, medical, and real estate. Like host Jim Schubert, Justin is a full StoryBrand enthusiast and is StoryBrand certified.
On this episode of Agents Growth Academy, host Jim Schubert shares how he used collaboration tools, a CRM, and a content strategy to increase production and close more sales. He outlines the names of some of the best tools out there and provides a free resource to help you get started. By the end of this episode, you'll have the knowledge you need to boost your sales and make more money!
3 Key Takeaways
- Drive leads with a content strategy. This episode will provide several examples of agents with the best content.
- Utilize a CRM software to communicate with clients and prospects on and off of the clock, especially if you are a remote agent.
- It’s especially important for remote agents to implement ways to hold themselves accountable. This is best created in the form of a team leaderboard.
Resources
ePayPolicy
Insurgrid
Wunderite
Agency Zoom
Rocket Referrals
InsuredMine
Hub Spot
Salesforce
Ninety
How to Drive Sales Through Content Creation YouTube video
Marketing for Insurance Agents Playlist
The Guide to Giving Before You ask For Anything in Return: agentsgrowthacademycom/value
About Jim SchubertJim Schubert is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review, and Applied Systems.
Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction.
Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level. And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
Agency owner and incredible human being Jeremy Powers joins host Jim Schubert to share the core values of his successful agency focused on education, personalization and excitement. He works to inspire agents to be the change we all want to see in our communities and create a legacy of purpose over profits. Quit chasing shiny objects and make a difference as a leader on this episode of Agents Growth Academy.
3 Key Takeaways
- People are looking for human connection more than ever since COVID. Use this opportunity to set yourself apart from all of your competitors.
- Focus on purpose: Identify and focus on your purpose and passion rather than just profits.
- It is equally important to create a culture that encourages team-building and collaboration.
Resources
Website: www.choosepie.com
SendOutCards Program
Purpose Over ProfitsPodcast
Canopy Connect
High Performance Habitsby Brendon Burchard
Soundtracks by Jon Akuff
About Jeremy
Jeremy Powers opened Powers Insurance Experts in 2020 with 10 years of experience in the industry. A focus on education, personalization, and excitement has resulted in his agency winning several local awards 4 years in a row while generating a steady stream of referrals. He desires to inspire other agents to be the change we all want to see in our communities. Jeremy has a beautiful wife Emily, and three amazing children Olivia, Chloe, and Judah. His goal is to create a legacy of purpose over profits.
Host Jim Schubert shares the complete guide to becoming a remote insurance agent, based on his first-hand experience from hiring. Delve into the prep work such as setting up high-speed internet and creating boundaries with your roommates or loved ones. Plus, get a free resource to land your first remote insurance agent job here on Agents Growth Academy.
3 Key Takeaways
- Prepare for your interview by setting up a distraction free space that has proper recording equipment BEFORE you turn on the Zoom call.
- There are certain questions that they cannot and should not ask you in an interview; be prepared to change the conversation to the ways you are prepared to work.
- Use these essential tips to stay sane while working remotely–and you will need to set times to take breaks.
ResourcesThe Top 3 Interview Questions to Avoid YouTube Video
Free Checklist: agentsgrowthacademy.com/remoteagentchecklist
About Jim SchubertJim Schubert is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review, and Applied Systems.
Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction.
Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level. And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
Host Jim Schubert shows you everything you need to know about optimizing your processes to allow your staff to work from anywhere. He outlines the essential strategies, including choosing the right technology platform, creating a remote work agreement, creating systems of accountability, and deciding how to help remote agents feel like they belong on this episode of Agents Growth Academy.
3 Key Takeaways
- You NEED to create a remote work agreement specifically outlining the common remote work scenarios that will protect your business and its data.
- Establish systems of accountability by assigning roles and responsibilities and creating an accountability chart.
- Employees need to feel like they belong in the company and are a part of some kind of community. This is equally if not more important for remote employees!
ResourcesHow to Make Working From Home Actually Work for Your Company YouTube Video:
The customizable remote work agreement template: agentsgrowthacademy.com/remoteagreement
Watch for: How to Help Remote Insurance Agents Feel Like They Belong YouTube Video (Releasing next week!)
Remote Work Playlist
About Jim SchubertJim is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review, and Applied Systems.
Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction.
Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level. And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
Remote work is more popular than ever–which means you need to implement new ways to show you value your remote employees. Host Jim Schubert outlines the steps he took to ensure his remote staff felt like an integral part of their organization, such as having regular meetings, reaching out to remote workers individually, and involving them in companywide activities on this episode of Agents Growth Academy.
3 Key Takeaways
- Have regular meetings with peers, small team meetings, and group meetings.
- Reach out to remote workers individually on a regular basis.
- Involve remote workers through social media, costume contests, and companywide activities and meetings.
Resources
How to Make Working From Home Actually Work in Your Company YouTube video
Remote Work Playlist
Spoonful of Comfort website: spoonfulofcomfort.com
Mountain Mallow: mountainmallow.com
About Jim Schubert
Jim is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review, and Applied Systems.
Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction.
Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level. And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
Sean Kirby was 22 when his father handed him the insurance company and said, “Good luck!” And while Sean’s experience diving in cold turkey wasn’t the most glamorous approach, Sean is a master at adaptation and thinking on his feet. Today on Agents Growth Academy, host Jim Schubert invites you to join them to learn from Sean's experience to be open to change and new ideas. Don’t fear failure–use it to adapt and succeed in an ever-changing landscape.
3 Key Takeaways
- Get comfortable with being uncomfortable; push yourself outside of your comfort zone in order to try new things.
- Be creative with your solutions–do things no one has thought to do before and it will lead you to success.
- Get used to failure and don’t let it deter you from moving on to the next new idea. Start using failure as a tool for learning!
Resources
Yesware Gmail Extension
$100M Offers by Alex Hormozi
Performancegroupindiana.com
piaindiana.com
About Sean
Sean Kirby is a husband and father first, entrepreneur second. He was thrown into this industry in his early twenties with a sink or swim situation. From that, he has found his true passion with people: growth and connection. Sean has started (and maintains) 3 separate podcasts, all in the hopes to grow his network and learn from the best in each industry.
While Sean runs his independent insurance agency, their goal is to build people and businesses around those people (19 entities and counting). He is currently a contestant on David Carother’s The Protégé: Season 2. He was the PIA's Young Agent of the year 2022 20 under 40 in his local area. He is growing and learning every day!
Get the FREE: Agency Guide To Filling Your Talent Pipeline - agentsgrowthacademy.com/talentpipeline
Lead magnets are a great way to collect leads online but can be an obstacle for business owners of all niches. So today on Agents Growth Academy, host Jim Schubert outlines how to create a lead magnet that converts like crazy. You'll learn what a lead magnet is, how to choose the right type of lead magnet for your business, and how to create a lead magnet that provides value before asking for anything in return. By the end of this episode, know exactly what you need to do to get more subscribers and customers in no time.
3 Key Takeaways
- Brainstorm your target audience's pain points by making a list of common problems that you hear from them regularly.
- Choose a lead magnet type that makes sense for your target audience. This could be a cheat sheet, a checklist, a guide, a video course, or a challenge.
- Create your lead magnet beautifully by using a software or outsourcing it to someone who can help you make it look professional.
ResourcesHow to Fill Your Talent Pipeline
5 Tricks to Improve Your Email Marketing Strategy
Content Marketing Playlist
5 Ways to Provide Value Without Asking for Anything in Return
About Jim SchubertJim Schubert is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review, and Applied Systems.
Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction.
Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level. And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
Get the FREE: Agency Guide To Filling Your Talent Pipeline - agentsgrowthacademy.com/talentpipeline
Host Jim Schubert is joined by Will Lemanski, who outlines the moves needed to turn your business into a lean agency machine. As a fourth-generation agent who has been in the business since 2002, he knows what it takes to make an agency run efficiently and maximize everything. Create more freedom by prioritizing certain payments and budgeting using Will’s framework. Show appreciation to your employees and to your clients and become a best practices agency on this episode of Agents Growth Academy.
3 Key Takeaways
- Pay off debts and other liabilities as soon as possible to reduce stress and increase freedom.
- Get involved in Best Practices programs to benchmark and improve your agency.
- Appreciate your employees by showing them that you care about their well-being each day.
ResourcesWebsite
Pipedrive CRM
Facebook
Instagram
Email: will@mllins.com
Call: 5173519117
Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
Agency Freedom Podcast by James Jenkins
About Will LemanskiWill is a fourth-generation agent who has been in business since 2002. He spent 5 years as a claims rep handling property, liability, and auto claims. As an agent, he bought a business in 2012 with his wife. Since then, they’ve almost tripled agency revenue in 3 years.
Will is heavily involved in state and national BIG I association and has run a best practices agency since 2016. He went from sitting at a computer with a phone and being told to sell to managing producers, running an agency, and making it as efficient as possible. What interests him now is finding ways to run the agency more efficiently and maximizing everything.
Get the FREE: Agency Guide To Filling Your Talent Pipeline - agentsgrowthacademy.com/talentpipeline
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for business owners and professionals, but most people don't know how to use it to generate leads without spending any money. On this episode of Agents Growth Academy, host Jim Schubert breaks down the simple, 5-step strategy that he used to get hundreds of leads on LinkedIn and go viral on social media. This strategy doesn't require any fancy tools or expensive software–just a little time and effort.
3 Key Takeaways
- Stop Spraying and Praying. Niche down and find a target market with fewer people in it.
- Create content and post it consistently. This will help you be the person that people go to when they have a need for your product or service.
- Send people to a lead magnet, something that solves a pain point for them and is a quick win.
Resources
How to Make Your LinkedIn Posts Go Viral YouTube video
Content Marketing Playlist
The free guide on 5 Ways to Add Value Before Asking for Anything in Return: agentsgrowthacademy.com/value
Fiverr
Jim Schubert
is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review, and Applied Systems.
Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction.
Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level. And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
Get the FREE: Agency Guide To Filling Your Talent Pipeline - agentsgrowthacademy.com/talentpipeline
It's far too easy to get bogged down by negative experiences and let them define us. But Michael Zalle brings his experience of being born with a small right hand and losing a seven figure sale just minutes before the interview as proof that your experiences make you the person you need to be today. Join him alongside host Jim Schubert to discuss the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and how you can do well while doing good at the same time on this episode of Agents Growth Academy.
3 Key Takeaways
- In entrepreneurship, you have to learn to adapt. Figure out how to work around it and don't let it stop you from moving forward.
- Don't take things so personally–not everything is about you. Accept that sometimes things happen that are out of your control.
- Don't dwell on setbacks. Pick yourself up and keep going (in 24 hours or less).
ResourcesThe Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman
The Daily Stoic Podcast
LinkedIn
Website: goyellowbird.com
About Michael ZalleMichael is the Founder and CEO of YellowBird. He is responsible for creating, building, and launching new concepts and companies, resulting in multiple successful exits over a 25-year tech career. He has built a career through a unique balance of commercializing novel business models, operationalizing innovative technologies and platforms, rapidly scaling operations, and building market-shaping ecosystems. Michael’s companies and purpose are ever focused on serving others. Whether it be satellite systems for First Responders, environmental products for flood and spill response, or time and economic support for difference-making organizations, Michael believes in “doing well while doing good.”
Michael’s college journey began at San Francisco State University and was completed at Pepperdine University Graziadio Business School while working full-time and traveling at age 19. As a lifelong member and mentor for the Amputee Coalition of America, he enjoys the time he’s able to invest in mentoring kids with physical challenges.
Married 22 years with two children, Michael spends most of his free time at lacrosse or soccer games chasing balls, applying band-aids, and handing out snacks. He enjoys traveling and engages in a variety of sports including golf and tennis; he ranks himself an incredibly average golfer and perhaps even worse tennis player.
Get the FREE: Agency Guide To Filling Your Talent Pipeline - agentsgrowthacademy.com/talentpipeline
If you're an insurance agent or in any kind of sales role–or just searching for new ways to generate sales–this is for you. Host Jim Schubert is going to show you how his friend Stephen generated $1.5 million in sales from a single content marketing idea. Stephen is an insurance agent who's been in the trenches, but it wasn't until the last couple of years that he generated over a million dollars. Today, Jim shares an exercise that will help you identify how you can create content that adds value and makes big profit.
3 Key Takeaways
- How one insurance agent generated $1.5 million in sales from a single content marketing idea that he gave away for free.
- How to become an expert in something by spending just ten minutes a day learning more about it.
- Figure out who your audience is and what they want. Start by interviewing people in your target market or niche to get an idea of the language they use to describe their pain points.
Resources
Full Podcast Episode with Stephen Sedlak
AGA’s Marketing for Insurance Agents Playlist
Free guide with 5 Ways to Provide Value Without Asking for Anything Else in Return: agentsgrowthacademy.com/value
About Jim Schubert
is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review and Applied Systems.
Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction.
Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level. And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
Get the FREE: Agency Guide To Filling Your Talent Pipeline - agentsgrowthacademy.com/talentpipeline
Will Moore is an entrepreneur, habits gamification, and happiness expert. He helps people gamify their habits by combining universal principles to replace their failure habits with success habits five cores that address everything from your physical health to giving back. Hear how you can game up and get back the playful side of who you are on this episode of Agents Growth Academy.
3 Key Takeaways
- Universal principles have always and will continue to prove themselves true. Identify the ones that apply to you and create a system for yourself that holds you accountable to them.
- Begin by taking three days to keep track of the habits you’re doing in the morning, mid-day, and night. Use red for bad habits and green for good habits. Decide what you’d like to do instead of the red ones.
- Your mindset holds the power to change your lifestyle into what you dreamed of. Don’t try to do it all at once; instead, work on one or two changes at a time.
Resources
Website: mooremomentum.com (Take the quiz for a 10000 foot view on where you stand in each of your five cores!)
Sign up to be notified when Will’s app releases
James Clear, Atomic Habits
Simon Sinek, Start With Why
BJ Fogg, Tiny Habits
Dale Carnegie,How to Win Friends and Influence PeopleAbout Will MooreWill is an entrepreneur, habits, gamification, and happiness expert. After exiting his delivery startup for a nine-figure sum, Will realized that “true success" is not just about finances, but nurturing and finding balance in the 5 core areas of your life scientifically linked to happiness:
Mindset
Career & Finances
Relationships
Physical Health
Emotional Health & Giving back
Will’s now dedicated his life to helping others run their lives as a successful startup of the most important business they’ll ever run: THEIR LIVES.
His Moore Momentum System helps people gamify their habits by combining universal principles, science, and tech to WANT to replace their failure habits with success habits in all 5 Cores.
Get the FREE: Agency Guide To Filling Your Talent Pipeline - agentsgrowthacademy.com/talentpipeline
Host Jim Schubert is about to show you ten marketing ideas that insurance agents or really anybody can use to get more leads and close more sales. Whether you're just starting out or you've been doing this for a while, these tips will help you take your marketing game up a notch on this episode of Agents Growth Academy.
3 Key Takeaways
- How one insurance agent wrote a book and generated $5 million in sales as a result
- How to use an insurance agency app to get more leads from people who aren’t even your clients.
- How creating video content that answers common questions about insurance will boost your agency’s sales exponentially.
Resources
Youtube: How to Drive Sales through Content Creation
Our content marketing playlist
5 ways to provide value before asking for anything in return: agentsgrowthacademy.com/value
About Jim SchubertJim Schubert is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review and Applied Systems.
Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction.
Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level. And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
Get the FREE: Agency Guide To Filling Your Talent Pipeline - agentsgrowthacademy.com/talentpipeline
Don't let the name fool you – “Client Experience for Dummies” is not a condescending guide; it's an introduction to a new way of thinking about how to serve clients, brought to you by today’s guest, Andy Mathisen of GloveBox. In a world where independent insurance agents are competing with direct-to-consumer carriers, it's more important than ever to find ways to stand out and provide value. Today on Agent’s Growth Academy, hear how GloveBox does this by providing a platform that connects agents directly to carriers, allowing for a more seamless and accurate experience for clients (including a direct way to pay bills).
3 Key Takeaways
- It’s more important than ever to improve communication and relationships between independent agents and their clients. Companies like GloveBox are making that a possibility.
- Directly connect with carriers to get live data and documents and pay bills through the platform.
- Use GloveBox to set up accounts for prospects, even if they're not currently clients, and track which carriers they use.
Resources
Email: andy@gloveboxapp.com
Relentless by Tim Grover
Website: www.gloveboxapp.com
About Andy Mathisen
Andy grew a $100 million dollar agency alongside his brother and Dad from 2011-2019. He started GloveBox in 2019 and is the co-host of the Cease & Desist podcast.
Get the FREE: Agency Guide To Filling Your Talent Pipeline - agentsgrowthacademy.com/talentpipeline
In this episode of Agents Growth Academy, headmaster Jim Schubert interviews Stephen Sedlak from Schmale Insurance Agency about Sedlak's new book, The Work Comp Effect: Seven Steps to Increase Profits Through Your Work Comp Program, particularly how Sedlak is using it to generate income exponentially while giving it away for free.
3 Key Takeaways
- Writing a book is one of the fastest ways to establish credibility in your industry.
- Begin by identifying niches that you have knowledge in and narrow those down until you feel you could help others.
- How giving away your book for free frequently will help to generate higher income (up to the millions).
Resources
Stephen’s book, The Work Comp Control Effect
email: ssedlak@schmaleinsurance.com
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink, Leif Babin, et al.
Use code: GROWBIG at checkout to get 15% off your mountainmallow.com purchase
About Stephen Sedlak
Stephen is a partner at Schmale Insurance Agency. He obtained his journalism degree from the #1 journalism school in the country (mizzou). Stephen is known for his #1 amazon best selling book: The Work Comp Control Effect, and he once owned a company in college where they made the cheesiest commercials.
Get the FREE: Agency Guide To Filling Your Talent Pipeline - agentsgrowthacademy.com/talentpipeline
As an interviewer, it's important to ask the right questions to get the information you need to make a hiring decision. But there are also some questions that you should avoid–the kind that can get employers into some serious hot water–as they could be considered illegal or discriminatory. Avoid potential issues and, more importantly, identify red flags in candidates before you complete the interview on this episode of Agents Growth Academy.
3 Key Takeaways
- While children can be a distraction for remote workers, it is not your place to ask about their childcare arrangements. Instead, ask if they have a distraction free environment that they can make calls/Zoom with no trouble.
- Don’t be afraid to let there be silence after asking a question; they may need a minute to mull it over, but talented people know their skills and will be able to answer with how they can help.
- Avoid asking questions about a candidate's current salary; it likely won’t provide the right information because it doesn’t take into account their individual financial situation.
Resources
The Agency Guide to Bulletproofing Your Interview Process: agentsgrowthacademy.com/interviewguide
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About JimJim Schubert is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review and Applied Systems.
Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction. Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level.
And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
Get the FREE: Agency Guide To Filling Your Talent Pipeline - agentsgrowthacademy.com/talentpipeline
Mark Engels, CEO of ePayPolicy, a modern payments platform built just for insurance carriers, brokers, and agencies, has seen the rapid digital transformation of payments firsthand, having spent most of his career leading teams in the space. He sits down with host Jim Schubert today to share the trends he sees changing in end management systems for agencies across the globe and breaks down their valuable service for those who are still receiving a large percentage of their payments in the form of physical checks.
3 Key Takeaways
- How ePayPolicy is helping insurance agents digitize their receivables no matter the payment, INCLUDING checks.
- How the company's machine learning algorithm is used to reconcile data from customer remittance advice.
- How the company's focus on integrating digital payments into the insurance industry is helping agents keep up with industry trends.
Resources
epaypolicy.com
ePayPolicy’s Checkmate
About Mark
Mark Engels is the CEO of ePayPolicy, a modern payments platform built just for insurance carriers, brokers and agencies. Before ePay, Mark served as the Chief Revenue Officer for Hyperwallet (acquired by PayPal) and then Paya, where he led the sales and growth initiatives for both companies. Mark has seen the rapid digital transformation of payments firsthand, having spent most of his career leading teams in the space.
Get the FREE: Agency Guide To Filling Your Talent Pipeline - agentsgrowthacademy.com/talentpipeline
Host Jim Schubert is going to show you how he was able to go from zero to 250 insurance job applicants in just two weeks–WITHOUT using recruiters. Jim breaks down the key components to finding success with applicants including the tone (it’s less formal than you’re probably thinking), location (it's less pinpointed than you’re probably thinking), and the right way to advertise your open positions on this episode of Agents Growth Academy.
3 Key Takeaways
- Start by updating the beginning of your job description on Indeed to be clear, include salary, and not overly formal in tone.
- Post the job listing with remote work as an option for the position; get quality candidates because of it.
- Sponsor the job listing and still save money by not hiring a recruiter.
Resources
The Agency Guide to Filling Your Talent Pipeline for free:
agentsgrowthacademy.com/talentpipeline
About Jim Schubert
Jim is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review and Applied Systems. Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction. Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level. And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
Get the FREE: Agency Guide To Filling Your Talent Pipeline - agentsgrowthacademy.com/talentpipeline
Michael Overstreet is an agency owner who has been in the industry for over a decade. He takes a seat with host Jim Schubert to share his found passion for using video to educate consumers and grow his business after merging with two agencies. Take the discomfort out of getting behind that camera and get the biggest secret to success with video on this episode of Agents Growth Academy.
3 Key Takeaways
- It's important to keep in mind that not everyone will be interested in what you're selling right away. It may take several interactions before someone is ready to make a purchase.
- To create educational content, start by thinking about what topics would be most helpful or interesting to your target audience.
- Know that it's going to take at least 6 months to start getting traction with your YouTube videos. Consistency is key to success.
Resources
motionarray.com
When Words Collide by Lauren Kessler
Legendary by Tommy Breedlove
YouTube
Website
Michael’s gardening channel: The Gardening Nerd
About Michael Overstreet
Michael loves to create educational content, and he loves to use video to do so! He has been in insurance for over a decade and just recently merged his agency with TWO others. They are just having fun as they bring their agencies together. Michael is the first to admit he’s failed a lot, but he has learned a lot of good lessons over the years because of it.
Get the FREE: Agency Guide To Filling Your Talent Pipeline - agentsgrowthacademy.com/talentpipeline
Wes Becknell is a leading insurance agent who has grown his business exponentially over the past 20 years. Today on Agents Growth Academy, Wes advocates using data to deliver profitability in trucking insurance. He has developed a robust system that does just that. Join him and host Jim Schubert to hear how you can eliminate the need to chase money or endorsements and save a tremendous amount of time.
3 Key Takeaways
- How data can be used to deliver greater profitability in trucking insurance.
- How agents can better use technology to save valuable personal time and make more money.
- Why having an abundance mentality will rise the tide of the insurance industry and bring your agency more leads.
Resources
WHOOP Strap
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Books by Patrick Lencioni
Legendary by Tommy Breedlove
Website (Give him a call or shoot him an email through their website calendar.)
www.rocklakeig.com
LinkedIn: @wbecknell
LinkedIn: @rocklake
YouTube
About Wes Becknell
Wes is a multifaceted insurance professional; he has been an independent agent, worked on the premium finance side, and both admitted and non-admitted carriers and a MGA, and has grown territories at each stop along the way. Wes generated 87% of a regional carriers’ profits on 25% of their revenues and turned in a 73 combined in a territory known for tornadoes and hail, all the while growing the top line premium.
Wes has won Marketing Rep of the Year in Texas and Oklahoma along with serving as president of the chamber 4 different terms. He has earned his CIC, CSRM, ERIS, CRIS, and has an MBA in Finance.
Get the FREE: Agency Guide To Filling Your Talent Pipeline - agentsgrowthacademy.com/talentpipeline
Jim Schubert hosts this episode of Agents Growth Academy to share five great ways to find candidates without breaking the bank on recruiters. Listing all positions on your website, incentivizing your staff, asking your partners for help, creating a video advertisement on social media, and embracing work from anywhere are all proven methods at AGA headquarters. By implementing even a few of these strategies, you're sure to see an increase in the quality of your applicants.
3 Key Takeaways
- You can find quality candidates without using a recruiter or at least lower the cost of recruiters by utilizing the other five resources your agency already has to offer.
- Embrace remote working in your agency. There are multiple benefits of expanding your horizon to candidates across the US.
- Incentivize your staff in a way that matters to them. Don’t be too cheap, but pick a sum that you feel comfortable with.
Resources
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
About Jim Schubert
Jim is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review and Applied Systems.
Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction.
Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level. And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
Learn the secrets of the top insurance agents and how they grow their book of business exponentially each month from industry-leading expert David Watson. Join host Jim Schubert to hear how to write more profitable personalized insurance and use technology to streamline the insurance quoting process. David will also outline how he increased profitability for his insurance agency by using the Risk Advisor system and what it can do for your agency today.
3 Key Takeaways
- What the top insurance agents are doing to grow their book of business exponentially each month.
- Secrets industry-leading experts have for writing more profitable personalized insurance.
- How independent agents can use technology to streamline the insurance quoting process.
Resources
Founders Brand by Dave Gerhardt
Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
Website: riskadvisor.insure
Linkedin: @agentdavidwatson
Email: david@riskadvisor.insure
About David Watson
David is a partner of Mappus Insurance Agency, an independent insurance firm in South Carolina that specializes in personal and business insurance.
David is also the founder of RiskAdvisor, an insurtech SaaS tool that helps independent agents streamline the insurance quoting process and write more profitable personal lines accounts. With RiskAdvisor over the past two years, David has written over $1M in personal lines insurance premium each year–and his goal is to help other independent agents write more profitable accounts, too.
He believes the independent agent is invaluable to the insurance buying process and is on a mission to help agents around the country grow and thrive.
Almost 75 % of our staff worked from home during the pandemic, 40% of which still do today without slowing productivity. A lot went into that statistic behind the scenes. So today on Agents Growth Academy, host Jim Schubert will share how to make working from home actually work, starting with the “why” and following through with systems of accountability. 3 Key Takeaways
- Become 100% clear on your company’s vision before asking yourself if you should allow remote work. That way, you can ask if it aligns with that vision.
- Remote work is hard to undo, but some of the remote workers Jim has hired are qualified, legacy employees. Don’t rule out this option without looking into it.
- Your accountability measurables need to be conducted at a regular pace, whether that’s employee feedback loops or responsibility chart check-ins.
Resources
Traction by Gino Wickman
About Jim Schubert
Jim is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review and Applied Systems.
Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction.
Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level. And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
Host Jim Schubert would not even be here doing this show if today’s guest wasn’t a part of his life. Tune into this episode with guest and podcasting expert Josh Tapp, where it's about building relationships–whether you think it will help you or not. Discover the power of outsourcing, identifying “pools of problems,” and the truth behind what connecting others will do for YOU in a time of need,
3 Key Takeaways
- Always focus on providing people with value first. The rest will come naturally afterward.
- Stop thinking you need to keep purchasing new marketing methods and know that you already have what you need to be successful. Just be genuine and watch the results.
- It doesn’t have to take a lot of your time to connect people with others who may be useful to them. You can do it in as little as a few minutes a day and reap the rewards.
Resources
Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
Business Masterclass by Billy Wagner
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Living Forward by Michael Hyatt et al.
Pantheon.fm (the top podcasters all gathered together)
About Josh Tapp
Josh is the host of the Apple iTunes Top 50 Marketing Podcast, The Lucky Titan.
He is a lifestyle entrepreneur, high-performance business coach, and keynote speaker.
Having interviewed and shared the stage with over 500 of the world’s top entrepreneurs, Josh created The Pantheon method as a simple roadmap for any entrepreneur to build a thriving personal brand.
He believes that entrepreneurship is the remedy to nearly every issue in this world, and spends his time promoting entrepreneurship across the globe.
You agency owners out there are cramming a little too much in the everyday: pay special attention to this episode. Guest Scott Anderson is an expert coach in burnout recovery, and he’s here to share alongside host Jim Schubert how, despite its major setbacks, burnout can be a blessing. Hear how you can implement his model for de-stressing and decluttering your mind, effective in as little as FIVE SECONDS, on this episode of Agents Growth Academy.
3 Key Takeaways
- The number one key to recovering from burnout is noticing when you’re stressed out. Be aware and listen to your body throughout the day.
- Take intentional recovery breaks–as little as five seconds to five minutes–and watch the habit make you present and less worried. Use your apple watch to remind yourself to relax if you need to.
- Reduce your daily tasks that are creating white noise in your mind by identifying what only you can do, love to do, and what will move the needle for your business.
Resources
The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer
Website
Join their Facebook group: Beyond Burnout
About Scott AndersonScott is a serial entrepreneur whose entry into business started when he was tasked with turning around a 3rd generation family group of construction equipment and industrial engine companies, which he was able to scale and sell at a premium.
Following this, Scott built 3 for-profit businesses, including an agency that he ran for over 25 years and later sold to his employees.
Scott also combined his business acumen with his experience as a licensed mental health therapist to establish the not-for-profit, AtEaseUSA.org, which develops and deploys leading-edge PTSD treatment technology in partnership with Tel Aviv University and the Israeli government.
Scott’s experience in business is matched by his premier training in coaching and therapy. He trained at the preeminent Coaches Training Institute and is certified by the International Coaching Federation (IFC).
He also graduated summa cum laude with a Master’s degree from the University of Nebraska School of Clinical Counseling.
The Titanic: the biggest insurance claim of the century. Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat: the greatest historical insurance negotiation. Join guest Peter MacDonald from Wunderite and host Jim Schubert on this episode of Agents Growth Academy to be proud to be a part of the lubrication that’s brought function to society. Become a company that makes top-of-stack submissions quickly and easily–every time.
3 Key Takeaways
-Only outsource the things that don’t add value to your client’s experience. These things that typically feel grueling for you as well and can be handled by Wunderite.
-It’s all about the positive touch points with your clients; start taking advantage of the invaluable data points you collect about them and make the conversation relevant.
-Remember that insurance at its core is about the natural human desire to protect one another. Apply that to your agency’s approach toward the community.
About Peter MacDonald
Before founding Wunderite in 2018, Peter worked at a family insurance agency selling most types of insurance. In this role, Peter earned industry licenses and credentials (CPCU, CRM, CIC, LIA), represented independent agents to lawmakers in Washington DC with the IIABA, and built and implemented technology for the agency.
Intrigued by computers since he was four, Peter hacked the UI of AOL Instant Messenger, started modhalo.net to enhance Halo gameplay, and built bulletprooflinks.com (featured in Wired) before graduating high school. He quickly figured that the insurance industry needed better technology.
Peter earned an MBA with distinction from Boston College as a Dean’s Scholar and a BS in Mathematics Cum Laude from Wheaton (IL).
Peter lives in Massachusetts with his wife and two kids. He is a former traveler, recent drone enthusiast, and likes to be outside.
If you haven’t considered this automated system for any other reason: do it for your clients. Don’t let check fraud happen to them on your watch. Today on Agents Growth Academy, host Jim Schubert is joined by ePayPolicy’s Zac Franz to lay out the scary reality behind sending a check in the mail, presenting the all too easy, digital solution that beats a square and bank merchant services every time.
3 Key Takeaways
- We’re past the time where sending your bank account/routing information between thin paper is safe. Don’t jeopardize your client relationships by allowing them to be subject to fraud.
- Stop giving away your commission! Digital payment will make paying easier for your clients and keep your cash in your court.
- You don’t have to wait for the insurer to acknowledge and approve incoming funds. ePayPolicy will make the transfer immediately.
Resources
Essentialism by Greg McKeowenazon.com/Atlas-Shrugged-Ayn-Rand/dp/0451191145
What Would the Rockefellers Do? by Garrett B Gunderson:
Website: https://epaypolicy.com/
About Zac Franz
Zac is a genuinely good guy who has worked with ePayPolicy for over two years. He began on their sales team but quickly moved to managing that team after discovering his passion for speeding up receivables. Now, Zac is managing relationships with ePayPolicy’s integrated technology partners, contributing each day to a safer, faster way to pay in the insurance industry.
How is lead distribution in the insurance agency comparable to Costco? Guest and independent agent Jeff Shi explains why It’s all about the way you incorporate other lead companies. Join him and host Jim Schubert to reimagine the way independent agents grow their agency organically versus through acquisition and hear how, despite the big changes happening in the insurance agency today, the role of the agent is more important than ever.
Show Notes
[0:25] Jim introduces guest Jeff Shi and his background in insurance
[4:15] Jeff talks about the impact of struggling with mental health growing up and his wife’s mission to help kids like him
[6:50] Jim asks Jeff to explain what he’s learned about distribution and organic growth/why he founded his company
[10:50] Jeff talks about redistribution of leads to independent agents and the struggle in today’s agenting industry to get there
[16:08] The people trying to replace Geico aren’t the smartest ones in the room; focus on the top 100 broker list
[17:40] Why isn’t there interest in the brokerage space?
[26:40] Jeff gives a final piece of advice to agents: treat people how they want to be treated, and if you promise something then deliver
Know your weaknesses and strengths
[29:18] Money problems resulted in a lack of financial discipline, but true greatness requires discipline
[30:40] Jeff answers AGA’s rapid-fire round
3 Key Takeaways
- Don’t focus on replacing major companies like Geico. Instead, focus on becoming a top 100 broker.
- The role of the insurance agent has become more important as the industry has shifted toward “replacing” the insurance agent’s role.
- Take another look at how you’re utilizing the resource of a potential client’s cell phone. They may be a faster way to generate leads.
Resources
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Richard Kiyosaki
Telegram
Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh
Kobe Bryant video: Obsession
About Jeff Shi
Jeff Shi launched his insurance career as a top performing captive agent at Allstate. Along the way, he found the grass really was greener on the independent side, and co founded Quantum Assurance International and Quotehound so agents could have the home they deserve. As Chief Vision Officer at Quantum, he helped pioneer features like immediate vesting and the digital entrepreneur model that helps agents build over the next 3 years what took agents of the past 20. Then in year 3, Jeff and Justin Marks started focusing on the launch of Quotehound, reimagining the way independent
Host Jim Schubert brings you the best methods straight from his agency that refine–and raise–your recruiting stats. It starts by setting up an evergreen process that maintains a focus on timing and question phrases. Hear his top five things you must do to recruit effectively on this episode of Agents Growth Academy and watch your incoming resumes raise 70 to 100 percent.
3 Key Takeaways
- Just because you use a robust interview system doesn’t mean you can’t SAVE TIME from it. Ask the right questions at the right time and make hires faster.
- You need to think about how your WEBSITE is bringing in resumes–unsolicited. There are over 5 ways you can ensure this.
- Hiring should not be a hurry up and wait process. Instead, maintain a continuous recruiting system and don’t be in a rush to fill upcoming holes.
Resources
Indeed
Calendly
Use epaypolicy.com/checkmate to see their new service
Leave us a rating on Apple Podcasts
Design expert, Kick-A agent, and possibly even a psychologist Ciara Gravier joins host Jim Schubert for a rich discussion on your agency’s branding. Build a brand that tailors to the gut over the mind and hear Ciara’s top concrete ways to rethink your brand’s impact on this informative episode of Agents Growth Academy.
3 Key Takeaways
- Build a brand that appeals to your potential client’s gut, NOT their mind. In today’s world, appealing to the mind is not enough.
- Clearly identify what your agency does enough so that each employee can explain similarly to interested parties.
- Utilize sensation transfer when designing your brand. Sensation transfer will ensure clients know who you are every time and trust you for that.
Resources
Website: www.bunkeryourrisk.com
The Brand Gap by Marty Neumeier
Canva
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
About Ciara Gravier
has been in the insurance industry for almost 20 years. She helped her parents start two scratch agencies: Allstate, and an independent that was sold in 2018. Ciara is now the founder & CEO of The Bunker Insurance & Risk Management where she holds several designations: CIC, CRM, and the CCIC.
Texan by choice, teacher/coach, and automation expert Casey Nelson is here for what host Jim Schubert describes as “becoming very quickly one of the most valuable podcasts I’ve ever recorded.” Besides being a darn good guy to know, Casey shares value with listeners on the limitless work-arounds available to agents, the biggest ROI action item to implement, and why you should always do more than you have to on this episode of Agents Growth Academy.
3 Key Takeaways
- Understand that there will be hairs when you employ automation, but don’t be afraid to make a laugh out of it, especially to clients.
- You absolutely need to have a written process for EVERYTHING in your agency.
- Show up, be the person others can rely on, and give more credit to your gut instinct.
Resources
Tango, screen recording platform
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
Website: stakwise.com
YouTube
Reach out to Casey any time at casey@stakwise.com
About Casey Nelson
Was Michigan born & raised, graduating a Western Michigan University Alumni, but today, he is a Texan by choice. Casey served as a teacher and coach for eight years and as an insurance agency COO for seven years. He became IIAT ELI Texas Chair and was on the IIAT Board of Directors for two years, after which he started StakWise in August 2021 to help agents/agencies install, build, and manage their technology and automation.
Join this insightful and inspiring conversation with guest Laban Ditchburn, who has had his fair share of experience at growing big. Discover the power of stepping in to who you are to the universe; own your power, your divine purpose, and watch it create invaluable results like it has for Laban, quite literally curing his incurable disease. Learn alongside host Jim Schubert to reach out to people the right way by understanding that the power is in the listeners on this episode of Agents Growth Academy.
3 Key Takeaways
- Salespeople: you hold real power when you act as the listener, so ask questions.
- You can push past the discomfort of calling people who feel higher up by understanding that human beings are just human beings.
- What people think of you is none of your business, and you shouldn’t care to hear it!
Resources
Steve Hardeson, the ultimate coach
Website: LabanDitchburn.com
Lusch.co to access the contact information of incredible human beings
Laban’s Book: Bet on You
The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann
177 Mental Toughness Secrets of the World Classby Steve Siebold
Insure the Cure
Laban’s podcast: Become Your Own Superhero
About Laban Ditchburn
An exemplar and a revolutionary, he revels in unabashedly sharing what he’s learned: how to conquer the demons you don’t know you have, and how to be unstoppable in getting to where you want to be.
These days he gets his fix from the madness of ultra-marathon running, smashing the glass-ceiling of limiting beliefs and the demolition of a hot carnivore BBQ.
Continuing his writing, inspiring and transformational speaking, Laban is living his purpose as The World’s Best Courage Coach.
He lives in the beautiful Riviera Maya of Mexico, with the woman who is responsible for his limitless approach to life, his soon to be wife, the bravest person he knows and the future mother of their giant brood of children, Anna.
One of the BIGGEST challenges that insurance agencies face today is not having their accounts streamlined. Issues of lost personal account information and across-states clients with urgent needs fill our experience box. How prepared are YOU to pay your consultants and collect bills before disaster strikes? Tune in today for host Jim Schubert’s 3 best ways to streamline your agency accounting on Agent’s Growth Academy.
3 Key Takeaways
- Snail mailing your checks is a lot like playing the slot machines; you can only hope your money gets to you through safe means.
- You want to receive your paycheck through direct deposit to avoid delays and complications. Commissions should be considered NO differently!
- Use Echeck as a last resort to paying vendors and carriers. ACA or credit card are always the best ways to pay.
Resources
epaypolicy
Leave us an honest review on Apple Podcasts!
About Jim Schubert
Jim Schubert is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review and Applied Systems. Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction. Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level. And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
Jim Schubert is unbelievably excited to bring on Brandon Smith, a fellow insurance agent who doesn’t like doing insurance but also loves what he does. Join their conversation centered around Brandon’s motto that if you do what’s right, the business will take care of itself. Use technology as a tool to enhance true relationships and let failure act as a learning point rather than define you on this episode of Agents Growth Academy.
3 Key Takeaways
- The true measure of your company's success should be in PROFITABILITY, not revenue.
- You can and should build meaningful relationships, even if you’re converting thousands of digital leads a year like Brandon’s company.
- You can use technology to enhance those meaningful relationships as a tool; tune in to hear some options.
Resources
Handle: @brandon5mith
producerdp.com
brandonsmith.pro
Alienated America by Timothy P Carney
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurryby John Mark Comer
About Brandon Smith
Brandon Smith is working to be a catalyst in the evolution of independent agents: In addition to his role as EVP of Development & Strategy at Glidewell, he is the founder of Producer Development Program. He also was co-founder of Insurance Agency Owners Alliance (IAOA), an association of 8,000+ agents who innovate and collaborate through events, webinars and more. Brandon has spent years motivating and inspiring audiences to get out of their comfort zone and to dream again.
With his background as a Dave Ramsey Endorsed Local provider for Glidewell, Brandon honed his skills and helps motivate audiences who are just surviving in business rather than thriving. With his engaging, and fun personality, Brandon connects with his audiences and delivers content that they can immediately use when they get back to their home or office.
The 19-year industry veteran was recognized by Rough Notes Magazine as their cover agent in July of 2020. He attended Southwestern University on a basketball scholarship and still enjoys hoops in his free time. Brandon is a die-hard Red Sox fan, loves coffee and Wi-Fi, and was once a line leader in second grade. Brandon, his wife Joy and three children (Avery 14, Boston 12, and Harper 9) reside in Missoula, Montana.
Remain present on LinkedIn if you want to be seen–we’ve heard this advice. It’s a necessity for promotional work. But do you know just how far a single LinkedIn post can go for you, for others? Today on Agents Growth Academy, Jim Schubert shares how one vacation post went viral overnight for him and uses three components as answers to the ever-present question: what makes them hit that button and take time out of their day to promote you?
3 Key Takeaways
- You don’t have to know the secret to LinkedIn’s algorithm to go viral. Instead, be consistent with the 3 key traits in this episode and people will want to view your content.
- DON’T stage your posts–photos or content. Show people that you are a real human with a real life.
- Start thinking about how your post will help improve someone else’s life enough to invite a thank you.
Resources
Visit agentsgrowthacademy.com/value for ideas on how you can give FIRST!
Connect with Jim and leave the episode an honest review!
About Jim Schubert
Jim Schubert is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review and Applied Systems. Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction. Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level. And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
There was never a better time to pursue your passion and share your agency knowledge with others than today. Join the inspiring conversation between host Jim Schubert and guest Dani Kimble to hear how marketing has changed drastically in the last decade, creating space for greater personal content, connections, and community on this episode of Agents Growth Academy.
3 Key Takeaways
- By holding your agency cards close to the chest, you are preventing society from seeing what insurance really means. It’s time to share what you know!
- You have more opportunities now than ever to make real connections with your audience. The marketing space has exploded in just a few years.
- Focus on the long term impact of your marketing strategy. You may gain more leads the old way, but are you keeping them after a year or two?
Resources
Dani’s LinkedIn
Dani’s Twitter
Website: www.azeliemarketing.com
Keli’s account with inspiring insurance stories
Bradley Flowers
Traction by Gino Wickman and his quadrant system: Delegate and Elevate
Notion
Founder Brand by Dave Gerhardt
Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller
Get a free audible book at audibletrial.com/growbig
Go to mountainmallow.com and use code GROWBIG to get a 15% discount
About Dani Kimble
Dani Kimble is the Founder/CEO of Azelie Marketing. She has nearly 7 years of professional marketing experience supporting small/midmarket businesses with branding and marketing. Over that time, she's served as CMO for an independent insurance firm, and has also supported consulting firms, restaurants, and SaaS startups. Her expertise lies in building custom marketing strategies - and she brings that expertise to a small number of innovative, growth-oriented companies.
Dani resides in Ohio with her husband and four children. In her free time, you can find her hanging with her little ones - and over-consuming marketing content.
Distinguish yourself from all of the other insurance agents in the market and go deeper into the “micro niches” of your expertise on this episode of Agents Growth Academy. Host Jim Schubert is joined by “super fantastic, wonderful and amazing” guest Charles Specht to discuss the key components of specifying and clearly identifying what you want to clients. This will bring you deeper relatableness and credibility among your peers nearly instantly.
3 Key Takeaways
- There’s no secret formula to getting in front of the right people. You have to do the work agenting requires.
- Get better at repackaging what you want to present so that it provides a solution to the potential’s problem.
- It’s time for you to find your MICRO NICHE. Try to narrow your expertise down to no more than two areas.
Resources
Tribes by Seth Goden (read page 35 about the status quo)
Join Charles’ email list
Calendly
The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone
Charles’ LinkedIn
About Charles Specht
is a Leadership Consultant, Pastor, Evangelist, Expository Preacher, and Collaborative Leader. He is also author of the a book Revealed: God's Will for Your Life about how to discern God's subjective will for your life. He has been married to Kathy since 1999 and has five wonderful children (Camden, Brady, Amelia, Charlotte, and Luke). Their two youngest — Charlotte & Luke — are adopted from China and through genetic testing, They’ve learned they are full biological siblings.
Charles’ family recently moved to Nashville area in July 2021 so that our youngest son — who is completely blind — could attend The Tennessee School for the Blind. He’s currently praying about and seeking God’s Will for his next pastoral ministry.
Despite technology’s evolution, email marketing continues to prove itself a viable growth option for your business. On average, for every dollar spent, $36 ROI is expected. Today on Agents Growth Academy, host Jim Schubert shares five top tips and tricks for improving your odds and marketing your emails to get that 36-to-1 value.
3 Key Takeaways
- If your subject line doesn’t spark curiosity, it won’t matter how amazing of a deal you’ve got. They won’t open the email.
- Start showing yourself and your team to clients, even in your emails. People want to buy from people.
- Give, give, and give some more before you ask for a dime from potential clients. Prove to them that you understand them and their needs.
Resources
Save Your Asks by Chris Tuff
Patt Flynn’s podcast and website
Engage with Jim on LinkedIn and Facebook
About Jim Schubert
Jim Schubert is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review and Applied Systems. Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction. Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level. And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
The expert on improving agency marketing and operations, Ryan Teubner, guest stars on this episode of Agents Growth Academy. Join the conversation between him and host Jim Schubert about seeking out training–whatever form it may be in–to prepare for a sales win always. Further those wins by revising your networking parameters and vetoing phone calls in lieu of in-person contacts that build long-lasting relationships.
3 Key Takeaways
- This is a relationship-based industry. That means you need to be out in the field, face-to-face with people, all the time. Don’t substitute for a phone call.
- Get yourself into a place where you’re confident you can win sales because you’re prepared. This means ample self-education and understanding your competition.
- Sharing stories of past client experiences puts the “relate” in relationships. Prepare yourself with a solid list of stories before reaching out to the next lead.
Resources
Save Your Ask by Chris Tuff
The Dichotomy of Leadership by Jocko Willink
Ryan’s Instagram: @ryanteubner
About Ryan Teubner
Teubner’s insurance career began in 2009 while working primarily with personal lines for Liberty Mutual. He quickly realized that working as an independent agent would give him the flexibility and contacts to serve his personal and commercial clients in the most efficient ways possible.
His focus is working with business customers to develop an individual, tailored insurance program and offering risk management strategy options to fit their needs.
He works with his clients to build a partnership that will be beneficial to their growth and development. He prides himself on building relationships with and for his clients so they know he will consistently act in their best interest.
In addition to currently serving as a board member for the Big I Oklahoma, he has also served as Chairman of the Oklahoma Young Agents Committee; Past-President of the Independent Insurance Agents Association of Greater Oklahoma City; and has served on the InVEST Board through the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America.
Teubner and his wife, Beth, have two kids, Dixie and Clancey. He enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors, and training his three German shepherds.
92% of customers use online reviews before buying. So what are you doing to prevent your client’s voices from getting lost in the noise? Join host Jim Schubert for a testimonial-focused episode of Agent’s Growth Academy for three key tips that will boost your ratings through the roof, using the key components of specificity and story.
3 Key Takeaways
- Give your clients a PROMPT page when asking for a testimonial–don’t make the student write a paper with no direction!
- You need to start showing how you TRANSFORMED clients’ lives; potentials want to see that transformation.
- Specify the testimonials you receive by shaping your questions to relay a STORY. It’s the most powerful way to connect with humans.
Resources
Go to agentsgrowthacademy.com/story for a cheat sheet on utilizing story in testimonials
Start a conversation with Jim on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube channel
boast.io
About Jim Schubert
Jim Schubert is the CEO of Southern States Insurance, one of Georgia's largest independent insurance agencies. He is a nationally recognized author and podcast guest contributor appearing in Insurance Journal, Independent Agent Magazine, Insurance Business America Magazine, Best's Review and Applied Systems. Jim is a passionate advocate for small business owners, entrepreneurs and independent insurance agents. He loves sharing ideas about agency growth, digital marketing, and the lost art of human interaction. Jim is also the creator of Agents Growth Academy, an online resource for insurance agents and agency owners who want to take their growth to the next level. And when he needs to take a clarity break, he is either behind a camera lens in the great outdoors or teaching aspiring shutterbugs how to take beautiful nature photography at Schubert Photography.
Take a look into today’s guest Nicholas Ayers’ “unbelievably sexy” tech model for agencies everywhere, utilizing technology as the “steroid” for your team’s talent. Tune in today on Agent’s Growth Academy for what’s getting host Jim Schubert excited: how Nick went from co-founder of an agency with zero clients to over 2,500, how they clean up your data to make it actionable, and how they created a program where clients want to spend time with you.
3 Key Takeaways
- Sometimes if there should be a better way to do things in the industry, you have to make it. Don’t let that deter you from improving the experience.
- Do not underestimate the impact of community; the insight Nicholas gained from those in positions above and below him has been invaluable.
- Better Agency makes an actionable, all-in-one program for agencies through clear data. Is your data clear, without redundant information?
Resources
Website
Better Agency’s Youtube channel
Books by Grant Botma
Adobe Premiere
Obviously Awesome by April Dunford
About
Nicholas Ayers has worked in the insurance industry since 2005 where he started as a sales producer. In 2012 he opened his first scratch independent agency.
In 2018 he left that agency and started over again, launching his second scratch agency. This time he went completely digital with a 23 state operation and relied on his digital marketing prowess to generate leads and customers.
In 2019 Nicholas joined an insurtech startup, “Better Agency” as its co-founder and chief marketing officer.
Better Agency is the first sales-driven AMS and uses policy downloads to trigger hundreds of automation campaigns for sales, service, claims and renewals.
Nicholas’s passions and skills center around marketing, technology, automation, and insurance agency operations
Host Jim Schubert brings you a solocast of the top three mistakes he has personally experienced while trying to build an “audience” on Linkedin in this episode of Agents Growth Academy. Reevaluate your mental framework around stacking the friend count, selling without giving value first, and the crucial difference between looking at an audience and looking at a relationship.
3 Key Takeaways
- Stop calling your LinkedIn friends an “audience.” Build real relationships and watch your contacts flourish.
- Gaining more followers on LinkedIn is in no way a NUMBERS game. Stop trying to add to your masses just to see the count go up.
- Selling someone in person before establishing a real human connection NEVER works. It is the exact same scenario on LinkedIn.
Resources
Save Your Asks by Chris Tuff
Reach out to Jim on Linkedin–he’d love to have a genuine chat!
Visit agentsgrowthacademy.com/value for a free list to provide value before you ask
Linkedin Sales Navigator
Identify the ideal weekly schedule, give back to your community, and clear the deck so you can focus on making connections with your team in this episode of Agent’s Growth Academy. Host Jim Schubert invites Billy Wagner to share his insights on becoming a “time billionaire,” freeing up space to NOT be busy and instead use your minutes intentionally every day.
3 Key Takeaways
- Work at your peak and save time through Bill’s EAT acronym: eat the frog, achieve, and then touch lives before you do anything.
- Leaders need to be highly, actively involved in their team’s processes. Regular meetings are a part of that.
- There are more than 20 ways to add value to partner relationships. Let go of excuses and put your effort into the right things.
Resources
Business Made Simple by Donald Miller
The HOUND App
Billy’s Facebook
Email Billy at Billy.Wagner@brightway.com
About Billy Wagner
Billy Wagner is accustomed to winning insurance industry accolades, and he views his success as a beacon for those in need. When he set out to raise funds for the Folds of Honor, he authored a book on Insurance, a subject he knows best. His Book “Insuring your peace of mind” has raised over 30,000 for Folds of Honor. Supporting Folds of Honor is a way for him and all of us to prove that our American Heroes' sacrifices will never be forgotten.
Guest Sarah Muniz is a long-time advocate for female employment and empowerment as well as an expert on branding, marketing, and agency operations. Today, she shares with host Jim Schubert her insights about the talent shortage issues business leaders are finding themselves dealing with, or rather, that it isn’t what they think it is. And not only for female agents applying in the industry, but all businessmen and women, tune in to the Agents Growth Academy podcast today for tips on how to advocate for yourself if you are seeking a job, promotion, or adequate training in your field.
3 Key Takeaways
- It’s not about facing a talent shortage. It’s about a lack of training and incentivization that leads to less top-notch workers.
- Sarah is not an anomaly; there are women in the insurance industry all over. It’s time to give them the voice they deserve.
- This industry needs to have a safe space for discussion between anyone; that’s how you create change
Resources
Undiscovered Voices by Sarah Muniz
Sarah’s Linkedin
The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robins
Insure Equality
Go to audibletrial.com/growbig for a free book!
Get 15% off of your order when you go to mountainmallow.com with the code: GROWBIG
About Sarah Muniz
Is the published author of Undiscovered Voices : Unlocking the Potential of Women in Insurance. She served as a top producer at 3 different insurance agencies, and is the mother of 2 teens that are currently still alive.
If you want to learn anything at all about the impact of increasing the quality of your negotiation skills, THIS is the episode for you. Expert, life-long negotiator Mike Lander shares his wisdom with host Jim Schubert on this episode of Agents Growth Academy, where they discuss the power of the inquisitive mind on your memory recall, how likening yourself to an annoying toddler can increase your sales rate, and how their learning model will naturally secure a better negotiation every time.
3 Key Takeaways
- There are three ways that you can build professional trust with people and it isn’t sitting for coffee and quizzing their favorite color.
- The inquisitive mind holds more power to recall and implement knowledge than it is given credit for. Use Mike’s model and see it for yourself.
- Preparation, preparation, preparation! This is 80% of a successful negotiation.
Resources
Pat Flynn’s Podcast
Getting to Yes by William Ury, Bruce Patton, and Roger Fisher
Visit higgle.piscari.com for the Higgle Negotiation Workbook
Influence by Robert B. Cialdini
The Trusted Advisor by David H. Maister, Charles H. Green, and Robert M. Galford
Mike’s website: piscari.com
Mike’s Linkedin
About Mike Lander
has negotiated hundreds of deals over the last 24 years, worth well in excess of £450m. He has been a procurement director for a private equity-backed portfolio company, which is now worth $1bn. Mike is a managing partner at one of the UK's largest Procurement Consultancies, selling businesses for large, 7-figure sums. He raised £6m of debt financing to fund the acquisition and growth of a professional services and education business and has provided negotiation support to clients that has helped them deliver gross margins of over 65%.
Mike negotiated the restructuring of £4m of creditors as part of a corporate turnaround, resulting in all creditors being paid out in full. More recently, he sold a high-growth SEN school's business for a large 7-figure sum and delivered procurement savings of over £5m.
Host and headmaster Jim Schubert is thrilled to invite you to today’s informative and resource-abundant conversation with Jeff Teschke, founder of the highest-rated, fastest-growing web solution in the insurance industry. Today’s discussion will touch on the three major points of AGA: branding, marketing, and agency operations, outlining the absolute criticality of a well functioning and visually appealing website and providing the game-changing impact of an integration with ActiveAgency.
3 Key Takeaways
- Reputation is key. You wouldn’t wear sweatpants to a wedding, so don’t let your agency look sloppy through its public access points, either.
- Video proposals have rocketed since COVID and are here to stay. Consider this option for potential clientele.
- Why not tailor to web user preferences? If your clients prefer live chat over phone calls, you need to give them that option, even if you don’t prefer it.
Resources
Hello Producer on ActiveAgency
Slack
Mixergy Podcast
Twit Podcasts
forge3.com
Jeff’s Linkedin
About Jeff Teschke
saw many of my insurance agency friends struggling to understand and use the web, apps, and digital marketing. He wanted to do something about it, so Forge3 was born!
Today, their ActiveAgency website platform is the highest-rated, fastest-growing solution in the insurance industry, powering well over 1,000 agencies across the country and around the globe. Powerful sales tools and servicing features like Clickable Coverage, Hello Producer, and Video Proposals enable insurance agencies to look amazing, get found, sell more, and service better.
But they’re still just getting started.
Host and headmaster Jim Schubert brings Chris Langille, a guest with a wealth of knowledge on branding, web development, and social media marketing on this episode of Agents Growth Academy. The truth is, people are on Facebook and TikTok right now, and with the right audience, it’s going to make you money. Founder of Advisor Evolved, Chris shares why you need to hold out on your marketing strategy despite a lack of instant ROIs, and avoid keyword cannibalization by looking at search traffic BEFORE you attempt to rank.
3 Key Takeaways
- Don’t put all of your eggs in your SEO basket. You have to go to your display networks to get in front of people, regardless.
- People buy brands; at the end of the day, you are better off advertising than not.
- Returns from web advertisements are not linear. Don’t give up even if the ROI isn’t immediately improving and you will get traffic results!
Resources
Website: advisorevolved.com
Sister Website: localtrafficmarketing.com
Chris’s Twitter: @LangilleDoes
Chris’s Linkedin
Traffic Secrets by Russel Brunson
Front App
The Category Design Toolkit by Category Pirates
About
Chris Langille is the founder of Advisor Evolved, a web development and digital marketing agency that helps independent insurance agencies transition their brick-and-mortar locations into well-oiled customer-acquisition machines.
Today’s episode on Agents Growth Academy promises insights from expert and Linkedin ninja, Hayato Nakamura. Hayato is going to share what he sees commercialized agents missing concerning Linkedin’s abilities, both to market the agent and build long-term relationships. Discover what Linkedin is looking for in its algorithm today and hear how 15-20 minutes a day can result in sales you earn while you are sleeping.
3 Key Takeaways
- Potential customers are going to call the last agent who built trust with them. What are you doing to build rapport among your sales?
- Linkedin pushes good business value content but also good personal vulnerability content.
- Now more than ever is the best time we can present ourselves on social media as the businessperson we want to be.
Resources
Shieldapp.ai to look at your Linkedin analytics
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
Hayato’s Linkedin
Take a fresh look at your business’s purpose and yours as an agent on this compelling episode of Agents Growth Academy, where guest and genuine human Grant Botma brings his unique and long overdue business model to the sales agency world. Join them as host Jim Schubert asks questions that viewers have never heard Grant give an answer to before, despite his frequency as a podcast guest. Above all, recenter your perception to adapt the key truth that company growth is a natural result of first serving and loving people.
3 Key Takeaways
- Revise your website’s intention from getting viewers to click “learn more” to “what would my life be like if I scheduled an appointment?”
- Business profit is just a byproduct; any business’s purpose is centered on service!
- Ditch the client demographic and instead accept all people bringing humility, love, transparency, and innovation.
Resources
Grant’s podcast episode with James Jenkins
Grant’s books:The Problem Isn’t Their Paycheckand Work-Life Harmony
Calendly
Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @grantbotma
The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren: amazon.com/Purpose-Driven-Life-What-Earth/dp/031033750X
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl: https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl-ebook/dp/B009U9S6FI
Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller: https://www.amazon.com/Building-StoryBrand-Clarify-Message-Customers/dp/0718033329
Learn more about Stewardship: moneywellrooted.com
About Grant Botma
Grant, 39, is the founder of Stewardship (in Gilbert, AZ) and was named a top entrepreneur before he reached the age of thirty-five. For the past decade, Stewardship has been providing Home Loans, Insurance, and Investment Advice with wisdom and love. Grant has grown his business and his team winning prestigious awards along the way; Awards like "Broker of the year for AZ”, "Top Agent", "Elite Producer”, "Top 1% in the nation", "Top 20 in the nation" and more. Grant is also is the author of the Amazon Best Selling Book, “The Problem Isn't Their Paycheck: How to Attract Top Talent and Build a Thriving Company Culture”. He also has a new book launching in January 2022, "Work-Life Harmony: How to Enjoy Your Life and Family More Because of (Not in Spite Of) Your Work." As an ambassador of the Stewardship brand and with a heart to help others win, Grant often speaks at business events teaching other business owners about how to manage people and develop winning teams properly. He loves his job because of the impact he gets to make as he works to love people through finances and company culture activism.
On this unique episode of the Agent's Growth Academy Podcast, we're going to do things differently while still adding a ton of value to your insurance career, beginning with a topic that's near and dear to the hearts of host and hostee. Jim Schubert invites his friend and currently-transitioning agency CEO to Chairman of the Board Clay Snelllings to share about cystic fibrosis and its incredible connection to insurance firms everywhere across the US.
You have the opportunity to discover how he turned a two-person conviction into a million-dollar, 50+ firm movement and to literally extend the lifespan of a person with cystic fibrosis by decades.
Join Jim for this heartening and heartwarming conversation on the influence of stories, establishing a true connection, and inspiring change.
3 Key Takeaways
- How Clay's daughter's life expectancy was moved from 30 to 50 years old in half a life span
- What involving your agency in Insure the Cure will demonstrate to potential and current clients
- One of the 6 key components of a healthy company and why it applies to your agency
Resources
Get involved in finding the cure for cystic fibrosis! at agentsgrowthacademy/curecf
Simon Sinek's Ted Talk and book: Start With Why
Breath from Salt by Bijal P. Trivedi
Clay's Linkedin
About Clay Snellings
Clay leads to inspire confidence in others so their potential is unleashed.
Since joining the firm in 1986, Clay has served in several roles. As an insurance agent, he serves his business and personal clients. As a member of the executive team, he is active in the leadership of the agency serving as CEO and Visionary. With a concentration in the real estate industry, Clay’s clients value his knowledge of their coverage needs and his ability to match them with insurance companies that fulfill those needs.
Clay also lives out his Sense of Purpose by working to unite the Insurance Industry to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. Since 2011 he has led the Insure the Cure initiative which has raised over $2.2 million for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Clay grew up in Atlanta and attended The Lovett School before majoring in Finance/Business Administration at Stetson University. He is married to Lori and has three children: Blake, Walker, and Emily.
This is one of those episodes you DON'T want to miss, especially if you're looking for a way to work on your business and quality of life. Host Jim Schubert brings on his new friend and neighbor down the street, Tommy Breedlove, who is a "beautiful human" and purveyor of life-changing advice through his Legendary Life Movement, among other things.
Tommy will show how to transform your life into one full of positivity, nutrition, and goodness, ultimately becoming a better leader by working on yourself first! Hear his amazing life story from incarceration at 19 to up-and-leaving his position as a high-level corporate influencer. Learn the real purpose of life and get on track toward positive self-awareness.
3 Key Takeaways
- Tommy's three rules for friendship
- Why Tommy is adamant about his no-news policy
- The number one leadership failure and how to push past it
Resources
Legendaryby Tommy Breedlove
Think and Grow Richby Napoleon Hill
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Become a part of the Legendary Life Movement! Email tommy@tommybreedlove.com
About Tommy Breedlove
Tommy's purpose is to empower humans to build and live legendary life. He is a keynote speaker, author of the Legendary Life Movement, and Wall Street Journal & USA Today Best Selling Author of the Book Legendary. He empowers high achievers to be pros in leadership, business, and relationships and stop chasing the ghost of "more" and "when," instead helping them to build a life of purpose, significance, and meaning.
Though today's guest is trapped in the middle of a blustering storm, things inside are sunny with Jim Schubert and Meg McKeen on this episode of the Agents Growth Academy Show. Meg is a podcaster and fellow agency expert with over two decades of experience in the industry, and she's ready to help you learn to have client relationships like never before. The truth is it starts with your relationship with yourself. Tune in today and dive into the power of stories, from the fairytale page to an agent's mouth, and learn how true story comes from a place of vulnerability. Get ready to make a worthy risk and get the contacts you've been hoping for!
3 Key Takeaways
- How story will transform an insurance client's life
- Why you should understand that buyers of insurance care very little about learning insurance
- Why your clients don't choose you because you know insurance
Resources
Meg's Website: adjunctadvisors.com
Meg's LinkedIn: @Meg Mckeen
Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
Playing Big by Tara Mohr
Willby Will Smith
Dubsato
Amy Colette, Book Coach
Get a free audible book, courtesy of Jim at audibletrial.com/growbig!
Go to agentsgrowthacademy.com/stories for a free story frame worksheet!
About Meg McKeen
Meg believes the people who choose a career in insurance deserve a better experience--one that allows you to do more than simply check the box for your clients and teams. And one that allows you to know and honor exactly who you are - and find alignment with the clients and teams that will value you for it.
At the intersection of personal and professional development, Meg helps insurance professionals to know and communicate that value - using relevant methods that drive outcomes.
Today's guest on the Agent's Growth Academy Show will mix things up with her occupational experience that's outside of the insurance agency niche. Tammy Mutasa is a two-time Emmy award-winning reporter, and while it may seem odd that host Jim Schubert would bring on a reporter, you will quickly see how similar their two jobs can be. Learn what Tammy did to earn her esteemed awards, starting with placing yourself within the framework of a person's journey and learning the true definition of empathy. Make better connections as an agent by helping your potentials remain the hero of their own story and learn to value life differently, yourself, along the way.
3 Key Takeaways
- Why some door knocks will always be harder than others
- Why you need to put yourself in their shoes if you want your sale to be successful
- The true definition of empathy
Resources
Website: komonews.com
Twitter: @tammykomo
Facebook: Tammy Mutasa KOMO
Instagram: Mutammy
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
Bridgerton books by Julia Quinn, Rosalyn Landor, et al.
Free audiobook
Save on Marshmallows
"If you're an agency owner and you're interested in acquisitions, this is the episode for you!" Join host Jim Schubert in his excitement about today's guest on Agents Growth Academy Podcast, Mike Mensch. Mike is an acquisitions expert on the sales side, and he's bringing his top three pieces of advice for those who may be starting out with an interest in it. Get a framework of how a ready buyer is positioned, advice for handling the human aspect of acquisitions, and even hear a few MNA war stories.
3 Key Takeaways
- Why you must employ a "boots on the ground" strategy when you've made an acquisition
- Why you should take time to study an owner's P&L
- The typical time frame to complete an acquisition
About
Mike is the CEO and founding partner of Agency Brokerage Consultants, a top M&A advisor to the insurance brokerage industry. He is a Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) and a certified Merger and Acquisition Master Intermediary (M&AMI). He studied chemical engineering in college and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida Tech and a Master of Science degree from Virginia Tech, continuing through becoming a Ph.D. candidate. He also holds a real estate broker license and property & casualty and life & health agent licenses in Florida.
For more than 5 years, he has been one of the top producers within the International Business Brokers’ Association (IBBA). In 2017, he was named to the prestigious National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts “40 Under Forty” list of brightest emerging leaders in the business valuation profession.
Resources
Website: agencybrokerage.net
Call the office: (321) 255-1309
Mike's Linkedin
Predictable Revenue: Turn Your Business Into a Sales Machine with the $100 Million Best Practices of Salesforce.com by Aaron Ross and Marylou Tyler
Our host, Jim Schubert, and his newest guest Josh Gurley bring power to the conversation by elaborating on the power of a dream on today's episode of Agent's Growth Academy podcast. Learn how Josh went from traveling musician to a leader in the insurance industry, pushed forward by the feeling that there was more out there for him. Get Josh's best advice for newly inaugurated agents and take time to elaborate on the right way to make emotional deposits. Become what Josh self-prescribes to be every day: "professionally persistent."
3 Key Takeaways
- What you shouldn't apologize for doing in your career
- Why the most important thing for you to do is be consistent
- Why you should start building better relationships
Resources
Josh's Linkedin
Josh's Facebook
Josh's Instagram: @insurewithjosh
Traction by Gino Wickman
Finite and Infinite Games by James Carse
Living Your Best Year Everby Darren Hardy
Get a free Audible book courtesy of Jim! (Link already on Webpage)
David Carothers' podcast
LastPass
Hunt-Miller
The Cincinnati Insurance Company
Learn how to give before you receive in sales on agentsgrowthacademy.com/sales
Today we talk tips, tenets, and taking trips on this episode of the Agents Growth Academy Podcast. Our host, Jim Schubert, invites risk management advisor, chairman, and owner of his own agency, Sean Stewart, to share how he’s achieved long-lasting and genuine relationships with his clients. Get his pro tips on why you always need to give first, how to cut through all the noise, and why you still absolutely need teamwork.
3 Key Takeaways
- Sean’s 30-fact rule when approaching a new client
- Why you should always “be the egg”
- What to talk to your potentials about instead of policies
About Sean Stewart
Sean is a Vice President and Risk Management Advisor in the commercial lines practice at Turner & Associates Insurance in Brunswick, Ga, and has been serving his clients since 2013. He has served on numerous committees within the IIAG including, most recently, the Chairman of Georgia's Young Agent Committee, recently honored as the National Committee of the Year by the IIABA at their 2021 Fall Leadership Conference. Work is the only place Sean has his own identity because outside of work he is known as Kersey and Porter's Dad and Lindsay's husband in their community of St. Simons Island.
Resources
The 12 Monotasks by Thatcher Wine
Demand Side-Salesby Bob Moesta
The Go-Givers Sell More by Bob Burg
Notability
DOT Filing
Road Warrior
Take a look into the complex world of automation and learn how to get more referrals that tell a real story on this new episode of Agent’s Growth Academy Podcast. Our host, Jim Schubert, is delighted to bring an expert on running the numbers and co-founder of Rocket Referrals: Torey Maerz. Torey and his brother have done the work to create a system that bridges across all platforms and gives concise and accurate feedback on who’s willing to refer you, who may do it again, and puts in place tested forms that acquire detailed responses. Listen in today and learn about the real reason you should be getting referrals, the right way to identify a need for a business, and an example of how one automated birthday card made all the difference.
3 Key Takeaways
- Why your job isn’t to be the hero of your client’s story
- What to ask instead of “How did you hear about us?”
- The importance of story in referrals
About Torey Maerz
Torey Maerz, CEO, Rocket Referrals
Torey co-founded Rocket Referrals with his brother, Carl Maerz, in 2013. Throughout his career, Torey has spent 20+ years building software and leading technology teams in a variety of businesses across a range of industries—from education to asset management.
Resources
Leave AGA a review!
Sales ideas to give back
Website: rocketreferrals.com (Torey recommends a demo; get talking with someone!)
The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini
Loyalty 2.0 [The Ultimate Question] by Fred Reichheld
Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller
Get 15% off of a purchase for yourself at Mountain Mallow, use code: growbig
Slack
Our host Jim Schubert is delighted to bring on a brilliant and notoriously personable expert onto today’s episode of Agents Growth Academy Podcast. Commonly referred to as “The Mayor” (though he doesn’t deal in politics at all), guest Heath Shearon brings his uniquely wide experience from both sides of agenting as a second-generation insurance professional, member of Agency Performance Partners, and previous carrier representative to the conversation. Get first-hand advice on becoming more comfortable with sales and the necessity of human connection–all from the inside of his decked-out “spaceship.”
3 Key Takeaways
- Why you should never move your focus from establishing a human connection
- What IAOA can do for agents like you
- The power of playing to your strengths in the agency
About Heath Shearon
Heath Shearon is a second-generation insurance professional, creator of the Insurance Town Podcast, and Agency Performance Partners' newest Performance Coach. He built a successful agency before transitioning to the carrier side. Working with hundreds of insurance agencies throughout his career as a marketing representative and consultant, Heath Shearon has parlayed his networking and relationship-building skills into a consulting career, with agencies all over the country in sales strategies, niche marketing, relationship building, cross-selling, customer retention, mergers and acquisitions, developing culture, and brand building (amongst other things). Heath is a strong believer of the accountability factor in coaching and enjoys working with agencies both large and small.
In the past 2 years, Heath has spent time working on his own brand of Insurance Town and other agencies to help them to develop their own branding and develop a culture for their business. Through accountability and consulting, he has helped agencies to grow and achieve and exceed their goals. By joining the team at Agency Performance Partners, Heath is able to serve his customers more effectively by working alongside a team of professionals highly regarded and deeply entrenched in the industry that he loves so much.
The organization’s Agency Performance Assessment ™ zeroes in on organization-wide improvement opportunities and provides the foundation for a customized agency action plan, addressing everything from agency mission, goals, values, and culture to agency management and infrastructure, employee abilities, service processes and procedures, and marketing, sales, and retention strategy.
Heath is available to conduct in-person and online agency success presentations that complement App’s one-on-one on-site and virtual consulting practice.
Resources
Linkedin: @Heath Shearon
Podcast Website: insurancetownpodcast.com
Company Website:agencyperformancepartners.com
Email: Heath@Agencyperformancepartners.com
Building a Storybrand by Donald Miller
Traction by Gino Wickman
FREE AUDIBLE LINK
Today’s episode of Agent’s Growth Academy Podcast brings a down-to-earth conversation about being down-to-earth. Our host, Jim Schubert, invites founder and owner of Kilgo Insurance, graduate of High Point University, retired top auto salesman for Geico, and black belt in Karate: Jason Kilgo. Jason will share some of his major sales processes that lead him to dominate inside and outside of the karate ring with an agency one-call-closing rate at 75% and climbing. Learn about what he believes to be the number one key to selling policy the right way, and join Jim in his excitement to talk to a fellow storytelling guru with tips on how you can be more intentional with the moment.
3 Key Takeaways
- How Jason’s team gets clients on a one-call Zoom sale
- Jason’s three-step calling process that leads to a one-call-close rate of 75%
- Why you may need to learn to slow down in order to make better sales
Resources
Stories that Stick by Kindra Hall
Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller
The Orange Revolution by Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton
Winning by Tim Grover
The Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly
IAOA (Insurance Agency Owners Alliance)
Facebook Group: Virginia Homes for Sale or Rent
Kilgo Insurance
Email: jason@kilgoinsurance.com
Phone: (804) 403-7400 (Text or Call!)
Today, we meet a good friend and fellow hometown dweller of Jim on The Agent’s Growth Academy Show. Guest Katie Coleman is a genuine and inspiring human being who focuses on humanity. Among additional achievements, Katie is a financial planner with 15 dedicated years to the industry. She’s trained over 600 financial advisors over the country and earned several awards, one of which is in Forbes. Katie will talk with our host, Jim Schubert, about the absolute necessity of making real and lasting connections with your clients and employees alike by not being afraid to be vulnerable. Listen in and get inspired to slow down, pay attention, and make a real impact.
3 Key Takeaways
- How you can pay it forward by doing right
- Why you need to get comfortable asking difficult questions
- Simple things you can do (even in the mail) to make a better connection
About Katie
Katie Coleman, CFP®, is a Financial Advisor and President of Coleman Financial Group, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. She has been in the financial services industry for 15 years and is passionate about helping people achieve their financial and life goals. Katie is originally from Atlanta, Georgia and graduated from the University of Georgia, Terry College of Business with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. She moved to New York in 2007 and that same year, joined Siena Wealth Advisory Group. In 2012, Katie became a partner at the firm and together, with her business partner, trained over 600 financial advisors across the country. She was named as one of Long Island Business News’ 40 under 40, which honors outstanding members of the business community on Long Island, in January 2014. Katie was a finalist of the 2015 Athena International Young Professional Leadership Award. She has been quoted as a financial expert in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, NY Post and the Long Island Business News and appeared on CNBC’s “On the Money”. In 2018, she was recognized on the Forbes America’s Top Next Generation Wealth Advisors List and identified as one of the Ameriprise Working Mother Top Advisor Moms.
Katie holds her Series 7, 66 and the New York State Life and Health Licenses, and is a CFP®, Certified Financial Planner practitioner.
Katie sits on the board of the Spencer Foundation, an organization that focuses on helping children and their families battle cancer and chronic illnesses. She is also an active member of the Ameriprise WE Network – a group of like-minded and driven female colleagues who mentor and support one another to reach their fullest potential. Most recently, Katie presented at the Ameriprise 2020 Cross Territory Women’s Summit. She continues to actively participate in local and national organizations such as the Accountants Resource Group (ARG), Ameriprise Annuity Coalition and Long Island Wonder Women.
In September 2018, Katie started her own wealth advisory practice, Coleman Financial Group. Coleman Financial Group is passionate about protecting you and your families from the unexpected. Katie and her team work to educate and empower others so that they can make sound financial decisions to best achieve their personal goals and dreams.
Katie enjoys spending time with family, reading, and traveling. She currently resides in Oakdale, NY with her husband Bob, their two daughters, Charleston and Sailor and their yellow lab, Mahi. Katie is actively involved with her local parish, St. Mary’s and participants in many of the community programs with her family. Katie spent Spring 2021 coaching her youngest daughter, Sailor, in her youth soccer league.
Resources
Website: ameripriseadvisors.com
Facebook: @KatieColeman and @Coleman Financia
Welcome back to class at Agents Growth Academy! Today, our host, Jim Schubert, brings on a literal principal at Western Pacific Insurance Group (among other achievements). Guest Gabe Oh shares his 12-year journey to becoming the “sexier” agent that he is today, stressing the importance of finding and surrounding yourself with good people and the power behind well-marketed swag.
Join Jim as Gabe teases a story about his first encounter with Jim that even our host doesn’t know about, and see why the insurance agency community is truly the right place to be.
3 Key Takeaways
- Why you should use certain non-traceable marketing techniques
- What Gabe’s successful swag boxes contain
- Gabe’s video series strategy that’s taken off in a handful of episodes
Resources
Straight to the Gut by Jack Welch
Jim's sales list: agentsgrowthacademy.com/sales
Get a free Audiobook courtesy of Jim!
Website: www.westernpacig.com
Gabe’s Personal Facebook
Today on The Agent’s Growth Academy Show our headmaster, Jim Schubert, is so excited to bring on a nationally recognized industry leader, CEO and cofounder of RiskWell, and loving husband/father to the stage to talk about how you can use tech and smart workflows to maximize profit and minimize profanity. James Jenkins is open and ready to share the pivotal decisions from his personal experience that lead to true success (including his new podcast, Agency Freedom, but that’s not all). Tune in today and let’s get deep about the power of intention, clear visualization, and being fully engaged no matter where–or when–you are.
3 Key Takeaways
- Why you need to be 100% clear about your vision before stepping into building an agency
- The power of setting clear expectations from the get-go
- Why you should be more intentional with your activities and time
Resources
James’s Podcast: agencyfreedompodcast.com
Website:riskwell.com
Social: thejamesjenkins
Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
Sales EQ by Jeb Blount
Try a free Audible book courtesy of Jim! at audibletrial.com/growbig
Welcome to a new year of Agent’s Growth Academy! Host Jim Schubert is beyond excited to start the year right with another round of incredible guests. Today, join him and his guest, Brenda Sali, who has more awards and acronyms to her name than even Jim can keep track of. Among her many achievements, Brenda is a senior advisor of Agency Brokerage and spent her first 25 years in telecommunications, advancing to senior sales and marketing positions throughout. Learn Brenda’s coaching methods now on how you can set up your agency to get an optimal, clean exit by cleanly financing and preparing up to 5 years before you sell. Find out what buyers really want and what they are looking for down to the details of your agency management system.
3 Key Takeaways
- Key factors to finance the buyer what they want to get from the agency
- When it's a good idea to have multiple locations/remotely working employees
- Why a detailed agency management system is crucial
Resources
Call the office: 321-255-1309
Email: bsally@agencybrokerage.com
Epic
AMS 360
Get a FREE Audible book courtesy of Jim!
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Host and headmaster Jim Schubert is excited to kick off the new year with an empowering episode and guest: Kim Beach. Relentless marketer and mover from television to insurance, Kim started an agency three years ago just because it sounded like a fun challenge. Now, she’s got a second business running with her passion: empowering women in the insurance space. Learn today what Insure Women does for this niche, how you can get involved, and take a look into the best resources for tech that will produce top-notch content (Because, as we know, content is key!).
3 Key Takeaways
- Why you shouldn’t be afraid to get behind the recorder and make some content
- The power of utilizing women in the insurance agency space
- How keeping service at the core of what you do will ensure its success
Resources
Website: insurewomen.com (check out their link for agents and get involved!)
LinkedIn: @KimBeach
Alchemy by Rory Sutherland
Canva
Loom
Village Insurance
Among other things, our guest on this episode of Agent’s Growth Academy is a president, top 12 agent, transformer of passable agencies into the best they can be, co-author, and beyond. Watch this episode and find how Brent Kelly’s growth mindset and management experience makes him a kindred spirit to our host, Jim Schubert, and take a look into what fosters true growth: having a clear passion for where you’re going, creating consistent lines of visual communication, and asking compelling questions to distinguish your agency as unique. Above all, learn to take real responsibility for your entrepreneurial decisions: own what you design!
3 Key Takeaways
- Brent’s APR Acronym (than isn’t Annual Percentage Rate)
- The same three major excuses for not getting something done
- The definition of Hell on Earth
Resources
Company Website: sitkins.com
His co authored book: Best Version Possible
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
The One Thing by Gary Keller
The Road Less Stupid by Keith J. Cunningham
Tractionby Gino Wickman
The amazing thing about the Agent’s Growth Academy Podcast community is that Host Jim Schubert can get so excited to talk with you about someone he just met. Join him for a discussion with AGA’s new friend, Bryan Fulchek, who is managing partner of Insurance Evolution Partners; advisor on navigating changes in insurance; agent with 20 years of experience as head of claims, consultant, best selling author, AND public speaker, among other things; and overall change-embracing guy.
Today’s discussion is all about how you can embrace change and reassess those perceived disruptions in the rapidly evolving insurance world as not competitors, but opportunities to give your clients the best service. Find out how you can bridge that gap, and see how there will always be a place for your role as human insurance agent, regardless.
3 Key Takeaways
- What you should really be asking yourself about these new startups/carriers
- What agents have that a direct writer never will
- How you can use these new carriers to your advantage
Resources
LinkedIn: @BryanFalchuk
Website: insurance-evolution.com
Open Heart Clear Mind by Thubten Chodron
NonViolent Communicationby Marshall B. Rosenberg
Ask by Ryan Levesque
Calendly
Neptune
Next Insurance
Coterie Insurance
Our guest on this episode of Agent’s Growth Academy podcast is no joke. Kelly Donahue-Piro is founder and CEO of a booming agency and a no-nonsense effectiveness expert (To which Jim says, “I think that what that means is she helps people grow.”). Her face is all over LinkedIn where she fosters excellence in sales strategies and shares her personally accumulated steps to becoming a better agent and agency as a whole.
Today, Kelly shares the infamous 8 Ways to Grow Your Agency. Tune in as she and host Jim Schubert break the steps down one-by-one and even back these guidelines with their own stories that go as far as when Jim’s father owned their family agency. Don’t wait to find out today what you can be doing to foster a better morale at work, a better relationship with clients, and a better identity with yourself, from re-strategizing to retention.
3 Key Takeaways
- Why you need to consider having a budget ASAP if your agency doesn’t right now
- Why you need to understand that there’s a place for tasteful client fees
- Why you need to look at coverage increase with long-game goals
Resources
Website:Agencyperformancepartners.com
Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn
Connect with Kelly on Facebook
*Sign up for their three minute video every day!
Traction by Gino Wickman
The Full Focus Planner by Michael Hyatt
HubSpot
Let’s get right to it: today’s guest is a principal, podcaster, founder of Killing Commercial Sales Training, loving husband and daddy, and even more! Join guest David Carothers and host Jim Schubert’s discussion on the details of marketing: what no longer works, some unconventional methods David has tried and found fruitful, and get a load of resources and references to improve your business and cut your unnecessary marketing preparation time by over half.
3 Key Takeaways
- Why marketing is like fishing in the Keys
- The number one problem with marketing that you can easily fix
- What you may be misunderstanding about the distribution strategy of your marketing
Resources
Linkedin: @DavidCarothers
Don’t use bots to talk to me, otherwise, let’s communicate!
Facebook: @Killing Commercial Insurance
YouTube: Killing Commercial Insurance
Watch their first season!
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Franklin Covey
Marketing 2.0 by Bernie Borges
Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
Logitech Webcams
Loom
Advisor Evolved
Neoteric Agent
answerthepublic.com
This episode of the Agent’s Growth Academy Podcast takes on a unique, intimate conversation feel as host Jim Schubert chats with you about something that happened just before he recorded this episode. Jim wants to know your thoughts on remote work and PTO: how does this work? Join him as he weighs the pros and cons of instigating unlimited PTO, particularly due to the great switch from in-office work to remote work during the COVID pandemic, and literally take part in the conversation as he invites you to tell him what YOU think about this approach to PTO on LinkedIn. Get insights from the thoughts of other industry leaders on the subject, too!
3 Key Takeaways
- Why you may want to do research on unlimited PTO
- How quarterly meetings could present natural bumpers for unlimited PTO
- The power that comes from telling your employees you trust them
Resources
Help spread the word! Rate Us on your listening platform or comment and subscribe to our YouTube channel
Let’s talk about PTO on LinkedIn! Start a chat with Jim Schubert
Our host and teacher Jim Schubert is joined by “the superman of insurance:” national motivational speaker, blogger, world-renowned podcaster, published writer, and inspiration to eager agents everywhere.
Yeah. He’s kind of a big deal.
But you’ll find that guest Tony Canas is genuinely passionate about what he does, and he’s willing to share it all to help you succeed! Take a look with them today at why we’re seeing a talent crisis in our industry right now as a result of this new generation coming to the workforce. Learn the three major problems arising with hiring new agents, from the “boomer agents’” perspective to that of current hirers to the perspective of how drastically the world has changed for our new hirees. And if that’s all not enough, get inspired about what YOU do and get OODLES of resources from a renowned insurance man.
3 Key Takeaways
- How working from home during the pandemic relates to Lord of the Rings
- Why only two schools have the only required RMA (Risk Management Agency) classes and the greatest RMA programs
- The only two reasons why you’d have to work onsite every day
Resources
Linkedin: Tony Cañas, CPCU, MBA, AU, ARM, ARe, AIC, AIS
Add Tony as a connection, don’t just follow him!
Have a conversation: chatwithtony.com
Website: insurancenerds.com
https://insnerds.com/
YouTube channel: The Insurance Nerds
Tony’s book, Insuring Tomorrow, on Amazon HERE
InsNerds insurance resources bookshelf
Angel Investing by David S. Rose
The Wedge by Scott Carney
Insurance Geniusby Jeffery McIntosh
Today’s episode of Agents Growth Academy is all about expectations: how to set them, who you should set them for (spoiler: the answer is everyone!) and why host Jim Schubert claims that doing so is not only important but critical for anyone working with other clients or even just other employees.
Tune in to hear how setting clear expectations from as early as the interviewing process has given Jim’s company an attainable end goal and removed margins of error when deciding whose responsibility is whose in the workplace.
3 Key Takeaways
- Why setting expectations at work is similar to piloting a plane.
- What Jim’s employee, John, tells customers, flat out, that brings them back to the company every time.
- What customers are looking for in that first sales conversation and how to properly execute it.
Connect with the podcast
It feels as if host Jim Schubert is talking with a living legacy in this new episode of the Agent’s Growth Academy Podcast. Chase Beach is a fifth-generation insurance guy (you heard right!) who’s “rocking things” with his business, InsurGrid, which started as a side hustle in a shared dorm room. InsurGrid is now an up-and-coming insurance tech company that automates the hassle of requesting and transferring paperwork between client and agent so that more room can be made making actual human connections.
Tune in to today’s episode and learn how Chase’s workplace destiny began in 1876, spidering down to today where he’s constantly looking to improve client/agent relationships through family powwows with cousins, aunts, uncles, and parents. Get resources on books, web programs, and advice from Chase's own experience from his journey to this 1400 user, nation-wide program.
3 Key Takeaways
- Why insurance agents are a walking billboard.
- The efficiency of link shares and step-cuts offered by InsurGrid.
- Why you should first look for a problem before presenting an idea to the public.
Connect with Chase
Website: insurgrid.com
LinkedIn: @chasebeach
Email: chase@insurgrid.com
His mom’s site: insurewomen.com
Today’s topic on the Agent’s Growth Academy is all about Boldness and Audacity: how host Jim Schubert has seen these two traits’ importance recurring in his own life as well as the sales of the agents on his team and even in his father’s early business life. Learn how, in the end, it’s your own insecurities or second guesses that are stopping you from doing the things you want to do. And learn how to keep those insecurities from stopping you again!
3 Key Takeaways
- Why you should respect the gatekeeper of your sale.
- Why you need to make a human connection FIRST.
- How waiting in a lobby for 4 hours landed one salesman a big deal.
In Today’s episode, host Jim Schubert is delighted to invite his very first guest, Shelby Hayes, onto the stage. Shelby was chosen as first guest deliberately; not only is she a majorly successful sales agent, but she’s also recently become a new member of Jim’s team and has ample advice for future listeners to tune back to.
Listen in and start stocking the abundance of resources you’ll find on this show: learn how Shelby became so successful and how she reached out to other commercial agents in a personal and non-irritating way, how she mainly gets new clients, and why both Shelby and Jim have found it not only helpful, but crucial to employ a diverse team with various weaknesses in their organizations. Ultimately, learn the why behind Shelby’s conviction that “the biggest part is embracing yourself.”
3 Key Takeaways:
- Why you should participate in regular “spinach in the teeth” check-ins at work.
- Shelby’s two proudest sales moments in the most unlikely of places.
- The main two things that Shelby utilized that caused her to double her sales in a year and win a major award.
Connect with Shelby Hayes
Find her on LinkedIn: Shelby Hayes, CPRM, CIC, AAI
Today host Jim Schubert is amped to share with you the one trait that he honed while still developing his company that he claims to this day makes all the difference. Jump into his conversation on how he learned to develop new ideas from others in his workspace, and how that trait transferred into a personally-identified need for a space where all agents can get the same help as they’re “just trying to kill it.”
3 Key Takeaways
- Why you should actively seek other viewpoints in your business space.
- How the concept of simply listening can grow your business infinitely.
- What Agent’s Growth Academy can do for YOU.
Connect with Agent’s Growth Academy Podcast
Have you ever had a “lightbulb moment” where everything seems to just click? Host Jim Schubert talks about how he certainly has--and how it all came from one source suggested to him by a close friend at an opportune time.
Tune in to today’s episode of ____ and hear Jim’s continued origin story about how establishing 5 core values and a shift of focus from organization to accountability changed everything in his company for the better.
3 Key Takeaways
- The one book that changed their company’s success forever
- Why you need to uncover the inherent 5 core values of your company before moving forward
- Why you should have an accountability chart instead of an organizational chart
Connect with the Podcast
Link to Traction by Gino Wickman
https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Get-Grip-Your-Business/dp/1936661837
The growth story continues on today’s episode of Agent’s Growth Academy. Host Jim Schubert takes us back before his agency was founded, sharing the details of decisions made by both his father and himself as they sought to expand their company ideals in the early stages of development.
Jim shares why, ultimately, it was most important to have a clear end vision and the role of new technology in the blooming digital marketing platform for his company's growth.
3 Key Takeaways
- The power of “plug and play” in Jims entrepreneurial journey
- Why you should “grow big or go home”
- The impact of the newly developed internet on Jim’s agency
Connect With Jim:
- Grow your agency for FREE with agentsgrowthacademy.com
- Connect with Jim directly on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/schubertjim/
In this inaugural episode of The Agents Growth Academy Podcast, Jim Schubert sheds some light on his journey to becoming a hyper-successful insurance agency owner. Starting as an English teacher, Jim found his passion in helping people become something better. When the opportunity arose for him to enter the Insurance Industry he took it and transferred his passion for teaching to that new career. Listen into this episode to get an insider’s look into the life of Jim Schubert.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Where Jim Schubert’s story began
- Jim’s shift from english teacher to successful entrepreneur
- Take that leap of faith and live your passion...it might not be what you expect it to be
Connect With Jim:
- Grow your agency for FREE with agentsgrowthacademy.com
- Connect with Jim directly on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/schubertjim/