Insurance Agency Trendsetters

Hosted by Charlotte Hicks and George Robertson

Business Technology EntrepreneurshipInterviews guestsExplicit

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Episodes

Latest episode

Mar 2024

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EN-US

About the show

Join Charlotte Hicks and George Robertson as they discuss trends in marketing and technology to help insurance agents be more profitable and efficient and deliver a customer experience that attracts and retains their ideal clients.

Listen to episodes

42 recent

March 5, 202443 min

Brad Ruben: Cybersecurity, DMARC, and How Agents are Using AI

Brad Ruben of Archway Computers joins us to talk about all things IT for independent agencies: Cybersecurity and unusual requirements in carrier contracts How DMARC impacts your agency emails and what you must do immediately Why Multi-factor Authentication is so critical One easy-to-use tech tool that customers love How AI is being used in agencies today As an independent agent, it's easy to push IT to the back burner but as Brad explains, having up-to-date software and security procedures is critical. Outsourcing the management of your agency's IT is a good way to reduce the risk of cyber crime and system downtime. Links: Archway Computer: myarchway.com Full show notes and more episodes: Insurance Agency Trendsetters

December 12, 202333 min

Ron Shroyer: How AI is Helping Insurance Agencies Grow Organically

#041 - Join us for an engaging discussion as Charlotte Hicks and George Robertson chat with Ron Shroyer from Aureus Analytics about the latest developments in their company over the past two years. In this podcast episode, we dive into the world of insurance technology and its impact on the industry's operations and client services. Ron sheds light on the growing utilization of AI and big data analytics in insurance agencies. These technologies are playing a significant role in streamlining operations and improving efficiency, ultimately leading to better service for clients. He also shares insights into Aureus Analytics' successful integrations with management system platforms like Applied and EZLynx, as well as their partnership with Agency Zoom. This isn't Ron's first time on our podcast, and his experience and expertise in the insurance industry make for a fascinating conversation. He offers valuable insights into the future of the industry and how technology is driving demand and adoption by new players in the market. If you're interested in learning more about the evolving landscape of the insurance industry and the role of technology in shaping its future, join us for this informative discussion with Ron Shroyer from Aureus Analytics. 00:35 Revisiting the Journey of Aureus Analytics 00:54 The Evolution of AI in Insurance 01:26 The Impact of AI on Insurance Agencies 02:23 The Role of AI in Customer Retention and Cross-Selling 02:57 The Increasing Interest in AI Among Insurance Agencies 04:12 The Integration of Donna with Other Platforms 04:35 The Difference Between Reporting and Analytics 05:44 The Role of AI in Enhancing Agency Workflows 09:14 The Future of AI in Insurance Agencies 21:27 The Impact of Acquisitions on Tech Adoption in Insurance Agencies 26:38 Emerging Insurtech Solutions Links: Aureus Analytics Insurance Agency Trendsetters Episode 041 (with full show notes)

November 7, 202346 min

Digipraise: How to Build Customer Loyalty through Jewelry Appraisals

Episode #40 Discover how Ali McLaney and Dana Grodin of Digipraise have created an easier, faster, and more affordable way for your customers to update their jewelry appraisals. What is preventing your customers from keeping their jewelry appraisals current? The hassle of taking their pieces to a jewelry store? The expense of the appraisals? Simply forgetting about them once they are scheduled on the policy? Digipraise has solved all of these problems and given insureds a quick and affordable way to update their most treasured jewelry. Listen in as we dive into Ali and Dana's history in the jewelry business, their patented process for streamlining jewelry appraisals, and the unique way they can prevent a total loss of heirloom pieces. Companies and agencies: Partner with Digipraise to enhance your customer relationships! Full show notes can be found here: insuranceagencytrendsetters.com/040-2

January 25, 202340 min

2023 Outlook: Challenges and Opportunities Facing The Insurance Industry

#039 — George Robertson and Charlotte Hicks look at some of the main challenges facing agents this year and three ways to be successful in 2023. They talk about: ChatGPT by OpenAI and potential benefits for agents The long-term impact of developments in cryptocurrency What to expect from the hard market and anticipated recession How insurance coverage could be affected by pandemic court cases Challenges finding staff and the role of a remote workforce Plus, three tips for positioning you and your agency for success in 2023. A full transcript and previous podcast episodes can be found here And be sure to click “subscribe” so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes, including unannounced bonus episodes.

May 17, 202247 min

Ron Berg: How ACT Helps Agencies Leverage Technology to Build Agency Value

#038 — Ron Berg, retiring director of the Agents Council for Technology (ACT) joins us to discuss how technology impacts customer satisfaction, the critical role of cyber security in agencies, and how insurtechs are helping agents serve their customers better. Listen in as we talk with Ron about: How the customer experience has changed and how it impacts workflows What technology touchpoints agents need to implement to build customer loyalty How to get access to the ACT resources for free The critical role cyber security plays in your technology strategy and the cyber guide developed by ACT The emerging technologies that impact agents and their clients Where tech is working and where improvement is needed We also talk about how agencies have adapted with the challenges of the last two years. For full show notes and previous podcast episodes go to: www. Insuranceagencytrendsetters.com/038 And be sure to click “subscribe” so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes, including unannounced bonus episodes. Links: Find out more about ACT: IndependentAgent.com/ACT Email ACT: ACT@IIABA.net

April 5, 202248 min

Jes Lipson: The Lost Art of Keeping in Touch

#037 — Jes Lipson, CEO of Levitate joins us to talk about the lost art of keeping in touch and how doing it the right way can spur higher sales and higher agency value. Just some of what we cover in our discussion: The problem with most email services today How you can stay top of mind with your prospects and customers The difference between networking and building relationships A surprise use for Levitate — what he calls “black belt mode” What’s coming next for Levitate users We also talk about the key advantage small agencies have over larger agencies that few leverage to win more accounts. For full show notes and previous podcast episodes go to: www. Insuranceagencytrendsetters.com/037 And be sure to click “subscribe” so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes, including unannounced bonus episodes. Links: Find out more about Levitate: Levitate.ai

March 15, 202252 min

Diane Wagner: Designing the Path from Exclusive Agent to Independent Agent

#036 — Diane Wagner and the First Choice Agents Alliance had a huge task: Help Nationwide agents negotiate the transition from Exclusive Agent to Independent Agent. Hear how the transition has gone, how FCAA is helping agencies thrive, and how they are partnering with IIANC to tackle the biggest challenge in the industry today — attracting new talent. Listen in as we dive into the topic and discuss... Choosing and implementing an Agency Management System What Nationwide agents have brought to the IA system What challenges did the agents face during the transition The importance of marketing the industry to high schools and colleges The benefits of Insure Academy to all agencies For full show notes and previous podcast episodes go to: www. Insuranceagencytrendsetters.com/036 And be sure to click “subscribe” so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes, including unannounced bonus episodes. Links and Recommended Resources: FCAAlliance.com Investprogram.org BigIHires.com IndependentAgent.com Related Episodes: Aubie Knight: Helping Agencies Thrive in the Insurtech World

December 31, 202155 min

Bonus Episode: A Look Back at 2021 and a Look Ahead to 2022

#035 – George and Charlotte look back at highlights from the last year and give their predictions for the industry in 2022. Referenced Podcast Episodes: Chris Paradiso Aubie Knight – IIANC Chris Lane - Tarmika Kat Ternes - Agency Zoom Carey Wallace – Agency Focus Ron Shroyer – Donna for Agents Peter MacDonald and Joe Schnare - Wunderite Seth Zaremba - bAtomic Are Your Customers Hearing What You’re Saying? CNA Cyberattack Case Study Lisa Lounsbury- Big I NY Jason Liu - Zywave Recent Happenings Part 1 , Part 2 , Part 3 For full show notes and previous podcast episodes go to: www. Insuranceagencytrendsetters.com And be sure to click “subscribe” so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes, including unannounced bonus episodes.

December 28, 202144 min

Ron Shroyer: Leveraging Data to Add Value to Your Customers and Your Agency

Description: #034 – What you don’t know about your customers can hurt you — and them. In this episode, we talk with Ron Shroyer of Aureus Analytics about how Donna for Agents is helping agents improve their customer experience, increase retention, and grow their agencies. There’s no question, we’re living in the age of data analytics. Companies outside of the insurance industry are using it to provide a better customer experience so your agency customers expect that level of service from you too. Listen in as we dive into the topic and discuss... · What customers have been trying to tell us for years... and we haven’t been hearing · Why looking back at past data isn’t enough and how to be proactive · How the SentiMeter ® score helps you save your accounts · The role unstructured data plays in improving customer loyalty · How Donna seamlessly drives higher profitability Plus, we discuss the move toward API-driven integrations that are improving the ease of doing business for agencies. For full show notes and previous podcast episodes go to: www. Insuranceagencytrendsetters.com/034 And be sure to click “subscribe” so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes, including unannounced bonus episodes. Links: Videos and more information about Donna can be found here: DonnaForAgents.com or email: Ron [at] aureusanalytics.com Related Episodes: Chris Paradiso Aubie Knight Tarmika Agency Zoom Carey Wallace

December 7, 202145 min

Wunderite: How Making Customers Your Focus Benefits Everyone

#033 – One form. 550 fields. Agents hate it. Customers hate it. But now there’s another way. Discover how Wunderite has transformed the information-gathering process so it’s simple, effective, and customer-friendly. Peter MacDonald and Joe Schnare join us on the podcast for an inside look at how Wunderite is helping agents focus on what they do best — advise their clients. Just some of what we discuss… The key problem Wunderite was created to solve How we’ve been missing opportunities to add value to prospects and customers Why Wunderite decided to be an API-first solution and how that helps you What it means to have a frictionless purchase experience The one thing agents must focus on to be successful now Plus, Peter shares his secret for discovering what insurance buyers want. Turns out you can use the same tactic to get great employees. Links: Toll Free Phone: 888-WUNDERITE Website: Wunderite.com For full show notes and previous podcast episodes go to: www. Insuranceagencytrendsetters.com/033 And be sure to click “subscribe” so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes, including unannounced bonus episodes.