The Agent Leader Podcast

100% effective retention is possible. Yes, it may be more work up front, but when you implement these five strategies with your best clients, your relationships will be stronger, your referrals will increase, and your stress level will decrease. The goal is to have clients for life. We don’t want to churn clients. We want clients that are with us forever. For their life and for their business life, and for our life.

In today’s world of digital disruption, commoditization, and high client expectations, your agency must become laser focused. Otherwise, you will be just like a hamster on a wheel going faster and faster, but ending up in the same place. Know what you want and then go get it.

One of the questions I am often asked is what can a future leader do to prepare themselves for greater leadership responsibilities. It starts by being intentional. Leadership skills don't just happen. On this episode, I highlight 3 keys to intentional leadership.

Self-leadership is the most challenging form of leadership. It’s also the most important aspect of leadership. I love this quote, “When a leader doesn’t inspect himself, the people don’t respect him.” On this episode, I discuss four ways you can lead yourself more effectively to add value to your team. When you learn to lead yourself effectively others will want to willingly follow you. You will have greater influence, build a stronger agency culture, and increase your agency revenue.

The insurance industry is desperately seeing leaders. Leaders who inspire, encourage, add value, and are consistently growing themselves so they can help grow others around them. What kind of leader are you? Are you wanting more for your agency, your team, your clients, your partner carriers, and your community? My wish is that you will be a growing leader who desires to make a positive impact on everyone around you. Regardless of your title, position, or experience, if you seek influence with others, you must continually develop your leadership skills. Remember these four principles of insurance agency leadership. 1) Your effectiveness is determined by your ability to lead 2) Leadership is not a title. 3) Your greatest leadership challenge is you 4) Leadership is about adding value to others If you want to grow your agency become a leader that others will follow.

This is an amazing industry filled with tremendous opportunity. However, it needs an influx of new talent. To find and keep the best agency talent, you must have a clear vision, plan, and execute. Great talent won’t just show up, train itself, and produce great results. Finding and keeping the best talent is no different than finding and keeping the best clients for your agency. You must first know your agency’s why. What is your agency’s value proposition? Next, you must know what you want. Who are your ideal team members and how are you attracting them? Finally, you must create an ongoing training program that allows for your team members to grow and thrive. What is your training process? I believe that every challenge is an opportunity for those agencies willing to invest in their growth.

High level producers spend 80% or more of every day in these 8 activities. You can choose to be accidental and let things happen to you, or you can become intentional and make things happen. High achieving insurance producers focus on consistent and proactive habits that lead to exceptional results. You can do the same

As an agency leader, regardless of your official title or position, you are the difference between agency growth and success and being like most other average independent insurance agencies. The power of leadership is that it has a multiplying effect. You can two choices: Work harder and longer for the same results or up level your leadership and multiply your efforts.

High achievers invest in themselves. You can’t give to others what you haven’t first received. That goes way beyond just understanding your product and company. You must also be able to work on your own personal growth and development. "Work hard on your business, make a living; Work hard on yourself, make a fortune." Jim Rohn

Producers need leaders. Leaders who model excellence, leaders that develop winning plans, leaders that maximize talent. If your agency doesn’t have a designated sales leader, regardless if that is the agency principal or named sales manager, you will not get optimal results. Who's your offensive coordinator?