Lively discussions with insurance agents and other insurance professionals regarding issues of the day, challenges experienced, successes enjoyed, innovations explored, and more. Join us to gain insights – unless you already have “all the answers”. Hosted by Doug Coombs, Chief Marketing Officer for SIAA – the largest network of independent insurance agencies in the United States.
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You know your website speaks to your credibility as a business and insurance agency, so how frequently are you reviewing it to make sure it fits well in your strategy for lead generation and client service? Our guest for this episode, James Amezcua, Sales Director at Lift Local joins us for an engaging conversation that includes the importance of c…
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Leveraging Tech to Elevate Agency Sales and Service
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How familiar are you with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems and Net Promoter Scores (NPS)? We're joined by Torey Maerz, Co-founder and CEO of ClientCircle by Rocket Referrals, who sheds some light on how important these systems can be to understanding your insurance agency’s client base and attracting new clients. Torey’s career is one…
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Agency Interaction with Prospective Clients
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By Doug Coombs, Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, SIAA
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Agency Management Systems – A Critical Component of Agency Operations
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In today’s environment, the agency management system (AMS) has indeed become a critical component of agency operations. It’s time to get rid of, or at least reduce your reliance on, that paper filing cabinet. These days, an AMS can really help you get to that paperless office, while increasing your overall agency efficiency. We're joined by Michael…
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Integrating Technology Into Agency Operations
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Technology keeps advancing and improving, making it difficult to know when and what to choose for systems that will help insurance agency operations become more efficient. In this episode of IATS, we consider the systems most needed by, and order of implementation at, insurance agencies. We're joined by Michael Streit, General Manager of EZLynx, wh…
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2023 was a challenging year for the insurance industry and insurance agents, to say the least. In this episode of IATS, Doug Coombs invites listeners to take stock of their current situation and discusses items to consider as we head into the new year. The approach is not to provide a series of recommendations, but to ask, “Have you considered this…
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In today's business landscape, keeping existing clients is crucial. Cross-selling, or offering your current clientele complementary products and services, is an important strategy that can significantly boost client retention. Dive with us into this episode of IATS, as we discuss effective cross-selling and its role in maintaining client loyalty. W…
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Are you ready to master the art of selling commercial lines insurance? Join us as we dive into this complex sphere with guest, Jerry Thacker, Agency Growth Coach at AHA Insurance Network. In this episode, you will learn how agents can cater to the diverse needs of businesses, explore the profound differences between personal and commercial lines, a…
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Insights and Inspiration from IA Evolve 2023
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Join us as we explore the insights and ideas that came to life at IAEvolve! In this episode, our guests, Brendan Mulcahy, Vice President of Technology and Innovation Partnerships at SIAA, Jillian Wolley, Marketing Manager, Partnerships at SIAA, and Lisa Grover, Vice President of Marketing at SIAA, share their unique perspectives and reflections on …
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Maintaining Strong Carrier Connections: A Conversation with Jeff Bair
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Get ready for a riveting journey into the world of insurance! We're ecstatic to have with us Jeff Bair, head of IA Marketing and National Accounts at Foremost Insurance, who shines a spotlight on the delicate dance between insurance agents and carriers. Market complexities abound, and maintaining customer trust while navigating premium increases is…
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Laying the Groundwork for a Powerful Digital Strategy
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In the latest episode of Insurance Agents Talk Shop, host Doug Coombs and Cara Nagy Schoettes from Code & Color talk about why a solid online game plan is key today. They touch on must-haves like a good website, being social media savvy, and getting noticed online. Cara gives some tips on tools and platforms and advice for those feeling a bit lost …
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Paving the Way for Agency Transformation at IA Evolve
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In this episode of Insurance Agents Talk Shop, host Doug Coombs is joined by Lisa Grover, Vice President of Marketing at SIAA, to discuss the upcoming IA Evolve 2023 conference. IA Evolve is a must-attend event for independent agents interested in innovation in the insurance industry, from tools to best practices and methodologies. Tune in for Lisa…
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A Deep Dive Into Aggregators Clusters and Networks
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In this episode of Insurance Agents Talk Shop, listeners are taken on a deep dive into the world of insurance aggregators, clusters, and networks. Don't miss this insightful conversation with Jack Calabrese, SIAA’s Senior Vice President of National Recruiting & Sales, as he shares his take on the differences between the three, providing valuable in…
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In this episode, "What's in a Brand? Part 2," we delve into SIAA’s own rebranding journey. Our guest, Matt Masiello, the Chief Executive Officer of SIAA, shares valuable insights on why SIAA decided to embark on this rebranding process and what it means for the Alliance. Join us as we explore how the new brand aligns with SIAA's mission, values, an…
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Join host Doug Coombs, Chief Marketing Officer at SIAA, in this episode of Insurance Agents Talk Shop as he and Josh Kelly, Managing Partner and Chief Strategist at FINE, A Brand Agency, discuss branding for independent insurance agencies. Learn about the key elements of a strong brand, gain valuable insights on avoiding common branding mistakes, a…
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The Future of SIAA – What it means for members, prospects and the insurance industry
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SIAA entered into a definitive agreement with private equity firm Odyssey Investment Partners on March 26 for a majority stake in the company. Listen to our internally focused discussion with Matt Masiello, CEO of SIAA, to learn what comes next for the largest independent insurance agency network in the country – including its member agencies.…
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Applied Systems has Acquired EZLynx – What are the Implications?
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Applied Systems and EZLynx entered into a definitive agreement on January 14, 2021. What does this deal mean in the long run? Hear what Taylor Rhodes, CEO of Applied Systems and Nag Rao, Founder and CEO of EZLynx have to say about the merger of these two significant players in the Insurance Rater and Management Systems space. What does it mean to t…
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Bundling an Agency with Other Lines of Business
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Grouping an insurance agency with related lines of business under one roof makes some sense in terms of rounding out relationships. Hear how this approach is working for Performance Group in Pendleton, IN. Agent Sean Kirby also gives us some insights into his own agency podcast – the logistics and benefits.…
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A Singular Focus – Success with Commercial Lines
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Some agents shy away from commercial lines for a number of reasons – not John Roark and Michael Sutton of Roark | Sutton in Springfield, MO. These agency owners have succeeded by making commercial lines “what they do”. Their success is something to behold. Please join us and hear about their journey to success.…
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Owning & Managing a Successful Independent Agency
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Gain some insights from Miles Merwin of Greenville, South Carolina - a successful agency owner who started with very little, and built “nothing” into a successful $2MM agency in 8 years. What does it take to make that happen, and how does one sustain it? People and technology are important, but there’s more to it.…
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Join us as we check-in with the four co-owners of Firehouse Insurance in Mariemont, Ohio. Following-up on our last episode, these agents were previously captive agents and came together to form their own independent agency. Less than a year into operations, we talk about the motivation, the challenges, and the successes.…
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Successfully Navigating from Captive Agency to Independent Agency.
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Join us for a discussion with two independent agents who were previously captive agents. Why did they make the move and what did it take? At two different stages of independence (in terms of duration), did they take the same approach? Are their paths to independence typical? There are some commonalities and differences you’ll want to hear.…
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A Mobile App Makes Sense Now More Than Ever.
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A mobile app isn’t necessary just because of the current pandemic. It’s a technology and branding tool that insurance agents should be implementing as a means for serving clients better in general. Join us as Tanner West, Application Developer at Code & Color, discusses the process of building and using a mobile app for your agency.…
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Agency Perspective on the Current Marketplace.
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Two insurance agency owners, one in the east, one out west – experiencing success despite the events of 2020. Join us as Kelly Gonyo of Blue Line Insurance and Katie Auberlin of Suburban Family Insurance discuss the factors contributing to their ongoing success. A lively discussion that touches on a number of topics regarding the insurance marketpl…
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The Role of the Wholesale/Brokerage Firm in Insurance Agencies.
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A discussion with Joel Cavaness, President of Risk Placement Services (RPS), demonstrates how a wholesaler or brokerage firm has a definite place in the operations of an insurance agency. Not all premium can or should be placed with conventional carriers. Learn something about Joel and RPS along the way.…
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It seems that video is everywhere these days. It appears to be the way most people consume much of their content. How do you get started down the path of using video for your insurance agency? What resources are available? Do analytics come into play? Join us and hear what two experienced users of video in the insurance business have to say about u…
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It may be the best kept secret among Property & Casualty insurance agencies. Why is that? Why aren’t more insurance agents selling life insurance? Learn how life insurance sales add income and increase retention rates. Guest Jack Calabrese, SVP at SIAA reveals how his organization is making it easier for insurance agents to sell more.…
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So how do you turn an Insurance Agency into full-fledged community brand? Meet the Baileys. Christine and Mark are a husband and wife team and co-owners of Bailey Family Insurance in Springfield, Illinois. Hear how they are turning a start-up independent insurance agency into a successful business one technology at a time. No, that’s not true, they…
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What is this podcast about and what do we hope to accomplish? Inform, share, comment. Some time is spent discussing general marketing concepts – including making the case that direct mail is NOT dead.By Doug
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