Licensed to Talk Insurance

Why Your Insurance Origin Story Matters More Than You Think | Ep. 31

Every insurance agent has a story—but are you telling yours? In this episode of Licensed to Talk Insurance, Amanda and Kelsey dive into the power of an authentic origin story and how it can help agents build trust, differentiate themselves, and connect with clients on a deeper level. From stumbling into the industry to making it a lifelong career, we explore why why you sell insurance is just as important as what you sell. Plus, we get a little sidetracked discussing AI’s role in the industry and how agents can stand out as content becomes increasingly AI-driven.

Episode 30: Leading by Example - The Traits of Effective Leadership

In this episode of Licensed to Talk Insurance, Amanda and Kelsey dive into the qualities that make a great leader—and the pitfalls that can undermine a team's success. Amanda shares a personal story of a toxic work environment that led to disengagement and inefficiency, while Kelsey highlights the impact of strong leadership in fostering employee growth, ownership, and passion. They discuss key leadership traits such as communication, emotional intelligence, gratitude, delegation, and adaptability—offering practical insights for independent insurance agents looking to lead their teams effectively. Tune in to learn how great leadership translates to better business and happier employees!

Episode 29: Using Behavioral Science to Supercharge Your Marketing and Sales Strategies

In this episode of Licensed to Talk Insurance, hosts Amanda Yaniz and Kelsey Concklin-Ramsey explore how behavioral science can revolutionize marketing and sales strategies for independent insurance agents. They delve into key principles such as emotional versus rational decision-making, the power of social proof, the impact of storytelling, and autonomy bias. Amanda and Kelsey also discuss strategies like leveraging reviews, creating relatable content, and using authority and reciprocity to build trust with clients. The episode wraps up by touching on loss aversion and how these behavioral insights can work together to create impactful, client-focused marketing approaches.
If you’re looking to better understand how people think and make decisions—and how to use that knowledge to elevate your insurance business—this episode is a must-listen
 
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Episode 28 - Building Bridges: Mentorship Strategies for Independent Insurance Agencies

This episode of Licensed to Talk Insurance focuses on developing and implementing effective mentorship programs for independent insurance agencies. The hosts, Amanda Yaniz and Kelsey Conklin-Ramsey, discuss the importance of mentorship programs for small and growing agencies, especially in addressing the industry's talent gap. They explore generational differences in work expectations, particularly with Gen Z, emphasizing the need for clear career paths, technological adaptation, and fostering meaningful contributions. The episode provides practical strategies for mentorship, including detailed job descriptions, training schedules, and open communication. Additionally, they highlight the importance of planning mentorship alongside hiring, avoiding pitfalls like micromanagement, and using KPIs and quarterly reviews to track progress.

Episode 27 - Rebranding Your Insurance Agency: Strategies, Tips, and When to Take the Leap

Rebranding your agency is a significant decision that can breathe new life into your business, but it's not one to take lightly. In this episode, Amanda and Kelsey dive into the three key phases of rebranding—planning, execution, and launch—sharing actionable tips and real-world examples along the way. Learn how to evaluate whether a rebrand is the right move, strategies for ensuring client buy-in, and how to maintain brand goodwill while introducing fresh changes. Whether you're considering a full overhaul or a simple refresh, this discussion offers invaluable insights to help your agency stand out in a crowded marketplace. Tune in for practical advice and inspiration for your next branding journey!

Episode 26 - Maximizing Agent Success: How Trust and Expertise Drive Underwriting Wins

In this episode of Licensed to Talk Insurance, hosts Amanda Yaniz and Kelsey Concklin-Ramsey are joined by Dan Huffstetter, Executive Vice President at Chicagoland SIA. Dan shares valuable insights for independent insurance agents on building trust with underwriters, enhancing submissions, and understanding their clients' businesses. The conversation covers Dan's experiences as an underwriter and how agents can differentiate themselves through well-crafted submissions and strong relationships. They also highlight the importance of continuous learning, emphasizing available training resources like Chicagoland SIA's Business Insurance Advantage and Commercial Lines Bootcamp.
The episode provides actionable advice on navigating underwriting relationships, improving submission quality, and prospecting effectively.

Episode 25 - From Onboarding to Perpetuation: Comprehensive Support for Agency Success

In this episode, Kelsey sits down with Jenny McNulty to discuss the comprehensive range of support services available to new and established insurance agencies. They explore the hands-on guidance provided for new agency onboarding, covering essential steps like securing carrier codes and developing sound business strategies. Kelsey deep dives into the different ways she assists members with their digital strategy while Jenny highlights the long-term mentorship offered to agencies, including assistance with employee contracts, producer agreements, buy-sell agreements, and perpetuation planning. Whether you're just starting or planning for the future, this episode offers valuable insights into the ongoing support available to help agencies succeed at every stage.
Tune in to learn all the ways Chicagoland SIA assists your agency’s growth, evolution, and long-term success!

Episode 24: Charting the Course - Mapping the Customer Journey

In this episode of Licensed to Talk Insurance, Amanda Yaniz and Kelsey Concklin-Ramsey delve into the intricacies of mapping the customer journey. They explore the significance of understanding every touchpoint in the path from prospect to policyholder. Listen in to learn how mapping this journey can unveil opportunities to enhance client experiences, improve agency processes, and ultimately increase customer satisfaction and loyalty

Episode 23 - Essential Reporting for Insurance Agency Growth

In Episode 23 of "Licensed to Talk Insurance," hosts Amanda Yaniz and Kelsey Concklin-Ramsey welcome back Christine Lee, an agency growth coach at Chicagoland SIA. This episode dives deep into the critical reports that insurance agency owners should be reviewing regularly to ensure growth and profitability. Christine shares her insights on the importance of daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports, focusing on key performance indicators (KPIs) that drive agency success.
Join us as Christine discusses the essential daily reports that keep processes and procedures in check, the weekly metrics that fuel producer competition, and the monthly and quarterly reports that provide a comprehensive view of the agency's health. Whether it's tracking renewals, managing claims, or monitoring prospecting pipelines, Christine offers practical tips and best practices to help agency owners stay on top of their reporting game.
Tune in for an informative conversation packed with actionable strategies for independent insurance agents looking to optimize their reporting processes and drive growth in their agencies.

Building Your Perfect Tech Stack: Essential Steps for Independent Insurance Agents

In this insightful episode of License to Talk Insurance, your hosts Amanda and Kelsey dive into the essential steps for developing a tech stack tailored to independent insurance agencies. They discuss the critical components of a tech stack, from agency management systems to customer relationship management (CRM) tools, and website essentials.
Amanda and Kelsey provide practical advice on identifying key pain points technology can alleviate, finding and vetting the right vendors, and ensuring your tech solutions are scalable and compliant with industry standards.
They also share tips on avoiding common red flags when choosing tech vendors and highlight the importance of cost transparency and ease of use. Whether you're a new agency owner or looking to optimize your existing tech stack, this episode offers valuable insights to help you streamline your operations and enhance your client interactions.
Tune in to learn how to make informed decisions and build a tech stack that will grow with your agency, saving you time and money while boosting efficiency and client satisfaction.