The Insura-Preneur Podcast

Mike Demko – CEO of My Insurance Videos and Awesome Social Posts

You cannot ignore the power of video! Leading insurance marketing expert shows how to make it easy for agencies.

Why are marketers swarming to video? Simple. It works. Video is 500% more likely to get engagement than messages with images, and 600% more likely to be remembered… and modern consumers expect video.

Savvy agents are jumping on video now—and getting a leadership position on a rapidly maturing marketing medium. Whether you want more customers or more loyalty from your customers, you owe it to yourself to give a few minutes to this conversation with Mike Demko, nationally recognized digital marketing expert and the founder of My Insurance Videos.

Mike’s company has helped more than 500 agencies drive growth and retention with their “done for you” video and social automation platform. He has been featured in the Insurance Journal, Agency Nation, The Insurance Agent Summit, Property & Casualty 360, Paradiso Presents, IA Magazine, Insurance Agents Alliance, Insurance Nerds, and the Insurance Guys Podcast.

• Video-made-easy: Mike gives the ‘ultimate video cheat sheet’ on this podcast. (Video may seem hard! This super simple checklist of tools, tech, and content ideas will have you shooting video by Friday!).
• The simple secrets of video promotion: where to put your messages so you get the most bang for your buck. (A few of these will make you say “Gosh… why didn’t I think of that before!).
• How you can use video to create deeper, longer, stronger emotional bonds with your marketplace.

Whether you’re an agency principal or an agency marketer, this one conversation will solve your video problems. This is THE masterclass in video for the independent insurance agent. Listen today and get ideas you’ll put into practice immediately!

What are other agents & brokers doing to thrive? What are the biggest trends affecting the retail insurance agent & broker? What are the most important strategies and tactics you need to grow faster? Find out here in the Connected Insurance Podcast, where Michael Jans discusses the biggest issues affecting the independent insurance agent and broker with the industry’s leading figures.

Dennis Chookaszian – Adjunct Professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business

Premier industry expert delivers a masterclass in ‘the industry right now’.

Note from our host, Michael Jans: When I told a colleague I had just interviewed Dennis Chookaszian, he said, ‘He might know more about insurance than anyone alive.’

I replied, ‘This much I know to be true: I learned more in that one hour than any single hour in the past year – no doubt.’

A legit industry super-star, Dennis is the retired Chairman and CEO of CNA Insurance Companies. He served has served as chairman of FASAC (Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council) which provides guidance to the FASB (Financial Accounting Standards Board) on accounting matters. He was also a member of the FCAG (Financial Crisis Advisory Group) which was the international commission that was created to develop recommendations to solve the financial reporting problems associated with the financial crisis of 2008.

Dennis has served on the Boards of 13 publicly traded companies and 50 private corporations. He currently teaches at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business:

• Why now is peak-performance time for independent insurance agents – and precisely what you should do now to take advantage of the huge profit opportunity in front of your agency. (Historically, the forces never lined up like this. Dennis explains the forces behind today’s unique advantage for agents).
• How agents can ‘control the customer’ to gain rapid advantage in the marketplace.
• End confusion and bewilderment about how to get to the next level. Dennis shares his insight on how to stay on top of change (and which ones are worth paying attention to).

Please don’t miss this conversation with one of the insurance industry’s most respected thought leaders. If you have time for one conversation that will make you much, much smarter about the industry you live and breathe in, this is it.

What are other agents & brokers doing to thrive? What are the biggest trends affecting the retail insurance agent & broker? What are the most important strategies and tactics you need to grow faster? Find out here in the Connected Insurance Podcast, where Michael Jans discusses the biggest issues affecting the independent insurance agent and broker with the industry’s leading figures.

George Krahn – Founder & Principal of Proven Results Marketing Agency

Leading ‘Advanced Technology’ marketing expert shares the newest secrets to online advertising.

What does an agency principal need to know about the latest breakthroughs in digital marketing? After all, it’s likely that the principal won’t be the hands-on technician, right?

But, every principal who sees their primary job as building a reliable Organic Growth Machine for their agency should at least know what today’s marketing technologies can do for them.

George Krahn, Founder & Principal of Proven Results Marketing Agency—one of Canada’s top marketing agencies—shares inside information on what cutting edge marketers are using to fill their lead funnel with pre-qualified leads:

• The latest advances to help you track your visitors, learn more about them – and guide them through a flawless journey to your agency.
• New breakthroughs on phone tracking… so you always know the source of your inbound calls. (Extremely valuable when you get your Marketing Engine in place.)
• Lead Magnets – best uses, best places, best ways to get the market to stand up and pay attention.
• The ‘insiders’ scoop’ on Facebook. George shares what the best pro’s do to test, measure and explode their inbound leads with Facebook advertising. (Not the same as it was 11 weeks ago.)

If you have time for one conversation, this is the one that will open your eyes up to new ways technology can turbo-charge your lead generation efforts. Whether you’re an agency principal, a marketer – or you’re more-than-curious what’s new in marketing, this is for you. Listen – and get a Master Class in modern growth strategies.

What are other agents & brokers doing to thrive? What are the biggest trends affecting the retail insurance agent & broker? What are the most important strategies and tactics you need to grow faster? Find out here in the Connected Insurance Podcast, where Michael Jans discusses the biggest issues affecting the independent insurance agent and broker with the industry’s leading figures.

Rashmi Melgiri, Co-Founder of CoverWallet, and Michael Konialian, General Manager at CoverWallet for Agents

‘Instant’ small commercial lines? Emerging Technology offers a new option for independent agents

You may have heard of CoverWallet. A ‘CNBC Upstart 100’ recognized as a top global start-up. You may have also heard of them as a very fast growing, very innovative agency. With over 225 employees. Going directly to the consumer. But, now, they’re offering their own technology to you. The independent agency. At the very least, you need to listen to what they do, how they serve the agency force… And make your own informed decision.

Michael Jans interviews two of the top executives at CoverWallet, Rashmi Melgiri, Co-Founder and COO, and Michael Konialian, General Manager of CoverWallet for agents. Listen to their cutting edge insights on:

• How emerging technologies are integrating more and more with the existing independent agency system, and how they can help you focus on your strengths.
• The changing expectations of today’s insurance consumer… and steps agents can take to satisfy them.
• A glimpse into the future of insurance – with insights on what you should be doing now to succeed then. (The future is not far).

If your agency sells commercial lines insurance, you owe it to yourself to listen to this conversation. In this podcast, you’ll hear from the very people at the top of CoverWallet. Whether you choose to use this or similar technologies, you can make an informed decision about how your agency serves the small commercial lines market after you listen to this conversation.

What are other agents & brokers doing to thrive? What are the biggest trends affecting the retail insurance agent & broker? What are the most important strategies and tactics you need to grow faster? Find out here in the Connected Insurance Podcast, where Michael Jans discusses the biggest issues affecting the independent insurance agent and broker with the industry’s leading figures.

Ryan Deeds – Vice President of Technology and Data Management at Assurex Global

Insurance data nerd reveals secrets to creating digital content that wins the hearts of insurance consumers

Ryan Deeds is one of the biggest insurance nerds in the entire industry – it’s a big reason why he writes for Insurance Nerds and co-hosts The Digital Broker Podcast alongside Steve Anderson when he’s not pouring himself over raw data as Assurex Global’s Vice President of Technology and Data Management. Ryan’s experience and positions afford him powerful and relevant insight into what’s working for insurance agencies and brokerages today.

Listen to this information-loaded discussion and discover:

• Ryan’s philosophy about what makes great content (and why ‘who it comes from’ matters more than you think).
• Leveraging video for your agency the right way. When to use outside content, produce your own videos… and surprising advice on what dress-codes will help you connect with prospects!
• How you need to adjust your social media distribution strategy according to your audience and the platform you’re connecting with them on.  

Don’t miss this important conversation with one of the insurance industries most dedicated students and thought leaders!

What are other agents & brokers doing to thrive? What are the biggest trends affecting the retail insurance agent & broker? What are the most important strategies and tactics you need to grow faster? Find out here in the Connected Insurance Podcast, where Michael Jans discusses the biggest issues affecting the independent insurance agent and broker with the industry’s leading figures.

Chris Burand – President of Burand & Associates

Insurance futurist declares ‘Fork in the road ahead’ – which direction is your agency headed?

Chris Burand—one of the industry’s most respected thought leaders, analysts, valuation and acquisition specialists—has seen enough of the future to give agents a clear-eyed heads-up. Chris has led more than 350 seminars and workshops. He’s been published over 400 times. He writes a monthly column for the Insurance Journal, and you’ve probably seen him in Rough Notes, National Underwriter, AM Best… and many, many more publications.

In this podcast interview with Michael, Chris shares insights that could change your agency forever:

• As carriers cut costs (AKA 'commissions’) and build alternate distribution models, Chris paints a path to success for the modern agent.
• Will you be a ‘Professional’... or a ‘peddler’? (Find out what today’s consumer really wants – and which ones will reward you most richly).
• A safer world. New technologies. Faster pace of change. Emerging competitors. Chris outlines the actions today’s agency principals should take to be successful in today’s insurance landscape.

Please don’t miss this conversation with one of the insurance industry’s most respected observers and advocates! You’ll be thinking differently about your agency within the first 15 minutes!

What are other agents & brokers doing to thrive? What are the biggest trends affecting the retail insurance agent & broker? What are the most important strategies and tactics you need to grow faster? Find out here in the Connected Insurance Podcast, where Michael Jans discusses the biggest issues affecting the independent insurance agent and broker with the industry’s leading figures.

Matt Masiello – CEO of SIAA and President & CEO of SAN Group

The surprising evolution of the independent insurance agent

Matt was recently honored with the Business America ‘Hot 100’ Award which recognizes leaders who are shaping the future of insurance – and there’s no wonder why when you realize SIAA has 13% of all independent agencies in their alliance, has created 4,487 new agencies since 1995, and saw $690 million in premium growth in 2018 alone. One way or another, Matt is influencing your agency.

This brief hour with Matt will clarify your own thinking about how to succeed in the Modern Age of Insurance. Listen to this discussion to learn about:

• Millennials: the secret to making them happy in the workplace… and ‘being the agency’ millennials want to do business with.
• Should your agency consider outsourcing to a service center? (Matt’s perspective may make this choice easier for you).
• The Battle for the Customer – Matt’s unique insight on how the exclusive and independent channels are fighting for the future of the personal lines and small commercial lines customer.

Some people can see the future… and some people shape it – listen to this conversation and you’ll see why Matt Masiello, CEO of SIAA and the SAN Group, can do both.

What are other agents & brokers doing to thrive? What are the biggest trends affecting the retail insurance agent & broker? What are the most important strategies and tactics you need to grow faster? Find out here in the Connected Insurance Podcast, where Michael Jans discusses the biggest issues affecting the independent insurance agent and broker with the industry’s leading figures.

Chris Jarvis – Best-selling Author, Insurance Expert, and Entrepreneurial Strategist

Life insurance in a P&C agency… why the big controversy?

Why do so many P&C agencies struggle with the ‘life sale’? Chris Jarvis—best-selling author of 15 books, million-dollar producer, and former P&C actuary—digs deep into the challenges and opportunities facing P&C principals:

• How to avoid the biggest and most common mistakes selling life insurance in your agency.
• The dramatic impact the life sale has on client retention. (You’ll want to do the math on what this means for your agency!)
• Why you want your agency to be their life agent… before someone else is.

If you’re looking for ways to increase income, boost retention, and bypass the threats of reducing commissions and emerging competitors – listen to what this million-dollar producer shares about ‘life success’ in the P&C agency.

What are other agents & brokers doing to thrive? What are the biggest trends affecting the retail insurance agent & broker? What are the most important strategies and tactics you need to grow faster? Find out here in the Connected Insurance Podcast, where Michael Jans discusses the biggest issues affecting the independent insurance agent and broker with the industry’s leading figures.

Christopher Cook – Owner & President of Alliance Insurance Services

Agency hires marketer… hits 34% growth: lessons learned

If you’re seeking growth and have time for one conversation, this is exactly what you’re looking for. Christopher Cook, Owner & President of Alliance Insurance Services shares what he did to hit 34% year-over-year growth – and what he’s learned along the way.

• A recent survey by Safeco revealed that 56% of agencies surveyed had some form of ‘marketer’ on staff. This very new industry role has transformed the way agencies grow. Chris shares what he’s learned about this ‘revolutionary’ new position.
• Specifics! Chris generously reveals the projects and assignments that his marketer works on for his agency, and why.
• Video, email, social, web, marketing automation, and more… find out which technologies Chris is getting the most benefit from.

Please don’t miss this conversation with one of the insurance industry’s most respected marketers, and most successful SEO experts. Listen today and get ideas you’ll put into practice tomorrow!

What are other agents & brokers doing to thrive? What are the biggest trends affecting the retail insurance agent & broker? What are the most important strategies and tactics you need to grow faster? Find out here in the Connected Insurance Podcast, where Michael Jans discusses the biggest issues affecting the independent insurance agent and broker with the industry’s leading figures.

What Does Marketing Mean in 2019?

In this brave new world, technology has brought scale to the classic principles

What happens when you bring together 4 of the sharpest marketing minds in the insurance industry? You get a conversation loaded with so much great information that it bears revisiting… more than once.

Michael DeLaGrange, Brent Sheppard, Robert Knop, and Tyler McConvill gathered last week to help you define what marketing means in 2019. And together they concluded that while a lot of the core principles remain the same, the way the game is played is completely different.

Listen to this discussion to discover:

• Step-by-step advice on how to know if your marketing experiments are successful... or if it’s time to leave them behind.
• How social media can be used to amplify your involvement in the community, presence at events, and more – all while bringing hot leads to your doorstep.
• The shockingly common pitfalls that render good marketing efforts as useless as if they never happened! (If you’re not following up on the right activity, you’re leaving money on the table!)

Whether or not you caught it live, this discussion is worth listening to… over and over again! Don’t miss a detail from this information loaded discussion!

What are other agents & brokers doing to thrive? What are the biggest trends affecting the retail insurance agent & broker? What are the most important strategies and tactics you need to grow faster?  Find out here in the Connected Insurance Podcast, where Michael Jans discusses the biggest issues affecting the independent insurance agent and broker with the industry’s leading figures.