Agency Intelligence

Ever heard of ProjectCAP?  Well, chances are you probably haven’t...but you soon will.  Because these guys are about to change the game...say what?!?!?!CAP (Consumer Agent Portal) is a united effort by the IIABA (Big I) to give the independent insurance agents an online presence.  The personal lines market is being dominated by direct writers and as more gets taken away from us independents.  But not for long...not if projectCAP has anything to say about it! *FUN FACT* Personal lines market share for the independent agent industry is 34% and falling.  Increasing that share by only 1% would create $85,000 in independent agency commission per county!Almost 80% of consumers go online to shop for insurance (these are YOUR clients).  The good news is less than 25% actually buy online (take that geico lizard!).  But when they get that quote online, their next step is to search online to seek out an agent.  Are you there for them to find?On this interview we talk with the CEO of CAP, Chip Bacciocco.  He tells it lik

On this podcast we interviewed Chris Paradiso from Paradiso Insurance in Stafford Springs, CT.   Do you want practical ideas? Things that are really being done in an insurance agency that you can do in your agency? Things that are going to create awareness for your agency and bring the community together at the same time? Well then this is the podcast for you!   Chris dives DEEEEEP into what his agency does to set itself apart in the community in which he lives in and operates. While I was on the podcast with him I wrote down about 11 ideas that I want to start using immediately! This podcast will give you Goosebumps, tears, and excitement all in one!

In this month we are tackling technology part 2 (marketing, branding, and creating relationships in your agency).  On this podcast is Ryan Hanley, Jason D Cass (that's me) and Brian Appleton (he is pretty cool too)  straight drop the bomb on this topic!  On this podcast Ryan Hanley will tell you about how he connects with the “connected and unconnected” consumer in his agency - and why and how your agency can do both to MAKE MORE MONEY. Brian will give his insight as he talks about what he sees in helping agencies build their marketing plans & strategies (he is a straight marketing master...I know this personally because he helps me). You’re going to enjoy this I promise! And when you listen remember as always we need your comments to keep the fire and the conversation going...so please comment!

When it come to technology in your agency or company operations, workflows, and procedures, seriously there is no one better…well maybe but I have not found them yet.  We dive deep into some thoughts and ideas of what is out there…why it is important…and what you have to do to start making it happen…this dude is just downright knowledgeable! Some of the cool ideas he has makes me feel as if I am out dated….and my agency is virtual!

Jeff Yates is a master when it comes to knowing what agents need to be effective in running their agencies profitably.  He is the Executive Director of the Agents council for Technology.  Jeff discusses what Real-time is and how to use it in your agency.  He also talks about certain tech groups that were formed that are transforming the way the industry thinks about and uses technology effectively.  If you want to save money and be more profitable you need to listen to this.

This month we will be covering the first part of our 2 part series on Technology.  And when we talk about Technology in this podcast we are discussing it in terms of operations of an agency. On this podcast Jason Cass and Brian introduce this month's topic and dive into where technology is currently with a lot of Independent Insurance Agencies and what the problems and frustrations are.   As always after you listen please give us your thoughts and comments...this is how we get the conversation going and work toward developing solutions.

All I have to say about this podcast is WOW.  In this podcast I interviewed Gene Ruggerio who is an agency owner/manager out of Alabama.  His agency is blowing up and every time he turns around he is opening a new agency.He has agents right now beating down his door to try and work for him.  There are many reasons for this but one of them is defiantly the fact that his is paying his agents 80% commissions on new and renewal business...80%! 

Behavioral Modification and Agent Pay Structure and Commissions In this podcast I interview John Fear who is a consultant for some of the best agencies in the industry.  He gave me an amazing interview.  Many people would have to pay a large fee to get the kind of insight and information John gave me on this interview.