Brad Ruben of Archway Computers joins us to talk about all things IT for independent agencies: Cybersecurity and unusual requirements in carrier contracts How DMARC impacts your agency emails and what you must do immediately Why Multi-factor Authentication is so critical One easy-to-use tech tool that customers love How AI is being used in agencies today As an independent agent, it's easy to push IT to the back burner but as Brad explains, having up-to-date software and security procedures is critical. Outsourcing the management of your agency's IT is a good way to reduce the risk of cyber c ..read more

#041 -  Join us for an engaging discussion as Charlotte Hicks and George Robertson chat with Ron Shroyer from Aureus Analytics about the latest developments in their company over the past two years. In this podcast episode, we dive into the world of insurance technology and its impact on the industry's operations and client services.  Ron sheds light on the growing utilization of AI and big data analytics in insurance agencies. These technologies are playing a significant role in streamlining operations and improving efficiency, ultimately leading to better service for clients. He al ..read more

#039 — George Robertson and Charlotte Hicks look at some of the main challenges facing agents this year and three ways to be successful in 2023.  They talk about: ChatGPT by OpenAI and potential benefits for agents  The long-term impact of developments in cryptocurrency What to expect from the hard market and anticipated recession How insurance coverage could be affected by pandemic court cases Challenges finding staff and the role of a remote workforce Plus, three tips for positioning you and your agency for success in 2023. A full transcript and previous podcast episodes can be f ..read more

#038 — Ron Berg, retiring director of the Agents Council for Technology (ACT) joins us to discuss how technology impacts customer satisfaction, the critical role of cyber security in agencies, and how insurtechs are helping agents serve their customers better.  Listen in as we talk with Ron about: How the customer experience has changed and how it impacts workflows What technology touchpoints agents need to implement to build customer loyalty How to get access to the ACT resources for free The critical role cyber security plays in your technology strategy and the cyber guide developed by ..read more

#036 — Diane Wagner and the First Choice Agents Alliance had a huge task: Help Nationwide agents negotiate the transition from Exclusive Agent to Independent Agent.  Hear how the transition has gone, how FCAA is helping agencies thrive, and how they are partnering with IIANC to tackle the biggest challenge in the industry today — attracting new talent.  Listen in as we dive into the topic and discuss...  Choosing and implementing an Agency Management System What Nationwide agents have brought to the IA system What challenges did the agents face during the transition The impor ..read more

#035 – George and Charlotte look back at highlights from the last year and give their predictions for the industry in 2022. Referenced Podcast Episodes: Chris Paradiso  Aubie Knight – IIANC   Chris Lane - Tarmika   Kat Ternes - Agency Zoom  Carey Wallace – Agency Focus   Ron Shroyer – Donna for Agents  Peter MacDonald and Joe Schnare - Wunderite  Seth Zaremba - bAtomic Are Your Customers Hearing What You’re Saying? CNA Cyberattack Case Study Lisa Lounsbury- Big I NY Jason Liu - Zywave Recent Happenings Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 For full show notes and previous p ..read more

Description: #034 – What you don’t know about your customers can hurt you — and them.  In this episode, we talk with Ron Shroyer of Aureus Analytics about how Donna for Agents is helping agents improve their customer experience, increase retention, and grow their agencies.  There’s no question, we’re living in the age of data analytics. Companies outside of the insurance industry are using it to provide a better customer experience so your agency customers expect that level of service from you too.  Listen in as we dive into the topic and discuss... ·      What cu ..read more

#033 – One form. 550 fields. Agents hate it. Customers hate it. But now there’s another way. Discover how Wunderite has transformed the information-gathering process so it’s simple, effective, and customer-friendly.  Peter MacDonald and Joe Schnare join us on the podcast for an inside look at how Wunderite is helping agents focus on what they do best — advise their clients. Just some of what we discuss…  The key problem Wunderite was created to solve  How we’ve been missing opportunities to add value to prospects and customers  Why Wunderite decided to be an API-first solu ..read more

#032 – Aubie Knight of IIANC see a “great day of reckoning” coming for insurance agents. Find out how IIANC is helping their agents prepare and succeed as the insurance landscape changes.       In today’s podcast, Aubie discusses: The biggest challenge agents say they are facing in the next three years Why insurance education isn’t enough to guarantee CSR success What is now causing a great divide among agencies and how you can be on the profitable side  One thing you must be spending money on right now if you want to grow The integration of Nationwide agencies into t ..read more

#027 – CNA recently experienced a severe and sophisticated rasomware attack. George and Charlotte examine the aspects of the attack and the wide-ranging impacts.  Just some of what’s covered in today’s discussion: What happened and the impact to CNA’s ability to conduct business How policyholders were impacted What was done well and what could have been done better How agents can protect themselves from similar attacks Steps every agent should do for their customers in this situation  For full show notes and previous podcast episodes go to:  www. Insuranceagencytrendsetters.co ..read more