Insurance agents are going the way of the travel agent. That's a story heard frequently in the industry. Becky and Laird talk about the comparison between insurance agents and travel agents. Plus, we got a new toy for the show.

The travel agent's problem

Can artificial intelligence (AI) take the groupings used to price risk and further segment them, thereby eliminating any bias that exists? Becky and Laird discuss this potential use case of AI, what AI actually is, and ethics in technology. Plus, who is the podcast actually for?

How AI Can Vanquish Bias

A conversation is happening in the industry around agency management systems and whether they're useful or as needed as everyone assumes they are. Becky, Laird, and special guest Justin Costa weigh in on this conversation.

Tweet: Why do you need an agency management system?

Special Guest: Justin Costa.

Building brand loyalty starts with brand-driven marketing, not price-driven marketing. It is not only the insurance industry that has seen consumers being price-focused as a result of advertising that focuses on price. Several retail brands have recently announced plans to shift back to this type of marketing to drive long-term success. Plus, does work slow down in December for you? And, our favorite Christmas movies.

Old Navy will shift back to brand-building in a growing trend among advertisers

The connectivity between agents and insurers is critical to serving consumers. In this episode, Becky and Laird talk about IVANS' recent findings in their annual report on the agency-insurer connectivity. Plus, we talk about the end of the decade and whether the Better Business Bureau means as much as it used to.

Agency-Insurer Connectivity: An IVANS Annual Report

There is a lot of hype around businesses like Blue Apron, Lime, and Uber. But in reality, they're not making money. In this off-topic episode, Becky and Laird talk about the hype in these businesses. Plus, our favorite holiday drinks.

In Business, Nothing Ever Changes

Holiday drinks:

Wassail

After years of being overhyped, people are starting to declare blockchain is dead. Becky and Laird talk about why blockchain is not the answer so many people thought it was. Plus, the recent news that Aon is acquiring CoverWallet, and Becky gets onto Laird about something.

Some Argue Blockchain Enthusiasm is Fading Quickly

Social proof, like ratings and reviews, has more influence on a consumer's confidence in a carrier and the likelihood they would want to get a quote from them. Becky and Laird talk about these findings from a 2018 Clearsurance report. Plus, how the mistakes from the Disney Plus launch won't affect them in the long run and a follow up on a previous episode.

Insurance shoppers up to 12x more likely to request a quote when consumer ratings shown

Forget who owns the customer. It's who owns the customer experience. Becky and Laird discuss this question and the challenges of the four-legged stool in the age of the empowered consumer. Plus, #FreethePink and Becky gets a new LinkedIn skill.

The Great Insurance Debate: Who Owns the Customer—Agent or Carrier?

Consumers are no longer as loyal to their auto insurance like they used to be. Laird and Becky discuss what has contributed to this downward trend. Plus, we talk about WeWork and our favorite Halloween treats.

Auto Insurance Customer Loyalty is Declining. Here's Why.