Episode 39 takes a practical look at business planning for independent agents. Amanda, Kelsey, and returning guest Christine Lee walk through how to evaluate your past year, choose the right planning framework, and turn vague ambitions into SMART goals you can actually measure. They explore how tools like SWOT and SOAR help identify opportunities, why carrier alignment should shape your 2026 plan, and how accountability improves follow-through. The conversation also covers staying adaptable as technology, AI, and market conditions evolve, plus how to build systems that keep your goals on track all year long.

Not every prospect is ready to quote, but that doesn't mean you should stop the conversation.

They also discuss "because effect" conversations, creative follow-ups, and marketing automation tips that help you build relationships and close more deals when renewal time comes around.

Ideal for producers and agency owners looking to improve their insurance sales and prospecting strategy.

Because Effect Blog Post: https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/chicagoland-sia-blog/the-because-effect-how-insurance-agents-can-get-more-callbacks

From blog posts to landing pages, more agencies are experimenting with AI for marketing. In this episode, Amanda Yaniz and Kelsey Concklin Ramsey share the pros, cons, and cautions of AI-generated content. Discover why your voice still matters, how to avoid common mistakes, and the strategies that will help you stand out in a marketplace flooded with AI copy.

In this special three-year anniversary episode of Licensed to Talk Insurance, Amanda and Kelsey sit down with Mike O’Donnell, Vice President at Chicagoland SIA and Producer at Concklin Insurance Agency. With over 30 years of industry experience, Mike shares why clearly defining your ideal client is one of the most important steps to growing a profitable and sustainable agency.

You’ll learn how to identify the traits of your best clients, why carrier alignment matters, and how focusing your time on the right prospects can lead to stronger referrals and long-term success. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your niche, this episode offers practical insights to help independent insurance agents nationwide attract and retain clients who are the right fit for their business.

Choosing a niche can set your agency apart, but how do you pick the right one? In this episode, Amanda and Kelsey unpack how to identify profitable, sustainable niche markets based on your interests, carrier appetite, geography, and competition. From leveraging past experience to using passion projects as growth engines, they share real-life examples and actionable tips to help you build credibility, generate referrals, and become a true expert in your space. Plus, learn how to test your niche strategy through marketing, landing pages, and content that converts.

Not all learning is created equal. In this episode, Amanda and Kelsey sit down with Christine Lee, Agency Growth Coach at Chicagoland SIA, to break down the difference between checking the CE box and making strategic professional development investments. From designations like CIC and SBCS to marketing training, video creation/editing, and social media strategy, this conversation dives into the educational paths that drive real agency growth. If you’ve ever wondered where to spend your time, energy, or budget when it comes to learning, this episode is your guide.

Even the best agencies face unhappy clients. The real test is how you handle them. In this episode, Amanda Yaniz and Kelsey Concklin Ramsey dive into the why behind client dissatisfaction, how to respond with empathy and professionalism, and the proactive habits that keep frustration at bay. You’ll learn communication strategies, and reputation management tip. Whether you’re a solo agent or part of a large team, this conversation will help you turn friction into loyalty.

Rejection is part of the job, but it doesn’t have to derail your day—or your goals. In this episode, Amanda, Kelsey, and special guest Jenny McNulty dive into the mindset shifts and sales strategies every agent needs to stay motivated when the answer is no. From understanding your close ratios to setting realistic expectations, and following up without being a pest, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you turn every no into a future opportunity.

Whether you're prospecting, quoting, or trying to win back a client, this conversation will help you keep your momentum strong and your goals high.

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.

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!