Welcome to Episode 61 of The Scratch Agency Podcast, where industry experts and seasoned professionals share their insights on the dynamic world of insurance! In this episode, our special guest, Ryan Englund, brings over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry to the table. Join us for a captivating conversation as we delve into the intricacies of insurance agency management, virtual assistants, and the journey of building and selling an insurance agency.

🕒 (0:00) - Introduction.

🕒 (2:08) - Building and Selling an Insurance Agency Over 25 Years.

🕒 (8:10) - Insurance Sales Strategies and Experiences.

🕒 (12:33) - Modernizing Insurance Agency Work Processes.

🕒 (15:42) - Using Video Conferencing for Client Meetings.

🕒 (17:28) - Selling an Insurance Agency and Using Technology to Streamline Processes.

🕒 (24:27) - Building an Insurance Agency with Family Members.

🕒 (28:17) - Life Insurance Sales Strategies and Cross-Selling.

🕒 (35:12) - Building an Independent Insurance Agency with an Experienced Agent.

Enhance your productivity and reclaim time with OnHandVas, our podcast sponsor – explore their expert VA services now at: onhandvas.com

📌 Connect with us on social media

Instagram: @thescratchagencypodcast⁠

Tiktok: @thescratchagencypodcast⁠

🔗 For more exclusive content, visit our website:

Thank you for tuning in!

Welcome to Episode 58 of The Scratch Agency Podcast! In this insightful episode, we sit down with the dynamic Brett Young to dive deep into the world of annual planning and goal-setting for insurance agencies.

🕒 (0:03) - Kicking off the episode with a focus on annual planning and goal setting for insurance agencies.

🕒 (3:00) - Exploring the intricacies of goal planning and decision-making.

🕒 (5:51) - Whether you run an agency with partners or as a sole principal, Brett shares valuable insights.

🕒 (9:15) - Setting and achieving goals for personal and business growth.

🕒 (17:37) - Brett emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in personal and business goal planning.

🕒 (21:56) - A closer look at goal-setting and personal growth.

🕒 (24:47) - Company goals and the significance of planning for the year.

🕒 (28:16) - Prioritizing business goals and effective financial management.

🕒 (35:19) - Balancing business goals with a focus on owner compensation.

🕒 (37:18) - More on prioritizing business goals and managing finances effectively.

🕒 (41:13) - The crucial elements of defining profit margins and leveraging in a business.

🕒 (46:32) - A detailed discussion on calculating the compound growth rate for agency revenue.

🕒 (50:10)  - Agency revenue and the essential aspects of lead generation.

🕒 (52:36)  - Strategies for agency revenue growth and effective lead generation.

🕒 (55:42)  - Insights into hiring agents for real estate business growth.

🕒 (1:01:48) - Navigating agency growth strategies in a challenging insurance market.

🕒 (1:04:54) - Overcoming market challenges while setting goals and growing an insurance agency.

🕒 (1:09:17) - The trifecta of sales velocity, lead generation, and process optimization.

Listen now and gain valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of the insurance industry while setting and achieving your business goals!

🔍 (0:00)  - Introduction

🔍 (2:25)  - Entrepreneurship and starting a new business

🔍 (7:54) - Building a team for personal lines insurance

🔍 (10:54) - Hiring for cultural fit and personal fulfillment in a business

🔍 (16:05) - Hiring for sales and account management roles in an agency

🔍 (18:48) - Business growth, hiring, and commercial expansion🔍 (24:24) - Business planning and niche focus in the insurance industry

🔍 (27:29) - Commercial insurance sales and value-added services

🔍 (32:48) - Career transitions and volume in sales

🔍 (35:08) - Commercial insurance sales strategies and challenges

🔍 (40:31) - Personal and commercial insurance with a focus on self-confidence and personal connections

🔍 (43:44) - Using a "chip on the shoulder" for motivation and success

Don't miss out on this engaging conversation that's bound to inspire and educate! Tune in now to gain valuable insights into the world of insurance entrepreneurship.

Welcome back to The Scratch Agency Podcast! In this exciting episode, we sit down with the brilliant entrepreneur Michael Cruz to delve into the world of virtual assistants and the keys to success in starting a virtual assistant company.

🔍 (0:00) - Introduction: Michael Cruz and the journey of starting a virtual assistant company.

🔍 (3:25) - Entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and the broader concept of wealth beyond financial success.

🔍 6:55) - Personal growth, self-awareness, and the pivotal role of virtual assistants.

🔍 (11:16) - Hiring a virtual assistant for an insurance agency: Strategies and benefits.

🔍 (15:57)- Outsourcing tasks to virtual assistants in insurance agencies for efficiency.

🔍 (18:07)- Delegating tasks to non-licensed staff in the insurance industry: Challenges and solutions.

🔍 (20:19) - Using VAs for agency growth and how to avoid common pitfalls.

🔍 (25:47) - Managing virtual assistants for business success: Tips and best practices.

🔍 (28:29) - Hiring virtual employees vs. using virtual assistant companies: Pros and cons.

🔍 (34:09) - Starting a virtual assistant company: Challenges faced and valuable lessons learned.

🔍 (37:03) - Leveraging virtual assistants in an insurance agency for optimal results.

🔍 (43:05) - Delegating tasks and building a team: The blueprint for a successful agency.

🔍 (46:32) - Virtual assistants for digital marketing agencies: Insights and strategies.

Join us as Michael shares his wealth of knowledge and experience, providing invaluable insights into the world of virtual assistants and how they can transform your business. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or someone curious about the virtual assistant landscape, this episode is a must-listen!

🔗 Connect with Us:

Instagram: instagram.com/thescratchagencypodcast

Website: scratchagencypodcast.com

Welcome to Episode 55 of The Scratch Agency Podcast, where we bring you insightful conversations with industry leaders and thought-provoking discussions on personal development. In this episode, we're honored to host Donald Shampine, a seasoned expert in the insurance industry, to discuss a wide range of topics that impact both professional and personal aspects of life.

Welcome back to Episode 54 of The Scratch Agency Podcast! In this insightful episode, we had the privilege of sitting down with the insurance industry expert, Andrew Tuquilar, for a conversation packed with valuable insights.

🕒 (0:00) - Annual agency planning and goal setting for insurance agents.

🕒 (2:35) - Andrew's career path and entrepreneurship in the insurance industry.

🕒 (8:30) - The journey of starting an insurance agency with a supportive spouse.

🕒 (11:20) - Building an insurance agency from scratch with a focus on consistency and confidence.

🕒 (16:18) - Navigating entrepreneurship, market fluctuations, and maintaining a positive mindset.

🕒 (19:07) - Balancing your personal and professional life as an insurance agent.

🕒 (23:30) - Scaling a digital marketing agency with a team.

🕒 (29:21) - Scaling an insurance agency and overcoming challenges.

🕒 (35:30) - Time management strategies and achieving growth in the insurance industry.

Welcome to Episode 53 of The Scratch Agency Podcast! In this insightful conversation, we sit down with the industry expert Matthew Brauer to delve deep into the world of insurance agencies and Agency Management Systems (AMS). With time stamps for your convenience, we cover a variety of topics that are essential for anyone in the insurance business.

🕒 (00:00) - Insurance industry origins and AMS ad strategies

🕒 (03:55) - AMS for scratch agents in the insurance industry

🕒 (08:20) - Choosing the right agency management system

🕒 (12:27) - Choosing the right management system for an insurance agency

🕒 (18:03) - Agency management systems and CRM integration

🕒 (22:37) - CRM and AMS integration for insurance agencies

🕒 (27:15) - Software updates and customer service

🕒 (32:01)- Company culture and service at Hawksoft

🕒 (35:42) - Building a successful digital marketing agency with core values

Welcome to Episode 52 of The Scratch Agency Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Marissa Painter, a fellow scratch agent, to delve into her journey of starting an insurance agency and leaving behind the corporate world.

Welcome to Episode 51 of The Scratch Agency podcast! In this enlightening conversation, we sit down with the industry expert, Mike Stromsoe, to delve deep into the world of insurance, business, and personal development.

Welcome to Episode 50 of The Scratch Agency Podcast! In this milestone episode, we're thrilled to bring back a repeat guest, Taylor Garcia, to delve deep into insurance and leadership.

🕒 (0:00) - Introduction to Taylor Garcia and the Insurance Industry

🕒 (4:11) - Modernizing a 90-year-old Insurance Agency

🕒 (9:11) - Implementing New Processes and Tools for Efficiency

🕒 (14:15) - Earning Leadership Roles through Hard Work and Listening

🕒 (19:13) - Leadership Qualities and Effective Communication

🕒 (22:56) - Leadership, Handling Tough Conversations, and Niche Marketing

🕒 (29:37) - Niche Downsizing in Insurance for Scalability and Profitability

🕒 (35:30) - Creating Engaging Video Content in the Insurance Industry

🕒 (41:21) - Impact of "The Energy Bus"

Whether you're an industry professional or looking to level up your leadership game, this episode has something for everyone!