26 episodes

Lively discussions with insurance agents and other insurance professionals regarding issues of the day, challenges experienced, successes enjoyed, innovations explored, and more. Join us to gain insights – unless you already have “all the answers”. Hosted by Doug Coombs, Chief Marketing Officer for SIAA – the largest network of independent insurance agencies in the United States. 

Insurance Agents Talk Shop Doug Coombs, Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, SIAA

    • Business
    • 4.8 • 4 Ratings

Lively discussions with insurance agents and other insurance professionals regarding issues of the day, challenges experienced, successes enjoyed, innovations explored, and more. Join us to gain insights – unless you already have “all the answers”. Hosted by Doug Coombs, Chief Marketing Officer for SIAA – the largest network of independent insurance agencies in the United States. 

    Agency Management Systems – A Critical Component of Agency Operations

    Agency Management Systems – A Critical Component of Agency Operations

    In today’s environment, the agency management system (AMS) has indeed become a critical component of agency operations. It’s time to get rid of, or at least reduce your reliance on, that paper filing cabinet. These days, an AMS can really help you get to that paperless office, while increasing your overall agency efficiency.
    We're joined by Michael Ley, Director of Network Relations at HawkSoft, who provides insight into today’s agency management systems and the key benefits of using one. As with all things technology, the AMS has evolved significantly over the last ten years.
    HawkSoft has been helping insurance agencies with AMS installations and integrations for years, and our guest highlights the key considerations to choosing the right system for your agency. As robust as today’s agency management systems are, Michael informs us that it isn’t necessary to start with all the functionality an AMS offers – it’s okay to start with the basics and turn on more components over time.

    • 31 min
    Integrating Technology Into Agency Operations

    Integrating Technology Into Agency Operations

    Technology keeps advancing and improving, making it difficult to know when and what to choose for systems that will help insurance agency operations become more efficient. In this episode of IATS, we consider the systems most needed by, and order of implementation at, insurance agencies.

    We're joined by Michael Streit, General Manager of EZLynx, who helps us to understand the most critical technology to implement and provides a framework for the progression of integrating additional technology into agency operations.

    EZLynx has been helping insurance agencies with technology and its implementation for decades, most notably with their insurance raters. As the marketplace has evolved, so has the company’s capabilities relative to developing a tech stack (or parts thereof). We gain insight from Michael about the effects of moving forward versus not moving forward with newer technologies.

    • 30 min
    Taking Stock

    Taking Stock

    2023 was a challenging year for the insurance industry and insurance agents, to say the least. In this episode of IATS, Doug Coombs invites listeners to take stock of their current situation and discusses items to consider as we head into the new year. The approach is not to provide a series of recommendations, but to ask, “Have you considered this?” as a means for helping your agency succeed next year and beyond. Tune in for some ideas – and the chance to ponder a few concepts that might be applicable to your agency.

    • 21 min
    Improving Retention With Cross-Selling

    Improving Retention With Cross-Selling

    In today's business landscape, keeping existing clients is crucial. Cross-selling, or offering your current clientele complementary products and services, is an important strategy that can significantly boost client retention. Dive with us into this episode of IATS, as we discuss effective cross-selling and its role in maintaining client loyalty.

    We're joined by Steve Tombarelli, Senior Vice President of Programs and Services at SIAA, who sheds light on crafting an unforgettable client sales journey and the importance of nurturing "sticky" client relationships through multiple interactions, turning those encounters into promising cross-selling opportunities.

    In this episode we also touch upon the fine balance of informing clients about relevant products without coming across as too assertive. Don't miss out as we discuss the pros and cons of honing a niche market, as well as techniques and tips that will enable you to excel at client retention and cross-selling.

    • 32 min
    Preparing to Sell Commercial Lines

    Preparing to Sell Commercial Lines

    Are you ready to master the art of selling commercial lines insurance? Join us as we dive into this complex sphere with guest, Jerry Thacker, Agency Growth Coach at AHA Insurance Network.  In this episode,  you will learn how agents can cater to the diverse needs of businesses, explore the profound differences between personal and commercial lines, and delve into the four types of liability exposure that underwriters consider when assessing risks. And that's just the beginning!

     This episode also touches on the significance of niche markets, the essential role carrier partners play, and the power of networking and discuss the benefits of getting involved with professional associations. And, we unveil how to leverage insure tech and digital platforms to streamline the commercial lines selling process. So, tune in and get ready to elevate your commercial lines strategy!

    • 35 min
    Insights and Inspiration from IA Evolve 2023

    Insights and Inspiration from IA Evolve 2023

    Join us as we explore the insights and ideas that came to life at IAEvolve! In this episode, our guests, Brendan Mulcahy, Vice President of Technology and Innovation Partnerships at SIAA, Jillian Wolley, Marketing Manager, Partnerships at SIAA, and Lisa Grover, Vice President of Marketing at SIAA, share their unique perspectives and reflections on what has become the premier virtual conference in the world of insurance agencies, with a focus on innovation and technology. 

    • 38 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
4 Ratings

4 Ratings

Top Podcasts In Business

The Ramsey Show
Ramsey Network
Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin
Money News Network
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
DOAC
NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast
NerdWallet Personal Finance
Planet Money
NPR
The Money Mondays
Dan Fleyshman