Podcasts & Webinars

The Power and Efficiency of Insurance Networks for Agents and Carriers Explained

A growing number of established successful agencies as well as agencies new in the business have discovered that joining an insurance network can have a dramatic impact on growth and the ability to serve their clients. While there are extraordinary differences in how individual networks operate, all are focused on improving the efficiency and profitability of the agents in their group. Many insurance carriers are unaware of benefits that working with a network could bring to their agent distribution capabilities, and thus pay a higher cost of acquisition.

Come listen to a panel of successful insurance agents who overcame common objections and made the decision to join a network. Hear how this decision has positively impacted business and improved their access to and relationships with a broader range of insurance markets.

Solving Network / Carrier Pain Points to Maximize Organic Growth

A panel discussion of Network and Carrier peers sharing how they master common network/carrier engagement issues to write more new business. Topics discussed include;

- - - How to develop unique working relationships with each network and carrier – one size does not fit all
    - How coordinating communication supports carrier initiatives and engages member agencies
    - Network and Carrier Data – what to collect and how to use it to help agencies to write more business with the network’s carriers?
    - How do carriers and networks prioritize their relationships and develop transparent criteria for attaining priority status

INA Town Hall: COVID-19 Issues, Impacts and Solutions

Hear from a panel of your network administrator peers discussing immediate business impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and other important areas of concern. Topics discussed include;

- - - Key benefits and threats to networks with the COVID-19 impact.
    - How producers are soliciting new business and working to retain existing customers during COVID-19.
    - Helping carriers communicate member agencies as COVID-19 affects visiting agencies.
    - Ways to differentiate your network during the crisis.
    - Staying in front of prospective members during this time.
    - Assisting agency members with their remote employees.

The Digital Collaboration Revolution

Advances in technology and data collection have made it possible to transform the collaborative planning between networks, their carrier partners and service providers. This panel presentation examines how data and technology are playing a critical role in the insurance industry and how incumbents and new Insurtech entrants are partnering with networks and carriers to increase operational efficiencies. Hear examples from three innovative networks and their key carrier partners on how they are working together to collect data from multiple agency management systems, spreadsheets and various document files, using this compiled data to transform their business for the benefit of their agent members and carrier partners.

Making Data an Asset Today to Compete Tomorrow

Is your network collecting data that is meaningful, accurate, complete, well-structured and actionable?

Taking steps to ensure your network is building a meaningful data asset will be a critical factor in your ability to align with carrier partners and successfully compete in a data driven future. As a starting point in this process, this workshop will explore Risk classification and appetite alignment which represent two areas where agencies and carriers continue to struggle over fundamentals:

- - - Do agencies and carriers have the tools to classify risks accurately?
    - Is your network making it as easy as possible for carriers and agents to find and align with each other?
    - Are you providing the best possible tools for understanding market growth and profitability?

Cyber Liability – Protecting Your Networks and Agents

Cyber crime is one of the fastest growing crimes with no slowdown in sight. All businesses which collect private information about their clients, must comply with State and/or Federal Notification Laws. These notification requirements can cost small businesses on average over $650,000 and larger businesses can be in the millions. Given this rapidly growing exposure it is difficult for businesses to understand the definition of private information, how to protect it and how to comply with Notification Laws. This course will provide attendees with an understanding of the current exposures associated with cyber risks and ways to protect their companies, networks, and member agents.

Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Agents

This presentation is designed to provide networks administrators with the tools and guidance to help their members grow through state-of-the-art marketing initiatives. The same tools would apply to networks as they attract new members and cultivate new insurance carrier relationships.

Attendees can expect a deep dive into the challenges that agents face reaching their audience and overcoming barriers to build strong relationships with clients. Content will explore best methods to reach potential and current clients, and the tools required to help you do so! This hands-on workshop will explore a wide range of marketing initiatives including: agency brand and why you need a dedicated brand guide, how to create a social content calendar, creating effective visuals and the tools you need to do so, developing marketing personas, email marketing campaigns leveraging video in online marketing, best practices for blogging, YouTube and its impact on SEO

The Future of Insurance Distribution

Matthew Sternat from Conning Inc. provided the introduction for an INA panel discussion on the future of insurance distribution. This panel presentation examined recent research from Conning Inc. on the factors influencing distribution and how this could affect Insurance Networks and their retail agent members.

How the Next Generation of Agents & Networks Must Adapt to Thrive

We live in an era of unprecedented change and the insurance industry is trying to figure out one question: How will the changing forces impacting our lives affect our business? This podcast examines that question in the context of how we live, how we move, and how we work – as the agent/broker sits right in the middle of that disconnected ecosystem.

Building an Acquisition Support System for Your Agency Members

Does your network have a road map and tools to assist agency members in acquisitions and perpetuation? This workshop outlines specific steps to build and offer an effective Acquisition and Perpetuation Support function for your network.

Best Practice Technology for Networks

What should networks focus on as they evaluate their future technology decisions?
Technology is an essential tool, but many networks lack technology options. This podcast explores what best practice technology looks like for networks and how to achieve it.