Real Solutions to Problems Real Independent Agents Face

CEO Letter

In this issue we’re discussing why agents should consider joining an agency network like Smart Choice®. While I could list dozens of reasons and benefits for agencies to be part of a network, it might be more advantageous to think about all the reasons agents traditionally cite for not joining a network.

Independence

As a former agent myself, I know exactly why many agents steer clear of groups and clusters. First and foremost being their desire to retain their independence and not be beholden to difficult rules and requirements like you get with captive companies. Any time an agent gets involved with a third party – whether a captive or a network – there’s an expectation that you’re going to be subjected to some constraints you might not otherwise have. Whether it’s limited product options, volume requirements, etc…someone else’s expectations for your business are competing with yours, and that’s not an ideal way to operate. Smart Choice® remains a silent partner for this reason. We want to help you access the markets you need by providing you with an established relationship, not run your business or make decisions for you.

Costs/Fees/Commission Splits

You can’t get something for nothing, right? Sure you can. Agents don’t want to pay the huge fees associated with some network groups. And why should you? Why pay to access markets you may or may not use? This was a question that weighed heavily on me when we started Smart Choice®. I didn’t want to automatically give anyone a chunk of my hard-earned income each month for a product that may or may not help me grow. That’s why we only operate on a commission split for the business written through our carriers. If you don’t write through one of those carriers, you don’t pay anything. Period.

Contracts and Commitments

In some networks and groups, to receive their benefits, you must sign a contract and promise to remain a member for a certain period of time. This can be intimidating when you aren’t even sure if you’re going to like the services you’re receiving yet. It’s like taking on a business partner without knowing anything but their name and the promises they’ve made you. With Smart Choice®, agents pay nothing to join or to be in the partnership – they’re free to leave at any time if our services aren’t useful to them.

Real Solutions for Real Independent Insurance Agents

When we started Smart Choice®, I tried to keep these things in mind to make our program the most fair and useful one out there – so that agency owners would be able to achieve real growth and maintain their independence. I wanted us to be nothing but a silent partner. We strive, every day, to keep Smart Choice’s original vision for independent agents alive by offering them programs that are real solutions to the problems they face. And I hope, if you’re currently one of our partners, that you feel we live up to our word to be a resource and valuable service!