There are two basic types of problems that waste time. The first are mechanical problems such as the jamming printer. The second type of problem that wastes time is much more difficult to identify and solve.

Independent insurance agents see the potential of a rewarding career with high earnings. However, unlocking that potential can be tough. The truth is that there’s a lot of competition out there, and it can be difficult to gain access to the best insurance carriers and product lines. Success is possible, but you might need some support to find it — and some agents find that support in insurance clusters.

Independent agents who partner with a high-quality agency network experience better growth and close-ratio outcomes post-relationship. Retention of book of business, opportunities for higher commissions, no network fees, and flexibility to choose which network services to use facilitate agent satisfaction.

Sales and marketing training is not cheap. It is common for agents to shell out thousands of dollars for lectures from sales experts, hoping to glean a few nuggets they can bring back to their agencies. These big ideas are great but can be difficult to implement without help.

When evaluating an agency network as a partner for the independent agent, there are many factors to consider. Each agent’s business model is unique, so solutions need to be flexible and scalable to the individual.

We surveyed and interviewed independent agents from across the United States to understand the hurdles they face, the partnerships they’ve engaged, and how these strategies have affected their businesses. In our research, we explored the options they chose to overcome income and growth barriers while remaining independent.

In sales, connecting with our prospects is the key to closing the deal. Developing the right tools to successfully identify and understand our prospect’s needs is crucial to creating that important connection, establishing trust, and facilitating communication.

We are in the eye of a perfect storm. We have three hurricane strength forces acting upon the livelihood of independent insurance agents. But with proper marketing, independent agents can weather almost any storm.

One thing that has never changed in this type of marketplace, and likely won’t ever stop being important, is networking and being involved in your community.

South Carolina agent, Jeremy Powers, opened his independent agency on January 1, 2020 – only three months before the start of the global pandemic that would dramatically shift the business landscape over the next year.