The #1 Way to Help You Stay Focused on Agency Growth 

Far too many agencies get distracted by operational challenges and lose momentum in their early growth phase.

Far too many independent agencies lose momentum early on by getting bogged down in day-to-day operations instead of focusing on growth. 

When you launch an agency, you’ll find yourself wearing many hats: CEO, marketing manager, salesperson, accountant, HR manager, IT specialist, and more. This fast-paced challenge can feel exhilarating at first, but over time, the constant juggling act can pull focus away from tasks that drive growth.

Fortunately, proven support systems exist to help you navigate the demands of the early growth phase. One of the most effective solutions is joining an agency network, such as Smart Choice, which provides access to tools, education, markets, and peer support. A network can offer everything you need to clear the clutter and refocus on what you do best: selling insurance and serving your clients.

Let’s explore how joining an agency network can take the edge off some of those early operational challenges. 

The CEO Hat

In the early days, agency principals often spend more time managing logistics than growing their business. But as your agency matures, your priorities will shift toward building carrier relationships, hiring staff, selecting technology, and defining your long-term strategy. These decisions are easier to navigate with the help of experienced advisors.

“Joining a network like Smart Choice gives you a partner that doesn't own your business; we're just a trusted advisor,” says Tony Davis, Tennessee State Director for Smart Choice. “We play an important role in helping to find solutions or answer questions so that you don't have to dig for the answers. We've been there, done that, and seen that.”

Agency networks also provide access to a community of peers facing similar challenges, offering an invaluable source of insight and support for new agency owners. 

“There are so many principals who are trying to do 17 things at one time,” says Mike Miller, a Smart Choice State Director. “You’re emailing the internet company, calling a client, paying your rent, and so on. You have to be able to close one box, open another, and take them [your tasks] step by step.”

The HR Hat

Staffing is a major hurdle for many agency owners. Hiring, onboarding, and aligning new team members with your agency culture takes time and energy that could otherwise be spent on sales.

Agency networks often provide access to staffing best practices, talent referrals, and experienced field reps like Davis and Miller, who can share advice on how to build a strong team.

“What I don’t do is make the decision,” says Miller. “I’ll help you with systems and processes, but you have to complete that dating process and hire who you want.” 

The Marketing and Sales Hat

Sales and marketing are at the heart of every agency’s growth strategy, but without the right support, it can be hard to compete. Learning every carrier's different coverage forms, terminology, and marketing techniques, along with obtaining competitive carrier appointments, can be daunting at first. However, the right support can help smooth that learning curve.

Smart Choice gives agents access to over 100 leading carriers and more than 300 insurance products, presenting opportunities that are rarely available to small agencies on their own. One major benefit is the network’s Smart Start platform, which helps agents expand into commercial lines without a lengthy appointment process or premium volume requirements. This opens the door to more diverse, complex, and profitable risks, without the typical learning curve or administrative burden.

“Smart Choice can give you the ability to sell multiple products in multiple states using Smart Start Commercial Lines,” says Miller. He explains how the network’s commercial lines team does most of the work for you. “They rate it, write it, bind it, sell it, and issue the policy. If agents concentrate on that system, they can quote 20 policies in the same two-hour period it would normally take to write one. That’s a neat deal.”

Agents also have a gateway to E&S (excess and surplus) markets, where more complex or non-standard risks live, through Smart Choice’s Express Markets program. These are the kinds of opportunities that many independent agents struggle to place, from high-risk drivers to homes with past losses or niche businesses.

“We help them get those accounts that aren’t perfect strikes,” says Davis. “They're outside the strike zone, but they're still catchable. That’s revenue, and you’ve got to have those [accounts] to grow.”

The Technology Hat 

Technology is an essential part of scaling an agency, but choosing and implementing the right tools at the right time can be tricky.

Due to its scale—a network of over 10,000 independent agencies—Smart Choice can offer preferred rates on agency management systems and comparative raters, along with advice tailored to each agency’s budget and goals.

“Some agents want to get started with a lot of automation — meaning management systems, comparative raters — and I tell them that their business will tell them when they need that,” says Davis. “It depends on where they are financially.”

For agents bootstrapping their business, starting lean and adding tools as they grow may be the best route, while others may benefit from investing in automation early. In either case, having experienced guidance can help avoid costly missteps.

The Finance Hat

Financial oversight is a critical part of running an independent agency. From invoicing and billing to commission tracking, payroll, and more. Agency owners must be able to manage money like a business leader.

Some networks support members with accounting tools, transparent commission tracking, and guidance on reviewing statements and financial performance.

“I tell the agents how to manage their commission statements from the start,” Davis explains. “We try to make sure they know what they’re supposed to be paid, when, and where to find that information.”

For agencies looking to grow through acquisition or expansion, strategic financing is also within reach. Miller explains: “We partner with banks that are willing to finance agencies. If you’re looking to buy an agency, hire staff, buy leads, they will provide for that opportunity. They’re not just your typical bank. They understand agency operations, buys and sells. They’ll help take you to that next step.”

Share the burden

It is very difficult to build a thriving insurance agency alone. Delegating effectively, leaning on mentors, and accessing the right support systems can make all the difference in staying focused on what matters most: serving your clients and growing your business.

“We’re not an 800-number,” says Davis about Smart Choice. “We’re real people who live and work in your communities, and we’re just as invested in your agency’s success as you are.”