Announcement: The Digital Broker - A New Podcast hosted by Steve Anderson and Ryan Deeds

I have listened to podcasts for years. They are a fantastic way to reclaim idle time and learn something new. I regularly listen to about 20 different podcasts. And, I am always searching for someone I can listen to who will give me an edge, so I can become a bit better at productivity, writing, leadership and, sometimes, just learn something fun and new I find interesting.

There are several excellent podcasts designed for independent agents. Is there a need for another podcast? I think there is. The existing podcasts focus more on marketing and sales training and management, and they do an excellent job of helping agents and brokers understand the changing consumer. I firmly believe marketing and sales create growth and effective operations create profitability.

Sales create growth. Effective operations create profitability.

Which is why I am pleased to announce The Digital Broker Podcast.

The Digital Broker Podcast

The Digital Broker Podcast is focused exclusively on helping agents and brokers drive profitability through operational excellence.

I am also excited to introduce my co-host Ryan Deeds. Ryan is the IT Director at The Crichton Group in Nashville just a short 20-minute drive from me. Ryan has been involved in independent agency operations and technology for over 15 years. He and I first met a couple of years ago. I am impressed with his grasp of the technical aspects of insurance technology as well as the need for a business focus. I look forward to you getting to know him better.

I am also pleased to announce the sponsor for this podcast, Indio Technologies. Indio provides insurance agents and brokers a fully digital application, renewal, and ACORD submission process, creating a first-rate client experience for insureds. With less time needed to collect, rekey, and process applications, agencies using Indio can deliver more value to their clients. They have been a great partner.

The first five episodes are ready. You can listen online or subscribe at Indio, Castbox, Pocket Casts, Google Play or iTunes. Here is a recap of the first five episodes.

Listen and learn how your insurance organization can drive profitability through operational excellence.

Episode 001: The Digital Broker

Meet the hosts of our new podcast, The Digital Broker. Steve Anderson and Ryan Deeds have teamed up with Indio to create the only podcast focused exclusively on insurance technology and operations. In episode 1, our hosts share a bit about their insurance backgrounds and operational expertise. Listen in to hear how these core tenets can be the biggest drivers of profitability at your agency.

Episode 002: Blocking and Tackling: Operational Frameworks

It's all about frameworks! Ryan and Steve have found that growth materializes quickly when agencies compartmentalize the components of their businesses and approach each with a fundamental framework to manage and measure new operations and technology. In this episode, The Digital Broker lays out a six-step framework that you can use today to begin implementing meaningful change at your agency.

Episode 003: Technology: Cutting Through the Noise

Technology is changing more quickly today than ever before. This change is fantastic but can be overwhelming. Ryan and Steve share their secrets and strategies to finding and implementing the best technology available to agents today.

Episode 004: Data: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

Data is everywhere. It can be your biggest asset or your biggest pain. In this episode, Ryan and Steve walk us through the best strategies for collecting data from clients and leveraging it to improve operations, sales, and profitability.

Episode 005: Culture as a Value: An Overlooked Key to Profitability

One team, one dream! In this episode of The Digital Broker, Ryan and Steve focus on culture as a core tenet of success. The most profitable agencies ingrain accountability, teamwork, and innovation into their corporate fabric. Listen in to learn more about the best methods to build culture and the associated benefits of doing so.

Each new episode will be available weekly on Tuesday mornings.

Ryan and I have mapped out a few episodes that we think will be of interest to agency owners and agency operation staff.

However, Ryan and I seek your feedback. Let us know what you think. What are the problems, questions, roadblocks, or issues you are facing in your organization that prevent you from gaining operational excellence? Let me know in the comments, and we may highlight your question in an upcoming episode.