Insurance Agency Owners Should Pay Attention to This Country Star's Lessons.

If you would like to talk about scaling your insurance agency, please connect with me here on LinkedIn and send me a message!

- Drew Gurley

Back in 2018 I had the pleasure of connecting with rising country star, Lindsey Ell to discuss her outlook on failure and it's role in professional growth. Understanding failure has always been a high interest topic for me and back in 2017, I doubled down and started connecting with stars and business owners to better understand their perspectives as a way to improve my own trajectory in the insurance business.

At a first glance, the world of country music and insurance seem like they're on separate planets. Yet, when diving into Lindsay's musical journey, striking parallels emerge that I feel compelled to share with my peers in the insurance business.

Let's explore these parallels.

1: Assemble Your Ensemble

Lindsay's Insight: Surrounding herself with the best allows Lindsay to shine brighter. Early on she collaborated with Brad Paisley and Keith Urban which would prove extremely valuable for her down the road.

Insurance Angle: Much like a band, your team’s harmony is crucial. Select strategic partners who not only excel in their roles but resonate with the company's mission. It's not just about talent; it's about a shared vision.

2. Navigate Uncharted Waters

Lindsay's Insight: Recording an iconic album was Lindsay’s voyage into the unknown.

Insurance Angle: Innovation isn't just a buzzword. Be it adopting the latest insurtech or a new policy offering, sometimes venturing off the map can lead you to hidden treasures. Don't go down a rabbit hole and lose focus and definitely don't completely ignore opportunities.

3. A Harmony of Work and Rest

Lindsay's Insight: Lindsay heavily stressed on her rhythm of work and self-care.

Insurance Angle: An overworked team can hit the wrong notes. Blend in flexibility and well-being initiatives. It’s not just good for morale, it’s good for business. This one hits deep with me as I sacrificed many of the wrong things in the beginning of my journey.

4. The Power of Your Gut Instinct

Lindsay's Insight: Lindsay trusts her instincts, even in a world of beats and chords.

Insurance Angle: Data is crucial, but sometimes, seasoned intuition hits the right note. Ensure this expertise is passed down, blending the best of both worlds. Take the time to highlight the opportunities for your team to go with their gut, it's a fantastic way to allow them to fail forward!

5. Master the Solo Before the Symphony

Lindsay's Insight: Lindsay underscores the need to perfect one thing before exploring others. She's a badass guitarist!

Insurance Angle: Before diversifying your product portfolio, make sure your core offerings are pitch-perfect. If you're a #medicaresales agency, master it! If you're a #finalexpense agency, master it! If you need help with this, lean on your #FMO.

Solid foundations pave the way for broader horizons.

6. The Power of the Right Tools

Lindsay's Insight: For Lindsay, 'To-Do' lists strike the right chord.

Insurance Angle: Consider tech tools as your 'instruments'. From CRM systems to automation, the right tools can set the rhythm for efficiency and growth.

If automation tools are new, connect with your FMO and see what resources they can provide you.

7. Amplify Through Digital Platforms:

Lindsay's Insight: For Lindsay, social media is the stage.

Insurance Angle: Digital isn’t just an option, it's the main stage now. Engage your audience, respond in real-time, and use tech to enhance your services.

8. Guided by the Maestros:

Lindsay's Insight: Lindsay’s small, trusted circle is her compass.

Insurance Angle: A mentor or an advisory board is like a conductor, guiding the orchestra. Their experience can illuminate pitfalls and highlight opportunities.

If you have mentors you haven't connected with in a while, send a message and reignite the relationship.

Conclusion:

Lindsay Ell's journey, though set to a different tune, offers invaluable insights for insurance professionals. With the right perspective, there's music to be found in every narrative, leading us to innovate, inspire, and achieve.

If you would like to talk about scaling your insurance agency, please connect with me here on LinkedIn and send me a message!

- Drew Gurley