MANAGE & LEAD
community leaders are also stakeholders who can provide valuable input .
Collect the Data . The primary purpose of having an agency management system is to serve as the agency ’ s database and assist management in making informed decisions . It is at this point in the planning process that many agency owners abandon the project . This is often the case when the agency ’ s data is corrupted or insufficient , and reports cannot be relied on to give an accurate picture of where the agency is at that moment . Don ’ t let this challenge deter you . Recognize that you have an additional project to tackle and move forward with the most reliable information you have . Sometimes this can be provided by your carriers .
Conduct a SWOT Analysis . Once the planning team has been identified , have them consider the internal strengths and weaknesses of the organization and any external opportunities and threats . Include in your analysis any specialties or niches the agency has developed , any emerging trends that might signal an opportunity , anticipated changes in the insurance marketplace , and technology that can be used to provide a better customer experience . After you analyze your agency in these four areas , do the same for your major competitors .
Write the Table of Contents . Think of your plan as a book with several chapters . You will want to include specific plans for Marketing and Sales , Agency Operations , Financial Management , Carrier Relationships , Talent Management , Leadership and Succession , Technology , and Community Involvement . When you break it down this way , it ’ s easier for everyone to focus on each specific area rather than try to wrap their arms around the whole project . You can always go back and make changes to each section if the final product does not appear consistent and cohesive .
Vision , Mission , Values , and Goals . Although it may seem counterintuitive to complete this step so late in the business planning process , it is often beneficial to consider
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