Episode 21: Brandon Smith; Fighting Through Adversity and Capitalizing

Hey there, fellow insurance enthusiasts! Mitch Gibson here, and I'm thrilled to bring you another captivating episode of The MVP Podcast. In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the remarkable Brandon Smith, an author, entrepreneur, and thought leader. We explored the transformative power of adversity and how it can propel us toward success. Adversity is something we all face, but the real question is, "Did that adversity make you stronger?"

Not only did Brandon share his insights on adversity, but we also delved into some valuable sales tips and tactics that young agents should incorporate into their day-to-day practices. Let's dive into the highlights of our inspiring conversation:

Brandon opened up about the challenges he faced as a young baseball player. These experiences taught him resilience and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. It laid the foundation for his journey towards success.

Determining his value has been a driving force for Brandon. He emphasized that his value isn't based solely on accomplishments or actions, but on his identity and who he is as a person. This realization has motivated him to give back to the community, investing in young agents and new producers, because when the industry thrives, we all benefit.

We discussed how the lack of proper training, tools, and the perception of insurance as just another job rather than a profession lead to many new agents quitting within 24 months. Brandon emphasized the need for continuous learning and the willingness to acknowledge that there is always more to learn, even for the most successful producers.

Brandon highlighted that despite his ability to educate, coach, speak, and invest, he remains a perpetual student. He continues to read, learn, grow, and ask questions, recognizing that personal growth is an ongoing journey.

Prioritizing people over programs, policies, procedures, premiums, and revenues is a philosophy Brandon strongly advocates. Building genuine relationships with clients, valuing their hearts and needs, leads to loyalty, retention, and referrals. When you prioritize people, business transactions become seamless and meaningful.

Brandon shared insights into their approach to client onboarding, emphasizing the importance of touchpoints and communication. They have implemented 14 touchpoints within the first 30 days of welcoming a new client, ensuring a strong foundation for a long-lasting relationship.

The Renewal Protection Plan, a series of emails initiated 90 days before renewal, was another valuable strategy Brandon shared. Recognizing that traditional mail is often overlooked, they adapted their approach to meet the preferences of their clients.

We discussed the unhealthy nature of comparing our beginnings to someone else's middle in the insurance industry. Brandon advised avoiding the comparison game and focusing on personal growth and progress instead.

Lastly, Brandon revealed that what motivates him is motivating, encouraging, and challenging others to become the best versions of themselves. He attributes his own growth to the people who have inspired him along the way.

That wraps up this invigorating episode of The MVP Podcast. I hope you found Brandon Smith's insights as empowering and enlightening as I did. Remember, adversity has the power to shape us and make us stronger. Incorporate these sales tips and tactics into your daily routine, prioritize relationships, and continue your journey of personal growth. Stay tuned for more episodes where we explore the remarkable stories and strategies that drive success in the insurance industry.