Page 33 - The UnCaptive Agent

6 THE UNCAPTIVE AGENT

to the independent agency channel. They realize that
the business that they have built with their hard work
is actually owned by a huge corporation, not by their
family, and it’s very difficult or impossible to leave as a
legacy to a son or a daughter.
Another possible reason that you may want to start
an independent insurance agency is because you have
unique ideas about how to move the way we do busi-
ness in this industry to a different level. Technology
today is creating many new business models. Many
new opportunities are being tried and proven for doing
things faster, cheaper, or better. Perhaps you have unique
ideas about that, and starting your agency is the way
to demonstrate them. Perhaps, believing that you will
be successful, you’re driven to create something new
and different.
Maybe what is driving you to create your own inde-
pendent agency is the sheer thrill of it. Is new and
increasing challenge a driver of everything in your life?
If it is, starting your own business can be the biggest
thrill of your life. Pitting yourself against others in
endless competition for biggest and best is certainly
possible as an independent insurance agency owner
and is one of the motivators that drives many successful
founders.
There are many reasons for starting your own inde-
pendent insurance agency. Yours will be different from
anyone else’s, but it’s very important to get clear about. I
encourage you to think carefully about this and to write
down your reasons. As you start, and as you build your
agency, you’re inevitably going to come up against many
roadblocks, difficulties, and things that are discouraging
to you. Pulling out that list, reminding yourself about
why you started your agency in the first place will be
a tremendous encouragement to you. Also, being very