Page 73 - The UnCaptive Agent

46 THE UNCAPTIVE AGENT

The LLC has now become the most frequently used
business type in the formation of independent insur-
ance agencies across the country. Limited Liability
Companies are easy to set up and inexpensive to create.
I recommend that you strongly consider this form of
organization for your agency. But please don’t take my
word for it. I’m not an attorney, nor am I a tax profes-
sional. Seek guidance from both before making your
choice.

What Will Your Culture Be?

The last question to ask yourself about what kind of
agency you seek to create is perhaps the most import-
ant foundational question of all: What kind of culture
will your business have, and what will its values be?
You can make this new business the kind of place you
want it to be. Will it be laid-back or driven? Will it
be buttoned-up and more corporate, or will it be a
relaxed environment? Will you have a dress code, or
does anything go? Will you be in a hip office location
with a funky, eclectic decor, or do you want to look like
a more traditional business? I hope you’ll make these
kinds of decisions based on what you want, not what’s
least expensive or easiest.
The location of your office and your answers to these
questions and others will form the basis of the culture
you create. They will have a large impact on the kind
of employees you attract, as well as clients. Even more
important than these things are the values that you
make fundamental to your business. I think it’s worth
spending some time considering what your values are
personally and then making those the core values of your
business. Establishing this early will help you make great
decisions about the kind of people you want to work