Insurance Business Babes
Are you prepared to Lose your FMO (or at least the benefits they provide)?
March 18, 2024
In this insightful episode of Insurance Business Babes, Kathe Kline and Joanna Wyckoff tackle the timely and critical issue of what agents can do if their Field Marketing Organization (FMO) is eliminated. They stress the importance of having a backup plan, which includes learning how to manage their own client data using affordable and HIPAA-compliant Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools like Less Annoying CRM and HubSpot. The hosts discuss the potential challenges of transferring and owning data, the necessity of maintaining direct relationships with lead vendors, and the significant focus on compliance - particularly when using carrier logos and in the recording of calls. Joanna emphasizes the value of her trainings for her downlines and the need for agents to become less reliant on IMOs for technology. They express concerns over the government's stance on the role of agents in the Medicare market, suggesting that there is a possibility agents could be marginalized, and underline the importance of being versatile with technology and being able to use paper applications in challenging situations. Agents are encouraged to own their data and be prepared for changes in the industry, including a shift away from traditional IMO structures.
In our latest episode, "Are you prepared to lose your FMO?" Kathe Kline and Joanna Wyckoff delve deep into what it means to be autonomous in the unpredictable insurance business world.

👩‍⚖️ Takeaways from the Episode:

1. Backup Plans are Crucial: Start learning now—don't wait until the FMO rug is pulled out from under you. Being proactive can secure your business future.

2. CRM Mastery: Joanna suggests exploring CRMs like Less Annoying CRM or HubSpot. It's crucial to find user-friendly, HIPAA-compliant options. Learn how to transfer your data and take control of your leads.

3. Lead Independence: If your IMO is your lead vendor, it might be time to rethink that relationship. Diversify your lead sources to avoid finding yourself stranded.

4. Compliance Comes First: The chat highlights the importance of call recording, proper use of carrier logos, and staying compliant with industry regulations.

5. Training is Key: Joanna offers specialized trainings for her downline. Consider investing in learning opportunities to ensure you're always at the top of your game.

6. Data Management: Own your client information. When Kathe and Joanna dug into the limitations of SunFire and Connecture and the importance of reliable data solutions, the message was clear: your data is YOUR business.

7. Tech Savviness: Familiarize yourself with carrier technology and prepare for any shifts in the industry that may render your current tech obsolete.

✨ Bonus Insights:

- Joanna discusses how to handle moving on from an FMO and the manual labor involved in re-establishing your client data.

- The hosts explore alternative solutions for owning enrollment data, but also the hesitations around juggling multiple systems.

- There's chatter about a custom Salesforce CRM solution in the works that could prove game-changing for independent agents.

- Learn how agents navigated high demand and technology challenges group homes.

📧 Secure Communications: Did you know that secure email is a non-negotiable when sending personal client information? That's a HIPAA must!

💭 Food for Thought: The government's approach towards agents in the Medicare market is uncertain. Our hosts ponder over this and the importance of transparency when it comes to carrier bias.

🎧 Tune in to the episode to soak in all the wisdom Kathe and Joanna have to offer!

The insurance Business Babes is now listed as #7 in the 25 Best Business Insurance Podcasts!  https://podcasts.feedspot.com/business_insurance_podcasts/  Thank you so much for getting us there!


Joanna Wyckoff from Topflightagent.com and Kathe Kline from CertifiedMedicareAgents.com talk about building a Medicare Insurance Agent business. (Use the code Babes2024 to get a free Bronze membership in the CertifiedMedicareAgent.com directory).