Being Friends with My Fellow Agents: Why Not?

As an insurance agency owner, I’ve often heard the notion that fellow agents from other agencies are my competition. I’ve even been advised to “keep my distance” and not get too friendly with those who could potentially take my clients.

But here’s the thing: I don’t buy into that fear. I’ve found that being friends with other agents, sharing ideas, and building genuine connections actually makes us all stronger. Why be afraid of people who walk in your shoes?

Mutual Support: We All Face the Same Challenges

Running an insurance agency comes with its fair share of hurdles: finding new clients, navigating changes in regulations, managing day-to-day operations, and of course, meeting the needs of our policyholders. The list goes on. What better people to share those experiences with than other agents who know exactly what I’m going through?

When I sit down with a fellow agency owner over coffee, we talk shop. We exchange tips on what’s working in marketing, how we’re handling specific challenges, or even just vent about the tough parts of the job. It’s not about competition; it’s about camaraderie. There’s an unspoken understanding that only comes from walking in the same shoes.

We support each other, especially during hard times. I’ve been through seasons where business slowed, and having a fellow agent offer words of encouragement helped me stay motivated. Likewise, I’ve cheered on colleagues when they landed a big account or introduced new services. It's about fostering a network of support, not guarding your secrets in fear.

Camaraderie: Together We’re Stronger

There’s power in numbers. When we get together, we’re not just agents; we’re problem solvers, strategists, and collaborators. Sometimes, one of us is ahead of the curve in a particular area, like social media outreach, while another might be excelling at customer retention. Sharing knowledge makes us all better at what we do.

Our industry is complex and ever evolving. Regulatory shifts and market trends are constantly changing the landscape. When we share information, strategies, and lessons learned, it helps us all to adapt and grow together. I can’t imagine having to navigate all of this alone or without the input of people who truly understand the industry.

And you know what? When one of us wins, we all win. When an agent figures out a better way to serve clients or handle claims, it raises the bar for everyone. As a whole, we elevate the profession by being stronger, more informed, and better able to meet our clients’ needs.

Fear of Competition? It’s Time to Let That Go

It’s easy to feel protective of your client list or worry that another agent might swoop in and take your business. But living in fear of your colleagues is exhausting and counterproductive. If you’re constantly worried about the competition, you’re missing out on opportunities for growth and connection.

The truth is there’s enough business for all of us. Instead of building walls between each other, we should be looking for ways to break them down. We all walk similar paths and helping each other along the way makes the journey more fulfilling.

So, if you’re in the insurance business, I encourage you to reach out to your fellow agents. Grab coffee, chat about what’s working and what’s not, and lean on each other for support. You’ll find that building friendships with people who understand your challenges will not only make you a better agent, but also a happier one. After all, we’re all in this together.