...And this year is shaping up to be the BEST dance ever. Of course, nothing actually happens at the dance. No one learns any new steps, no one "really" does anything spectacular, but that's not the point. It's a pointless, mind-numbing tradition that has existed between carriers and independent agents for decades.

Does this sound familiar...?

Rep: "Mr. Agent, you know how important this ‘relationship' is to us. We really are dedicated to helping you grow. I brought you your favorite coffee. Oh, and here's some delicious pastries for your staff. While I'm here, I wanted to discuss the new quotas we've established for you. They are designed to ‘push' your agency to achieve real growth over the next six months. Are you excited?"

Agent: "Well, that sounds great. How can you help me achieve real growth?"

Rep: "We're offering an incentive to help you ‘roll' this special niche to us."

Agent: "But that's not really helping me grow. It's just a short-term fix to a systemic issue. I'm not sure it's worth the time and resources to do that."

Rep: "I hear what you're saying, but you know and I know that you haven't grown in years. I know you could use the additional revenue, and I'm under a lot of pressure to hit my own goals. Now is not the time to try and grow anyways. You should wait for a return to more favorable hard market conditions and THEN worry about actual growth. That's just the way it is. What do ya say buddy? We're in this together, right?"

Agent: "Actually, I've decided to do something different. I'm going to aggressively market my agency to prospects in markets that make sense for us. I'm going to invest in training and education for my employees so they can learn how to serve the modern consumer. I'm going to build a powerful Virtual Insurance Office that will convert unique visitors into sales. I am going to LEAD my team with passion and enthusiasm, and actually achieve REAL growth that will increase my revenue and the VALUE of my agency. I am going to control my own destiny by re-committing myself to the ideals and principles that led me to start this agency in the first place. I am going to get psyched, fall back in love with my business, kick the crap out of my competitors, and create an agency that I can be proud of. Are you excited for me?"

Rep: "That sounds like a lot of effort with no guarantee that your strategy will work."

Agent: "You're right. And that is EXACTLY why I can't wait to get started. In fact, I'm calling Astonish Results RIGHT NOW. I'm going to take the 180-second tour, and I will do what I've always wanted to do: GROW MY BUSINESS."

To learn what the BEST and most AGGRESSIVE agencies are doing to double and triple their book in one year, visit www.astonishresults.com where you can request a free virtual tour and receive your own e-Business Plan for your agency. After all, HOPE is NOT a strategy!