The MVP Podcast: Ryan Smith: Get Involved and Learn from Others

In this episode of The MVP Podcast, Mitch Gibson is joined by 4th Generation Insurance Agent, Ryan Smith from Smith and Sons Insurance Agency. The Protege Season 2 Contestant took time to discuss his path from studying Risk Management in college to helping young agents in Oklahoma and why this industry is the best-hidden gem out there.  Ryan also talks about why young agents need to have a " Board of Mentors'' rather than just having one "Mentor." Don't be afraid to ask others for help and always try to make a difference each day. Episode Highlights: Ryan shares about his life outside of the insurance agency. (2:22) Ryan discusses his journey studying Risk Management. (9:44) Ryan explains why he decided to join the Protege. (18:47) Ryan mentions that he is the current Vice-Chair for the Big I of Oklahoma's Young Agents. (29:53) Ryan mentions the Big I of Oklahoma's Invest program, which helps young people learn about insurance not just as a topic, but as a profession. (32:45) Ryan discusses the Big I of Oklahoma's FILO, Future Insurance Leaders of Oklahoma, program, which is for young people who are new to the industry. (34:29) Ryan mentions that there is a lot of opportunity for young people in the industry and that there are a lot of changes happening, which is why he's more focused on going after larger accounts. (39:34) Ryan explains why he signs his documents with the title "Business Insurance Broker" rather than "Risk Advisor." (42:41) Ryan mentions that he's working to shift away from messages about general topics and toward addressing a specific problem on LinkedIn. (48:44) Ryan shares that one of the key takeaways from Charles Specht's presentation was that there are three ways to use the information on LinkedIn: as a curator, a creator, or a communicator. (51:50) Ryan discusses what thrills him about The Protege process. (55:12) Key Quotes: “It blows my mind that people don't realize how much information and value can be gained from just listening to podcasts.” - Ryan Smith “I think that there is a there's way more opportunity for young people in the industry. That being said, there's a lot of changes going on. And that's kind of why I'm more focused on going after larger accounts, is because I think that's where the agent, independent agent in 10-15 years or more or less, that's where you're going to be valuable is being able to work with people on larger accounts.” - Ryan Smith “Where I'm at now is trying to transition less from the messages that are just general topics, you know, just stuff I feel good about, and focusing more on like, here's a problem I see for my prospect. Here's my idea on how that can be addressed. And so that's where I'm at now with LinkedIn.” - Ryan Smith Resources Mentioned: Ryan Smith LinkedIn Smith and Sons Insurance Agency Big I Oklahoma Reach out to Mitch Gibson