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Running an independent insurance agency isn’t just about policies and premiums—it’s about people. Relationships are the currency that drives your business forward. That’s why I want to share a few lessons from the book The Go-Giver Influencer by Bob Burg and John David Mann. It’s a short story with a big message: true influence isn’t about pushing harder, it’s about giving more generously.

Influence Is Earned, Not Demanded

In our industry, people can spot sales pressure a mile away. But they lean in when they feel heard, respected, and understood. As The Go-Giver Influencer reminds us, real influence comes from listening first, seeking to understand, and building trust before asking for anything in return.

At Jenesis Software, we’ve seen agencies grow faster when they focus on conversations, not transactions. When you slow down enough to listen—whether to a customer, a team member, or a carrier partner—you create influence that lasts.

Collaboration Over Competition

The book’s characters discover that winning doesn’t mean someone else has to lose. In the insurance world, that means working with referral partners, local businesses, and even other agencies instead of guarding your corner of the market. When your agency embraces collaboration, opportunities multiply.

This is exactly why we built tools like JenesisNow and JenesisReach—to help you collaborate more effectively, nurture your customers, and expand your influence without adding more hours to your day.

Kindness Is Strength

Sometimes agency owners feel like they have to “harden up” to succeed in a competitive market. But the truth is, kindness is a strength. Your clients don’t just want coverage; they want someone who genuinely cares. The Go-Giver Influencer shows us that compassion, patience, and humility carry more weight than authority or pressure ever will.

When your agency operates with kindness at its core, you not only attract loyal clients—you keep them.

Encouragement for the Journey

As Proverbs 11:25 reminds us: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Influence flows naturally when you live generously.

If you feel overwhelmed by the noise of competition or the pressure to sell harder, remember: your greatest influence lies in serving better. Lead with kindness, listen deeply, and give more than you take. That’s the kind of influence that grows agencies and builds legacies.