--:-- Ryan Hanley: Hello everyone and welcome back to the show. Today is kind of a special episode. It is actually an episode of *The Inside*, which normally I release via YouTube video. I decided to share the audio with you. This will be a shorter episode, but I felt there were some important questions. The video got quite a bit of attention, and I wanted to ensure podcast listeners who may not have watched it could hear this and share their feedback. It's something I feel passionate about, and I think there's some intrigue and conversation that needs to be had.
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Ryan Hanley: If you're not subscribed, please hit the subscribe button wherever you're listening. I've been quiet lately, but it's been a zombie apocalypse, so I hope you won't give me too much grief. I think this is an interesting episode, so please reach out on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or wherever you prefer. I'm on all of them and would love to hear your thoughts. With that, let's get into today's episode: Should we prospect new business during the Corona apocalypse?
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Ryan Hanley: What up, guys? Welcome back to *The Inside*. I'm happy to be back. It's been five weeks. I'm channeling my inner Nick Ayers and Matt Namoli with this late-night session and the flat brim hat. I look like a crazy person, but I've got Corona, work from home, and two kids running around. I figured I'd throw on a hat.
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Ryan Hanley: It's been a major grind for all of us. I was grinding hard, trying to launch Rogue, my scratch agency. I had big plans, going after the small commercial and middle market, working with David Carruthers and his *Killing Commercial* program. If you're interested in taking your commercial insurance game to the next level, check out killingcommercial.com. David has changed my mindset on what it means to be a CBK, a cold-blooded killer. I'm excited to get that part of my business going.
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Ryan Hanley: Right now, I'm in full scramble mode. I'm three months into the insurance business and haven't sold a policy yet. Everything in my pipeline has dried up. I've got some quotes in, and cyber insurance has been interesting. The day I launched my business, Trump announced the lockdown. It's been wild. I'm blessed; my wife and I are good with our money. I prepared for this, so we're not in trouble, but I haven't sold a policy yet.
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Ryan Hanley: A week into the Corona apocalypse, I was in a dark place. Starting a business on the day of the lockdown. Many people are laid off, and while I'm not making money, it feels different. I've been laid off twice before, and it's not fun. We need to support our communities—buy local, help people. It's a crazy time, and I'm not where I thought I'd be. But I wanted to share something I've been hearing in Facebook groups and Zoom chats: Is this the right time to market or sell? Absolutely, yes.
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Ryan Hanley: If you're a producer without a big book of business, you need to sell and market. This isn't the time to play it safe. This crisis is terrible, but for your business and family, it's an opportunity to step out front and be a leader. You can market, sell, or support your community. If you're young and healthy, you can take on roles others can't. There are a million ways to get your brand in front of people so that when this is over, you've separated yourself from the pack.
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Ryan Hanley: Most people are turtling and making excuses. They say no one wants to hear from them, but that's not always true. Personalized insurance is killing it right now. I've pivoted to a hardcore personalized agency, and we'll drive massive revenue. Commercial accounts might still close if you have a pipeline, but cold prospecting isn't happening. Personal lines are different—families need savings on home and auto insurance, or maybe life insurance. You can be a value provider without seeming sleazy.
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Ryan Hanley: I can't tell you the rabbit holes I've gone down to find business. I won't let Rogue Risk fail. You shouldn't feel guilty for wanting to grow or sustain your business. Most people will be scared, but if you step out front with confidence and care, you'll stick in people's heads. They'll know your face and your brand. There are a million ways to do this.
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Ryan Hanley: Shout out to Austin Moorhead from Lava Automation for helping me with Infusionsoft, and Rick Fox at Vertifor for helping me with Qatalyst and PL Rater. I'm excited about these decisions. I've pivoted to cyber insurance with six policies in the pipeline. Hopefully, next time I talk to you, I'll have sold a policy. I've positioned my business to personalize, which I planned to do later but pushed forward. Mid-market commercial isn't an option right now, but I'm excited to get going.
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Ryan Hanley: I've got cold emails, 19-point automations, Facebook ads, YouTube ads, and mail drops. I won't slow down. I've only been doing this for three months, and I won't let the Corona apocalypse stop me. I hope you won't either. If you have questions, I'm always available. I love you guys for watching. I've made tough decisions, but I feel like I'm starting to cook. I'll try to do these updates weekly because it's cathartic. Hopefully, you find value in them. Stay safe, stay healthy.
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Ryan Hanley: I despise how traditional media is handling coronavirus reporting, but it's dangerous. Be smart. I wish you nothing but the best. Catch you on the flip side. Peace. Thank you. We'll see you next time.