How would you describe your role and what does a typical day look like?
As an Agency Management Specialist (AMS), I am our agency partners’ primary contact point with Selective. My focus is creating long-term sustainable relationships and achieving profitable growth with these partners.
Every day is different, but I am always working to demonstrate why Selective should be the carrier choice for my agency partners. There are various ways to achieve this goal, whether it is through service, marketing, meetings, or business transactions. I constantly try to come up with creative ways to be top of mind when our agents are deciding where to place business.
What sets Selective apart from other companies?
Selective’s approach to agency appointment and its technology are two key advantages for Selective. Not every agency you come across has a Selective contract, which helps us hold true to our belief in franchise value. Also, we have products with broad coverage and competitive pricing.
From a technology perspective, we continue to invest in online platforms that are user-friendly, where agents can quote and process endorsements quickly. We also have an award-winning mobile application that allows customers to pay bills, pull Auto ID cards, create insurance certificates, and more.
Why is the work you do important?
My role at Selective is crucial because I help provide our products and services to our agency partners. Ensuring we have profitable business is fundamental to our company's financial health, and that's a key part of my daily responsibilities.
What key lessons have you learned?
I have learned to embrace “the power of the pivot”. As an AMS, I work in a production-focused role and not every plan will work. If a strategy is not working out like I thought it would, it is critical to identify needed adjustments which may include changing course or pivoting – this happens often.
I’ve become more comfortable with hearing “no” or not winning every account. A high hit ratio on quoted business in this role is 40%. Being unable to secure an account over half the time can be daunting, but you must move on to the next opportunity. If you spend too much time analyzing why something did not work out, you may miss out on the next opportunity.
What is the most exciting aspect of your job?
The most exciting aspect of my job is that I have a territory that I am trusted to build profitably. I enjoy being able to implement strategies and executing on them. It is difficult work, but you are also fairly rewarded for the work that you do – you will get out of this role what you put into it.
I am a former high school and college football player, so I am competitive. This role feeds my competitive spirit.