BIP Spring 2025

Professional Development

6 AMS best practices every broker should know Position your brokerage for growth with these expert-recommended strategies for agency management software adoption and use.

The insurance industry is driven by efficiency and scalability, mak ing agency management software a key strategy for brokers who must stay competitive. Whether you’re just starting out or part of a larger firm preparing for growth, the right AMS can transform how you manage clients, track commis sions and streamline daily opera tions. Longtime NABIP members Tim Kanter, founder of Get Benefits, and Rosamaria Marrujo, president of Trusted American Insurance Agency, offer actionable advice for brokers navigating the complexities of AMS adoption and optimization. 1 Start with a plan and define your needs Brokers should assess their core objectives — whether it’s policy management, commission track ing or client communication — and map them to their AMS requirements. “Defining your business needs is the first step,” says Marrujo. Kanter advises brokers to “be forward-thinking.” When evaluat ing AMS options, consider not only current requirements but also potential future needs, such as the ability to manage multiple agents, integrate commission tracking or provide robust reporting capabili ties. “A lot of people don’t even

think about scalability, but It’s es sential to choose a system that can grow alongside your business,” adds Marrujo. 2 Leverage existing resources Marrujo suggests taking advan tage of free software or tools pro vided by existing partnerships or hierarchies for brokers just starting out. “Test these resources first before making significant invest ments,” she says. Kanter recommends commit ting to a system once revenue hits a sustainable threshold. Starting small and scaling up ensures that

brokers aren’t overwhelmed by features they don’t yet need. “It’s a necessary expense,” he says, but “wait until you’ve reached $30,000 to $50,000 in revenue.” 3 Prioritize user experience and staff involvement Involving your team in the AMS selection and implementation pro cess is crucial. Marrujo points out that successful businesses engage employees early on to gather feed back. From agents to office staff, ensuring everyone is comfortable with the platform fosters smoother adoption and higher efficiency.

TIP: Avoid

future data nightmares by planning ahead for data migration and hiring outside help if needed.

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18 bip magazine Spring 2025