In this episode of Power Producers Shoptalk, David Carothers dives into an overlooked strategy for building credibility and positioning yourself as an expert—getting published. He shares insights on leveraging niche industry publications, self-publishing books, and using content marketing as a powerful tool to generate inbound opportunities. David emphasizes that credibility isn’t about being the most well-known—it’s about being the most trusted, and one of the fastest ways to build trust is by putting valuable knowledge in front of your ideal audience.
Most industry magazines lack content on safety, insurance, and risk management. David explains how offering well-written articles can establish credibility, create new business opportunities, and even lead to ongoing contributor roles.
Publishing a book isn’t as complicated or expensive as people think. David shares how niche professionals can self-publish books for minimal cost, control their audience data, and use them as high-value marketing assets.
A single webinar, blog series, or podcast can be repackaged into multiple formats—books, emails, short-form videos, and more. David outlines how professionals can leverage this approach to create a steady stream of valuable content.
For those looking to take niche expertise further, David discusses how captive insurance models allow agencies to retain underwriting profits, offering a smarter way to manage risk while increasing revenue.
David previews next week’s topic—how to turn trade shows into high-value lead generators rather than just handing out business cards. He’ll break down strategies to maximize return on time and money spent.
The Protege Season 3 cast met with special guest mentor Charles Specht to talk about what it really takes to build a million dollar book of business in the commercial insurance world. The result was one of the most valuable mentoring sessions the group has ever had.
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You could feel it—every producer, coach, and guest mentor knew this was the official start of something special. The conversation wasn’t just about competition. It was about purpose, legacy, and growth.
Hosted by David Carothers, creator of The Protege and founder of Killing Commercial, this kickoff call set the tone for what Season 3 will represent: a proving ground for producers who are ready to work harder, think deeper, and build something that lasts.
Influence is one of the most powerful tools we have in business, leadership, and personal life. Used well, it inspires people, builds trust, and creates ethical results. Used poorly, it can slide into manipulation and self-interest.
Reinvention is one of the most powerful themes in the insurance industry. Some of the best commercial producers in the country did not grow up wanting to sell insurance. They did not study risk management in college. They did not come from an agency family. They found this industry after they tried something else. They found it after life pushed them toward a career where performance, autonomy, and mindset determine the outcome.
The most successful producers in the middle market did not get there because they quoted faster, smiled bigger, or knew how to talk longer. They got there because they learned how to differentiate themselves so clearly that prospects had no choice but to see them as trusted advisors. They learned to operate like businesspeople first and insurance technicians second. They learned how to tie operational mechanics to insurance outcomes. They learned how to control their time, their pipeline, and their future.
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