In this episode of Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers sits down with Michael Drew, a publishing expert with an astonishing track record—131 consecutive books placed on the New York Times bestseller list. Michael shares the insider strategies he’s developed over decades in the industry, helping authors not only publish their books but also build powerful marketing platforms that drive real influence. Together, they unpack the process of turning ideas into successful books, the importance of audience engagement, and why simply making a bestseller list isn’t enough to sustain long-term success. If you’ve ever thought about writing a book to enhance your authority, grow your business, or share your expertise, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
Michael explains how New York Times and other bestseller lists work—and why they’re about more than just book sales.
A great book isn’t enough. Michael shares because thought leadership, audience engagement, and smart marketing drive long-term success.
Using Hollywood-style buyer personas, Michael helps authors connect deeply with readers to create lasting impact.
Hitting a bestseller list won’t magically change your business—Michael explains the real strategies that make an impact.
David and Michael discuss why outsourcing book marketing (or any specialized work) leads to better results and long-term growth.
In the ever-evolving world of commercial insurance, marketing has become a critical lever for growth. Yet most agencies still struggle to understand what’s actually working. From websites that generate leads with no attribution to CRM systems that silo vital data, insurance agencies are often flying blind.
If you’re a commercial insurance producer trying to grow in the middle market, you’re probably aware that the old-school prospecting methods—cold calling hundreds of businesses, dropping off trinkets, hoping someone is “coming up on renewal”—are no longer enough. In today’s competitive environment, success isn’t about how many people you reach. It’s about reaching the right people at the right time with the right message.
Too many agents stop learning once they’ve earned their license. The bare minimum—meeting continuing education requirements—is not enough in today’s climate. Producers often resort to online forums, asking where they can complete CE hours “as quickly as possible.” This mindset directly impacts their ability to communicate complex subjects like reinsurance or risk modeling to clients in an understandable way. As a result, they struggle to retain accounts and close new business in an increasingly competitive market.
The problem? Too many producers are pitching too soon, to the wrong people, with nothing more than a quote to offer. This article walks through how to close more business by positioning yourself as a trusted advisor, selling Total Cost of Risk (TCOR) outcomes, and using a structured approach to differentiate at every stage of the sales process.
In the modern commercial insurance landscape, trust is no longer built solely through in-person meetings, networking events, or polished brochures. It’s earned digitally—often before a prospect ever takes your call. As sales dynamics shift and competition tightens, the producers who will thrive are those who understand one thing: educational content is the new handshake.
Most commercial insurance producers think of referral networks as an afterthought—something that might generate a lead or two if they attend enough events, shake enough hands, or stay active in their BNI chapter. But the producers who consistently dominate the middle market think differently. They treat referral networks like revenue engines, built with the same discipline as a sales pipeline, and they use those relationships not only to generate appointments but to recruit the next generation of elite producers.
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