Agent Survival Guide | Empowering Insurance Agents to Survive Today and Thrive Tomorrow
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Episodes

3 days ago
3 days ago
10 min
In the insurance industry, if your job begins and ends with meeting clients and selling insurance, you’re missing out on opportunities. In this episode, we’re exploring what empowerment is and how it can help embed you in your community for long-lasting and valuable partnerships.
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🤝 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!
📧 Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Resources:
3 Essential Steps New Insurance Agents Need to Take
17 Ways to Generate Medicare Leads (That You Probably Haven’t Tried Yet!)
Community-Based Marketing for Insurance Agents
Content Library Best Practices
The Definitive Guide to Getting Leads and Prospecting for Medicare Sales
How to Organize a Turning 65 Seminar on a Budget
Insurance Agents as TPMOs: What CMS Compliance Regulations Mean for You
IntegrityCONNECT
PlanEnroll
Ritter Insurance Marketing’s Content Library
ShopRitterIM
ShopRitterIM T65 Lead Mailer
References:
Empowerment - ResearchGate, www.researchgate.net/publication/316451077_Empowerment. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
“Get Started with Medicare.” Medicare, www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
Hanna, Katie Terrell. “What Is Affinity Marketing?: Definition from TechTarget.” WhatIs, TechTarget, 2 May 2024, www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/affinity-marketing.
“Independence and Older Adults: Importance and Promoting It.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/independence-and-the-elderly. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

4 days ago
4 days ago
10 min
Are your expectations grounded in reality? Or, are you setting yourself up for disappointment? Goals are great, smart goals are even better, but we often equate goals with expectations and wind up frustrated when the two don’t match up. Listen to learn how to avoid the pitfall of unrealistic expectations and the actions you can take instead.
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Get Connected:
🤝 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!
📧 Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Resources:
How Insurance Agents Can Set SMART Goals to Succeed
4 Effective Techniques for Closing Insurance Sales
How to Overcome Common Medicare Insurance Sales Objections
5 Common Sales Mistakes You Might Be Making (And How to Fix Them!)
3 Additional Effective Techniques for Closing Insurance Sales
What’s Inside The Complete Guide on How to Sell Medicare Advantage Plans?
This Is the Time to Start Selling Under-65 Marketplace Plans!
There's More to Life Insurance Than Just a Policy
How Much Money Can Agents Make Selling Ancillary Health Insurance?
Diversify Your Insurance Portfolio & Reap Real Rewards
What’s Inside A Quick Guide to Cross-Selling Ancillary Insurance with Medicare Products?
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Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

5 days ago
2027 ACA Exchange & FFM Certification
5 days ago
5 days ago
6 min
Don’t miss the details on 2027 ACA Certification for the Federal Marketplace and State-Based Exchanges! We cover training deadlines, continuing education creds, and recertification requirements!
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Get Connected:
🤝 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!
📧 Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Resources:
Ritter Insurance Marketing Certification Center
State Exchanges:
CA “Covered California” https://www.coveredca.com/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026.
CO “Connect for Colorado” https://connectforhealthco.com/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026.
CT “Access Health CT” https://www.accesshealthct.com/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026.
GA “Georgia Access” https://georgiaaccess.gov/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026.
IL “Get Covered Illinois” https://getcovered.illinois.gov/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026.
KY “kynect” https://kynect.ky.gov/healthcoverage/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026.
MD “Maryland Health Connection” https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026.
NJ “Get Covered NJ” https://www.nj.gov/getcoverednj/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026.
NY “NY State of Health” https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/agent/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026.
PA “Pennie” https://agency.pennie.com/brokers/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026.
VA “Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace” https://www.marketplace.virginia.gov/ Accessed 10 Jul 2026.
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Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Jul 6, 2026
Jul 6, 2026
7 min
Did you know that CMS estimates three million Medicare beneficiaries aren’t enrolled in the government’s Medicare Extra Help program but could benefit from it? In this episode of the Agent Survival Guide, we see what this program is and how it can help your clients.
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Get Connected:
🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!
📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Resources:
8 Powerful Practices for Selling Prescription Drug Plans
How to Help Clients Avoid Medicare Late Enrollment Penalties
How to Save Beneficiaries Money on Prescription Drugs at a Preferred Pharmacy
The Beginner's Guide to D-SNPs
The Part D SEP Triggers That Can Help You Post-AEP
What Agents Can't Say During Medicare Sales Appointments
References:
“Apply for Medicare Part D Extra Help Program.” Social Security, www.ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
“CMS Issues Additional Guidance on Program to Allow People with Medicare to Pay Out-of-Pocket Prescription Drug Costs in Monthly Payments.” CMS.Gov, www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-issues-additional-guidance-program-allow-people-medicare-pay-out-pocket-prescription-drug-costs#:~:text=The%20Medicare%20Prescription%20Payment%20Plan%2C%20which%20goes%20into%20effect%20in,-of-pocket%20cost%20upfront. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
“Extra Help With Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs.” Social Security, secure.ssa.gov/i1020/Ee001View.action. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
“Get Lower Prescription Costs with the Extra Help Program.” Kaiser Permanente, healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/georgia/shop-plans/ready-for-medicare/extra-help. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
“Get Medicare Help from Your Local Ship Program: Ship Ta Center.” State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, 16 Mar. 2026, www.shiphelp.org/.
“Guide to Consumer Mailings from CMS, Social Security, and Plans in 2025/2026.” Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/medicare/prescription-drug-coverage/limitedincomeandresources/downloads/consumer-mailings.pdf. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
“Help with Drug Costs.” Medicare, www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/drug-costs. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
“Low Income Subsidy for Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage.” CMS.Gov, www.cms.gov/medicare/enrollment-renewal/part-d-plans/low-income-subsidy. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
Medicare.Gov, www.medicare.gov/account/login. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
“Medicare Savings Programs Eligibility and Coverage.” Medicare Savings Program Eligibility and Coverage, www.ncoa.org/article/medicare-savings-programs-eligibility-coverage/. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
“Supplemental Security Income (SSI).” Social Security, www.ssa.gov/ssi. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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Sarah on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Threads
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Jul 2, 2026
Q3 ACA Sales Calendar
Jul 2, 2026
Jul 2, 2026
4 min
The 3rd quarter of each year is an essential period of time for preparing yourself. Before the ACA Open Enrollment is upon us, know the details, the dates, and the key prep steps with this episode of the Agent Survival Guide.
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Get Connected:
🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!
📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Resources
2026 ACA Exchange & FFM Certification Info
Contract & Get Appointed to Sell with Health Insurance Companies
FAQs About ACA Certification and Training
Free Ritter Guides
Meet Your Sales Team
Ritter Agent Registration
The Busy ACA Agent’s Sales Calendar 2026
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Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Jul 1, 2026
Q3 Medicare Sales Planner
Jul 1, 2026
Jul 1, 2026
5 min
Q3 has arrived and preparations for AEP 2027 are starting. Listen to find out what agents selling Medicare should focus on during this time of year.
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Get Connected:
🤝 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!
📧 Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Resources:
3 Benefits of Contracting to Sell Medicare Advantage Plans Outside of AEP
5 Things About the CMS 2027 MA and Part D Final Rule
2027 MA and Part D Max Commissions
CMS Update on BALANCE Model & Medicare GLP-1 Bridge
Learn More About Online Contracting with Ritter Insurance Marketing
Request Your Portfolio Review from Ritter Insurance Marketing
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Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Jun 17, 2026
Community-Based Marketing for Insurance Agents
Jun 17, 2026
Jun 17, 2026
18 min
Listen as we explore why community-based marketing is becoming more popular and how insurance agents can get started. This strategy is a great way for agents to grow their business just by getting involved in your local community.
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Get Connected:
🤝 Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!
📧 Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
💌 Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Resources:
Social Media Marketing for Insurance Agents
The Ultimate Agent Resource List Pt. 1: Market Yourself
Why Trust in an Insurance Agent’s Most Important Non-Renewable Resource
Your Guide to Forming an Insurance Agent Network
References:
Shah, Nirmit. “Community-Based Marketing: Strategies to Reach Your Audience.” Sprinklr.com, Sprinklr, 19 Mar 2025, https://www.sprinklr.com/blog/community-based-marketing/.
Abe, Stephanie. “Community Marketing: How 6 Brands Unite Customers.” Adroll.com, AdRoll Blog, https://www.adroll.com/blog/community-marketing-how-6-brands-unite-customers, Accessed 10 Jun 2026.
“What Is Digital Marketing? Key Concepts & Tips.” Mailchimp.com, mailchimp, https://mailchimp.com/marketing-glossary/digital-marketing/, Accessed 10 Jun 2026.
“What is Traditional Marketing? – Channels & Examples.” Feedough.com, Feedough, https://www.feedough.com/traditional-marketing/, Accessed 10 Jun 2026.
Mason, Rodney. “Why Community Will Make or Break Creators and Brands in 2025.” Forbes.com, Forbes, 7 Jan 2025, https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesagencycouncil/2025/01/07/why-community-will-make-or-break-creators-and-brands-in-2025/.
Varoquiers, Carrie. “Why Human Connection Is Your Ultimate AI-Era Advantage.” Forbes.com, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2026, https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesnonprofitcouncil/2026/02/23/why-human-connection-is-your-ultimate-ai-era-advantage/.
“Why, What and How of Community Outreach and Engagement.” Extension.unh.edu, University of New Hampshire, https://extension.unh.edu/resource/community-outreach-and-engagement-information-brief, Accessed 10 Jun 2026.
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Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Jun 15, 2026
Jun 15, 2026
6 min
This episode of the Agent Survival Guide podcast explores 5-Star Medicare Advantage plans. We’ll break down what they are, how they became 5-star plans, and why you can sell them throughout the year!
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Get Connected:
🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!
📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Resources:
Meet Your Sales Team
PlanEnroll
Why People Are CHoosing Part C Over Original Medicare
References:
“Part C and D Performance Data.” CMS.Gov, www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/part-c-d-performance-data. Accessed 5 May 2026.
“Special Enrollment Periods.” Medicare, www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/joining-a-plan/special-enrollment-periods. Accessed 5 May 2026.
“Special Enrollment Periods for Medicare Advantage and Part D - Medicare Interactive.” www.medicareinteractive.org/resources/special-enrollment-periods-for-medicare-advantage-and-part-d. Accessed 5 May 2026.
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Ritter on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, and YouTube
Sarah on LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Jun 8, 2026
Jun 8, 2026
6 min
Transform your thinking, transform your insurance business. Find out how daily affirmations can be a gamechanger for your agency and yourself, personally!
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Get Connected:
🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!
📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Resources:
5 Reasons Why Insurance Agents Fail (& How Not To!)
Cigna's ACA Exit, Certification Dates, Sleep Audio
Developing Power Habits ft. Dr. Noah St. John
How Insurance Agents Can Avoid Isolation & Build Stronger Connections ft. Dawn Myers
Overcoming Burnout in Insurance Sales ft. Dan Spitale
References:
Zhang, Yunian, et al. “The Impact of Self-Affirmation Interventions on Well-Being: A Meta-Analysis.” Apa.Org, American Psychological Association, 27 Oct. 2025, www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2025/10/self-affirmations-well-being.
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Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Jun 6, 2026
Jun 6, 2026
14 min
Licensed-Only Agents (LOAs) can help scale your insurance agency growth. But are they right for your insurance business? Listen to find out!
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Get Connected:
🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!
📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Agency Team!
💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Resources:
6 Steps to Scale Your Insurance Business to an Agency
Before You Recruit: Setting Up Your Agency for Success
Developing an Agency — Your Guide to Getting Started
How Much Can Insurance Agents Make Selling Medicare?
How to Recruit Insurance Agents to Your Downline
Ritter Insurance Marketing Summits
The Advantages of Being a Field vs. Call Center Insurance Agent
References:
“Blueprint for Hiring Licensed-Only Agents.” Psmbrokerage.com, PSM Brokerage, https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/Blueprint%20for%20Hiring%20Licensed-Only%20Agents.pdf, Accessed 3 May 2026.
“How Much does An Accounting Software Cost?” Jaz.ai, Jaz, https://www.jaz.ai/post/accounting-software-cost, Accessed 3 May 2026.
“State Noncompete Law Tracker.” Eig.org, Economic Innovation Group, https://eig.org/state-noncompete-map/, Accessed 3 May 2026.
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Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Jun 1, 2026
Jun 1, 2026
18 min
Ready to grow your insurance business? Great! Not sure where to start? Listen for our road map! We outline 6 steps to take when you want to make the jump from agent to agency.
Read the text version
Get Connected:
🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!
📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Resources:
17 Ways to Generate Medicare Leads (That You Probably Haven't Tried Yet!)
Community-Based Marketing for Insurance Agents
Developing an Agency — Your Guide to Getting Started
How To Better Market Your Insurance Business
How to Grow Your Insurance Business by 45%
Learn More About IntegrityCONNECT
Insurance Agents Can Generate More Leads with a Referral Marketing Strategy
IntegrityCONNECT & PlanEnroll FAQs
IntegrityCONNECT Leads FAQs
References:
"28 Best Insurance KPIs and Metrics Examples for 2025 Reporting." insightsoftware.com, Insight Software, https://insightsoftware.com/blog/best-insurance-kpis-and-metrics/, Accessed 4 May 2026.
Twin, Alexandra. “How to Create a Compelling Value Proposition, With Examples.” Edited by Jefreda R. Brown and Timothy Li, Investopedia.Com, Investopedia, 28 Apr. 2026, www.investopedia.com/terms/v/valueproposition.asp.
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Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

May 27, 2026
May 27, 2026
11 min
Ready to close sales with confidence? Sharpen your sales skills with three more closing techniques for insurance agents.
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Get Connected:
🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!
📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Resources:
4 Effective Techniques for Closing Insurance Sales
4 Tips for Making a Better Insurance Sales Pitch
How Insurance Agents Can Avoid Isolation & Build Stronger Connections ft. Dawn Myers
Follow Us on Social!
Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

May 26, 2026
May 26, 2026
18 min
In this episode of the Agent Survival Guide, we’ll walk through four effective strategies that you can use to help close an insurance sale. We’ll teach you which technique is most effective in certain scenarios and the traits you should strive for to make any close more successful.
Read the text version
Get Connected:
🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!
📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Resources:
10 Essential Tools for Beginner Insurance Agents
Getting Started Selling Medicare Supplements
Empower Your Prospects to Act Before Turning 65
Medicare Advantage Trial Rights Explained for Agents
References:
Abbott, Tom. “The Assumptive Close: A Powerful Tool for Increasing Sales.” SOCO Sales Training, 15 Apr. 2026, www.socoselling.com/the-assumptive-close/.
Copley Ph.D., Laura “How to (Re-)Build Trust in a Relationship.” PositivePsychology.Com, 8 Nov. 2025, positivepsychology.com/build-trust/.
“How to Be Confident.” Tony Robbins.com, www.tonyrobbins.com/building-confidence/how-to-be-confident. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
How to Understand Body Language and Facial Expressions, www.verywellmind.com/understand-body-language-and-facial-expressions-4147228. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
“Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment.” Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment, www.ncoa.org/article/whats-the-difference-between-medicares-open-enrollment-period-and-medicare-advantage-open-enrollment/. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
“Researcher Investigates How Our Snap Judgments Affect Society.” FABBS, 25 Jan. 2024, fabbs.org/news/2023/09/researcher-investigates-how-our-snap-judgments-affect-society/.
“What Is the Puppy Dog Close?” HubSpot Blog, blog.hubspot.com/sales/puppy-dog-close. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
Follow Us on Social!
Ritter on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, and YouTube
Sarah on LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

May 11, 2026
How to Grow Your Insurance Business by 45%
May 11, 2026
May 11, 2026
15 min
Not sure how to scale your business sustainably? We walk through specific equations agents and agencies can use (and tweak!) depending on how you'd like to grow.
Read the text version
Get Connected:
🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!
📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Resources:
3 Easy Ways to Build Your Insurance Sales Territory
4 Ancillary Cross-Sales to Show Clients You Care
A Quick Guide to Cross-Selling Ancillary Insurance with Medicare Products
Ask Integrity
Developing an Agency - Your Guide to Getting Started
Best Practices for Training Downline Agents
The Complete Guide on How to Sell Final Expense Insurance
The Complete Guide to Selling Critical Illness Plans
Diversify Your Insurance Portfolio & Reap Real Rewards
How Ask Integrity Can Streamline Your Medicare Sales Appointments
How Insurance Agents Can Set SMART Goals to Succeed
How to Recruit Agents to Your Downline
The Insurance Agent’s Guide to Understanding Hospital Indemnity
IntegrityCONNECT
PlanEnroll
Remote Sales Tips for Insurance Agents
Making Cross‑Selling Less Awkward for Insurance Agents ft. Demetri Simos and Dawn Myers
The Advisor Approach: Cross-Selling by Fact-Finding
References:
"65 Customer Retention Statistics You Need to Know in 2025." SEMrush.com, SEM Rush, https://www.semrush.com/blog/customer-retention-stats/, Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
"Kellogg’s Cereal: How They Dominated the Breakfast Aisle" 42signals.com, 42 Signals, 16 Jun. 2025, https://www.42signals.com/blog/kelloggs-cereal-story-of-dominance/.
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Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

May 6, 2026
6 Proven Ways to Grow Annuity Sales
May 6, 2026
May 6, 2026
10 min
Strengthen your annuity sales strategy with these best practices. Hear takeaways for agents of all experience levels, plus how to download our fact-finder that can help you ask better questions.
Read the text version
Download the Fact-Finder PDF
Get Connected:
🤝Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing – the FMO that powers the Agent Survival Guide Podcast!
📧Connect with the Ritter Insurance Marketing Sales Team Near You!
💌Send feedback, questions, and topic suggestions to ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Resources:
Cross-Selling Ancillary Insurance with Medicare Products eBook
Fixed vs. Indexed vs. Fixed Indexed Annuities: What's the Difference?
Insurance Agents Can Generate More Leads with a Referral Marketing Strategy
Life and Annuity Resource Center (LARC)
Social Media Marketing for Insurance Agents eBook
What Are Annuities?
References:
Gibson, Trey. "55 Open-Ended Sales Questions to Close More Deals in 2026." Spotio.com, Spotio, https://spotio.com/blog/open-ended-sales-questions/, Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
"Do Insurance Brokers Have a Fiduciary Duty?" Mployer.com, Mployer, https://mployeradvisor.com/blog/do-insurance-brokers-have-a-fiduciary-duty, Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
Kenton, Will. “Risk Assessment: Definition, Techniques, and Analysis Types Explained.” Investopedia.Com, Investopedia, 23 Nov. 2025, www.investopedia.com/terms/r/risk-assessment.asp.
Sheikh, Mahnoor. "Social media demographics to inform your 2026 strategy." sproutsocial.com, Sprout Social, 18 Feb. 2026, https://sproutsocial.com/insights/new-social-media-demographics/.
"Trends in Health Insurance Retention: Exploring Recent Data and Trends." insureuniversity.com, Insure University, https://www.insureuniversity.com/key-insights-from-latest-data-and-emerging-trends-health-insurance-retention/, Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel and Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/sarahjrueppel.bsky.social
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.