There are a lot of levers to pull when running an insurance agency—especially a remote one. From tech stacks and KPIs to team meetings and client experience, the list is endless. But if there’s one thing we’ve done that had the biggest impact on our culture and operations, it’s this:
We got clear on our Core Values.
Seriously. Implementing and focusing on Core Values was the best thing we did to establish a strong, unified culture in a virtual world.
Let me walk you through why it matters—and how you can start using Core Values as a tool (not just a plaque on your digital wall).
What Are Core Values Really?
Let’s start here: Core Values aren’t marketing fluff. They’re not aspirational phrases you slap on a website and forget about. If you treat them that way, your team will too.
Your Core Values should be the guiding principles that shape every part of your agency—from who you hire to how you communicate, coach, and lead. When they’re done right, they act like an internal compass. They bring clarity, alignment, and consistency to everything you do.
5 Things We’ve Learned About Core Values
Here’s what we’ve learned through trial, error, and eventually, success:
1. Everything Ties Back to Them
Core Values should influence every decision—hiring, firing, recognition, even those tough performance conversations. If they’re not embedded into your operations, they’re just decoration.
2. Less Is More
Don’t create a list of ten generic buzzwords. Pick 2–5 Core Values that actually reflect who you are and how you operate. Ours are built around the 4 C’s: Compete, Compassion, Clarity, and Consistency. They’re easy to remember—and hard to ignore.
3. Keep Them Clear and Actionable
“Integrity” sounds nice, but what does it mean in your daily workflow? Your team should immediately understand each value and how to live it out. No fluff. No corporate-speak.
4. Reinforce Them Constantly
Core Values are not a “set it and forget it” situation. We talk about ours in team meetings, in training, in Slack, and even during client calls. The more visible they are, the more naturally your team will align with them.
5. Define Your Business Before It Defines Itself
If you don’t clearly articulate what your agency stands for, your team will make it up as they go—and not always in the direction you want. Your Core Values shape your agency’s identity before chaos does.
Real Talk: Our Values in Action
Here’s a quick look at how we put our Core Values into motion every day:
- Compete: Everyone knows the expectations. We work hard, meet our numbers, and bring our best—without needing micromanagement.
- Compassion: We care deeply for our clients and our people. That means listening, helping, and giving space for growth.
- Clarity: We run structured meetings using the EOS framework. KPIs are tracked weekly. No one is guessing what’s expected.
- Consistency: From onboarding to client service, we stick to proven processes. That builds trust and makes scaling way easier.
Ready to Build Your Own?
We’re giving away two resources to help you get started:
✅ Core Values Worksheet
This helps you brainstorm, define, and refine your Core Values in a way that actually works.
✅ Values Integration Plan
This guide shows you how to take your values off the paper and into the real-world operations of your agency—hiring, training, meetings, and more.
Want More Real-Life, Tactical Advice?
This blog post is part of a 6-week podcast series we recorded with [PODCAST PARTNER NAME]. Each episode dives into the building blocks of running a high-performance virtual insurance agency.
Every week, we’re also sending out a free email newsletter with deeper insights, additional guides, and helpful resources you can actually use. If you liked this post, the newsletter is where we share even more of the good stuff—less theory, more action.
[Sign up for the free newsletter here.]
You’ll get:
- Access to all the weekly resources
- Real-world examples of what works (and what didn’t)
- Tips you can apply immediately in your agency
Whether you’re just starting to define your values or revisiting the ones you already have, remember: Your Core Values aren’t just words—they’re your culture in action.
Let’s build agencies that run better, lead better, and serve better. Together.