With many P&C rates remaining low and competition fierce among independent agents, every possible edge must be exploited in helping your agency remain successful. Consider: According to the Accenture Independent Agent Survey,

• • • • There are approximately 38,500 independent agencies in the U.S.
      • These agencies generate $5 to 6 million in annual premiums, which earn commissions of less than $1 million, and they employ seven to 12 full-time employees.
      • Of all P&C premiums in 2013, 58% was generated by the independent insurance agent channel.

If an independent agency wants to achieve continued growth and success — and stand out among its peers — it must develop specific and strategic recruiting, technology, marketing, sales and perpetuation programs.

One of the "secrets" to growth is to be creative and open to new ideas, says Barry Seigerman, a producer for People's United Insurance Agency, Hartford, Conn., who built a multimillion dollar agency from the ground up. "Look at every encounter as an opportunity," he says. "Everyone is a potential partner, employee or prospect for insurance."

Here are five key strategies for managing your agency's growth and enabling its success.