Are you a new agent, striving for a growing and successful agency? When you are beginning the business planning process, there are a million things that need to get done--and oftentimes, inexperienced business owners will get overwhelmed by small details instead of looking at the bigger picture. It doesn’t have to be this way--if you approach the business planning process strategically, you will be on your way to success in no time at all.
The Business Planning Process Done Right for Insurance Agents
One: Engage in Customer Relationship Marketing to Grow Your Business
Customer relationship marketing (CRM) is a marketing technique based on client relationships and customer loyalty. You already collect massive amounts of data about your clients, so why not put it to work? CRM saves you time and money by focusing on customers who are primed to make an insurance decision--rather than chasing down clients who are not yet ready to make a purchase. It also helps you to develop long-term relationships with your clients, allowing you to ultimately be of the most service and to increase your sales.
Agents that prioritize customer relationships strive to create strong customer connections because they know that a personal touch is crucial to increasing the number of multi-line clients, getting the all-important referral, and increasing the overall health of their book.
Two: Develop a Referral Strategy Early On
Developing a strong referral strategy is crucial to the early stages of the business planning process. You are going to be spending a lot of time building relationships with your earliest clients, so it’s crucial that you understand how to use this opportunity as a catalyst for growing your book of business. Once you’ve developed a rapport with a client, don’t be afraid to ask for introductions! This is a great way to gauge how your customers feel about your agency and build your reputation as an excellent insurance provider in your community.
Three: Invest in a Team Who is Compassionate and Focused on Customer Service
Your clients are entrusting you with everything that matters most to them - their assets, their family, and more! So, it's important to reward that trust with outstanding customer service, respect, and compassion for their needs. As the agent, it's not only important that you treat them with kindness and understanding - it's important for every single member of your team to do the same. From the time your client walks in or calls, to the time that you say your goodbyes, they should feel heard, understood, and as if their problems have been resolved.
There you have it! When you’re just beginning the business planning process, it can be easy to get bogged down in the details. And while that can ultimately limit your productivity and hinder your growth, it’s not the same as approaching a new business endeavor with clear, detailed strategies in mind. Don’t be afraid to adapt as your needs change and grow, but make sure you are always clear about what your goals are for your budding insurance agency.
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