Marketing Ideas

[derek916]

Hi Everyone,

I am brand new to the community. I am an agent in Sacramento Ca. I sell mainly health and life. I would love to hear about any good marketing strategies or lead programs that work. Thanks!

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[RyanCO]

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Start here: http://www.insurance-forums.net/for...um/survey-door-door-t33623-51.html#post745144

There are essentially two ways to get started: Personal marketing, which will, if you do it properly, yield mid-term and long-term results, and cold calling/buying leads, which is pretty much the only way to create business quickly.

You'll get plenty of pitches for buying leads, leads programs, "new" leads "systems", but I suspect you'll find them inconsistent and unreliable for the most part. If you want to get in front of people -- and that's the bottom line in this business -- you'd better buy some good shoes and hit the street. Residential and business. That's the hard work you'll need to do, and you'll need to decide early if you're willing to do it. If you're sitting at your computer or in front of the teevee at 3pm, coming up with excuses for not doing it, not approaching people, you may well start looking for a "real" job.

As far as personal marketing is concerned, that will be various forms of networking: Joining (and being active in) non-profit groups, business groups, leads groups, whatever feels right. And even finding the right groups is an art form in itself. But you can't just join, sit in the back of the room, and then expect the phone to ring. You have to be active, stay active, and actively create and manage relationships within those groups.

The reason so many people wash out with their credit cards maxed is that they can tell you what happened on Dr. Phil that afternoon. Smart, constant activity creates results, you have to be in front of people. You either do the dirty work or find something else.

Some tough love for you there. This site is a goldmine of good ideas, just be sure to be taking advantage of it during "off" hours.

Good luck!

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[derek916]

Thanks Ryan! I couldn't agree with you more. Fortunately at our office we do not have to do much cold calling. I think it is a good idea to hit the businesses. Doesn't look improper to just walk in? Any recommendations on what to hand out?

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[RyanCO]

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Hey Derek - Handouts are a tough call. On one hand, they can be helpful as a visual if you're face to face with the decision-maker. On the other hand, they can be a crutch where we just say, "okay, well, will you make sure he gets this?" So the only type I would recommend would be one you can use to describe what you do once you're with the main person.

As far as being improper, well, if you keep it friendly and professional it's as proper as anything else. Here's a pretty good book, it's one of the few that cover this topic in depth:

Going in Cold: Chuck Piola: 9780977146291: Amazon.com: Books

It's like anything else, if you have the time, the motivation and the attitude, you can make it work!

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[Aaron_4SIGHT]

You mentioned that you're new to the site - are you new to the business as well? Someone just starting out is going to have a different strategy than someone who has been at it for 20 years.

Love the matching shirts in your profile pic btw.

Aaron

 

[Agent Ave]

Hi derek916,

Welcome to IF!
Here are a few ideas that can help you.

1. Insurance lead source called Netquote (please Google them) They are one of the biggest lead source.

2. Did you create your own website? If not, create one. Then create a lot of valuable content (articles about insurance) for customers to read. Complete the SEO on your website (please Google SEO) so prospects can find your site.

3. Create a email list of current clients, example Chimpmail.com ,email clients occasional about important/valuable insurance related topics to stay in touch.

4. Start a referral gift card program for current clients that refer new business your way.

5. Network with an CE instructor to discuss about "defensive driving" certificate classes and be the only agent in class to pivot your agency.

I hope this helps.

Thanks,

 

[derek916]

Thanks everyone. I've worked with an agency for about 7 years. So everything I write is shared with our owner. Im trying to look at other options now to get business in. We usually get calls into our office but I would like to see if I am holding myself back by not being intentional.

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[Agent Ave]

When you say international, what do you mean? Are you licensed in the international countries? What are you trying to write in other countries?

 

[derek916]

Haha, stupid auto correct. I meant intentional.

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[Tahoe Ray]

Haha, stupid auto correct. I meant intentional.

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You should still go international...

Seriously, what's your question? Are you thinking about going Indy or are you trying to add more to your agency's bottom line?

Your answer will probably dictate your advice.