Interesting... I hadn't thought of that aspect...
Unisurable's... aren't they all candidates for GI, no matter what...? (Life Ins). I guess for health this would be a different matter.
Shared lead: what is you message.
- Thread starter wildcat
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Interesting... I hadn't thought of that aspect...
Unisurable's... aren't they all candidates for GI, no matter what...? (Life Ins). I guess for health this would be a different matter.
Chumps: I am no expert on the subject, having more questions than answers, but I wonder if someone shopping for ins on the internet would see it as an advantage or disadvantage, that the agent is within 45 mins...? My thought has always been that folks who are shopping on the internet are doing so because they don't want a sweaty agent sitting across the table from them. Internet folks seem to like the impersonal relationships that are generated.
I recently refinanced some real estate in this manner. It was nice never having to spend time with all the niceties of a face to face, and the fact that these folks were well over 1000 miles away insured that aspect of the dealings. All went well and completed to my liking, and NO incovenience.
Just something to think about. Had you ever considered that maybe they don't want to be contacted or do business with a local agent...? Interested in your take on it.
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I agree. Never tell them how close you are. Health insurance information is very private, and someone may feel a bit uneasy if they knew you were four doors down.
I have a handful of clients that are within walking distance to my house, but they don't know that, and I ain't about to let them know. I also don't force the issue of having to meet them.
I tell them this works out to their/my advantage. That way, when I am asked by the insurance company if I've seen them at time of application, and can verify their height/weight, etc. I can HONESTLY say no. I also let them know that, in this day and age, it's more important that I provide them exceptional service, and not just the opportunity to shake their hand.
Like I've said before, I don't buy leads, so it's kinda hard for me to see where you're starting from with this. I'd much rather just cold call small businesses, 1 to 25 employees. They don't have 30 agents calling them everyday.
I have a handful of clients that are within walking distance to my house, but they don't know that, and I ain't about to let them know. I also don't force the issue of having to meet them.
I tell them this works out to their/my advantage. That way, when I am asked by the insurance company if I've seen them at time of application, and can verify their height/weight, etc. I can HONESTLY say no. I also let them know that, in this day and age, it's more important that I provide them exceptional service, and not just the opportunity to shake their hand.
Like I've said before, I don't buy leads, so it's kinda hard for me to see where you're starting from with this. I'd much rather just cold call small businesses, 1 to 25 employees. They don't have 30 agents calling them everyday.
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Actually, I have thought about that and I often wonder if I am LOSING business with this approach. One thing I have noticed is that some people within a mile of the office will buy the same plan I recommended from an out-of-state broker. Not all of them, but enough to make me wonder. Outside of that, I presume it doesn't hurt me much since I never offer to come to their house.
If only we could read people's minds during the buying process. It sure would make things easier.
By the way...re calling people back...since I don't run a major agency, leaving a message on the machine is feasible. If I did have a large operation, I probably wouldn't do that.
Actually, I have thought about that and I often wonder if I am LOSING business with this approach. One thing I have noticed is that some people within a mile of the office will buy the same plan I recommended from an out-of-state broker. Not all of them, but enough to make me wonder. Outside of that, I presume it doesn't hurt me much since I never offer to come to their house.
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Chumps:
Switch up your mkting, just tell them you with the "Far-far-away Ins Agency, and you want to handle their helath ins". If business goes up then maybe we are onto the clue that we all seek here...
- 10,276
I'll have to try that. Of course, HBD always tells people they are local.
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- #18
Chumps, you know how it works... The definition of an expert is someone speaking on a subject that is more than 50 miles from home... So if you say you are local, you couldn't possibly know anything. Someone calling them from out of town, now that is an expert...
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Chumps, you know how it works... The definition of an expert is someone speaking on a subject that is more than 50 miles from home... So if you say you are local, you couldn't possibly know anything. Someone calling them from out of town, now that is an expert...
In todays marketplace I think it is more important than ever to speak to a local expert about health insurance. There is so much more to know than just the plan structures and rates. I know which hospitals and physician groups are in what networks, I know the status of negotiations, and I can provide referrals for people that are new to the area. I would rather have my clients see me as a neighbor than a telemarketer any day. Maybe this approach does cost some business, but I don't think that outweighs the decisions that swing in my favor. Remember, just because the prospect is an internet shopper doesn't mean that everyone they know is. It seems like most of the referrals that I get from folks I have never met in person, want to meet and talk things over in person.
It would be nice to find a way to play both sides?
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