Shared lead: what is you message.

[TXINSURANCE]

In todays marketplace I think it is more important than ever to speak to a local expert about health insurance.

I know some outstanding local agents. I also know some horrible ones.

I do however know every market I sell in and have great top tier carriers and large selection. Some local agents are captive - would a captive UA or MEGA agent be a better choice than an out of state broker with 6 top tier carrier choices?

This is a very subjective topic that there is not definitive answer. There is room in this market for both the "e" agent and the face to face agent. The consumer can decide what they are comfortable with - I can't say one is right or wrong.

Online sales are growing, just like they are growing in every other industry. Those who choose to fight it and not adapt - that is fine. Those who embrace change and make it a part of their business will reap the rewards.

It wasn't that long ago people bought vacuums door to door and the milk man delivered milk also (side note - milk is cheaper than gas now!).

I am more concerned with standardization of individual plans, limiting rescinds, limiting or making blocking transparent to the public, and legislative issues then deciding who is the better agent local or out of town.

We are on the breaking point of not having an industry at all - and then we will all have nothing to sell, once everything is socialized or the broker is cut out completely like some states.

 

[djs]

(side note - milk is cheaper than gas now!).

Not where I live, though it's getting close. When I got gas last week, I only paid $4.24 a gallon. Milk is $4.59. Gas will surpass milk on Memorial Day weekend.

There is no right or wrong answer about local vs Timbuktu. Different people have different wants. A lot of my clients do business with me because I'm local. A lot do business with me because they don't have to come to my office.

Whichever way, you leave a certain market behind. You just have to know your target market and work that, don't worry to much about what someone else does.

We can't be all things to all people, take the ones that fit you well, move on with the rest.

Dan

 

[Soaringagent]

Thank you - those are good tips!

 

[bill3173]

My largest premium policies seem to always be a long distance from me. This seems to be true not only on health policies but life as well. Does anyone have a similar experience?

 

[Bob_The_Insurance_Guy]

Yep.

I contact several small towns in Georgia, that are NO WHERE near Atlanta, and they stay on the books longer. Don't get too much referral business, but persistency is great.

 

[CHUMPS FROM OXFORD]

Same with me. My largest premium policies are far away from here!

 

[bill3173]

The 100 mile rule seems to be a constant in any industry. When I was in manufacturing, if I moved more than a 100 miles from home, I was a genius. It seems that with insurance, the $15k ap and above, always come from somewhere else. My volume is higher locally, but that's it.

 

[Corporate Death]

You guys are blowing my mind. It's obviously been way too long since I've been in Ins. You never see your clients? Electronic apps?






















pardon my ignorance and the dust coming out of my ears.

 

[CHUMPS FROM OXFORD]

I actually prefer not to see them. I would estimate I do not see 98% of them...even when they live less than 30 minutes away.

email, fax, mail...

 

[SportsNut]

I actually prefer not to see them. I would estimate I do not see 98% of them...even when they live less than 30 minutes away.

email, fax, mail...

And in today's hectic world, where time is way too short, the consumer seems to greatly prefer the method of not having to stare face to face either. They must feel more in control wiht this process and the fears of sitting across from a "salesman" are somewhat aleviated; IMO.