To put your business on a growth footing for 2018 and beyond, consider these best practices of top-performing insurance agents who have been successful in today's changing environment:

1. Focus on client needs.

Top-performing agents are client-focused. They understand and address individual client needs. These agents look beyond generalizations such as age or income level to explore clients' individual goals, concerns and values. They communicate frequently with clients to review changes in their situation and to anticipate potential family or professional situations that may affect their long-term financial needs. They then use their in-depth understanding to select the right tools and options to meet their clients' needs.

Consider scheduling “client rediscovery meetings.” Sit down with existing clients and revisit their goals and concerns and explore any changes since your last conversation. The focus of these meetings should be on conveying how much you value your clients, and how concerned you are about their well-being and success.

2. Offer solutions, not products.

By focusing on client needs, rather than a list of products you want to promote, you may open up new ways to add value to your client relationships. By reviewing the needs of top-tier clients, you may discover opportunities to expand the products and services you provide. While broadening your practice to provide new types of insurance or financial planning may require additional education or certifications, it's a relatively low risk to diversify your revenues.

Related: Sustaining customer relationships in an evolving insurance industry climate

To meet client needs, you might also build a network of other professionals who offer expertise or products you don't. CPAs, estate attorneys, and financial advisors are obvious examples, but many agents have found success forming relationships with other professionals who interact with people at key transitions in their lives. These might include marriage planners, realtors, mortgage lenders, funeral directors or elder care specialists.

These relationships might be as simple as sharing business cards, or involve greater collaboration such as hosting joint marketing events or collaborating on brochures and checklists. By vetting and recommending other professionals, you not only strengthen your value proposition to your clients, you also tap new prospecting opportunities.

3. Commit to winning new clients.

Successful agents look for strategies to differentiate themselves, communicate their brands and encourage referrals from their top clients. Many aagents have found success by focusing their marketing and client development efforts on a particular niche.

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Consider focusing on small-business owners or a specific large employer in your community. Once you've decided on a niche, you can focus your business development and networking on building solutions targeted to this niche. You can also work to establish personal connections with these clients, while communicating how you've helped people like them in the past. Hold client appreciation events targeted to your unique client niche, and ask your clients to bring two colleagues.

Become involved in your community, especially on boards or organizations where you might network with your target audience. You might also volunteer to be a subject matter expert in the media or at community events, helping to demonstrate your expertise and your social commitment.

4. Invest in your brand.

To grow your business, you need to think of ways to differentiate yourself and to communicate this difference in compelling ways that focus on solutions for clients. The first is to think about what sets you apart. It may be your educational background, personal experience or professional network.

Related: How insurance agents can provide real value

Once you've reflected on who you are and what you do well, the next step is to craft a story that tells people why you are the right person to help them meet their goals. In building your story, focus on personal touchpoints — clients you've helped in the past as well as experiences from your own life. This story should also let people know the kinds of clients you're looking for.

5. Establish a dynamic digital presence.

Successful independent insurance agents use a variety of platforms to engage their clients and communicate their brand, including email, social media and, critically, their website. An effective website must serve a number of functions. It should powerfully communicate your brand story and reaffirm your value proposition to your clients. It should also provide your clients with a way to view and make changes to their accounts, and learn about additional products and services you offer while communicating your expertise in key subject areas.

A website is an important tool for drawing prospects to your business through “inbound marketing.” The idea is to use your site to distribute free content and tools as a way to draw visitors and boost engagement. This content might include educational articles, blog posts or recorded webinars, as well as videos.

By offering complimentary content, you not only build goodwill with your clients and prospects, you also help to build awareness of your unique expertise. Look for ways to make your content timely, and refresh it regularly to encourage frequent return visits. You can use email blasts or social media links to alert your contacts about new content.

6. Target the next gen.

The next generation of clinets will be important sources of business. To build relationships with these clients, agents must provide both advanced technology solutions and exceptional client service. They also should explore hybrid options that combine collaborative, personalized advice with an orchestrated mix of outsourced solutions.

With cost pressures, increasing competition and evolving client preferences, 2018 will likely be a pivotal year for your business. Despite these challenges, 2018 will provide exciting opportunities for proactive agents who are flexible, visionary, and focused on using technology and integrated solutions to win new clients and grow their businesses.

Related: Grow your insurance client base through events

Mike Lover is senior vice president of key accounts with Trust Company of America.