Related: 6 ways to sell more insurance in 2018

Here are five tips to keep in mind:

No. 1: Don't assume anything.

Some agents believe that when they talk to baby boomers, they have to use very plain English with easy-to-understand metaphors.

Other agents say that boomers love to pore over their financial details, know the lingo, and don't want to be talked down to.

Both assumptions are wrong.

Every conversation is going to be different. To uncover just how much each individual knows about insurance, there's only one way to find out: You need to ask.

This doesn't mean that you come right out of the gate drilling customers with questions. The last thing you want to do is make them feel uncomfortable or embarrassed by their lack of knowledge. Start the conversation by getting to know them and ask questions that reveal how much they know (or don't know).

You can start by asking about their past insurance experience. What did they like? What did they dislike? Did they feel all their insurance needs were met?

Whatever you do, don't go into conversations with assumptions. If you do, and the assumptions are wrong, it could cost you the account.

Related: As boomers retire, take advantage of new relationships

No. 2: Spend time building trust.

If millennial producers think that selling to boomers is going to be a walk in the park, they're in for a rude awakening. To get through to boomers, you need to spend time with them. This is your time to shine. Be knowledgeable. Be an expert. Share your ideas.

Unlike how millennials prefer to buy insurance (online), boomers want to talk to agents and building trust in these conversations is imperative to boomers. Whatever you do, don't be too salesy or you won't even get close to developing any sort of trust.

If you feel like it's time to ask for the sale, don't try a tricky technique. Be straightforward and ask if it's something they're interested in or not. By not beating around the bush, you're saving yourself time and can move on to other customers if it's not going to work out.

We once conducted a poll and found that when people were asked, “What percent of people are trustworthy?” The average response was 30 percent. When we asked, “What percent of people who you know are trustworthy?” The average response increased to 70 percent.

Trust is crucial when selling. If you develop and form a connection, it should have a positive impact on trust. Who knows, they may even start to like you, which won't hurt your cause.

Related: 4 ways millennial small-business owners are more prepared for the future

No. 3: Don't waste their time.

Boomers may be retired, but they may also be (or feel) extremely busy. Don't assume they're just sitting in a rocking chair hoping you'll come by and spend a few hours crocheting with them. This isn't 1951.

While it's important to spend time with boomers, there's a fine line between sharing your knowledge, expertise and ideas, and going on and on about all your products and services.

Be respectful of their time and don't drag things on.

Related: These insurance technologies will really sell policies in 2018

No. 4: Establish a peer dynamic.

These potential clients may be older than you, but that's okay. Don't hide your age. You'll never be their contemporary, but you can be their peer. Start by establishing a peer dynamic early in the conversation.

For instance, you could say, “I've been at this for 10 years, but I'm a millennial. Does that worry you at all?” They'll be impressed.

Working closely with senior, highly knowledgeable customers can be intimidating. That's why it's especially important to put in the effort and time to increase your expertise and craft a peer dynamic.

Related: This is why (and how) you should sell to small businesses

No. 5: You're not going anywhere.

Insurance and financial services are best with long-term relationships. If customers buy from other boomers or someone closer to being their contemporary, in five years they'll be retired and their account will transfer to someone else. With you, you'll be at this for more than 20 years. This is a huge advantage for them.

By working with boomers, you're also tapping into their family as potential customers. Many insurers offer family incentives to add children and relatives to their policies.

Remember that this isn't a one-and-done type of sale. This also works in your favor for when other products become available. Because you've already established a relationship and trust, they'll be ready for your additional insights.

Acquiring new business is challenging enough, but when you add different generations of agents and customers to the mix, it can get even trickier.

Millennials can achieve remarkable success when selling to boomers. You need to be able to discard assumptions, develop trust, respect customer's time, establish peer dynamics, and assure boomers that you're in this for the long haul. Do this and your success will allow you to do what matters most to you: explore new experiences.

Mike Schultz is a bestselling author of Rainmaking Conversations and Insight Selling, Director of the RAIN Group Center for Sales Research, and President of RAIN Group, a global sales training and performance improvement company. He and RAIN Group have helped hundreds of thousands of salespeople, managers, and professionals in more than 62 countries improve sales results and unleash their sales potential. Follow Mike on Twitter or connect with him on LinkedIn.

See also:

6 tips to better manage millennials in the workplace

Managing today's claims while planning for tomorrow's technology