Feel like you have been 'benched' in this quarantine?
Now can be the time to challenge yourself to develop in new ways.
In a time when we are all unable to control what is going on around us, and with so many unknowns, you may be trying to find something that you have some control over. I have seen lists all over sharing sites and ways to engage my kids during these next few weeks, but how can we engage as insurance agents while not able to operate as we normally do?
Not able to get out in front of your insured’s, not able to bounce ideas off of coworkers sitting next to you? Why not take this time to find something that can develop you as an individual or check off one of those tasks you never have time to do.
Right now the priority might be to figure out where you are to report daily, but once you get into a groove of your new quarantined normal for the next few weeks, I invite you to take an idea off of my “to do” list!
Take free webinars/online classes
Some of the webinars are specific to my area, but they are only a small sampling of what is available today!
- FC&S Expert Coverage Interpretation Insurance CE & Training
- PropertyCasualty360 Webcasts
- Ohio Insurance Agents
- Greater Cincinnati Insurance Board
- The Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.)
Website and social media marketing need help?
Contact Web Strategy Plus at 1-877-224-0478. (I met CEO Michelle Hummel — follow her on LinkedIn). I am sure there are many more out there!
Engage in social media
- Update your social media profile and picture.
- Choose platforms that will draw your audience: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc
- You don’t have to share all of the time, but you will pick up a lot of good information!
- Follow people in your industry or who you want to learn more from.
- Follow your clients and actually comment on their posts to show engagement.
- Pick up a new skill and learn more about something you don’t know about now: ex podcasts.
Are you using all of the capabilities of your agency management system?
If not, call them and get some more training!
Look up different organizations to become involved in
Right now, people might not be meeting, but you can still find organizations that bring together people in your industry, such as one that highlights similar interests or one in your niche market. Networking and connecting with people makes a world of difference in the relationship business.
Learn a new skill
Not great at Microsoft Excel? Take a tutorial.
Not great at pulling certain reports? Ask for a tutorial from a coworker.
Not great at entering quotes in a certain system? Practice now while you are inside.
Outdated marketing ads/campaign?
Now is a great time to practice skills for Microsoft Publisher or Word! Remember to get approval if you are partnering with another organization or carrier.
Set up your meetings using a new online forum
Don’t know what to use? Some ideas: Zoom, Skype, Facetime, plus more!
Don’t understand certain policy language or the product you are selling?
You can spend this time reading some coverage forms. Underwriters and reps are parked for the most part right now too. Call them and ask them your questions so you can understand the product you are selling.
Wanting to break into a new niche market?
This is your time to investigate, research, Google companies and understand coverages. At the same time that you are on the phone with underwriters, ask them what they think about a market and ask for promotional material and guidelines and supplemental apps.
More ideas…
- Call your clients over 65 to see if you can help with an errand.
- Pick up the phone and call clients.
- Start a podcast, a blog or a video diary for Youtube: Rarely do these things come to fruition overnight and usually writers are gathering content a month in advance! Reinvent your marketing of yourself and your business.
Erin Keller (Erinkeller@donegalgroup.com) is currently the business relationship manager for Donegal Insurance Group serving Southwest Ohio. She is an active member of Ohio Insurance Agents and the Greater Cincinnati Insurance Board. This post first appeared on LinkedIn and is republished here with consent.
The opinions expressed here are the author’s own.
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