As a new insurance agent, how do you establish yourself in your field? You may be new, but you don’t need to look green. Becoming accomplished takes practice, but even if you’re young and getting started or changing careers, these tips will help you establish a reputation as a strong and reputable agent.
Make Sure That You Have Your House in Order
Do you need a business location? Do you require E&O insurance? Research similar insurance agencies and small businesses and see what steps you need to take in order to operate effectively. Research the regulations in your area and ensure that you’re able to operate within them. If you’re working within an existing insurance agency, make sure that you’ve completed your training and you’re familiar with the company’s processes before you take on clients so that you can provide a thorough and accomplished first impression.
Make Personal Connections
If you’re just starting out as an agent, begin by moving outward from your personal connections. Let your friends and family know that you’ve entered the insurance business, and they may consider switching over to you. This gives you an accepting audience as your first group of customers, and they’ll refer their friends as well.
Develop Your Systems
How will you create quality control measures as an insurance agent? One of the best ways to show others that you’re not green is by being as competent as possible. Do you have your forms in order? What’s the next step after someone requests a policy? How do you change an existing policy? Get your reminders, lists, and processes in order so that you make sure that your service is as strong as possible.
Understand Your Demographics
As you begin your career as an insurance agent, you must understand the people you’re working with. If you’re working with an established agency, they probably have information about their main demographics and target markets that they could share. Talk with your customers as well, doing your own informal research to learn more about their needs. The more you understand, the better you’ll be at insurance marketing.
Appeal to New Audiences
It can be hard to break into the insurance market, but you don’t need to follow the same approach as everyone else. If you’re operating in an agency that’s open to new ideas, talk about how you can make your insurance marketing shine. Have they tried walking in the local parade? Having an insurance question and answer night? Placing an advertisement at the bus stop? Whatever insurance marketing ideas you have, pass them by seasoned professionals, but make sure that you add your own unique touch to appeal to the audience that you’d like to make your own.
Are you looking for support as you develop your career as an insurance agent? The American Agents Alliance can help. We’re an association of insurance professionals, and with our membership benefits including discounted E&O insurance, industry forms and manuals, and preferred market access, you’ll have a head start on your new insurance career.
