Central Coast Agent
Expert
- 54
I started my IA literally during the meltdown in 2009 and was able to build a book of business that has lasted over the past decade 100% over the phone. Selling mainly Business Insurance and some ancillary health and life to those customers. I have not had to call as much in the last few years (sitting on my book) but now I see the need to start replenishing...some businesses are just not going to be able to weather this pandemic, I have restaurants already canceling their Work Comp and closing their doors. Take-out is not going to do it for a smaller population area like the one I'm in...there isn't enough traffic like in a city.
Back when I was starting, at least in my fairly rural area, I could make 100 calls and be pretty sure that I would make at least 1 sale. Not right away, some would take a few weeks to move through the funnel, but that was a pretty consistent ratio. People answered the phones and were generally polite if they were not interested. They would say "No Thanks" or "Not Interested". I'd thank them for their time and move on to the next call.
I think before the current emergency, societal shifts were already taking place with the disruption caused by the internet and businesses and consumers being swamped by robocalls. I had noticed that my 100:1 ratio had decreased because people were not answering their phones as much and when they did, it would often be an immediate hang up once they realized I was an agent. Click.
And, I struggle with the appropriateness of calling right now. I've tried social media and LinkedIn and it never gave me the same results as picking up the phone...
So, what, fellow agents, are you really doing right now to generate new business? Is now even the time? Are you sitting back and letting the dust settle? If not, how are you prospecting, phones, COI's, LinkedIn?..please post examples. Hopefully, we can get through this together with the sharing of knowledge during these crazy times.
Back when I was starting, at least in my fairly rural area, I could make 100 calls and be pretty sure that I would make at least 1 sale. Not right away, some would take a few weeks to move through the funnel, but that was a pretty consistent ratio. People answered the phones and were generally polite if they were not interested. They would say "No Thanks" or "Not Interested". I'd thank them for their time and move on to the next call.
I think before the current emergency, societal shifts were already taking place with the disruption caused by the internet and businesses and consumers being swamped by robocalls. I had noticed that my 100:1 ratio had decreased because people were not answering their phones as much and when they did, it would often be an immediate hang up once they realized I was an agent. Click.
And, I struggle with the appropriateness of calling right now. I've tried social media and LinkedIn and it never gave me the same results as picking up the phone...
So, what, fellow agents, are you really doing right now to generate new business? Is now even the time? Are you sitting back and letting the dust settle? If not, how are you prospecting, phones, COI's, LinkedIn?..please post examples. Hopefully, we can get through this together with the sharing of knowledge during these crazy times.