New to Forum and Looking for Some Ideas!

[tashashipe]

Hi, everyone!
I signed up on here back in Dec but am just now throwing my hat into the ring with a post. I have read tons and tons of threads on here and I am definitely impressed with the wealth of knowledge.

Here's why I'm posting...
I am a licensed P&C agent and I work for an independent agency. I am very fortunate to be able to benefit from their marketing but I am very motivated and get out there to bring in business on a very consistent basis. I literally have been known to go door to door 2 to 3 days a week.

I have been in the business for a little over a year and a half and have recently been given the opportunity of being a part of a brand new office in a great area. I am looking for cheap marketing ideas!!!

I attend the local Chamber of Commerce functions regularly. I am the President of the only networking chapter in this area (other than the Chamber). I have lived in this area for 17 years and know a lot of people and have been able to use that to my advantage so the networking part I think I have down.

I need literal marketing (CHEAP) ideas. I have no problem creating flyers and going door to door. I do that. I have flyers stuffed in paycheck envelopes with local businesses. I approach business owners about marketing our products to their employees...

Let's just say...my brain is burned out and I thought that this would be the best place to go to get some fresh ideas.

ANYTHING IS APPRECIATED!

Looking forward to the replies and to getting into the Forum some more!

Thank you!

 

[CHUMPS FROM OXFORD]

Perhaps those brokers that buy P&C leads can tell you what lead companies have worked best for them. Start local and start slow.

 

[saieddie]

What are your target markets?
Call all the people in your phone book and ask if they'd like to save some money on their car insurance.

 

[tashashipe]

I actually thought about the phone book thing today!

We have a lead source that the company provides so that's out of my decision making ability...

Thanks!

 

[insuranceexec]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[fondyagent]

I am also looking for ideas. My target market right now is renters. Not because renters insurance brings in a lot of commission (we all know it doesn't), but they typically have a higher retention rate. Also, once I get their renters insurance, I get their auto. And then when they purchase a home, I get their homeowners.
I have been targeting them where they live and where they go (laundrymats, payday loan stores, rent-it centers). I feel like I'm missing something. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[xrac]

Read the posts by Markgriffin. He has a lot of good workable creative ideas.

 

[tashashipe]

I am also looking for ideas. My target market right now is renters. Not because renters insurance brings in a lot of commission (we all know it doesn't), but they typically have a higher retention rate. Also, once I get their renters insurance, I get their auto. And then when they purchase a home, I get their homeowners.
I have been targeting them where they live and where they go (laundrymats, payday loan stores, rent-it centers). I feel like I'm missing something. Anyone have any suggestions?

I actually went to apartment complexes and gave the associates my cards and flyers to put in their new renter folders and in their waiting/clubhouse areas. The way that I get to them is to tell them that we always need specific info about the properties and I keep a database of the properties in the area. I go ahead and ask them all the necessary questions so that if they refer their new tenants to me, I won't ever have to call them again to ask how old the property is, where the closest fire hydrant is, etc. It makes is simple for them and we get the referral! Taking some goodies along with you never hurts either!!

**AND the apt complex managers LOVE when their tenants have renters insurance...it helps avoid any future headaches!!!**

 

[1manshow]

Cole directory was the source for good P & c prospects a few years back if you wanted to cold call via telephone.
Cole - Official Cole Directory - Coles Reverse Criss+Cross Directory - XDates - Marketing Tool
We used the criss cross which has #residents in the home,place of employment, home ownership all in each listing. Don't forget to register w/DNC first

 

[saieddie]

Where did you get the figures that renters has higher retention rates?
The renters policies I've sold cancel before my auto policies more than 70% of the time.