A lot of agents spend the summertime relaxing and going on vacation, and I do hope you have great family time set aside. But at the very least, talk to your customers, and don't take the whole summer off!
If you're in a slump and don't want to get on it until the fall, this is the summertime pep talk you need.
Agents Make an Impact
One of the things successful agents sometimes forget is how much their clients like seeing them. It does so much good to drop in or call some of your clients when you don't have anything to sell them.
For some clients, your call or visit is something they look forward to all year.
A huge portion of seniors live alone, and many suffer from isolation and loneliness. This is especially true for women, who tend to live longer than men.
Related: 5 Simple Ways to Support Isolated, Lonely Clients
Here are some statistics and facts I recently came across that really drive this home for me:
- About 28 percent of older adults in the United States, or 13.8 million people, live alone (Administration for Community Living and Administration on Aging report).
- Nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated – that's 1 in 4 clients (Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults).
- Research has linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for a variety of physical and mental conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and even death (National Institute on Aging).
- The health effects of loneliness are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes each day (Consumer Affairs).
Your quick phone call, even if it's just to say, "Hello, how's your summer?" makes a bigger impact than you think. And that connection is why I believe independent agents aren't going anywhere anytime soon.
Read More: Are Insurance Agents Really Necessary?
The Ripple Effect
The simple truth is we can never replace the cost and time it took to get a customer the first time.
Just a little bit of kindness can make that initial investment continue to pay dividends in so many ways. A simple phone call can continue the flow of renewals, cross selling, new customers, and referrals.
Finally, you owe that personal touch to your customer.
Related: How to Help Clients Sign Up For Medicare Part B
Personal Connection In a Digital World
As we become more and more focused on electronic communication, we can lose the relationship that is built on a handshake or an eye-to-eye conversation. By making time for at least a personal phone call, you can make your relationship so much more valuable.
I called a long time client of mine and just talked to her for about 5 minutes and did not accomplish anything other than she knew I was thinking about her, and she thanked me for the call.
I realize we all feel so busy, and we are busy. But make the time, especially for clients who are living alone or are socially isolated.
Conclusion
As a coach, we never quit teaching the fundamentals of the game, and as far as I am concerned, this is a solid fundamental for anyone to take some time to see or visit with your policyholders.
Please pick the ones that are your least favorite, and they will be the ones that appreciate your call or visit the most! Have a GREAT SUMMER!
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