Business

While weather can be unpredictable at any time of year, winter can be especially challenging for those living and working in certain areas. Here are some tips that agents can share with clients to help them prepare for the winter season.

Despite 2020 being one of the most irregular years of our lifetimes, both personally and professionally, Smart Choice, our agents and carrier partners, have managed to succeed together. We’ve hit some really incredible milestones this year, and we are exceptionally grateful to be partnered with such amazing people in the industry. 

While we have been fortunate that our industry hasn’t been hit with as many challenges as many others, it is still an accomplishment to remain still standing at this juncture — because business ownership is challenging even in normal time. I want to applaud all of you for your veracity and perseverance in continuing to serve customers during this year. It has truly been a marvel to witness the human spirit and the business owners’ willingness to adapt in a constantly changing landscape. 

From the Front Line: Now more than ever agents must resist the temptation to slash marketing budgets. It seems counterintuitive, but when times are hard, that is when you actually should invest more into marketing. This doesn’t mean you have to spend more money (although you should consider increasing your budget if possible). There are many marketing avenues that don’t cost a thing!

With the changing business landscape, it’s no surprise that retention is a top business priority for agents. High retention rates take pressure off new business acquisition, at a much lower cost. The most effective agents improve retention rates by focusing on these four simple strategies.

The spread of COVID-19 has completely upended the way we live, work, and socialize. In particular, the hospitality industry has suffered significant hits as states across the country have imposed lockdown or limited contact regulations, ending in bars and nightclubs closing.

Social distancing is leading to a continued surge in RV sales. Here are some tips and tools to take advantage.

Every salesperson has a comfort zone. Their comfort zone is that earning level at which not much more than the bills are paid. Many salespeople, unfortunately, get stuck here for the rest of their careers. The reason they remain stuck is nothing more than the fear of failure.

At the end of the day, you can close more sales two different ways: you can talk with more prospects, and you can get better at the sales process. And while you can only hold so many calls and meetings in a day, you can constantly improve your sales skills and sales process.

From the Front Line: In today’s environment, many independent P&C agents are increasing their profitability by cross-selling life insurance. The additional revenue and higher customer retention are more important now than ever. They realize that someone is selling their customers life insurance, and if it’s not them, they are putting their P&C business at risk also.

CEO Newsletter: In the midst of month five of our ongoing pandemic, all businesses have had their resiliency tested and put on full display. Whether you anticipated our country still being in this situation or not, it has been an interesting test of our ability to adapt rapidly to meet changing needs in a changing world.

Glenn is a salesperson who drives sales managers and upper management crazy. For months at a time, he can close just about every sale without so much as breaking a sweat. Right up there at the top of the chart, far outdistancing anyone else in dollar amount closed. Then, for just as long a period, it is as if he has totally lost his ability.