It’s never been fair for Generation X. Grouped between one of the largest generational groups (Baby Boomers) and another that remains tantalizingly interesting to marketers (Generation Y, aka Millennials), Gen X is the forgotten middle child.
Agency succession is coming. You have two choices: make it happen or let it happen to you.
As an independent agency owner, you know the first option is the best. Taking control of your succession planning means you’re ready when the time comes. To prepare, you need to do things like choose a successor, determine your agency’s worth and have the right insurance agency support procedures in place. In short, you need to think about three areas: People, Profit, and Process.
Every minute counts when it comes to your agency operations. There’s no time to waste in an industry with such tight margins. The difference between gaining and losing a customer can come down to which agency reached out first, so quick action is valued. But, speed isn’t the only factor – quality counts, too. How can you speed up your agency operations without sacrificing your personalized service?
Get more tips to improve agency operations with these Top Sites to Streamline Agency Operations
The average insurance agent is 59 years old. That means they’ve lived through multiple insurance agency systems, having been in the workforce through the advent of PCs, the rise and fall of CD-ROMs, the introduction of email and Google, and a whole host of other major technological changes. And it’s time to embrace another.
When you think of “this generation” what comes to mind? Smartphones? Social media? Start-ups and freelancing?
What about insurance agency marketing?
If you’re not thinking about how to market to “this generation” – Generation Z – it’s time to start. These more than 72 million people born between 1995 and 2010 are coming of age soon, making them an important group to put on your agency’s marketing radar.
Find out about marketing to other generations in our post on marketing to Millennials and Baby Boomers
With so many options and diverse needs, it can be challenging to determine how to choose the best agency management system for your agency. Are you looking for ease of use? Quality training? Integrated systems? Robust marketing? Is it possible to find a system that meets all your varying agency needs?
Chances are, there is a right system out there for your agency – if you know how to look for it. Narrow your options by starting with the base “must-haves” for any management system.
More than 90% of companies with more than 11 employees use a CRM to manage their business better. This includes insurance agencies – yet a targeted CRM for insurance agents can be hard to find and can be even harder to implement.
Independent insurance agents using the Partner Platform agency management system are looking for a CRM that fits their agency-specific needs. They’re looking for a CRM that:
Builds a meaningful pipeline and tracks it in a single system
Uses shared information to deliver meaningful coaching to producers
Better manages companies by providing insights into why “Company A” responded to a quote while “Company B” did not
Increases understanding of lead sources and win percentage
…all within the unique constructs of independent insurance agency operations. When confronted with this challenge, we suggest agencies take the following steps to bring the right CRM into their agency.
Research shows almost 70% of insurance consumers do an online search before making their purchase. That means 70% of your prospects are looking for you online. Are you one of the insurance websites that will keep them engaged?
With “insurance near me” online searches growing by over 100% in the last two years, you need to be one of the stand-out insurance agency websites to make an impression. To stay competitive, be sure your site includes: