How to Succeed as an Insurance Broker or Insurance Agent
Insurance agents and brokers enjoy rewarding careers with almost unlimited earning potential. If you want to be the best in the business, you need to acquire certain skills and characteristics during your career. Whether you’re just getting started or have been working in the insurance industry for a few years, there are several ways to take your career to the next level.
Here are some essential tips for success as an insurance broker or insurance agent:
Focus On Good Salesmanship
Even though insurance brokers and agents are providing a service to customers and clients, they are salespeople by nature. You need to acquire strong sales skills and learn the process of acquiring, nurturing, and maintaining quality customers. This might require attending seminars or undergoing a professional training program in sales.
Develop a Strong Work Ethic
The insurance industry is competitive and you may be working independently for a good portion of the day. You need to develop a strong work ethic to be proactive when seeking out new customers, closing sales, and developing relationships with clients and industry professionals. Prioritizing your time and maintain a strong work ethic will get you far throughout your career.
Study the Market
You need a plan to target the right prospects and seek out new customers in the right markets. Take the time to study the market and develop a strategy so you are making the best use of your time. Whether you are out on a sales call or conducting a presentation to potential customers, you need a deep understanding of what your customers want and who is the market to buy insurance — ideally, from you.
Keep Up with the Times
You may be the best agent in your territory but if you’re not using the right communication tools to connect with your clients or smartphone apps to stay organized, you may be missing out on a number of sales opportunities. Take full advantage of the wealth of digital tools and technologies available to better communicate with your customers, follow up on calls, and keep track of sales activities.
Learn From the Pros
Every successful agent needs a mentor, coach, or someone to guide them throughout their career. Make the time to connect with someone who is currently working your dream position or someone who is willing to mentor you as you grow in your career. This will provide you with valuable insights about the industry, tips for overcoming challenges you are dealing with, and an opportunity to learn from someone who has been in your position at some point in his or her career.
Balance Work and Personal Time
No matter how dedicated you are to your career, you need to strive for work-life balance so you don’t burn out. The fast-paced world of sales can be exciting but can also set you up for anxiety, high stress levels, and time management challenges. If you are working for yourself, it can be even more of a challenge to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Learn to work within scheduled hours and make time for family, hobbies, and personal pursuits.
Achieving a high degree of success in the insurance industry is possible with the right approach, mindset, and resources. Use these tips to create a solid foundation for a rewarding career as an insurance agent or broker.