This post originally ran on AgentPipeline.com.To be a successful insurance agent, you must plant yourself in the communities you serve. After all, your job as an insurance agent is based on helping the people around you get the coverage they need.
How Community Engagement Benefits Your Insurance Agency
Being involved in your community holds innumerable benefits for your insurance agency and helps you better understand the people in your community. When you build relationships and get to know your community members, you can understand their needs better as clients.
Your natural market is vital to your business, and there is no better way to gain constant referrals than to become the “go-to” insurance agent in your community!
In addition to generating referrals and new business opportunities, you can raise awareness of your services when you are an involved community member. There are so many additional services insurance agents provide in our communities. Many people think insurance agents sell a policy and move on. A more significant piece of what insurance agents do is educate our customers on how to ensure they are covered and help protect their financial security and teach them how to take advantage of benefits that are included in their insurance policies.
You must brand yourself as a resource and not another salesperson.
Some ways to do this are sponsoring local sports teams, volunteering on behalf of your agency, or having a float in the local holiday parade – being active in the community is the best way to get your name out there.
Once you become readily available to your community members, you can begin conversations and share some of the knowledge you have about insurance products. For example, many people do not realize some Medicare health plans include free transportation to and from doctor visits.
The best way to understand peoples’ needs is to get out and get to know them! Attending local events allows you to get to know those in your community. Learn what matters to your community and let them know how they can prepare to keep themselves covered.
Tips on Getting Involved
Not sure where to start with getting involved? Talk to your local newspaper, community center, or school to find organizations and projects in need of support. We also have some suggestions that can help you get started:
- Coach a Local Sports Team
- Get Involved with City Council
- Shop Locally & Support Local Businesses
- Get Involved with the School System
- Volunteer at Community Events or Nonprofits
- Network Online
Building solid relationships with your community members helps you create genuine connections and build trust within your community. Ultimately, this can lead to personal growth and success in your insurance business.