When many of us started out in the insurance sales business, we had a shared experience of sorts. Feedback from friends and family made it pretty clear: we were going to be outcasts, “that guy” at the party that no one wants to be around. You know, the one who cycles through careers and hopes to sell unsuspecting acquaintances on their product du jour. Thankfully, while the journey wasn’t easy, it was never that dismal.
But looking back leads to wondering—are the insurance agents of days past still around? In today’s tech-centric world, it’s arguable that we don’t need them. Insurance has become a product that, while more technical than ever, is available on any given digital street corner. But we’d argue that a good old-fashioned agent still has a place in today’s advancing industry.
Here’s why: Done right, selling insurance should always begin with a detailed discussion about your business and its specific coverage needs. Everyone carries risk, but not everyone is trained to see where it hides. A professional assessment will be informed by experience and a strong desire to improve your position in the face of loss. Without a comprehensive approach to coverage, your company’s well-being could be threatened should things go wrong. It’s at that moment that a skillful agent is invaluable.
But that may not be the only way an agent improves your situation. An experienced, independent agent will likely have years of accumulated business savvy. From developing a business plan to working through budget problems, your trusted agent could have valuable, first-hand data to share. Of course that’s just a perk—your agent’s main objective is to outfit your business with the best coverage available. Just know that on all fronts, a dedicated, independent agent is out to help you succeed. Rumor has it that these days, insurance professionals are dying out. We’d say that claim is greatly exaggerated. Everyone can agree that the insurance salesperson of stereotypes and parody wouldn’t be missed, but today’s polished professional rightly holds a place in every business owner’s inner circle. These questions remain: Does your insurance pro fit the ideal profile? If not, why?
