Referrals! As a small business owner, I have come to realize the importance of referrals. Advertising is expensive and usually amounts to a shot in the dark. But, when I help somebody out and they are so happy with my service that they tell someone they know about me, I know I've done my job. I get to meet a lot of neighbors and family members of clients and they are glad to meet an insurance professional who will sit down with them and take the time to listen.
So, why do I get so many referrals? Simple. Undeniably outstanding customer service. It is the only way that I know how to treat people. If you have a question, I have an answer. Usually within 24 hours. Not two weeks later or when I get around to it, but now. If you have a problem, I have a solution. If you call my office, I am the one answering the phone. That is important to a lot of people. My clients like to know that if they need to get a hold of me they can. Whether it's about a claim, a billing question, to talk about the weather or to get my opinion of the Brewers season, I am always just a phone call away. I work hard to make sure that I maintain a level of service that I would expect to get myself.
Now, I've "upped the ante". I give my clients a referral reward! If you are a client of Burdick Insurance Agency in Watertown and you send someone to me to get a quote on home, auto, life, business or health insurance, I will give you a $10 certificate. It's usually a $10 gas card. Or, if you are local to Watertown then it may be a Chamber of Commerce certificate. I do this as a way to say thank you to the people who help make my business successful. The person you send to me is not required to actually buy a policy from me. I just want the opportunity to talk to them about their insurance needs, just like I did with you.
The easiest way to send a referral is to go to my website and click on the lower left corner of the homepage where it says "Refer a Friend". Otherwise, just tell your friends, family and co-workers to mention your name when they call or stop in. I will take care of the rest.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
It really isn't everything
I read this quote today:
“Price always matters most in the absence of other reasons” –John Potthast
I often have this discussion when working with people on their personal insurance and finances. Some get it, some don't. When you are quoting and selling insurance, it's great if your price is lower and you can save the client money. But that's not why you should switch insurance. Learn about the carrier's claims service, billing system and financial strength. Research whether they've won any awards or industry recognition. Don't just switch because you like the commercials....
THE COMMERCIALS!!! My goodness, there are more insurance commercials on right now than any other industry. And most only talk about one thing = price. "Save 15%, save on average $462 a year, see cometitor's rates on our website" etc. They have been doing it long enough now that the average consumer is trained to only think about price. There are a few very good insurance companies out there to do business with who don't spend millions a day on national marketing, but can give you better coverage, better service and a better price. Do yourself a favor and do a little homework to find a company that you would be happy to have protecting what's yours.
Beyond that is the actual agent/agency. Most national carriers only sell their insurance through "captive" agents. This means if you want to buy ABC Insurance you have to go to an ABC agent, and that's the only company they sell.
Then, there's us: the independents. An independent agent has a significant advantage in finding you the perfect fit of coverage and price by offering a larger assortment of insurance products from several different insurance companies. Most of the insurance companies you will find at an independent agency are lesser known names (no national marketing). But, make no mistake, they are not inferior companies. They often provide better options and can custom tailor a policy to fit your needs. Many of these companies are regional, so they know how to insure a house in your area. So, ask around. You may find a local, independent agent in your neighborhood who can help you out.
Remember, price is important to everyone. But, it's not the most important thing and you shouldn't base a decision on price alone. That being said, I'm happy to say that I still do end up saving money for my clients close to 99% of the time. ;)
“Price always matters most in the absence of other reasons” –John Potthast
I often have this discussion when working with people on their personal insurance and finances. Some get it, some don't. When you are quoting and selling insurance, it's great if your price is lower and you can save the client money. But that's not why you should switch insurance. Learn about the carrier's claims service, billing system and financial strength. Research whether they've won any awards or industry recognition. Don't just switch because you like the commercials....
THE COMMERCIALS!!! My goodness, there are more insurance commercials on right now than any other industry. And most only talk about one thing = price. "Save 15%, save on average $462 a year, see cometitor's rates on our website" etc. They have been doing it long enough now that the average consumer is trained to only think about price. There are a few very good insurance companies out there to do business with who don't spend millions a day on national marketing, but can give you better coverage, better service and a better price. Do yourself a favor and do a little homework to find a company that you would be happy to have protecting what's yours.
Beyond that is the actual agent/agency. Most national carriers only sell their insurance through "captive" agents. This means if you want to buy ABC Insurance you have to go to an ABC agent, and that's the only company they sell.
Then, there's us: the independents. An independent agent has a significant advantage in finding you the perfect fit of coverage and price by offering a larger assortment of insurance products from several different insurance companies. Most of the insurance companies you will find at an independent agency are lesser known names (no national marketing). But, make no mistake, they are not inferior companies. They often provide better options and can custom tailor a policy to fit your needs. Many of these companies are regional, so they know how to insure a house in your area. So, ask around. You may find a local, independent agent in your neighborhood who can help you out.
Remember, price is important to everyone. But, it's not the most important thing and you shouldn't base a decision on price alone. That being said, I'm happy to say that I still do end up saving money for my clients close to 99% of the time. ;)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)