Silver bullet for retention and rapport!

I am a relative rookie in the insurance business.  I am coming up on my third year in business.  One thing I have learned is that my best retention are those clients that I know and that know me, particularly individuals that I know on a more personal level, especially; friends, family, prior co-workers, neighbors and schoolmates.  These people have stayed with me because they know me.  They know my background, they know my character, many of them know my family and they know that I am concerned about them.

So…  How can I begin to build this bridge with five hundred households and eight hundred or more individuals?  One way to begin building the bridge is personalized cards.  Yes, greeting cards. Thank you cards, birthday cards, welcome to the agency cards, anniversary cards, get well cards, Holiday cards etc…  Heartfelt and genuine cards have a way of breaking down the stigma that people associate with an unknown insurance agent.  I’m sure you have received a card.  I would be willing to bet that you can remember special people that have sent you cards.  You may not remember what was said, but you can remember the person and the sentiment and the thoughtfulness.  You recognized the effort on their part.  Chances are that you have a certain level of regard for the person.  Your clients are no different.

Where to start…  Many of you may already have a card strategy in force.  If you have not already, you should consider implementing a card sending system.  I have found a service that has simplified the implementation and execution of a card system.  www.sendoutcards.com .  This service is extraordinary.  You can import a client list, you can segment your clients and households into groups and easily set up numerous automated campaigns.  Recently, I added my siblings and with a couple of clicks sent a customized Halloween card complete with a picture of me in my Werewolf costume when I was much younger.  My family loved it!  The messaging was in my own handwriting and the card included a personalized signature.  When I started with the service, I filled out a blank form with my handwriting and when I type my message, the system transposes my message into my own handwriting.  In addition, the cards can be sent from any computer in the world, to just about anywhere in the world.

If you would like to give it a try, sign in to the following address; www.sendoutcards.com and send a card on my dime.  I’m sure, just like me, you will wonder how you ever lived without it.