What Makes a Good Agent Great

What makes a Good agent Great? A lot of things have to fall into place for you to have a successful sale. But ultimately, it falls on YOU as the agent to strive to be the best agent you can be. You have the keys to success within yourself.

1) Driven - In most cases, you are your own boss. You have to push yourself to be the best you can be every single day. Don't settle for being a mediocre agent. Create a routine and stick to that routine every day. Follow through with your schedule even if you meet your sales goal early in the day. Push yourself to be even better. Some days something unexpected may fall into your lap...make sure you know how to prioritize and move on through your day. Create in yourself a STRONG work ethic.

2) Efficient - When your clients call you or text you, make sure you get back to them as soon as possible...and always make it that same day if at all possible. You want your existing clients to know that they are important to you, and you want potential clients to feel that you are the best one for them and they can trust you. A quick response time helps clients have faith in you. And when you tell a client you are going to handle something for them, do it as immediately as you can. Process your applications that same day. Build trust!

3) Listen - When you meet with a client or talk to them on the phone (especially when you are talking to them on the phone), make sure you are really listening to THEIR needs. Don't make your sales pitch about what puts the most money in your pocket. Make it about YOUR CLIENT'S ACTUAL NEEDS. Do they really only need a $5,000 life policy, then that is what you sell them. When you listen to your clients and have a good relationship with them, then these make the best repeat clients. They also make the best referrals. Word of mouth is a big component in the sales market. Let your clients know you are listening and that they can trust you so they will call you again.

4) Roll with Changes - The insurance market is constantly changing. Don't get stuck in your own ways to the point where you are not willing to change with the times. You want to always be ready to offer your clients what is best for them...which often means learning a new product or learning a new process. Don't get stuck in a rut.

5) Don't be afraid of "No" - When you hear "no," don't let it get you down. This is just a minor setback. Find a way to turn it into a yes or even a maybe later. You can always come back and try again at another time with this same potential client. Maybe they truly just are not ready YET. The best agents know how to come back with a stronger pitch more tailored to that specific person the second...or even third...time. Don't get defeated by that word No. Push through and let it fuel you for your next sales call. Move forward and let that one go for now. But, don't let it go for good just yet. Be persistent and try again another day. However, every Great sales agent knows when it is time to let that one go. You don't want to waste your time or your client's time. Always leave the door open.

6) Don’t try to be EVERYTHING to EVERYBODY - Be a pro agent at 1 or 2 markets...not a mediocre agent at everything. Find the products that most interest you and learn everything you can about those 1 or 2 markets. You want to be the kind of agent your clients can trust to know the right answers or to at least know where to go to get those answers. The most successful agents focus on their specialty markets.