5 Years Insurance Experience - Just Started Commercial Lines

[ESal0211]

Hey guys,

I'm new to the forums. I have been doing personal lines insurance in New York for 5 years as well as life insurance. I just shifted to commercial lines sales. I'm interested in finding creative ways to maximize my time trying to find business. I don't know proper what is appropriate for the forums so if any one can direct me on what rubs people the wrong way and what is the most productive way to post here, I would appreciate it. I hope to give as well as receive any value I could get here. Thanks!

 

[BADTROUT]

You will get directed quickly. The more you contribute, the better it will be for everyone.

Best tool for me over tthe years is to access reference usa through your public library. Database of US business. I've been using it since 2000. Search by zip code sic code business size and get to calling or stopping in. Absolutely hands down a beautiful use of your time... and free.

 

[ESal0211]

You will get directed quickly. The more you contribute, the better it will be for everyone.

Best tool for me over tthe years is to access reference usa through your public library. Database of US business. I've been using it since 2000. Search by zip code sic code business size and get to calling or stopping in. Absolutely hands down a beautiful use of your time... and free.

Thanks BADTROUT, are there any particular industries that you found to be better to target than others?

 

[BADTROUT]

Depends on your carriers... I would talk to the marketing reps and underwriters to see what tyhey are most looking for and competitive in... get the sic codes and hit ref use. What carriers do you have?

 

[Web320]

Depends on your carriers... I would talk to the marketing reps and underwriters to see what tyhey are most looking for and competitive in... get the sic codes and hit ref use. What carriers do you have?

Going a step further on this, find an industry you are passionate about and become a expert in it. Several agents I work with love writing bars and taverns. They have carved out that niche, learned the ins and outs, joined association groups and built a strong network. We recognize them as our go-to when we need to send a referral somewhere.

 

[ESal0211]

Depends on your carriers... I would talk to the marketing reps and underwriters to see what tyhey are most looking for and competitive in... get the sic codes and hit ref use. What carriers do you have?

It appears there are many companies we have access to with the most recent being Liberty Mutual. The brokerage seems to focus mostly on construction, but there is the ability to write multiple industries.

 

[ESal0211]

Going a step further on this, find an industry you are passionate about and become a expert in it. Several agents I work with love writing bars and taverns. They have carved out that niche, learned the ins and outs, joined association groups and built a strong network. We recognize them as our go-to when we need to send a referral somewhere.

I did hear that as well. Sometimes focusing on one specific industry and mastering the knowledge of and getting involved in that industry and being aware of its risks I heard is a great way to get business.

I’m also planning on taking the Hartford School of Insurance CLCS Designation course, any opinion either way on that?

 

[adjusterjack]

Sometimes focusing on one specific industry and mastering the knowledge of and getting involved in that industry and being aware of its risks I heard is a great way to get business.

Agree.

Many decades ago, when I was a commercial lines agent, I created a low cost package program for a particular type of business, got one of my carriers to support it, and pretty much locked up the majority of those businesses in my area.

 

[BADTROUT]

Education can never hurt, however... I personally choose to learn the hard way, it sticks better. In all seriousness, it isn't going to make a a huge impact on your ability to market and sell, but I would bet the foundation would be so helpful in the management of these clients.

 

[adjusterjack]

I’m also planning on taking the Hartford School of Insurance CLCS Designation course, any opinion either way on that?

Tuition is $3995. For that kind of money you can buy a lot of books about

• Automobile Coverage
• Workers' Compensation Coverage
• General Liability/Employment Practices Liability/Umbrella Coverages
• Property, including Inland Marine and Crime Coverages
• Business Income/Business Owners (BOP) Coverages

Or find resources online where you can learn all that stuff for free.

Unless you believe that the Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist professional designation is going to mean something to you and your business clients.

I was a commercial lines (and personal lines) coverage specialist for my entire career and rather successful at it without a $3995 piece of paper saying I was.

To that end, I agree with Badtrout's comment.



Of course, it's entirely up to you to decide what's important to you and how you spend your money.