What's the Best Way to Get Your Name Out There?

[lacy_amy]

I'm looking for some advice from some experienced agents. I am wondering what is the best way to get your name out there an a new agent? Just wondering if agents can share some ideas on how you got started.

 

[stuy119]

Meet everyone at every networking event you possibly can.

Knock on every door you can to introduce yourself to every business owner.

Talk with everyone about what you do, but don't try to sell them.

Just go out and meet people. Offer to help them out with referrals when it's possible. You'll get referrals in bunches down the road.

 

[somarco]

Set up a website that explains who you are and what you do.

Print some business cards that encourage people to visit the site and learn more about you.

Hand out as many cards as possible to as many people as possible as often as you can.

 

[CHUMPS FROM OXFORD]

Advertise local...both paid and free.

 

[Mark]

Act like you are running for mayor or President. Get out and see the people. Give out those cards and talk with everyone that you see. Just be nice and friendly. Let everyone know who you are and what you do for a living and how you help people.

 

[moonlightandmargaritas]

I am wondering what is the best way to get your name out there an a new agent?

Unless you have a marketing budget to rival McDonalds, IBM, Budweiser, State Farm, etc., using advertising to "get your name out there" is like pouring money down the black hole. On top of that, it's very difficult to measure for effectiveness.

Your marketing dollars should be used for targeted, direct response. Websites that capture info, direct mail, etc. will not only generate leads, it's simple to measure so you can hone in on things that are the most effective.

 

[briko3]

Cold calling yields 5% leads, direct mail yeilds 1% leads. Advertising is the great unknown unless you try it, but the more targeted you can be, I would imagine the more effective it would be.

 

[Y.L. Prinzel]

Insurance is about relationships. Rather than blind advertising and meet & greets:

• Advertise in your old high school and college yearbooks, newsletters and alumni websites.
• Join Toastmasters and small business groups in your community.
• Join Twitter and make friends with locals if possible and go to "Tweetups" --I know it sounds corny, but Twitter devotees LOVE other devotees and LOVE to prove that Twitter is great for business, so they tend to do a lot of inTwitter buying.
• Sponsor tables at local charity events.

 

[patch36]

I helped a competitor one time, unbeknownst to her, by writing her number on a toilet stall at a local casino. She got lots of calls, but most were unqualified or merely curious.

Learn to ask for referrals and stay in touch with your existing customers. Cold calling sucks. You might as well put your name on a toilet stall wall...

 

[lacy_amy]

Thanks for all the great responses. I am just trying to figure out how to build a solid book of business without relying on purchased leads.