Where Have You Left Cards?

[Norwayguy]

I use to leave my cards everywhere when I first got in the business 10 years ago. I'm still waiting on a call from those....

Didn't those cards only list your business address? My big point about those boards and I have taken to asking the people I am with after we walk by those boards they can never tell me one thing listed on there or that the board was even there.

Now the exception is other sales people they notice the boards and they notice thier competition and also people they can sell to ie people that sell business to business. My big point is a business card is a terrible way to grab attention and a flyer with a call to action would work much better.
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Also as an answer to where I leave my card is I do tend to drop my card in those fishbowls or boxes for contests and I do get call backs from them from other salespeople telling me I haven't some and then trying to sell me.

 

[senior-advisor-indiana]

Didn't those cards only list your business address? My big point about those boards and I have taken to asking the people I am with after we walk by those boards they can never tell me one thing listed on there or that the board was even there.

Now the exception is other sales people they notice the boards and they notice thier competition and also people they can sell to ie people that sell business to business. My big point is a business card is a terrible way to grab attention and a flyer with a call to action would work much better.
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Also as an answer to where I leave my card is I do tend to drop my card in those fishbowls or boxes for contests and I do get call backs from them from other salespeople telling me I haven't some and then trying to sell me.

I agree with what you are saying. I don't even look at those boards anymore. If I were trying to recruit agents I would look at those boards though...

 

[Norwayguy]

I agree with what you are saying. I don't even look at those boards anymore. If I were trying to recruit agents I would look at those boards though...

Actually I have done that not recruiting as I do not recruit but I have gone to carriers that are captive and do not compete with me and reach out to some agents and try and work some business.

 

[Bound Ins Lucas]

I hand out business cards to auto dealers. Any time someone tries to buy a car with out insurance the car salesman calls me to get the customer set up with insurance on the new vehicle.

 

[wweibert]

I hand out business cards to auto dealers. Any time someone tries to buy a car with out insurance the car salesman calls me to get the customer set up with insurance on the new vehicle.

This is something I've been wanting to build a stronger presence in. What are some tips you use to build rapport with salesmen so you will be 'their go-to insurance guy'?

 

[BIG RED IS BACK]

This is something I've been wanting to build a stronger presence in. What are some tips you use to build rapport with salesmen so you will be 'their go-to insurance guy'?

Be prepared for late night calls, 8:30 PM, and weekends, and if you cant do it, then they wont call you again......

 

[Tylerstc]

This is something I've been wanting to build a stronger presence in. What are some tips you use to build rapport with salesmen so you will be 'their go-to insurance guy'?

Stop by the dealership at a time when they aren't too busy, but not too slow, so they have some salesmen there you can meet. Maybe late morning on a Thursday or Friday, as Friday through Sunday are usually the busiest times. Bring a handful of cards (with your cell# on them) and some doughnuts or pizza or something. Little treats or small gift cards go a long way.

Like BigRed said, you need to be able to do quotes at any time, and able to quote and bind very quickly, otherwise, they won't use you.

Let them know you offer the following:

-Can take calls at any time, quote and bind quickly.
-Can get good rates (help them make the sale, if the insurance kills the deal they will be upset even if it's not your fault)
-Willing to pick up payments at the dealership for the first month if the customer is leaving cash, or if the dealership is paying for the first month as an incentive.

Those are the three main things they care about, and that a lot of agents won't do.


Hit up a lot of dealerships, and different types. I would stay away from the really shady ones personally, but get a good mix. The nicer the dealership, the better the customer, and more likely they will have prior insurance and not need you, so less referrals, but better customer. Middle of the road will have more uninsured, so more leads. Also, they might be more price conscious and shopping for price if they already have insurance.

It is mostly non-standard, but a lot of money can still be made. The retention ratio is low, however, you will land about 50-70% of quotes if you have decent rates. If you get in good with many dealerships, there is no reason why you can't get 30 to 50 policies a month this way.

It is all about first impressions, so before you go by these dealerships, set aside a month or two where you will make it your duty to be able to take every call and able to quote right away. Make sure your cell phone # is on your card and let them know that's the # to call, bring your laptop everywhere with wifi hotspot, etc. so you can show them you are reliable. They will be a little more forgiving once they are used to and comfortable with you!