“If you want a miracle, simply ask for one. That one mental action creates an explosion of synapses throughout the brain.” ~ Marianne Williamson

Whether you’re purchasing Internet insurance leads from us, another lead provider or generating your own leads through Facebook or your own website, implementing a lead follow-up strategy is key to closing more sales. Here are a few tips for staying in touch with your insurance prospects:

1) Determine your next touchpoint. Will you call him/her back in another 2 weeks? Have you added their email address to your monthly email newletter? Plan your next step so this lead doesn’t get caught in limbo…

2) Schedule time in your calendar for prospecting. Just like any other critical business activity, if you don’t plot out time in advance, there’s a good chance it won’t happen. Most importantly, follow through on these prospecting appointments with yourself. If you’re anything like me, it’s easy to get distracted. Not to mention, you may experience a reluctance to pick up the phone. If it’s on your schedule ahead of time, however, you’re more likely to complete the action.

3) Take good notes. We all know the insurance business is a relationship business. If you’re not staying on top of what’s new in the lives of your prospects, you may be missing out on business. Always document your conversations as they happen or immediately following the conversation.

If your insurance business has a fan page on Facebook, you may have noticed some recent changes that were launched this past week. My favorite feature is the “login as page” feature, meaning if you manage a certain page, you can can post and comment as “your page” on other pages. Previously, you were limited to posting as an individual, using your personal Facebook profile.

To learn more about these changes, check out the article on Mashable.

Are you a fan of the HometownQuotes Facebook fan page? Stay up to date with our latest news, business-building tips and special offers by “liking” our page today!

According to the International Data Corporation, 100.09 million smartphones were shipped in Q4 of 2010 versus 92.1 million PCs. (Hat tip to Duke Williams.)

This is the first time this has ever happened and likely won’t be the last.

It’s clear now more than ever…if you do not have an Internet marketing strategy or some type of interactive media strategy, you’re missing sales opportunities. How will you capture this market that will not only be looking for you and your insurance business online…but also on the mobile web?

Seth Godin regularly posts nuggets of wisdom on his blog. We highly recommend bookmarking it if you haven’t already! Yesterday’s post was highly applicable to insurance agents like yourself:

“What if you define “best customer” as the person who brings you new insurance customers through frequent referrals, and who sticks with you through thick and thin? That customer, I think, is worth far more than what she might pay you in any one transaction. In fact, if you think of that customer as your best marketer instead, it might change everything.”

I completely agree. At HometownQuotes, we value and empower every customer…regardless of how much or how little they spend with us. Whether you’re a captive insurance pro or an independent insurance agent, our marketing solutions will help you take your insurance business to the next level. How can we empower you?

If you’re an insurance professional who uses Facebook, Twitter, a blog or some other form of social media to interact with your customers and prospects, Advisor Today magazine wants to talk with you!

Here’s what the editor is looking for:

Need to interview financial advisors and/or insurance agents for a feature story for Advisor Today magazine that focuses on social media strategies they use to connect with prospects and clients. We will cover best practices, pros/cons, compliance issues, etc. **Note: Advisor Today is B2B. Advisors/agents are “talking” to peers. This is not a consumer magazine.

Leave a comment below with the best way to reach you and we’ll provide more details!

Listening does not mean waiting your turn to talk. Maybe that’s why LISTEN and SILENT have the same exact letters. – Christine Kane

You have the data. You have the insurance expertise and know-how. Now you have an inspiring quote to get you going. We know you can do it! 

Your friends at HometownQuotes

“Stories are just data with a soul.” - Dr. Brene Brown, Researcher Storyteller at University of Houston

As an insurance professional, there’s no doubt you look at A LOT of numbers day-to-day. Keep in mind that those numbers are typically tied to people…and people have stories. When you take the time to know and understand someone’s story, you’re also indicating that you value them.

You have the data. You have the expertise and know-how. Now you have an inspiring quote to get you going. We know you can do it! 

Your friends at HometownQuote

A new study from IBM makes it clear that Internet insurance leads are a great way to grow your insurance business. Their new study titled “Powerful Interaction Points: Saying Goodbye To The Channel” indicates that consumers are spending much more time evaluating their options when it comes to insurance. While many consumers used to passively receive information and then sign the dotted line, today’s consumer wants to be an informed, well-educated consumer.

The study also underlines the importance of leveraging social media tools such as Facebook and Twitter to interact and engage with prospects and consumers.

The Internet is continually changing the way people shop – particularly for insurance. The team at Insurance & Technology magazine offer three suggestions for interacting with customers and growing stronger relationships:

1) Offer a variety of interaction points.
2) Track your customers and invest in analytics tools.
3) Improve the way you interact with customers and prospects.

As technology shifts and the insurance purchasing landscape continues to evolve, insurance professionals who stay abreast of these trends and focus on engaging insurance customers will continue to watch business soar.

As with any business, insurance agents must be stellar relationship-builders. Creating a relationship with someone online versus face-to-face, however, can offer a variety of challenges.

If you have a social media presence or a blog, how are you leveraging those profiles to build relationships? Are you sharing your expertise? Are you highlighting positive events in your community? We’ve mentioned insurance agent and blogger Ryan Hanley a few times here on our blog. We think he has great recommendations for boosting your online visibility and creating more genuine, authentic online connections with prospects. Here are a few of his tips:

1) Use local keyword content. For people in your area to find you, you’ll need to use keywords they would be likely to search for when they visit a search engine.

2) Highlight the thought leaders in your community. What local individuals make an impact? Who are the voices for change? Feature someone who makes a difference as a guest blog post.

3) Ask customers to help you spread the word. Your customers are your customers for a reason. If you’ve taken care of them and they’ve put their trust in you to protect their assets, they probably don’t mind to tell others how you’ve helped them. Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals.

What are your tips for connecting with insurance customers in your community?