As technology evolves and the world continues to get smaller and smaller, more people are relying on the speed and instant gratification of the Internet. Although we may feel more connected with each other, are we really?

I bookmarked an article in Agent’ Sales Journal a few months back that confronts this question. In the “Prospecting Corner” column of ASJ, writer and business consultant Joanne Black discusses how insurance professionals are relying on online mediums such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, etc. to build rapport with prospects and customers and some are focusing on social media alone to generate quality leads. She explains that many insurance agents are decreasing face time with prospects and solely focusing  on online social mediums.

Although I don’t know I agree that insurance professionals are reducing personal interactions, I do agree that more and more agents are leveraging social media for their insurance businesses. Black points out three key points that emphasize how social media can boost business and increase your brand recognition:

Improved SEO – Social media helps you to hone in on specific search terms which, in turn, bring more traffic to your website.
Researching prospects and customers - Social media allows you to see what activities prospects/customers enjoy. You learn details you otherwise may never learn about.
Expand your network – Social media gives you the opportunity to see who your networks are connected with and deepen your networks as well.

Many insurance agents are using social media to their advantage. While it’s not wise to solely focus on social media for your insurance business, it’s certainly not wise to ignore it all together. Maintain a healthy balance between online and offline communication.

To get ahead in today’s marketplace as an insurance professional, you can’t ignore technology, but you CAN take a step toward success by focusing on connecting with people and finding ways to serve them.

How are you serving your customers? What is the most effective way you’ve found to connect with more prospects? Please share here. We’d love to hear about it!

Of course you are! Everyone has a compelling story. What led you to becoming an insurance agent? Why do you enjoy your job? Why are you passionate about helping people?

If you can answer these questions, the folks at Agent’s Sales Journal want to chat with you. They’re always looking for successful insurance agents to profile in their publication, so if you or someone you know has an amazing story or a unique way of serving customers, let ASJ know!

Share your ideas. Share your experience. Help your peers in the insurance business.

I didn’t realize mentoring was a hot topic. Shortly after I’d written last week’s blog post about mentoring, I picked up my copy of this month’s Agent’s Sales Journal again and realized they also featured an article about mentoring.

ASJ staff writer Jenny Israel’s special feature titled “Mentoring 101: How to Foster Professional Relationships that Work” offers great tips and guidelines for any insurance agent looking for a mentor or mentee.

Some of Israel’s tips:

• Mentors should demonstrate integrity.
• Mentees should be willing to take initiative.
• Mentors should have vision.
• Mentors and mentees should have similar interests.

Click here to read the full article and learn more about what it takes to be a mentor, find a mentor and/or get the most out of your mentorship. Hope you’re having a great Monday!

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