Keeping insurance clients happy is the way many of us stay in business…or even have business. What about those problem customers, though? We all have them…or have had them, at some point. Rohit Bhargava, one of my favorite marketing bloggers, offers insight on handling difficult customers.

1) Dig down to the real issue.
2) Focus on what you can fix.
3) Kindly and gently raise the issue.
4) Give him/her another chance. And maybe a second one…but the third strike is out.
5) Politely terminate the relationship and refer to another insurance service provider.
6) Start fresh with new prospects.

Rohit expands on each idea in his blog post. I think all insurance professionals can relate with this issue. While most customer relationships are wonderful, there are always a few that just aren’t profitable or fair. If a customer is a consistent drain on your business or your team’s productivity, it may be beneficial to both you and the customer to part ways. Follow Rohit’s tips to do this successfully.

One of the best ways to earn referrals for your insurance business is to focus on building friendships with your current clients. Here are a few tips:

1) Write snail mail. Handwritten notes have become a thing of the past. Think about it. When was the last time you received a handwritten card in the mail?  Take a few minutes at the end of every week to handwrite a brief message to some of the insurance clients you spoke with throughout the week.

2) Plan a customer appreciation event once or twice a year. An open house event is a great way to open the doors to your insurance agency, invite clients, prospects, other businessowners in your community and treat them to a nice evening of networking and fellowship. Encourage clients to bring guests.

3) Be receptive and note special events in the lives of your clients. These events offer additional opportunities for tip #1. Your clients notice when you care about them. Make an effort to play an active role in their lives and show you care about their family milestones.

This coming Saturday night, America’s little ghosts, goblins, fairy tale princesses, etc. will be parading through neighborhoods on the hunt for tasty treats. Though Halloween is supposed to be a fun evening for all, it can turn frightful in an instant – especially for families with small children.

In the USA Today article “The Real Horror of Halloween: Pedestrian Deaths”, writer Liz Szabo shares some startling statistics and helpful tips we all need to remember as we venture out this weekend for All Hallow’s Eve…

According to SafeKids USA, children are more than twice as likely to be killed by a car while walking on Halloween than any other night of the year.

Moira Donahue, SafeKids’ director of pedestrian safety, says that masks can make it difficult for children to see around corners. Donahue also warns that drivers need to pay extra attention and look out for individuals wearing dark costumes. It’s important that all drivers remember to always turn on headlights and be prepared to encounter more children on or near the street.

The Metro Nashville Police Department recommends the following safety tips:

- Trick-or-treaters should carry flashlights.
- Only wrapped or packaged candy should be given and accepted.
- Make sure costumes are flame retardant.
- Add reflective tape to your little one’s Halloween costume.
- Always inspect your child’s candy before it’s eaten.

Insurance agents, remind your prospects and clients that Halloween is supposed to be fun. Risks and claims can be avoided if precautionary measures are taken.

For more Halloween safety tips, visit the SafeKids USA Web site by clicking here.