Looking for a mentor in sales

Plans:
Ok, so you've started a new business without any sales or marketing plans.

You said you used to be in Real Estate.
Would you invest in a house that was built without a blueprint or an architect... that was just haphazardly tossed together with no plan?
No.
If you don't plan your business, you're going to be like a guy building a house with no blueprint and no architect.

Mentoring:
a.) If I were going to mentor someone in business, I would first ask to see their business plan, which includes a marketing plan and a sales plan.
b.) If they had no business plan, I would suggest they develop one.
c.) If they refused to do this, the most rudimentary and essential thing, then I wound end the mentoring.

I sincerely hope you do well, and have great success, but if we're building a house with no blueprint, we're not likely to end up with the house we want.

God Bless.

.

Use CHAT GPT , it is a great tool but sometimes makes mistakes so be warned. for a start it will give you the big picture, here is the answer to your question from chat gpt; the advise is not bad really I would add, be honest, people look for this trait and will remember you.

Congratulations on your new career in sales, especially in the insurance industry! That’s an exciting and potentially very rewarding field. Here are some strategic steps and tips to help you hit the ground running and succeed in insurance sales, including tips on prospecting, building relationships, and closing deals.
1. Master the Product Knowledge

• Understand the Products Inside and Out: Since you're selling auto, property, casualty, life, annuities, and soon health insurance, you need to have a strong grasp of all the coverage options, exclusions, terms, and benefits. This will allow you to answer any questions confidently and tailor your pitch to the needs of your potential clients.
• Stay Updated on Industry Trends: Insurance policies and regulations can change, so staying informed on new laws, products, and innovations will set you apart as a knowledgeable and trustworthy agent.

2. Identify Your Target Market

• Prospecting: Know who your ideal customers are for each type of insurance. For example:
  • Auto and Property: Target young drivers, new homeowners, and renters.
  • Life Insurance: People starting families, business owners, or individuals nearing retirement.
  • Health Insurance: Small business owners, freelancers, and individuals going through life changes (e.g., marriage, childbirth).
• Referral Programs: Build relationships with professionals like mortgage brokers, real estate agents, and financial planners who can refer clients to you. Networking is key in insurance sales.

3. Develop a Structured Sales Process

• Lead Generation: Use a mix of strategies for generating leads:
  • Cold calling, email outreach, and direct mail.
  • Online marketing (Facebook ads, Google Ads).
  • Networking events (chamber of commerce meetings, industry events).
  • Social media platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram) for relationship-building and brand awareness.
• Qualification: Not every lead will be a good fit. Qualify your leads by determining their needs and budget.
  • Needs Assessment: Understand their pain points and lifestyle, and match them with the right coverage.
  • Budget Discussion: Make sure your solution fits within their financial means.
• Presentation: Once you've qualified your leads, present a solution tailored to their needs, explaining the benefits, not just the features.

4. Use Technology to Your Advantage

• CRM Tools: Use customer relationship management (CRM) software to track leads, set reminders for follow-ups, and manage your sales pipeline. This will help you stay organized and ensure no opportunity slips through the cracks.
• Quote Engines & Comparison Tools: Leverage online tools to provide quick, accurate quotes for customers. This can streamline your sales process and allow you to offer competitive rates.

5. Build Trust and Relationships

• Be Consultative, Not Pushy: In insurance sales, trust is essential. Focus on being a consultant, not just a salesperson. Educate your potential clients and help them understand why your solution is the best fit for their needs.
• Follow-Up: A huge part of success in insurance sales is consistent follow-up. People may not buy on the first contact, but timely follow-ups can help you close the deal later.
• Ask for Referrals: After closing a deal, ask satisfied customers if they know anyone else who might benefit from your services. A referral can be your best lead.

6. Create Value Through Content

• Content Marketing: Share educational content on your social media or website that explains different types of insurance, how to save money, the importance of having insurance, etc. This positions you as an expert and helps build trust.
• Client Testimonials: Use reviews and testimonials from happy clients as social proof. Word-of-mouth is powerful in insurance, so building a reputation is key.

7. Develop a Strong Work Ethic & Consistency

• Set Daily and Weekly Goals: The insurance business requires discipline and persistence. Set targets for calls, meetings, proposals, and new policies sold. Track your progress and make adjustments as needed.
• Stay Organized: Keep track of clients' policy renewals, birthdays, or life changes (e.g., marriage, new baby) so you can offer timely check-ins for upsells or adjustments to their policies.
• Time Management: Prioritize high-value activities like client meetings and prospecting over administrative tasks.

8. Master Overcoming Objections

• Common Objections: Clients may say things like "It's too expensive" or "I need to think about it." Prepare for these objections with thoughtful responses. Understand their concerns and provide solutions.
• Ask Open-Ended Questions: If a prospect says “I’m not interested,” ask questions like, “Can I ask what’s making you hesitant?” This will allow you to address their concerns directly and tailor your pitch to their needs.

9. Leverage Partnerships

• Joint Ventures: Partner with businesses or professionals in related fields (real estate agents, financial planners, etc.). They can refer clients to you, and you can do the same for them.
• Community Involvement: Sponsorships, charity events, or even local seminars can boost your visibility and show you care about the community.

10. Use Analytics and KPIs

• Track Key Performance Indicators: Monitor your performance through KPIs such as the number of leads generated, calls made, meetings scheduled, proposals sent, and policies closed. These numbers will give you insight into where you're excelling and where you need improvement.
• Adjust Strategies: If a certain lead generation method isn't working as well, try something different. Experiment with social media ads, networking events, or content marketing.

Quick Action Steps:

• Week 1-2: Focus on understanding the product, learning about the market, and prospecting methods. Begin practicing your pitch.
• Week 3-4: Start meeting potential clients, whether online or in-person. Follow up on leads and begin creating content or advertising for your services.
• Ongoing: Refine your process, track performance, and continually improve your approach based on feedback and results.

By combining a deep understanding of your products with effective sales techniques and a strong commitment to building relationships, you’ll be well on your way to success. And don’t be afraid to invest in your personal development, whether through sales training, mentorship, or books on sales psychology. You'll continue growing and sharpening your skills over time.

Is there a specific area you’d like to dive deeper into, like prospecting, objection handling, or closing techniques?

Wow. Are you involved with the Palusades and Eaton fires?

I could be! But I need to get appointed to an agency and officially I haven't received my license as its been only 1 week since last Thursday since I passed the state exam.

appreciate the honesty.