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Category: Hiring the Gifted Team

Does Your Team Stand Out When ALL of the Chips Are On The Line?

Posted on by Mike Stromsoe

Our claims service report series is one of our most requested by agents…..so what the heck is a claims service report?

Claims service reports are a custom document that we sent out to our customers a certain number of days after a claim occurs, because in our agency, we monitor all claims activity.  We don’t wait for the document or the notification to come in; we go out and get it.  We proactively hunt for it on carrier websites, we look at things that come in, and once we see that we proactively contact our clients, and make sure the claims process gets started.  In addition to that, we talk to them about the claims process, and make sure the companies are standing up to their end of the bargain and are taking care of our customers in the manner that they should be taken care of.  We really feel good about that.  At the end of the process, we send them out a claims service report, and we ask for feedback on how the claim went.  Our claims service report have a lot of different questions on them, which kind of lead up to the final question, which is, “Tell us about your claims experience,” and those claims service reports just time after time bring great feedback, and a lot of the responses are GREAT testimonials.  “Thank you, your agency just took great care of us.  We appreciate you being there for us always,” so forth and so on.  So keep in mind that that also is a positive emotional situation.

In other words, it’s not anything negative, it’s positive, and they’re feeling good about the situation.  We also forward all claims service reports to the carriers, good and bad. Carrier claims reps need to hear the good reports too. Our carriers LOVE this. We also market to the CLAIMANTS. You got it. If we are provided a name and contact information, we start a separate campaign to the CLAIMANTS. Here’s a situation that happened just last night:

I was in the office and it was late, a client walked in, I said, “Hey, how can I help you?”  And he goes, “Something great happened, and I just had to come by and tell you guys, and in addition to that I want to find my agent, because I feel like I want to give him a hug.  I’m that jazzed about the claims experience I just had” and I said, “Tell me more,” and he told me about the situation.  What had happened was, the agent in our office had gone the extra mile.  He had gone way out of his way to help him out, to make sure that a situation was resolved.  It was a situation we didn’t make any money on, but he went the extra mile anyway, and got the situation resolved for our customer, and our customer was, so happy they couldn’t stand it, so they drove down here to tell him.  And that particular agent was on the phone, so it was a great opportunity, that positive emotional situation was at its very highest at that point.  So, fortunately, we were in an area of the office which is right near our marketing room, and our marketing gal, who’s always on it, she just kind of handed me the camera, and I didn’t even have to think about it.  So I said, “Mr. Client, would you mind if we helped other people with just a few words about what just happened to you?”  And he said, “Yeah, no problem, what do you need me to do.”  I said, “I’d just like to record how you were taken care of by our agent, so I can share this with other people who might ask about our services.”  He said, “I’d be happy to.”  And right there on the spot, full of emotion, he recorded the testimonial.

So, that’s a perfect example of a positive emotional situation, which is the time that you always want to ask for a testimonial, because that’s when you’re going to get your very best testimonials.

Be Unstoppable when taking care of your customers! “No one cares how much you know until they know you care”

A Couple of GREAT Ideas

Posted on by Mike Stromsoe

If you’re like a lot of insurance agency principles, managers, producers or agency team members, you’re probably feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything facing you in today’s marketplace. You want to excel and lead your agency team into the future, but sometimes you can’t seem to find the right formula to best position your team for success and you’re starting to wonder if there might be some better options?

I totally get it. I am right there with you and I remember how hard it was for me in the early years when I was trying to figure it out. I felt like I was working around the clock but not making much progress. I was really starting to doubt myself. A lot of my consulting clients had similar experiences and feelings as well.

Ultimately I’ve found that its times like this, when you get to choose how you want show up in the world. It may not be easy or comfortable, but it’s worth it every time.

What I also know to be true is that there are good reasons why you have succeeded to where you are now. Your team, your carriers, your colleagues, your family, they all see something in you. Now it’s time for you to step up and play a bigger game. As long as you have the internal drive, you can learn the cutting edge tools and skills required and get the support you need to quickly grow in today’s quickly changing marketplace.

Back when I first became an agent, I had to fly by the seat of my pants. There wasn’t any training, coaching or resources like we have today. And I really struggled. In fact, there were many early mornings, late nights and weekends away from my family before I finally figured out what it takes to quickly and confidently create the agency that supports the life of my dreams.

That’s why I am so dedicated to helping agency principles, managers, producers and agency team members. I want you to be able to avoid all the pain and struggle that comes with not being as successful as you know you can be in your insurance agency business.

Hundreds of people that are cared about deeply, respected and are considered lifelong friends have encouraged me many times over to provide ALL of this information to as many insurance industry people as possible. After thousands of hours, over 25 years of investing in becoming the very best, after quickly growing a scratch agency from zero to over one million in revenue in less than 8 years, it’s only right that I give back, that I share every secret I have with you, in intimate detail, for free.

Take a look at the video link below. Agent Jeff Liebowitz reveals where he learned and what the results were after he implemented a took action on a couple of good ideas.

After one full day of sharing everything I can, you’ll have hundreds of new tools and tips to quickly accelerate your agency to the next level. Nothing to figure out, I am going to share all of it with you. All you need to do is show up. I hope you can make it. It is going to be a very special day!

Video >>  Here’s A Couple of Good Ideas

If we can answer any questions, please let us know. Please contact Andrea at 800-770-9984 or email her at [email protected].
To Your Massive Success!

 

Mike Stromsoe
The Unstoppable Profit Producer
Phone 800-770-9984
www.unstoppableprofitproducer.com

 

PS Remember, every interaction with our program carries our exclusive, unconditional satisfaction guarantee! You have no risk and everything to gain.

PPS  Here’s another reason you can’t afford not to invest one day in the future of your agency (exclusive video)

PPPS Below are all of the details so you don’t have to search for them:

Date:  June 1, 2012

Time Learning Begins:  8:59am

Time Learning Ends:  4:31pm (Actually Learning End Time NEVER ends)

Location:  Ayres Hotel and Suites – Costa Mesa
325 Bristol Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 546-0300

Airport:  4.3 miles (8 minutes) from John Wayne Airport, Orange County

Seating is limited and for only a $49 room charge (which includes lunch) you won’t want to miss out.

If you are ready to change the future of your agency and start living life on your own terms…

Instant Access To The Machine

If you have any questions, please contact Andrea at 800-770-9984 or email [email protected], she’ll be happy to help.

 

Good News

Posted on by Mike Stromsoe

Hundreds of people that are cared about deeply, respected and are considered lifelong friends have encouraged me many times over to provide this information to as many people as possible. Take a look at the good news below. I hope you can make it. It is going to be the beginning of something GREAT!

Good news

 

Wishing you continued massive success!

“You can have everything you want if you’ll simply give enough other people what they need”
Zig Ziglar

Unlimited Abundance

Posted on by Mike Stromsoe

Walt Disney was a man of extraordinary vision and foresight. He knew what it would take to be successful in his chosen area of business, and he developed a formula that expressed his philosophy, and could be used in any type of business to ensure its success. He called it, his “Law of Unlimited Abundance.” Walt said that it didn’t matter what type of business or endeavor a person was engaged in, they could be successful and enjoy unlimited abundance, if they would simply follow his formula or plan. Walt Disney’s “Law of Unlimited Abundance,” stated, that to be successful, you must: “Do what you do so well, that the people who see you do it, will want to see you do it again, and will bring others to see you do it.” That’s the credo that built the enormous successes of Disneyland and Disneyworld. And in their arena of operation, they stand alone.

 

 

The Law Can Work For You!
It can be similar in your agency, too. You see, the key is to, “do what you do,” not always what someone else does, but what you do. Simply covert the “way” you perform everything done by you and your team. That’s what makes you special, sets you apart from others, and attracts people to you. You are not a conformist.

Then you do what you do, “so well,” that is, provide what your customers require, want, or need in an exceptional manner. It leaves no room for mediocrity, it’s “so well.” That implies exceptional performance.

And if you will do that so, “the people who see you do it,” (your customers), “will want to see you do it again,” (that’s repeat business), “and will bring others to see you do it,” (that’s referral business), you too, can meet with an unparalleled< explosive, success.

Because so few people perform in business that way, it sets you completely apart from all the competition. Customers can’t get the kind of caring protection from anyone or anywhere else. It’s simply not available anywhere, at any price.

So, by default, you become unique, different, and difficult to replace. And it will be reflected in your business and your bottom line. It has to. There’s no choice. It is a basic, eternal law of nature. You simply reap the results of what you’ve sown.

You Reap What You Sow

 

The question you must answer in your mind is, “What are you going to sow, so you will reap the kinds of rewards you wish to have?”
In the world of business, this is a most critical question, and one you would do well to take the time to answer. Fact is, most business people simply don’t understand how important the answer to this one question really is.

You see, many people go into business because it is something they have always wanted to do, or because they want a certain amount of freedom, or perhaps they want to be their own boss.

Now, those are not necessarily bad reasons, but they are selfish reasons for the most part, and while they may sound good on the surface, in actuality, some of them may not be very practical.

If you go into business for selfish reasons, and fail to give the customer his or her rightful due, your chances of success are likely to meet with hard times.

Business, like farming, requires that you do certain things in a particular order if you are to realize an abundant harvest. Now the answer to the question:  “What are you going to sow, so you will reap the kinds of rewards you want?”…is simple. You only have to look at the question backwards.

First, what kinds of rewards do you want? Second, what do you have to do to get those rewards? And third, who is it that can give you those rewards?

If you will always remember that although you may represent certain companies, they are not who pays you.

Hope this helps, hope you take action. Good luck!

 

Mike Stromsoe, Creator of the
Unstoppable Profit Producer Program™
A Coaching Program for Insurance Agents
Call 800-770-9984
www.unstoppableprofitproducer.com

PS As a special bonus for March, since it’s the month of GREEN, I will help you make MORE green. For all of the details, call 800-770-9984 or Email us ([email protected]) today for your F*REE, 29 minute, in-depth, no-obligation Agency Analysis!

 

Here’s What Other Agents Say About the Unstoppable Profit Producer Coaching Program and How Their Lives Have Been Changed:

“I have had the pleasure of working with Mike Stromsoe on various projects over the last four years. I must say that I have never met another individual in business who is more focused on getting the job done, whatever the task, and getting it done right with the utmost integrity. Mike has taught me many things in the business environment but what I am most thankful for is his example of discipline to get things done and get them done right, quick and precise with the customer in mind always. I highly recommend Mike Stromsoe and his team to anyone who is looking for his services.”

Terry Young ~ Southern Risk Services

Does Your Team Stand Out When ALL of the Chips Are On The Line?

Posted on by Mike Stromsoe

Our claims service report series is one of our most requested by agents…..so what the heck is a claims service report?

Claims service reports are a custom document that we sent out to our customers a certain number of days after a claim occurs, because in our agency, we monitor all claims activity.  We don’t wait for the document or the notification to come in; we go out and get it.  We proactively hunt for it on carrier websites, we look at things that come in, and once we see that we proactively contact our clients, and make sure the claims process gets started.  In addition to that, we talk to them about the claims process, and make sure the companies are standing up to their end of the bargain and are taking care of our customers in the manner that they should be taken care of.  We really feel good about that.  At the end of the process, we send them out a claims service report, and we ask for feedback on how the claim went.  Our claims service report have a lot of different questions on them, which kind of lead up to the final question, which is, “Tell us about your claims experience,” and those claims service reports just time after time bring great feedback, and a lot of the responses are GREAT testimonials.  “Thank you, your agency just took great care of us.  We appreciate you being there for us always,” so forth and so on.  So keep in mind that that also is a positive emotional situation.  In other words, it’s not anything negative, it’s positive, and they’re feeling good about the situation.  We also forward all claims service reports to the carriers, good and bad. Carrier claims reps need to hear the good reports too. Our carriers LOVE this. We also market to the CLAIMANTS. You got it. If we are provided a name and contact information, we start a separate campaign to the CLAIMANTS.

Here’s a situation that happened just last night:  I was in the office and it was late, a client walked in, I said, “Hey, how can I help you?”  And he said, “Something great happened, and I just had to come by and tell you guys, and in addition to that I want to find my agent, because I feel like I want to give him a hug.  I’m that jazzed about the claims experience I just had” and I said, “Tell me more,” and he told me about the situation.  What had happened was, the agent in our office had gone the extra mile.  He had gone way out of his way to help him out, to make sure that a situation was resolved.  It was a situation we didn’t make any money on, but he went the extra mile anyway, and got the situation resolved for our customer, and our customer was, so happy they couldn’t stand it, so they drove down here to tell him.  And that particular agent was on the phone, so it was a great opportunity, that positive emotional situation was at its very highest at that point.  So, fortunately, we were in an area of the office which is right near our marketing room, and our marketing gal, who’s always on it, she just kind of handed me the camera, and I didn’t even have to think about it.  So I said, “Mr. Client, would you mind if we helped other people with just a few words about what just happened to you?”  And he said, “Yeah, no problem, what do you need me to do.”  I said, “I’d just like to record how you were taken care of by our agent, so I can share this with other people who might ask about our services.”  He said, “I’d be happy to.”  And right there on the spot, full of emotion, he recorded the testimonial.  So, that’s a perfect example of a positive emotional situation, which is the time that you always want to ask for a testimonial, because that’s when you’re going to get your very best testimonials.

Be the “Go To” agency because you take care of your customers! “No one cares how much you know until they know you care.”

To your massive success,

 

Mike Stromsoe, Creator of the
Unstoppable Profit Producer Program™
A Coaching Program for Insurance Agents
Website – www.unstoppableprofitproducer.com – Get your 3 Complimentary Gifts Today!

PS The Claim Service Report is just one of the 251 tools given to our coaching clients…  Call and schedule your 29 minute In-Depth, Agency Analysis Call Today, there is absolutely ZERO COST and No-Obligation, it is simply just one more gift to help you.  Call 800-770-9984 or email us at [email protected].

What Do Jim Irsay and Mark Davis Have In Common?

Posted on by Mike Stromsoe

The ANSWER is here..

Having a world class team is the NUMBER ONE priority in any business.

If you would want more info about the Unstoppable Profit Producer Program™ or my Step by Step Hiring System, Take Action Now.  Call 800-770-9984 or Email [email protected] today and start living life on your own terms.

And remember, Implement, Execute and Take ACTION!

PS  “We don’t build businesses, we build people and people build businesses.”    ~ Zig Ziglar

Why We Do What We Do?

Posted on by Mike Stromsoe

As the new year begins, most people have created their list of resolutions and goals.  It is during this time that it’s critically important to clearly understand  the “WHY” in what we do.  This is a significant factor in knowing where you want to go and culminate this year.

Our team recently had the opportunity to view a video about the “WHY”. It was a video that has caused daily reflection for some time. In fact, so powerful, we felt it would be unfair not to share it with each of you.

The focus is WHY we do what we do, whether it be in business or in life. Below are some of the key points of the talk. We hope these simple, yet important thoughts truly make a difference for you, your family and your business this holiday season:

Why – Why we do what we do – It is our purpose, our cause, our belief system. Why do we get out of bed in the morning or why does an organization exist ?

How – How people do it – your differentiating proposition. The processes by which we do what we do. Does our make “all the difference” for others?

What – What is it that we do? Do we have clarity on our mission?

People aren’t in it because of what you do, they are in it because of why you do it; When the opportunity to connect with people who believe what you believe arises, a common why occurs. It is our hope that everyone will consider the WHY in everything you do and that your true belief will reflect in your efforts, whether it be business or pleasure, family or friend. Every relationship matters.

There is so much to be thankful for–our families and friends, our health, our homes, our daily lives. And there is incredible opportunity going forward in 2012.

Thank you for your support, confidence, your business and friendship!

PS All NEW for 2012…… call 800-770-9984 to find out ALL of the details on WHY you should build the agency to support the life of your dreams. Call 800-770-9984 today!

There’s NO time like the present… Time Management

Posted on by Mike Stromsoe

Time… It can be hurtful.  But, in all seriousness, time is something that certainly can be controlled, and it is something that you MUST control.

One of the things we’ve identified in our studies is, everybody’s got the same 24 hours.  It’s not like somebody has an advantage over somebody else.  We’ve all got the same 24 hours, and the last time I checked, we all need sleep, and we all need to have downtime, and frankly time is another four letter word.

HOW are you controlling your time right now? 

You need to identify this, it’s tedious and meticulous, and it’s a pretty uncomfortable process.  It involves sitting down daily for a couple of days and writing down everything that you do.

It’s good to identify the things that you do well, and to spend the majority of your time doing the things that you do well, because that’s where you’re going to get your biggest bang for your buck.

It’s not easy, but once you get it under control… imagine when you walk down the hall and you have a little extra air under your step.  This can happen to YOU!

Your business life will be better, which will in turn make your personal life better, which will in turn allow you to be just better at everything you do.  You can give back to your community more, and it’s just a much more pleasant experience.

“Procrastination is the thief of time.”  –Joseph Heller

What are you waiting for?

To get all of the details about HOW You Can Take Total CONTROL of Your Time TODAY, call 800-770-9984.

Affinity Marketing – It’s a Natural Fit for You

Posted on by Mike Stromsoe

Niches to riches…..if this sounds good to you, then read on!

Affinity marketing is kind of a sub-segment of a niche marketing program, but it can make your niche marketing campaign and your entire agency machine more powerful than ever.

Read my own story below, it’s an example of how your “affinity” can positively affect a niche marketing campaign:

“I started working in my dad’s restaurant when I was 12.  He hired me with one condition. He made me agree that I would work harder than anyone else or I would be fired. I agreed. I started making pizzas. I’d stand next to the girls and they’d show me what to do. They would say, “Crimp the edge a little bit more here, don’t put so much pepperoni on it, and if you do this – don’t put too much sauce.”  They taught me the ins and outs.  After awhile I was making the pizza dough.  In fact, I still have the pizza dough recipe at my house, because I use it from time to time.  There was a long stretch there when I had it memorized.  It was who I was.”

 

“Nowadays, when I’m working in the agency business, I can walk the walk, I can talk the talk, and when I walk into a restaurant, I understand everything that’s going on in the kitchen.  I understand – to boot, I also ran a restaurant for three years as well. So I understand why the mats need to be cleaned every night.  Why they need to take the filters down and run those through the dishwasher, maybe every couple of nights, or maybe once a week is good enough.  I understand why their Ansul system needs to be up to date.  I understand the heat concerns, and the food-borne illness concerns, and what the implications are of someone getting sick off your food, and what the potential liabilities are, and how to talk to your people about serving liquor, and everything that’s involved with that, because it’s who I was and what I did for a number of years.  I was emotionally involved from the deepest part of my soul.”

By having a history deeply entrenched in an affinity market you can tip the marketplace in your favor… What is your affinity market?

Hiring the Gifted Team-Part 3

Posted on by Mike Stromsoe

Please accept my apology, this is long over due. Our total protection team continues to explode our agency.

Here is a real world sample of the exact autoresponder sent to prospective applicants who get past the first two steps. I am continually amazed at the number of qualified people who cannot follow directions!!

*******************************************
Hello $ToFirstName$,

Thank you for requesting more information about a position on our team. In this email, I want to accomplish several things all designed to save both of us time and effort:

1. Provide a list of requirements and expectations.
2. Provide more detail on the job description.
3. Provide some information about us.
4. Explain how to apply if you decide to pursue this opportunity.

If you can meet all of the following requirements and expectations, I hope you will continue with the next step of our hiring process.

* We are located in anytown, TX. You must be able to get to work reliably.

*Work hours are 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. Lunch is 30 minutes and all team members are on flexible lunch breaks.

*You must get to work on time, period. You know yourself, so be honest right now. If you can’t get to work on time, please don’t bother applying.

*You must have excellent computer skills and be open to increased automation of all tasks. We file and fax electronically. We strive to eliminate paper wherever practical. While you do not need prior experience with electronic filing, you won’t be happy here if you are addicted to paper or afraid of computers or automation.

* A high level of proficiency in MS word, MS Excel, MS Publisher and MS Power Point is required

* You must be able to change job tasks on a dime

* You must be able to spell, do basic math functions, and have solid written communication skills

*You must have a positive, upbeat attitude.

*You must be honest and ethical too.

*You must be committed to work when at work. We do have a friendly, fun environment but it is work which is why we pay you. If it was all fun, we’d have to call it an amusement park and charge you to be here.

*Similarly, excessive contact with non-business persons during the work day isn’t tolerated. Everyone has a life. Some personal business must be conducted during work hours. Car’s in the shop, kids checking in after school. Understood. However, such contacts must be kept to necessary contact only – that includes emails too.

*You must be committed to learning. Change is constant and fast in our office. Streamlining and automating systems and procedures, new tools and software, and the ever-changing insurance world. If this scares you, you probably won’t be happy here.

*You must be able to work independently and be organized.

*You must be willing to follow procedures. Some things need to be done a certain way. Other things may require creativity and personal choice. When there are procedures, you must be able to follow them.

*You will work with several account managers. You must be willing to work as part of a team.

If you’re still reading at this point, here’s some information about the job itself. You do not need experience in all the areas, but the more the better of course. Responsibilities include:

*Processing support for licensed agents including data entry, electronic filing, and correspondance.

*Light bookkeeping in support of policy transactions.

*Preparing various insurance documents.

*Additional interface with customers including outbound phone calls to customers to gather data.

* Every day is different. Always a busy and changing environment. Marketing every single day is a must.

*Any other clerical or support tasks as requested. In other words, whatever we need done related to the business.

If you think you qualify and would enjoy this job, then here is some information about us and our benefits:

We are an independent retail insurance agency. We represent many insurance carriers.

We’ve been in business since 1977 and been family owned since 1982.

We presently have a staff of ?? full time persons and ?? part time people

Our benefits program is excellent. Currently it includes:

*Health

*Life

*Retirement Plan

*Paid time off which includes

* ?? paid holidays per year.

*Bonus and incentive plans after a specified period of employment.

If you are interested in applying for this job, please send me your resume and your salary requirements:

1. By email to [email protected]. DO NOT reply to this email.

2. The subject line of your email must state two things:

a. Your first and last name
b. winner

Thanks for your interest

Super Team Leader
President and Team Leader
Future Mega Agency
******************************************

Once a qualified person responds to this, you should have a resume. Personally, I am looking for:

1. ability to write well.
2. not too many jobs in the past 5 years (loyalty to team)
3. intagibles

At this point, if you want to go to the next step, 1-2 aptitude tests are in order. This will be the next blog in our “Hiring the Gifted Team” series. Stay tuned.

How about you? Share your experiences, good and bad, to help others.

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