If you are a health insurance agent and you want to stay in business, you will have to embrace technology. Specifically, you will need to consider the online marketplace. You may choose to quote and sell to prospects online or just have your contact information and office location online. Its a simple fact, people use the internet for information gathering and purchasing products. If you engage the prospect in the information gathering process, you are likely to stay with them during their product purchase.
Field marketing organizations (FMOs) are expanding their technology and providing agents with more interactive ways to develop leads and make sales. Several FMOs will be competing for your business and some may make promises that they cannot realistically keep. You may find yourself talking to three, four or even more FMOs that want you to sell for them. This process can be very overwhelming. It may be beneficial for you to subscribe to the Agents Sales Journal for ongoing articles and advice in this matter.
Online web leads are another way to use technology to improve your sales. These types of leads are becoming more popular because they are easy and cheap to obtain. It is important that you research the web lead company that you are considering. You may want to find out if they require a minimal lead purchase or contract. Often, the lead company will allow you to filter the leads by age, health condition, and income. Usually, the more filters that you have, the more expensive the lead is. It is also important to understand that these leads may be given out to two or more agents.
It is important that you revisit your business plan when you are deciding how to expand your business with online technology. There are more costs associated with online sales and lead generation. There may also be some cuts in your budgets; for example, you may spend less on gas and car maintenance. Yet, you may rack up a more hefty phone and internet bill. Another expense that you may want to consider is multiple state licensing fees if you are selling insurance online in multiple states.
Further, you may spend more money improving your web site. You may want to hire a web designer or purchase new software and computer equipment. You will want to do a web search to see what other health insurance agents are selling online. You may want to consider if you can compete with them or if you even want to compete with them. Don’t get overwhelmed with technology, embrace it. You may not be a technology guru, but if you have some knowledge on the topic, you may be able to make a more informed decision regarding your business expansion.
Learn more about online insurance sales. Stop by Bennett David’s site where you can find out all about becoming a health insurance agent.
Tags: field marketing organization, FMO, health insurance agent, Insurance, online fmos, online health insurance, sell health insurance online