What is the biggest challenge your agency faced in the past year?
The COVID-19 Pandemic is the largest challenge faced this year. Yet we all know life must go on. We hired a new producer as all of this was developing and the challenges involved with communication, training, and encouraging her were unique. With the help of many outside supporters, we are making it work. Other challenges have been adapting to the new ways to communicate with clients, prospects, and our carriers. We have learned to keep an eye open to the changing needs of our clients and companies daily.
Do you have a new tip or best practice you have learned and want to share?
Embracing social media marketing! As an example, during April we ran a COVID-19 Quarantine Survival Basket contest which required “likes”, “shares” and “tags”. Our team came up with this idea to keep things light and let people know we were still open for business. We measured the results and found that over 5,600 were reached. Out of that group 1,100 engaged, 122 liked, 177 commented and 53 shared. Beyond that, we also saw a one-week increase in Facebook followers of 37% and increased our social media exposure. We are continuing our Facebook posting with additional contests, posts about our agency and people, spotlights on local businesses, and even a few insurance savings tips now and then.
Why are you an SIA of Northern Ohio member?
When I first joined SIA of Northern Ohio it was to gain access to additional markets and carriers in which we were not appointed. But in a short time, I realized the real benefit is the training, support, resources, and much more that was being offered. All these benefits were important, but access to other companies is very nice too!
What makes your agency unique?
The fact that we are a small agency with the resources of a larger one is something that makes us unique. Also, the fact that we take a “No-Bull” approach to sell our products helps. We keep it personal; each client and prospect is treated the same, with respect! We take each quote request personally, we handle them like they are part of our family, and that shows!
What causes does your agency actively support?
We make it a priority to focus on supporting the community we serve. This means making sure we give back to those families and businesses that have supported us all these years. Beyond that, I have served on the board of our local United Fund for over 12 years and currently, I am in line to serve as its president for the second time. My office manager is a member of the Jaycee’s and my wife sits on the Chamber board. All of us also support our local church and various school activities.