Your Next Producer/Account Manager Might Just Be Under Your Nose!
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I recall years ago going to buy furniture and the sales person that helped me — who was very young and new to the job — was simply exceptional. I remember thinking at the time that this person would make an excellent producer for an agency. I recalled that the president of a large agency had expressed in a meeting, “Give me someone dependable and personable any day of the week. I’ll teach them insurance.”
I also recall discussions with my wife when we go places where the front desk people are simply awful. It makes us wonder how they can possibly maintain repeat business. Then of course, when we do run into professional and knowledgeable people at the front desk, it translates into a wonderful experience and again you think: Wow, this person would be great at an agency. And believe me, I always thank them for being so helpful.
How many of us place ads in all manner of hiring networks hoping and praying for some activity or contacts? I spoke with a member the other day who had lined up a number of virtual interviews and not a single person showed up at their appointed time. Clearly, they were going through the motions of “looking” for a job but with no intention of following up.
But here’s an idea — though not entirely mine as it evolved through the discussions with a member — why don’t we produce a business card that says, I’m impressed with you — ask me about a career in property/casualty insurance. On the reverse side of the card, provide some more detailed information such as: You’re obviously great at customer service and I believe you could be very successful in a career with my firm. Think about it and if you just want to talk about possible opportunities, give me a call. Bob Bradshaw, 804-747-9300 or email me at rbradshaw@iiav.com.
Anyone try such an idea? I don’t believe you would spread these cards out to everyone (clearly), but think of the opportunities. What could be worse than having someone impress you with their customer service skills and they call you asking about opportunities in your agency? IIAV can of course help you with the pre-licensing classes which we have online and in-person. We also have a wide range of on-boarding programs to assist you, your agency and your new employee.
All types of businesses are looking for employees today. We’re going to have to think of new ways to attract new employees. We can wait until someone shows up at the front door … or we can invite them in.
What strikes me about this is that when I ask groups of members how they got into this business and industry, they almost universally say that they “lucked” into the profession. What an awesome thing to think.
Robert N Bradshaw, Jr., MAM
IIAV President & CEO
