Eating Smarter For Better Health

When you stop to take a look at the obesity rate in the United States, it is nothing short of astounding that, as a nation, we seem to have let ourselves go where our diets are concerned. However, we must stop to look at what the root cause of the obesity epidemic is.

No matter where you shop or what supermarket or convenience store you go into, there is junk food everywhere. Besides tasting absolutely delicious, junk food serves yet another purpose. It's cheap. I recently conducted my own set of tests in an effort to figure out which one was healthier- choosing the predominantly processed food diet or opting for a diet that was rich in health fruits, nuts and grains (which I labeled the "perimeter" diet). What I was able to discover is that while conducting studies for the perimeter diet by shopping the perimeter of the store where all of the fresh produce is does not have to be as expensive if you play your cards right.

The trick to a successful perimeter or 'healthy' diet is getting to know your fruits and vegetables (as well as the supermarket that you typically shop in. If you're really into organic produce, you might be better served waiting until something goes on sale or shopping at a local farmer's market. But that's just it: know which fruits and veggies are in season- this way you can make an informed decision and know what to purchase ahead of time. It's a simple method of supply and demand. If a particular fruit or vegetable is in season, then chances are that there will be more of it available, which will naturally mean a lower price that you would wind up having to pay at the register.

Processed food diets can be cost-effective in the fact that what you are purchasing may last longer due to the fact that it has an exponential shelf life. The most popular example of this can be found in Twinkies. However, the problems come into play because most processed foods contain artificial additives and names of things that we cannot even pronounce, which is never a good sign. Just think, the names of those things that you cannot pronounce are the very same things that you are preparing to put into your body! How do you feel about that? Also, many processed foods contain a high amount of sugar and fat, which is sure to contribute towards all sorts of dietary problems (even if adequate exercise needs are being met). The bottom line? Shop the perimeter, and know your fruits and veggies for optimal health!

Blue Cross NC

Blue Shield NC

Working Your Leads Smarter in 2008

There are various sales techniques out there and there are tons of books to prove it. Visit any book store and there are entire sections on sales. Closing the sale, cold calling, selling specific products and the list goes on. The rules have changed somewhat with the various types of leads available to sell. One rule is always consistent with selling, we have to focus on who we are selling to, and keep at it.

Most insurance agents buy online leads and approach them the same way as they would any other client. That is where we are going wrong. Insurance Agencies have worked with referrals, call in's, and networking. With all those methods, the prospect is actively at your attention at the moment of contact. Online leads change the game. The average online lead is sold four times. Some are sold to national carriers, some are sold only to individual agents, but agents must ask the questions first off to know who they are in competition with.

First, create a varied process for contact and stick to it. When prospects walked in your door, or called you on the phone, you knew their preferred method of communication. In today's day and age, that is not necessarily the case. Some people will prefer to do business by email, some by phone, so multiple exposures in both venue's are essential. Most agents make three phone calls maximum over the course of the first five days. After that time, the lead dies on their desktop or in some file folder.

Multiple emails over the course of thirty to sixty days are essential. Some prospects start hunting far in advance of their renewal. Some are looking because they are "thinking" of buying a product. Staying in contact both by phone and email allows the agency's and the producer's name to be repeatedly brought to the attention of the prospect. This will increase changes of the sale further down the road. Most agents think of email and phone calls as an opportunity for a sale, but it is marketing as well. Until a prospect tells you they have bought elsewhere, email them and call them to insure good customer follow up.

Second, assume the sale. Use words about how you look forward to talking with them soon and how your companies deliver A rated service by AM Best or about the services your agency offers. Your email or phone message can be the entire reason someone calls you back. If you are associated with a larger company to have name recognition, make sure to supply that information as well. Deliver a great message in your voicemail or email with positive expectations and positive words can be the key to someone returning your call!

Third, return phone calls and provide information on time. This seems like common sense, but a lot of agents just drop the ball. Good follow through is essential. Prospects need to know that their agent takes the responsibility of protecting their assets seriously. Insurance is seen as a requirement by banks and law enforcement officials, not as protection for a lifestyle.

By taking the perspective that insurance is to protect the lifestyle that the prospect is working for, agents are showing their prospects that they are valuable as well. People are unfortunately accustomed to being treated with less than superior service, by doing what you say you will do, agents can exceed expectations easily and secure the business.

Finally, create multiple marketing exposures. Agents are paying anywhere from eight to fifteen dollars per lead. These prospects have provided a lot of information and 92% of all agents never make a secondary attempt at selling after the initial renewal date has expired. If we look at the raw numbers, most leads are approximately ten dollars per lead. At 10 leads, close ratios are around 20%. Eight leads are then going dormant and never contacted again. If producers can call at renewals down the road, send post cards or market to these prospects again, the close ratios will increase dramatically. Agents fully utilizing the AgencyIQ System generally see a 35% close ratio when utilizing multiple auto responders, consistent phone calls, and secondary marketing opportunities.

Selling insurance is hard work, but stick by these five principals and watch your success grow tremendously. No business can survive without prospects and online leads are just one way of developing your business, but they are a venue that is here to stay. Mix up your marketing and your approaches, and make 2008 your best year yet!

Teresa Kitchens
VP Operations of Net-Lead, LLC, the creators of the AgencyIQ System
Teresa is one of the co-founders of the AgencyIQ System and a proud owner of her own successful insurance agency.

Insurance Leads - Getting More by Working Smarter!

The insurance business is highly saturated as you may know. Acquiring insurance leads consistently by the day not only becomes more costly, it is more challenging in every business aspect of the industry. However, the insurance business as you already may know is one of the most profitable industries in the entire world. With insurance, everyone is covered. At least that's the motto for many!

Getting more leads, acquiring more customers, and keeping loyalty among your range of clients from your portfolio is one of the three fundamental keys to achieving success in the business. Not only are they principles followed by many successful corporations in numerous industries, such keys are what fuel national success in businesses for years.

Let us take a leading insurance company that is favored among millions of adults nationwide in the United States, Geico. For years now, Geico has recognized the power in using a smart, yet simple lead generation funnel. You most likely have seen the TV commercials.

Geico provides you a distinctive TV commercial among the hundreds of competitors they currently have in the industry. They have a wild pet that already identifies the company; they mix the commercial with informative situations and steps you should consider. Ultimately, you pick up the phone and call Geico and an insurance agent or telemarketer, as defined in the industry, builds rapport with you, a person who needs insurance.

They have a successful and proven lead generation system. Now for two years in a row they ranked #1 for the well known "Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index". The Government Employees Insurance Company known as Geico is the fourth- largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States. With more than 8 million policyholders and over 13 million vehicles, they surely know how to retain customers.

The financial keys and the teachings that such a brilliant company like Geico provides any person starting in the insurance business rely on keeping their customer's loyalty. Successful insurance companies as in every other business invest thousands of dollars, and those at the very top invest millions of dollars a month acquiring new customers. One single customer over a span of 12 months could easily mean four figures in growth income.

That is one of the main reasons shareholders in many companies should be proud of such distinctive commercials. They entertain, tell a realistic viewpoint of the real world, and most importantly, they sell.

Now according to Berkshire Hathaway, Geico is surely rated A++ for financial stability. Surely, a great working company if you want to learn the ropes.

But what happens if you are already planning to own your own insurance agency? What needs to happen if you need a lead generation system in place to acquire smart and intelligent business that produces results? The key will be to search for the best Internet marketing lead generation system on the Internet, a system that teaches you a step by step process on how to build your own profitable list. Finally, make sure the insurance leads you acquire are fresh and workable according to your needs.

Would you like to learn lead generating techniques and how to handle those leads? Learn how using software programs, joining groups or associations, and how the Internet can be effective at generating leads. Go to http://www.LeadsAndListBuilding.com