7 Habits of Successful Insurance Agents | Openly

Forget overnight success stories. Building a thriving career in insurance is a marathon, not a sprint. 

So what’s the secret weapon for top independent insurance agents? Powerful daily habits. These insurance agents aren't just about grinding it out—they're about incorporating smart strategies into smart routines to propel their insurance agency forward in a competitive marketplace. 

Keep reading to crack the code on those habits, with practical tips to inspire you on your own journey to becoming a successful insurance agent. Get ready to ditch the formula and embrace the habits that will help you win in the world of insurance!

At a glance:

• Develop yourself by constantly learning, strategically networking, and prioritizing goal-setting for long-term success.
  

• Build trust and client loyalty by actively listening, proactively communicating, and offering personalized service.
  

• Embrace technology like CRM systems and marketing automation to boost efficiency and enhance client service.
  
  

1. Continuous learning and development

The insurance industry is rarely stagnant. New regulations, improved insurance products, and innovative technologies are emerging all the time. To stay ahead of the curve, successful insurance agents prioritize continuous learning and development, beyond the required continued education requirements.

Investing in ongoing education is an investment in your career as an insurance agent. It not only expands your industry knowledge base, but also demonstrates your dedication to growth and excellence. Here are a few ways to incorporate learning and development into your routine:

• Attend courses and seminars—Consider enrolling in online or in-person courses or webinars or seminars offered by industry associations or insurance providers. These programs can equip you with in-depth knowledge of specific products, risk management strategies, and regulatory updates.
  
  
• Subscribe to industry publications—Sign up to reputable insurance magazines and newsletters to stay abreast of the latest insurance industry trends and news.
  
  
• Gain certifications—Pursue relevant certifications to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to your profession. Many designations, like the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) can enhance your credibility in the eyes of potential clients.

Find out how Dawnyell Smink of Canyon Lands Insurance prioritizes agency education.

2. Effective networking strategies

Effective networking is essential for getting clients for your insurance business. Building strong relationships allows you to connect with potential clients, industry professionals, and referral partners. Consider expanding your network through both on-line and off-line avenues: 

• Leverage online resources—Platforms like LinkedIn are valuable tools for connecting with insurance professionals and potential clients. Join relevant industry groups and participate in online discussions to establish yourself as a thought leader.
  
  
• Attend industry events—Conferences, trade shows, and local business events are excellent opportunities to network in person. Participate in workshops, attend presentations, and actively engage with attendees.
  
  
• Become a community figure—Get involved in your local community; volunteering or sponsoring events can help you build positive brand awareness and connect with prospective clients.

Check out how Josh Bagby and Providence Insurance Advisors use online communities to grow the agency.

3. Goal setting and planning

High-achieving insurance agents are masters of goal setting. They understand the power of setting clear, achievable objectives that propel them forward. Planning and goal setting can be easy as 1-2-3: 

1. Define your goals
   
   
2. Develop actionable plans
   
   
3. Embrace the power of review

Start by identifying both your short-term and long-term goals. Are you looking to increase your client base by 20% in the next quarter? Is your long-term goal is to build a thriving independent insurance agency?

Once you have established your goals, it's important to develop a clear roadmap for achieving them. Break your long-term goals down into smaller, more manageable steps. By doing so, you can stay motivated and have a higher chance of successfully reaching your goals.

At this point, you should be traversing your roadmap. Now is the time to set regular reviews of both your goals and progress. And don’t forget to celebrate your achievements and adjust your strategies as needed.

4. Maintaining a client-first approach

In the insurance industry, building trust with your clients is paramount. Successful insurance agents prioritize a client-first approach, ensuring that their clients' needs are always at the forefront. Strategies for maintaining a client-centric approach include: 

• Active listening—Take the time to truly understand your clients' needs and concerns. Ask questions and demonstrate genuine interest in their situations.
  
  
• Proactive communication—Keep your clients informed by providing regular updates on their policies and proactively reaching out to address questions or concerns they may have.
  
  
• Personalized service—One-size-fits-all solutions rarely work in the insurance industry. Tailor your approach to each client to better understand their individual risk profile and recommend insurance solutions that best suit their specific needs.

Don't let the interaction end after the sale. Schedule regular follow-up calls or meetings to ensure your clients' needs are continually met. A commitment to building long-term relationships is key to fostering loyalty and attracting referrals.

Learn how Anderson Insurance Group maintains a client-first approach to retain clients. 

5. Utilizing technology and tools

Technology plays a crucial role in enabling success in the modern insurance industry. Successful agents leverage various software and tools to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance operations. A tech-savvy toolkit includes: 

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems—These powerful tools allow you to manage your client base effectively. CRM systems help you store client information, track interactions, and automate tasks like follow-ups.
  
  
• Marketing automation tools—Streamline your marketing efforts by using email marketing platforms and social media scheduling tools. Leveraging social media for insurance agents  can save you time, guarantee consistency, and ensure your marketing messages are reaching the right audience at the right time.
  
  
• Policy management software—Simplify the policy issuance process with specialized software. Utilizing various online tools for insurance agents can improve accuracy, reduce errors, and free up valuable time for you to focus on building relationships with clients.

Explore how Raina Walton of RT Thomas Insurance embraces technology while maintaining a personal touch.

6. Time management and organization

Successful agents understand that time is a valuable resource. They integrate effective time management strategies into their daily routines to maximize their productivity and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Staying organized is key to taming the clock: 

• Prioritize ruthlessly—Identify your most important tasks and focus on completing them first. This might involve creating daily to-do lists or organizing tasks based on urgency and importance.
  
  
• Embrace calendars and planners—Using calendars and planners to schedule appointments and tasks can help you stay on top of deadlines. Block out specific time slots for focused work to help maximize your productivity—and minimize distractions.
  
  
• Combat procrastination—Don't let tasks pile up. Set time limits for specific tasks, or reward yourself for completing them efficiently, in order to overcome procrastination.
  
  

7. Commitment to ethical practices

Integrity and honesty are the cornerstones of a successful and sustainable career in insurance. Highly effective agents operate ethically in all their dealings, building trust with clients and colleagues alike:

• Transparency is paramount—Be upfront and transparent with your clients about coverage options, pricing, and exclusions. Avoid misleading information or making unrealistic promises.
  
  
• Put clients’ needs first—Always prioritize your client's best interests. Recommend products that meet their specific needs, and avoid high-pressure sales tactics.
  
  
• Navigating ethical dilemmas—Situations may arise where ethical boundaries are blurred. In these instances, seek guidance from experienced colleagues or professional organizations. Prioritize acting with integrity and upholding the highest ethical standards.
  

Learn how Firefly Agency prioritizes transparency on a daily basis.

Embracing success through daily habits

Success is a journey, not a destination. Consistent effort, continuous learning, and a commitment to excellence are the hallmarks of highly successful insurance agents. By incorporating these practices into your routine, you can build a thriving insurance business and establish yourself as a trusted advisor to your clients.

Openly is committed to supporting the success of independent insurance agents. We offer customizable high-value home insurance to meet your clients' diverse needs, and our dedicated team is here to provide ongoing support and resources. Additionally, Openly offers valuable benefits to appointed agents, like access to industry training, educational resources, and innovative technology.

We invite you to explore how Openly can support you in achieving your insurance agent goals. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services, and to get appointed with Openly.