When you buy insurance to cover your home, vehicle or farm, you may meet with your insurance agent. That meeting may give you a glimpse of what they do, but there’s a lot involved behind the scenes, too. Read more to learn about what insurance agents do and some ways you might spend your time as a Farm Bureau agent.
Every Day Is Different
Across the board, agents share the same sentiment when they describe their work — there’s no such thing as a typical day. Meetings, business development, networking, family time and other activities can all fit into the schedule of a Farm Bureau agent.
Taking Care of Client/Members
Meeting with your current client/members will often be part of your day. Many Farm Bureau agents review policies with their client/members before their annual renewal. That way, they can check in and make sure any significant life changes are being covered by their insurance policy. These meetings are a great way to maintain relationships with loyal client/members.
Some days might be full of client/members meetings, while others might be lighter. You’ll want to accommodate your client/members, but because you own your own business, you can schedule your meetings on your terms.
Visiting Client/Members
Sometimes, you’ll be on the road, talking to families, businesses, farmers or ranchers at their homes or workplaces. It can give you a better idea of the challenges your client/members face and see where they live, work and who they care about. This can show you all the ways you can help them! So, part of your time may be out on the road or in the field.
Prospecting for New Business
Insurance agents want to grow their companies, which means adding to their client base. So, part of your job will be growing your prospect list and reaching out to people on the list to start conversations about their needs. You may have people you want to email, call or meet, and you may also want to reach out to contacts for leads and referrals.
Working on Advertising and Marketing
Name recognition is a big part of the insurance business. You’ll want to spend time developing and tracking advertising and marketing campaigns. You might meet with your marketing coach to discuss strategies or talk to your district manager about what’s worked well for other agents.
Paying Attention to the Details
Of course, there will always be emails to answer, phone calls to return, policies to review and other office activities you need to complete. Some agents like to get an early start on their days and spend 30 minutes or so reviewing what they need to do, while others block off chunks of time later in the day.
If you find these activities are taking up more time than you like, you can bring on a sales associate or other staff to help you out. That way, you can focus on things only you can do to grow your business.
Getting Support
If you have a client/member with complex needs, you don’t have to figure everything out yourself. There will be times you turn to marketing underwriters, the Just-in-Time sales team, wealth management consultants, financial advisors or other Farm Bureau resources to make sure your client/members are getting exactly what they need.
Building Community Connections
Farm Bureau agents are usually very involved in their communities. You might spend time coaching a youth sport, organizing an arts walk or farmers’ market, working with local nonprofits or serving on local governmental committees. You’ll find that opportunities to get out in your community pop up all the time, and you’ll become closely connected with other people in the area. Learn more about how to grow your business with successful networking.
Spending Time With Family
Many Farm Bureau agents cherish their flexible schedules. As an agent, you’ll work hard, but you can block off time for children’s school events, sports or activities and family time. For example, if you want to take the day after Thanksgiving off every year, it’s your business and your decision.
If You Thrive on Variety, Consider Farm Bureau
Most Farm Bureau agents love being in charge of their own schedules and tackling a range of tasks and activities that help grow their businesses. If you love a schedule with a range of activities and space for the things you want to do, a role as a Farm Bureau insurance agent might be right for you. Reach out for more information today.