According to the results of the survey the top five skills needed to become a successful independent insurance agent are:
1. Product and risk management knowledge
2. Sales skills; People management skills (tie)
3. Initiative; being a self-starter
4. Business management skills
5. Empathy for customers
I find it very interesting that product knowledge is considered more important than being able to close the sale. My assumption is their thinking is without the product knowledge you will not be able to close the sale regardless of your sales mastery skills. I think that depends entirely on the market you are working in. What are your thoughts on the most important skills needed?
The top five biggest challenges facing an independent insurance agency according to the survey results are:
1. Attracting new customers
2. Increasing competition from companies selling direct
3. Finding and retaining good people
4. Having the variety of markets and products to meet customers' needs
5. Retaining existing customers
The following results touched on technology:
Only 11 percent of young independent insurance agents have an
interactive website where people can quote, buy and contact them.
Thirty-four (34) percent have a static website where people can learn
more about their agency and the services they provide and 40 percent
don't have a website at all.
It seems the next generation of independent insurance agents is not utilizing the power of the internet to not only generate leads but to also get their name and agency more name recognition.
