Young insurance agents have a lot to learn. After all, experience truly is the best teacher. But teachers can also learn from their students, and young agents can teach independent agencies quite a bit about how to stay relevant, especially in the following areas:
In everything from marketing strategies to in-house training methods. While you may remember having only three or four TV channels that signed off at 11:00 p.m, your young agents grew up watching hundreds – plus Netflix, Redbox, and a zillion other choices. Their expectation of variety in all things is good to remember as you consider how to reach out to clients and prospects, and as you design professional development for your own agents. Three words: Mix. It. Up.
Your youngest agents grew up in the educational world of group projects. And, hey, how can cooperation and collaboration be bad things? This new generation of agents can help your team share and spread knowledge in a way that is conducive to everyone in the whole agency better serving clients. And that’s a win-win.
All work and no play makes Jack(ie) a dull boy/girl. Not to mention a frustrated, exhausted insurance agent. Young people are so over the “work all day, work all night, repeat” approach. Their generation knows that comp time for overtime, occasional work-from-home, and other options for flexibility can create a healthy, happier – and yes, more productive – workplace. Listen to their ideas. They’re not trying to be lazy, just more emotionally stable and professionally effective. Try it. You might like it.
Your young agents are the ones whose community service experiences took up a whole extra page on their college applications. The responsibility to leave the world better off than they found it is ingrained in them. Letting them guide your agency to become more socially conscious and involved can boost employee morale and have a positive impact on your agency’s image, all while making the world a better place. Check out these examples of companies that practice corporate social responsibility.
Sure, you saw that one coming. But it’s true. Chances are that your young, new agents were issued electronic devices and cell phones along with their sippy cups. If your agency is still stuck in the last century, you now have resident experts who can help you see how cutting-edge technology and social media channels can revolutionize your business. Even better, they can show you how to use them.
So what are your young agents doing to keep your independent agency current and relevant? Share with us. We’re eager to learn more too!