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December 16, 2009 at 07:00 PM
I graduated from Wheaton College as an education major, and prepared for a lengthy career as a math teacher. After teaching for two years, I decided it was not for me and embarked on a career in financial services. I founded my own business in 1998 and called it Streamline Financial Services.
Thankfully, I persevered through the first three years as a producer/advisor, encountered all of the typical problems associated with market entry, and eventually achieved a moderate level of success. The first three years are the toughest, and the lack of technology did not help. Paper-based processing buried me at a time when I really need to be building up my productivity to sell more.
Now, at age 35, I’m still one of the younger ones in the insurance business, and I do at times get frustrated about the paperwork and complex process that exists in the life insurance industry. I am a strong believer in technology and believe that it delivers advantages to the insurance agent. Here’s an example of how I was able to win business by using technology.
A prospect contacted me while he was commuting home. I immediately logged into AppNav(TM), an intelligent fillable form (iGO e-App(TM)) powered by iPipeline(TM). I was given the opportunity to use AppNav by Highland Capital Brokerage, and I have found it to be secure, easy to use and it gives me perfect applications. Although there was another agent in the picture, I was able to quickly run multiple quotes for a few carriers, present them over the phone, and convey a sense of expertise.
What’s the point? The prospect really liked the fact that I was able to simply and quickly handle this application over the phone. When I asked if I could e-mail it to him for an e-Signature, he responded, “Let’s get this going.” I think the clients are relieved that they do not have to mess with paperwork, and they appreciate the efficiencies and speed that we are creating in a rapidly commoditized environment. We are slowly getting rid of the rocket science for our customers by making things easily accessible via e-mail for electronic signature.
