But one of the best parts about the Internet for an agent is that you can easily search for the online training tools that you need to help your business grow. Just pull up your browser, visit a search engine, and start typing in names, key phrases, products, or whatever you believe will help you generate more business. You can then review the sites that best meet your search criteria.
Though online continuing education (CE) courses are widely available, online training courses have a different purpose: to prepare the insurance agent for licensing or designation exams and general professional development. Any agent can take these courses, some of which are free, but don't expect to get credit for taking them. Online training is simply for those who wish to expand their horizons and further excel in their field, but it can help you grow your business just as much as CE credit or a professional designation.
But how can you decide exactly what to search for and what available training to take advantage of?
First, you need to select a specific market that you can regularly mine for new business. After identifying your market, you can determine that segment's needs and identify the insurance products that will fill those needs. For example, if your target market is seniors, you might want to search the Internet for online training courses in long term care insurance. You should also identify your own limitations and strive to educate yourself in these areas. Although you could hire experts to educate you in the areas where you need the most help, you may be unable to do this because of the cost. Yet it is always best to look for ways in which you can improve your practice. Once you've identified those areas, you are ready to enter the online training world to find information on practically any industry topic.
There are many credible organizations that provide online presentations on specific products, such as annuities, critical illness, or long term care. In fact, you may have already received an email invitation to such a Web conference. These events can provide useful tips on improving your own business. Many of them are free, and some charge nominal fees. Some may also try to promote their own products or services, but if you can look past that, you may learn some beneficial information you can use in your own business. The idea is to find the experts who are offering their knowledge online, learn from them, and incorporate what you learn into your own marketing plan.
One final thought about the use of online training tools: Not only can you train yourself, but you can also provide Web-based training tools directed at your own clients. Develop simple presentations for your prospects and convert them into interactive online documents. You can even incorporate your own voice into each slide of your presentation and upload it to the Internet for easy client access. If you can attract people to your Web site, you can have your presentation seen by thousands of people, instead of the sometimes tedious one-on-one selling.
So assess your own strengths to determine what online training tools you can effectively use in your own business. The Internet along with online training tools can make it that much easier to incorporate new ideas into your marketing plan in order to build a successful business.
Keith E. Ouellette, ChFC, CLU, CLTC is president of WebINS Market Strategies in Tallahassee, FL, an insurance consulting firm specializing in the impaired risk life and health insurance markets. For more information, call 850-894-2821, email keitho@webins.com, or visit www.webins.com or www.webins101.com.
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