A simple fact is that insurance agents are in the business of people. Embracing that fact can give you a huge competitive advantage over your competition. You are a brand. How strong your brand is depends entirely on how many people have heard of it and like it. Being likable is one of the most powerful ways to position yourself better as an insurance agent. In this blog post, we'll discuss five easy ways to become more likable that will help you build strong relationships with your potential clients and colleagues.
Talk About Things Other Than Work
Having a conversation about work all the time can be dull and unappealing, so feel free to talk about other things to connect with your prospective clients. By taking an interest in the other person, you can learn more about them, including their interests, hobbies, and values. Learning more about someone's life can also help you understand their needs better and provide insights that can help you better serve them.
Also, discussing topics other than work allows you to build trust and demonstrate that you are genuinely interested in the other person and not just trying to close a sale. This will make the person more likely to do business with you in the future and recommend you to others.
Seek First to Understand
One of the best pieces of advice for improving your likeability is to seek first to understand. This means that when conversing with someone, make an effort to understand where they're coming from before you give your opinion or jump to conclusions. Ask questions and try to get a sense of their perspective which helps to foster a sense of connection and trust between you and the person.
Compliment Sincerely and Often
One of the best ways to make yourself more likable is by complimenting others sincerely and often. When you offer compliments, be sure to be genuine and not just say it to gain favor. When you give a compliment, make sure it is specific and focus on the positive. People are more likely to gravitate towards someone positive and complimentary rather than negative and critical. This can significantly impact your success as an insurance agent, as clients are more likely to choose someone they like.
Find Common Ground
Finding common ground is a powerful way to form connections with people. It helps break the ice and builds trust. Common ground can be anything from shared hobbies and interests to values and beliefs. Connecting with someone over common ground gives you a chance to get to know them better, which makes it more likely to maintain a lasting relationship.
Project Positivity and Success
A simple way to be likable is to smile and put a positive spin on every topic. Even when things aren't going as planned, stay optimistic and project a can-do attitude. This will make people trust that you are capable and reliable, which will be invaluable for your business. It is also essential to create an image of success by dressing well. You communicate success by dressing with attention to detail and an eye for quality.
Affordable American Insurance is a network for independent insurance agents looking to gain invaluable guidance, training, and technology to grow their agency. We give agents the roadmap to success to grow bigger, faster, and more efficiently. Contact us today to discuss how.