3 Tech Tools for Insurance Brokers to Be Thankful for This Thanksgiving

 

Thanksgiving is traditionally the time of year when many of us reflect and give thanks for the positive things that affect (or have affected) our lives. For insurance brokers, it’s no different. This is also a good time to look back and consider your blessings when it comes to technology tools that make your job easier. Below are three tech tools we know brokers very much appreciate.

 

The Internet

The Internet is a great resource for insurance brokers – whether you’re seeking carrier information, rate comparisons, or doing other research like investigating the latest congressional proposal to repeal, replace, or amend the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

When you’re first starting out in insurance sales, the Internet makes it easy for you to investigate options as far as your business structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, etc.) and your potential agency name (so it’s not too similar to someone else’s). It’s also an easy way to register your business with your local and state agencies as well as trademark your company name if you’re pursuing business in a broader service area.

Of course, the Internet is a valuable tool to help you build your business. WiFi hot spots give you the freedom to work from virtually anywhere. And Google search is a great tool to research prospect firms. It can also make it easy for prospects and customers to find you. Having a website is an essential part of getting started (and keeping your business going), so you need to consider how you want to set up your site and what you want your prospects and customers to be able to find there – like information on the carriers you represent and the products you offer, and how they can request a quote. GoDaddySquarespace, and bluehost can all help you get your business online.

Don’t forget the significant role the Internet plays in your use of social media like Facebook and Twitter – helping you stay up on the industry and keeping your name in front of prospects and clients all year long. After all, social media wouldn’t exist without the Internet.

 

Smartphones and Apps

Your smartphone is one of the most effective and efficient tools you have in your business arsenal. You can read and send emails and texts, schedule meetings, follow your customers or favorite carriers on social media, generate quotes, find addresses (and navigate your way there), and do so much more. 

 

Related: Technology in the Palm of Your Hand

 

Aside from popular apps like Google Maps, Evernote (to help you stay organized), Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, streaming music apps like Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, and Tidal are very popular – and they can make that drive to your in-laws or other relatives for a holiday dinner more enjoyable. There are also PDF and presentation apps like iAnnotate and Keynote.

 

CRM Tools

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software is something else to be thankful for. Whether you’re using tools from SalesforceQuotitSugar CRM, or Zoho, it can be indispensable in helping you keep your client contact information up to date, generate leads, set your calendar for follow-ups, or keep track of your ongoing sales performance.

 

Added Tools for Word & Brown Brokers

In addition to the tools mentioned above, many California and Nevada brokers are also appreciative of the proprietary tools developed by Word & Brown and the technology available from EaseCentral through Word & Brown.

WBQuote, the latest version of Word & Brown’s online quoting system built on a decades-long tradition of innovative quote technology, makes comparison-shopping easy with built-in safeguards to prevent errors and the industry’s only guaranteed-accurate quote for small businesses. It delivers customizable quoting with highlighted plans differences, so you can zero in on plan details like co-pays, prescription benefits, or other features. You can quote on your own or with our help – it’s your choice.

A tool that more and more brokers are embracing is WBMedID, which gives your clients access to their Medical ID Card information on their smartphone. California-based employees no longer have a wait a week – or more – to get proof of insurance when they have coverage from Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, and Health Net. It’s available to them as soon as their coverage is approved. (Ask your Word & Brown sales representative for details, including information on other benefits for your clients who register for and use WBMedID.)

Don’t forget about EaseCentral, which is available through a free “Try Before You Buy” offer if you’re a Word & Brown broker. EaseCentral offers an online HR benefits management software solution that provides your groups with a centralized way to manage and access online enrollment, new employee onboarding, HR documents, payroll (option), and ACA compliance.

 

Our Thanks to You, Too

We would be remiss if we didn’t take a moment at this time of year to say “thank you” for following our posts and considering (or embracing) a relationship with the Word & Brown General Agency. We look forward to continuing to provide you with tips, guidance, and industry news in the weeks and months ahead.  

 

How Much Can You Earn as an Insurance Broker?

Find out what you can be earning as an insurance agent in our handy, up-to-date salary guide. Produced by our in-house experts, this resource is bound to help you in advancing your career.

Word & Brown Salary Guide
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