Monday, February 28, 2011

Why Senior Marketing Specialists: SMS?

Ryan Reddick took a moment out of his day last week to answer this question. If you're curious, listen to his short response on Youtube!

http://www.smsteam.net/index.php

Morning Challenge...

It’s the last day of February! Have you written down your goals? And are you on track to accomplish them?

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”

Friday, February 25, 2011

Whatever you do, do NOT...

*Click here to find out WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT DO!

“A professional networker is someone who attentively listens … to a subject he knows everything about … told by someone who knows nothing about it.” –Dale Carnegie

We love what we do at SMS

“If I knew today was my last day alive would I want to do what I will do today?”

"This question is why my being with SMS - working with agents, giving seminars, coming up with fun ideas together and having friendships with people like you and all of you at SMS - is important to me."

-Dan Mangus

I truly believe that everyone here at SMS can agree with Dan's statement. We, the "SMS Team," love what we do! We are passionate about finding new ways to help you exceed your goals as an independent agent. So don't hesitate to call us: 1-800-689-2800 or leave a comment here if you have questions. That's why we're here. After all, quality of service and training is what sets us apart from all other FMO's.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Why Have Cancer Insurance?

Something to Consider

Which would you prefer?

Your client contacts you to say that they have cancer and you have never talked to them about cancer insurance. They have good health insurance but are still going to be out thousands of dollars for their care and related expenses.

or

Your client contacts you to say that they have cancer and they have cancer insurance with you. They have good health insurance and a good cancer plan so they will receive thousands of dollars to help pay expenses when they need it most.

Contributed by Dan Mangus

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Recovery Care Agent Training Video!

An agent shared with us that this was probably the best Webinar he has ever attended! Watch the video, and let us know what you think!

Click on this link to view the Recovery Care Presentation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhbgIpP_QuA&feature=autoplay&list=ULThSyK919qik&index=2&playnext=1



Quote Submitted by Dan McNerney



“I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I just lived the length of it. I want to live the width of it as well.”
-Diane Ackerman

More Referrals - No Questions Asked!

Here's a short, beneficial article for all those agents who would like more referrals but feel uncomfortable asking directly for them!

http://www.seniormarketadvisor.com/Exclusives/2011/2/Pages/3-proven-ways-to-get-referrals-without-asking.aspx?tips

Did you know...

...that the older population in 2030 is projected to be twice as large as in 2000.

Source: http://www.census.gov/prod/2006pubs/p23-209.pdf

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

You're Invited to Our Recovery Care "Boot Camp"

When: March 22, 2011


Where: Columbia, MO 65201


Trainer: Philip Warren, who carries with him 30 years of experience in selling and marketing senior insurance products!

RSVP by March 14th: call 1-800-689-2800 or email kalia@smsteam.net

Restriction: You must be contracted with one of our Recovery Care carriers before March 14th to qualify. Seats are limited!

No Cost to attend!

February = American Heart Month

While it's still February, you could add value to your own social media sites by incorporating content like this for your senior clients:

According to USA.gov heart attacks can be intense and unmistakable, or they can be subtle and cause mild discomfort. Whether your symptoms are intense or mild, get help immediately—your quick action could save your life.
Symptoms of a heart attack include:
• Shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest
• Feeling light-headed, dizzy, or weak
• Discomfort in the upper body (arm, shoulder, back, neck, jaw)
• Nausea and/or discomfort in the stomach

There are often no obvious warning signs of heart disease before a heart attack occurs, but there are things you can do to check on your heart and work towards good health. They include:
• Checking your blood pressure regularly.
• Checking your cholesterol as recommended by your doctor.
• Knowing your risk factors for heart disease.
• Exercising regularly and eating a well-balanced diet.
• Not smoking.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Imagine if you could close one more sale each week...

Click here to find out what 3 things you could be doing to close more sales!

Quote of the Day - Contributed by JoAnn Wray (VP of SMS)




“Nourish the mind like you would your body. The mind cannot survive on junk food”.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Important Info for Agents selling AARP Med Supps:


You are required to have sold 5 AARP Med Supps between Jan 1st 2010 and March 31st 2011. If you do not meet this requirement then you will be "de-authorized" for 120 days. (There are exceptions for those who have been contracted less than one year). Feel free to call us with questions. We're here to help you! 1-800-689-2800

A way to add value to your social media sites!


"As agents we need to be involved in keeping our clients healthy. We can incorporate videos like these into our websites for added value to our clients." Click here to view video ideas!

-Dan Mangus, Agent and SMS Special Projects Coordinator

Do I automatically receive Medicare benefits if I'm eligible for disability benefits?

When your clients ask you this question, how do you answer? Here's one suggestion:Click here to view the suggested answer.

7 Unique Ideas for Passing Out Your Business Cards!


It will only take you a minute or two to read over this list of ideas, and it's worthwhile!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

What do birthdays and insurance sales have in common?

According to LIMRA, 42% of people buy insurance around their birthday! So, are you asking people for their birth date?

Don Runge - The Lead Guru - Was Here in Our Office Today!

If you haven't heard him speak, YOU DEFINITELY SHOULD! He's engaging and truly insightful! All of us in this office benefited from his visit.

Here are two quotes of Don's from this morning as he addressed agents:
1. "Market yourself in, sell yourself out, and refer yourself back forever!"
2. "The person asking questions is the expert and is in control..."

What have YOU read or heard of Don Runge's that you would recommend?

Did you know that baby boomers spend more time online than they do watching TV?

Click here to view the 5 reasons why you should be changing with the times!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

You Ask a Question & the Experts Will Answer... on Video!

Would you like to ask Dan McNerney, or any of our experts, a question related to sales or senior insurance?

Just leave a comment here with your question. And we'll ask Dan McNerney and others to respond on CAMERA! Then we'll post their video responses back on this blog!

But Hurry - Questions must be submitted before February 23rd!!!

Helpful Tool!

"I thought these sales tracking forms would be an extremely useful tool for agents to use to track there numbers this year!"

-Kiley McNerney

Print your own sales tracking forms now! Click here for the forms!

Why be in the senior market?

The growth in the 65-and-older population will be about 3½ times the growth of the nation as a whole, the Census Bureau predicts.

Source: http://www.census.gov/prod/2006pubs/p23-209.pdf

Contribution by Dan Mangus

Quote Contributed by JoAnn Wray - V.P. of SMS

“Committing your goals to paper increases the likelihood of your achieving them by one thousand percent!!!”

Have you written down your goals for 2011? It's not too late.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

ATTN Agents: We're offering free product training!

As you know, being a full-service agent means more money in your pocket. So, are you a full-service agent? If not, what’s stopping you?

We know you are busy and we know you don’t want to learn a new product. So... we’ll make it easy for YOU!

•You choose your new product.
•Give up just one hour of your time, on your schedule, for one on one product training and discussion.
•All contracting will be completed for you, at the end of the call, and starter supplies emailed to you.
•All you have to do is be willing to listen, learn, and EARN!

If you're interested, call 1-800-689-2800 today and Kalia Hill will direct your call to the appropriate trainer!

A thought for Agents...

The feeling of isolation can be a major concern for our senior clients. Using the internet can be a great way for them to keep in contact with friends and family. If you see that one of your clients is lonely you might want to encourage a healthy use of the internet.

-Dan Mangus

Kiplinger Video on LTC - Recommended by Dan Mangus!

Dan Mangus comments that he "loves the expression this speaker uses: Purchase a short fat policy vs. a long thin one."

Find out what this mean by clicking here!

Monday, February 14, 2011

The Effects of Cross-Selling on Agent Commissions!!!

According to a study done by LIMRA, you as an agent have only a 35% chance of client retention if you have one product in the home. If you have two products, the retention rate then increases to 56% and to 92% with at least three products in the home.

Are you cross-selling? If not, what's holding you back? Find out how we can help you by giving us a call: 1-800-689-2800!

This information was contributed by Christine Todd - Regional Recruiter at SMS.

A QUOTE DAN MCNERNEY LIKES

"The difference between great people and everyone else is that great people create their lives actively, while everyone else is created by their lives, passively waiting to see where life takes them next."

A Visit to Dan's Office...

Content Contributed by Dan Mangus:

We are in a changing industry. When I started working with insurance products twenty eight years ago one hundred percent of my sales were made in my clients home. Although I still see a few of my clients in their home the vast majority are seen in my office. This offers many benefits to both my clients and myself. Some of the benefits are:

-Professional setting
-Access to files
-Access to supplies
-Internet Access
-Opportunity to meet my staff
-Dramatic increase in number of clients I can meet with
-Availability of office equipment like a copier and fax
-Allows better use of presentation materials like powerpoint

The Steps I follow include:

1. A pre-appointment letter outlining their upcoming appointment and confirming what they will need to bring with them. For example a list of all of their prescription drugs.

2. A call is made to confirm their appointment.

3. When greeted by my assistant the client is presented with a clipboard that has a form for them to complete to update their basic data and collect information like their e-mail address etc. Also if needed forms like a scope of appointment will be attached.

4. Upon completion my assistant will bring the clipboard and the clients file to my office for the meeting.

5. During the appointment my clients are presented with a review of any Medicare changes and information regarding what is new with our agency. I usually will use a powerpoint presentation to do this.

6. A review of their current plans and any changes in these plans will be discussed. and completed. We then discuss any additional plans and complete the enrollment in those plans.

7. A meeting summary is then completed and referrals discussed.

8. A pending form is completed that is designed to track any new applications through the underwriting process. It is attached to the clipboard along with the applications.

9. I then walk my client to my assistants desk and give her the clipboard and client file. I ask her to schedule their next appointment and leave my client with her to complete the scheduling. She gives the client an appointment reminder form that has the date and time of the appointment. It also has a calendar with the appointment circled and well as bullet points about plans we offer.

10. My assistant then enters the appointment activities into our database, places the pending form into a ring binder to begin the application tracking and submits the applications.


Friday, February 11, 2011

Important Reminders!

Two Things...

1. MADP ends on February 14th.

2. Valentine's Day is just three days away!

Have a great weekend. We'll see you back here on Monday!

How One Woman Sold LTCI...

Here’s an inspiring article from Senior Market Advisor. It highlights an agent who focuses on the LTC business.

Click here to see for yourself!

This article was recommended by one of our very own: Mr. Ryan Reddick, Marketer at Senior Marketing Sales : SMS!

Ideas for structuring a family agency - by Dan Mangus

With a family business it is very difficult to manage those we love, so it is very important to put accountability measures in place. The best way I have found to handle the situation is to form a "Department" for each individual.

Example: The Department of Dan Mangus.
I would have a percentage of the business that I was accountable for. The Department would have X # of clients. The Department would set production goals. The Department would be responsible for their percentage of operating expenses. The Department would report each month on it's status of profit and loss.

If the Department was being compensated on a percentage of commission and they were not able to meet their portion of expenses then the commission percentage would be reduced to recoup the funds for the agency.

Example: On a 60/40 split it may be changed to a 50/50 split until the department balances again. A semi-annual review of fixed expenses could be done to adjust for change in department requirements.

JoAnn Wray Contributes the Quote for the Day:

"Ask for what you want. Ask for help, ask for input, ask for advice and ideas – but never be afraid to ask."

Thursday, February 10, 2011

You made it into a client's home - Now what?

Once you enter a client's home you should start by melting the ice and work on selling yourself!

Here's how:

Ask Questions like...
  • How long have you lived in this home?
  • Where do (or did) you work?
  • What are your hobbies?
  • Do you have any kids? Where do they live?
  • Have you had any health problems in the last 5 years (heart attack, stroke, insulin dependent diabetes, surgeries, etc.)

Then start asking questions like...

  • Are you surprised how much Medicare has changed over the years?
  • Where do you like to receive your health care?
  • What do you like or dislike about your current plan?
  • What do you like or dislike about your current doctor?

Keep in mind, you don't want to be too inquisitive too fast. Be a good listener. Always acknowledge the prospect and address questions/objections immediately (so they won't haunt you later)!

This information was contributed by David McNerney and Jim Irwin.

Important: Sterling Announced a new Training Requirement!

ATTN Sterling Life Agents: A New CMS required Fraud, Waste and Abuse (FWA) training has been added to Sterling's Life's certification. Effective immediately, all agents are required to complete the training and attest that they have done so. Please review the training, print off the attestation form (last page of the training document) and fax it to this number: (360) 685-5910.

You must act before Monday, February 21st!

Click here to view the training material and the appropriate form!

Are you meeting your clients online???

Due to the influx of seniors online, it is important that you're there too. That being said, we realize that there are challenges to setting up an online presence.

So, we would like to know how to help YOU reach clients through social media sites, but we need your feedback!

Do you have a website or a landing page? What about a Facebook fanpage? If not, what's holding you back?

Just drop us a comment here! Thanks.

A Quote that Dan McNerney Lives By!

"Learn from the past, set vivid, detailed goals for the future, and live in the only moment of time over which you have any control: now." -- Denis Waitley

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Top Three Reasons for Failed Sales - An Article Recommendation

I just read this article on ProducersWeb.com. You should check it out! Click here if you're interested!

Good News for Agents in Oklahoma!

Heartland National is offering a NEW Med Supp in Oklahoma!
Interested? Give us a call at 1-800-689-2800

Dan McNerney Recommends: Zig Ziglar - Attitude Makes All the Difference

I saw this amazing video on YouTube! Zig Ziglar is an excellent speaker - funny, concise and informative. I can see why he is a favorite of Dan McNerney's! Click here to view this 9 minute video for yourself!

Would you like an easy way to explain the four parts of Medicare to your clients?

Social Security online has a great article. Click here to read it!

Contributed by Dan Mangus - Special Projects Coordinator for SMS.

Does your client need a replacement Medicare Card?

If so, follow this link.

Contributed by Dan Mangus - Special Projects Coordinator for SMS.

Quote Contributed by JoAnn Wray - V.P. of SMS

“Every great leap forward in your life comes after you have made a clear decision of some kind.”

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Important Update for California Agents!

On February 16th, 2011 a United of Omaha Medicare Supplement will be available in California!

Check out the new application!

Don't be confused! This is different from the United World product that is already available there.

A Quote Contributed by Dan McNerney

"A bad decision is when you know what to do and you don’t do it."
-Duncan Goodhew

Monday, February 7, 2011

Thoughts About Referrals

Suggested Reading: Endless Referrals by Bob Burg.

"All things being equal, people will do business with, and refer business to, those people they know, like and trust!"

Notes about Referrals:
1. Female clients offer almost twice as many referrals as males
2. A referral has already established your credibility and trust. With a lead, you have to start from the ground floor to establish your credibility and trust.
3. People buy because they like and trust you. Your credibility is what makes the sale!

Dan McNerney Recommends These Articles!!!

1.Shut up for a second: Understanding buying signals.

2.Powerful Presentations Turn Prospects into Clients!

Quote of the Day- Contributed by JoAnn Wray

JoAnn Wray, Vice President of SMS shares a Vince Lombardi quote:

“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will.”

Friday, February 4, 2011

The Super Bowl Is Just Around the Corner...

Super Bowl Success - How advisors play big in the big game!

Confused about the Medicare Changes Announced this week???

We have the answers!

1. CMS has extended the Special Election Period (SEP) to February 28, 2011 for MAPD and PDP enrollees who lost coverage due to plan non-renewal, a service area reduction (SAR) for the 2011 plan year, or a plan termination.

2. Impacted individuals may choose a new MAPD plan, opt for a Medicare Supplement and a stand-alone PDP, or remain on original Medicare and purchase a stand-alone PDP.

* Also, don't forget about the MADP that ends as of 2-14-2011!

Click here for details!

Short Motivational Clip -- John Wooden on True Success

The simple principles that John Wooden taught, and lived by, led to his unbelievable success. What were these principles? Find out by watching this short clip. You may be surprised at how many of the principles you can apply to your own life as well! Click here to watch the video!

Never Stop Learning -- A Quote from Dan McNerney

“Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can - there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did.” -- Sarah Caldwell

Who is Dan McNerney?

United of Omaha Plan N Changes -- The Details

Follow these links for details regarding the United of Omaha Plan N changes.

Underwriting Changes!

Changes to the Combo App!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

United of Omaha's Combo Application Suspended - the Highlights

The United of Omaha Med Supp/ Whole Life Combo Product will be suspended.

Affected States include the following: AZ, AR, GA, IL, IN, IA, KY, MI, MO, NC, OH, OK, SC, TN, TX and WV

According to the AIMC update: "Plan N can no longer be accepted on the combo application effective February 16, 2011."

Combo apps for plans (other than Plan N) must be signed by March 16, 2011. Combo apps signed after March 16th will NOT be accepted.

For questions please call us at 1-800-689-2800.

United of Omaha - Plan N Underwriting Changes - Some Highlights!

AIMC reports that the "underwriting requirements are being standardized for ALL Mutual, United World, and United of Omaha states where Plan N is offered."

States Impacted: AL, AR, AZ, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MI, MT, ND, NH, NM,OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, WI, WV AND WY -- but NOT New York.

Some of the Changes Include:
1. Plan N applicants will be subject to normal requirements for: Tobacco rates and Height/weight rates.
2. Applicants will be subject to pharmaceutical screens.
3. When outside the Open Enrollment period, applicants (with no previous coverage) must answer all of the normal health questions.
4. A new application must be used for all apps signed on or after February 16, 2011, or the apps will be returned. We recommend ordering the new application books ASAP! Click here to order supplies!

For any questions please call us at 1-800-689-2800 or contact one of our marketers online.

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Decisions Matter - Quote for the Day

Dan McNerney, Owner and President of Senior Marketing Specialists - SMS, shares this motivational quote:

"The longer I live, the more deeply I’m convinced that the difference between the successful person and the failure, between the strong and weak, is a decision.
-Willie E. Gary

What decisions do you attribute to your own success?