Look to us for all your senior market insurance needs! Specializing in Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, Long Term Care, Prescription Drug Plans, Final Expense and Ancillary products for your senior clients!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Why Senior Marketing Specialists: SMS?
http://www.smsteam.net/index.php
Morning Challenge...
“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”
Friday, February 25, 2011
Whatever you do, do NOT...
“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
"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
Something to Consider
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
Contributed by Dan Mangus
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Recovery Care Agent Training Video!
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
More Referrals - No Questions Asked!
http://www.seniormarketadvisor.com/Exclusives/2011/2/Pages/3-proven-ways-to-get-referrals-without-asking.aspx?tips
Did you know...
Source: http://www.census.gov/prod/2006pubs/p23-209.pdf
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
You're Invited to Our Recovery Care "Boot Camp"
Where: Columbia, MO 65201
Trainer: Philip Warren, who carries with him 30 years of experience in selling and marketing senior insurance products!
Restriction: You must be contracted with one of our Recovery Care carriers before March 14th to qualify. Seats are limited!
February = American Heart Month
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...
Friday, February 18, 2011
Important Info for Agents selling AARP Med Supps:
A way to add value to your social media sites!
-Dan Mangus, Agent and SMS Special Projects Coordinator
Do I automatically receive Medicare benefits if I'm eligible for disability benefits?
7 Unique Ideas for Passing Out Your Business Cards!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
What do birthdays and insurance sales have in common?
Don Runge - The Lead Guru - Was Here in Our Office Today!
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?
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
You Ask a Question & the Experts Will Answer... on Video!
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!
-Kiley McNerney
Print your own sales tracking forms now! Click here for the forms!
Why be in the senior market?
Source: http://www.census.gov/prod/2006pubs/p23-209.pdf
Contribution by Dan Mangus
Quote Contributed by JoAnn Wray - V.P. of SMS
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!
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...
-Dan Mangus
Kiplinger Video on LTC - Recommended by Dan Mangus!
Find out what this mean by clicking here!
Monday, February 14, 2011
The Effects of Cross-Selling on Agent Commissions!!!
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
A Visit to Dan's Office...
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!
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...
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
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:
Thursday, February 10, 2011
You made it into a client's home - Now what?
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!
You must act before Monday, February 21st!
Click here to view the training material and the appropriate form!
Are you meeting your clients online???
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!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Top Three Reasons for Failed Sales - An Article Recommendation
Good News for Agents in Oklahoma!
Interested? Give us a call at 1-800-689-2800
Dan McNerney Recommends: Zig Ziglar - Attitude Makes All the Difference
Would you like an easy way to explain the four parts of Medicare to your clients?
Contributed by Dan Mangus - Special Projects Coordinator for SMS.
Quote Contributed by JoAnn Wray - V.P. of SMS
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Important Update for California Agents!
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
-Duncan Goodhew
Monday, February 7, 2011
Thoughts About Referrals
"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!
Quote of the Day- Contributed by JoAnn Wray
“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
Confused about the Medicare Changes Announced this week???
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
Never Stop Learning -- A Quote from Dan McNerney
Who is Dan McNerney?
United of Omaha Plan N Changes -- The Details
Underwriting Changes!
Changes to the Combo App!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
United of Omaha's Combo Application Suspended - the Highlights
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!
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
"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?