View this e-mail online.
Inside AMS: Monthly tips and insight from Asset Marketing Systems
December 2008
About AMS
 

Sales Tip
New Year's Resolution:
Rejuvenate Your Sales in 2009

The year is almost over. Now is the time to assess your sales in 2008 and set your goals for 2009. Gearing up for a new year can be a daunting task though. You may be feeling overwhelmed with everything that has happened this year or you may be suffering from burnout after all of your hard work. If you find yourself struggling with motivation or you’re dissatisfied with your sales performance, try some of these techniques to get you back on track:

  • Relax. Nothing restores focus quicker than a brief mental vacation. Take 10 to 15 minutes to sit in total silence and clear your mind. From this fresh start it will be much easier to clarify your goals and determine a plan of action.
  • Prioritize. If you are feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to prioritize your tasks for the day or for the week. Write down your agenda. Don’t allow anxiety about having too much to do prevent you from accomplishing your tasks.
  • Visualize. It’s much easier to achieve success if you can imagine yourself being successful. Before you meet with a client or give a presentation, take some private time to close your eyes and envision yourself nailing it.
  • Add value. Ask yourself what you bring to the table that other producers in your area do not. If your sales are stagnating, try to think of new ways to stand out from the crowded marketplace. The answer could be anything from superior customer service to additional services to a personal touch.
  • Move beyond your circle of activity. Another way to jumpstart slow sales is to break out of your comfort zone. Think of new ways to find clients. Is there a market segment you have not pursued previously?
  • Push the limits. Dissatisfied with your sales performance? This may actually be a good thing. Use this feeling to push yourself forward. Turn those negative feelings into a positive motivator.

Your In-House Expert
The benefits of being an entrepreneur are numerous, but there is at least one drawback that seems to challenge most entrepreneurs at one time or another. As independent businessmen and businesswomen, it can be easy to fall into ruts when you don’t have a boss assessing your job performance on a regular basis. Some producers look to consulting firms to come in and offer comprehensive analysis from time to time, but this can be costly. Plus, it’s difficult for most outside consultants to understand the full scope of our complex industry. Where can a producer go to get affordable business advice from an industry insider?

The answer may be a Field Marketing Organization (FMO). Some FMOs, including Asset Marketing Systems (AMS), offer a free on-site consulting service to top producers. The AMS Mobile Business Analysis Team will send an experienced consultant to your office to create an in-depth profile of your business that covers areas such as practice management, training, staffing, sales and marketing. From there, the consultant will craft specific recommendations and help you set goals to move your business forward.

Need an FMO?
If you’re interested in learning more about working with Asset Marketing Systems and how we can support you as your FMO, visit our web site or just reply to this e-mail, and we’ll get in touch.

 

Financial Crisis Is an Opportunity for You to Help Your Clients

For many people, 2008 will probably be remembered for the significant economic turmoil we all experienced. Watching the stock market plummet repeatedly has been scary for anyone with investments or a 401(k), but it is up to you to help your clients manage their fears. Now is the time to reach out to your clients with a message about the value of products where principal is protected. Send out a letter to all of your clients expressing your “safer money” philosophy. Follow-up with phone calls to your best clients. Make sure your clients know that you can offer a conservative alternative to the ups and downs that have made them seasick in the stock market.

Sample Letter

Independent Doesn’t Mean Alone
At Asset Marketing Systems, we believe that independent shouldn’t mean alone. We are dedicated to providing you the support you need to succeed as an independent producer. Contact us to find out more about how we can support you:

contact@assetmarketingsystems.net
(888) 303-8755

 

© 2008 Asset Marketing Systems Insurance Services, LLC. All rights reserved. CC08001/100832

To ensure you continue to receive our e-mails, be sure to add assetmarketingsystems@assetmarketingsystems.net to your address book.

The information presented is intended for producer educational purposes only. This information does not constitute an endorsement for any company or person offering any product or service.

This email is for educational purposes only, limited to AMS Producer distribution. Not for distribution with the public. Annuities are long-term insurance products and surrender charges can be significant. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Product features will vary, subject to state regulation. If annuity payments are taken for less than the specified period, or if the policy is surrendered for cash, then the bonus may be forfeited. There is no guarantee that specific strategies will work under all market conditions, and each consumer should be advised to evaluate their ability to participate for the long term, especially during periods of downturn in the market. AMS is not an investment advisor and does not provide legal, accounting or other professional advice. Guarantees are subject to the financial strength and claims paying ability of the insurance company.