New Graduates and Insurance

I just read an article recently about how new high school and college graduates look at insurance differently than we did. It's not so much about the coverages, but it's about the level and speed of information and service. The younger generation expects online functionality, the opportunity to research and buy online, and fast response to questions and inquiries.

I have a son who graduated from high school this year. His comfort level with computers and the Internet is much higher than mine. He communicates with his friends more via the Internet and Facebook than he does via telephone. He almost never watches TV. It's a fundamental shift from what we are used to.

Independent agents, as well as many insurance carriers are behind the curve when it comes to taking advantage of these shifts. It's time we take notice of the changes and start implementing plans on how to cope - by communicating more electronically, investigating the possibilities with social media, offering more functions, information and communication on our Web sites, and focusing on fast, content-rich exchange of information. The insurance agent of tomorrow will look a lot different than yesterday. We need to change our focus from process-driven to customer-driven, by listening and offering consultative and adivsory services that help our customers thrive.

Thinking that we can survive in the new millenium by continuing to offer the same level of products and services will put the independent agent in the same category of the buggy whip manufacturers of yesteryear.