My auto insurance policy is up for renewal next month, and in light of some rather unpleasant circumstances related to my current policy, I'm shopping again. Using nothing other than InsureMe.com, of course. :)

So, of course, because I work here, I understand how things work. Intimately. And aside from learning and writing about all facets of insurance, I also have the extreme pleasure of authoring this blog and other informational sales articles for insurance professionals.

So when I filled out the InsureMe online quote form, I illustrated clearly in the comments section that I worked for InsureMe and asked for my insurance matches to email me preliminary quotes and then we'd go from there.

And, because I know that the agent who makes the first contact with a lead has the best opportunity to make the sale, I expected a couple people to call me. True to form, and despite my email-only request, I received two phone calls within ten minutes. I get it; I wasn't going to complain.

But this afternoon, four more of my matches emailed me, complete with preliminary quotes. And I was elated. Why? Because they took the time to read the notes and see that I preferred to be contact by email first. They all presented me with fast, accurate quotes. And then they left the ball in my court.

As a result, I felt genuinely respected by these agents. And I'll be in touch with the four of them, by phone, tomorrow, to give them the information they need to firm up my quotes. Then I'll see who can give me the best rate. :)

The point here is that people have varying preferences. And if a prospect or client lets you know how he or she prefers to be contacted, or where they'd like to meet, or when...do your best to respect it.

You'll get that respect right back.