Daily sales & marketing tips for insurance professionals

Now that 2010 is in full swing, have you given any thought to your marketing plans? Or have you been putting that off, not sure where to go from here–or how to get started?

Along with a new year comes new opportunity: a chance to expand your business, increase your contacts, and set and reach new goals. And, like many other things we attempt at the start of a new year, successful marketing requires planning.

But how can you form a marketing strategy if you’re new to the industry, are filling a new position of leadership, or have little to no business experience?

Well, here’s a hint: Your marketing goals should be a supportive part of your overall business plan and goals for the year. For instance, if your business plan calls for growing your business by 20 percent by year’s end, your marketing plan should support that goal by outlining the steps you’ll take to get there–and possibly the tools that will help you achieve those goals.

As you reflect on everything your business experienced in 2009, consider these four goal-setting strategies that could help propel you to greater success in 2010. Then use them as stepping stones to help you move toward a more successful year than ever.

1. Start fresh. You can’t do anything about last year now; but you can learn from what happened and use those experiences in setting this year’s goals.
2. Know what you want to accomplish. How can you know if you’re achieving your goals if you’re not sure what they are? We recommend setting monthly, quarterly, semi-quarterly and yearly goals to keep you focused and on-task. Setting a course, then making changes along the way, ensures you accomplish what you need to accomplish.
3. Define your goals in quantifiable, measureable, specific and realistic terms. The more specific the goal, the easier it is to attain. Don’t set them so high that they’re out of reach; but keep yourself challenged.
4. List your goals in written form. Whether handwritten or stored on your computer, having them close at hand allows you to refer back to your goals as you move through the year–and check them off as you accomplish and complete them.

Your goals can be big or small, like earning a certain amount of profit by the end of the year or gaining five new clients each month. However you define them, use the new year to set and achieve reachable goals. There’s no better way to help grow your business now.