Q. I'm working on improving my face to face presentation to prospects. Can you provide some suggestions?
A. Having an effective client presentation is essential. Educating, not selling your client is key, says Marc Jacobson, of Marc Jacobson & Associates in Northbrook, Illinois.
Jacobson started with the three important rules to keep in mind: Be brief, be smart, be done. He divides the sales process into three stages:
1. The type of fact-finding you do on the phone. Be prepared to make this simple – that's what people want. Fact-finding over the phone can be done by a trained assistant.
2. Make your presentation simple. People want to be presented with facts and then make an informed decision.
Tell them that there are only two reasons why they should buy LTC, and if neither of them is important to them, they shouldn't buy it.
- First, to protect what you have for your spouse or your children. Actually, our research has shown that in today's environment, this is the less important of the two. Three years ago before the 2007 crash, it was more important.
- Second, to protect the independence of their spouse and children. This reason is usually most prospects' key issue. People want to know if they need care, they won't saddle their families with the financial burden or labor that is required for caregiving. As our society becomes older, our clients are seeing the results of many parents' lack of planning. Your job is to create that awareness.
Your last words at the end of your presentation should be, "How does this sound to you?" At that point, if people don't want this coverage, then your job is over.
Once the client agrees to the above, then you can present the one-page illustration. Start by describing to them what you are about to show them.
3. Instill confidence in the clients that you will be there to assist them in the event of claim. I always finish every meeting with, "As good as I am with presenting the importance of LTC, I'm 10 times better in the event of a claim."
