(Image: Allison Bell/TA)
Lots of money, effort and time go into acquiring life insurance and annuity customers, but not nearly enough thought goes into keeping them coming back.
Sure, there's the occasional offer or birthday card. All too frequently, we don't pay attention unless they're unhappy or turn up missing. We may even push them away, when we regard the obligations related to their policies or contracts as being out of favor. Then, we have something we want to sell, we get busy and we try to get them back.
Such business behavior has unintended consequences. The cable companies are an example. Customers have learned to complain and threaten to leave unless they are given concessions. And how do you feel when a company unleashes the sweet talk after they haven't heard from you? This is when you say, "Why didn't you take care of me before I left?"
So, let's get specific as to why customers leave. Sure, some move, die, and experience lifecycle changes. Even so, there are forces at work that disrupt customer relationships:
Some are easily bored.
They constantly prowl the Internet for what's new and different, which one survey pegs as between one and three hours a day just at work.
Others lose interest almost instantly.
Studies indicate attention spans are getting shorter—and shorter. You may recall a Canadian media consumption survey by Microsoft that found the average attention span was eight seconds in 2015, down from 12 seconds in 2000.
- Many don't get the help they expect,particularly with decision making. A patient in a medication ad wonders if what he's taking is the best for him. He wants the best so he talks to his doctor and makes a change. We're confused after poring over online reviews and items with Amazon and "Best Seller" grabs our attention.
- Feel they're being taken for granted.They place orders, pay on time, and don't complain. Sounds like the perfect customer. And then they're gone. Why? They feel neglected—and chances are they're right.
Is there a common thread running through the list? If anything, it shows how fragile customer relationships are today. It doesn't take much to harm them, but it does take effort to strengthen them.
Of course, customers chase the lowest price for insurance. They view it the same way they buy milk or bread and a lot of other stuff. Keep the attention directed on why what you sell makes a difference in your customers' lives.
Here are six ways to do it:
1. Focus on the front line.
