...And they should.

In less than 15 years, the Internet has clearly become the resource of choice for the modern world. For everything from cars to snow shoes to insurance. Consumers PREFER the Internet. Since its inception, savvy marketers have struggled to find ways to make the virtual world operate like the traditional world. The problem is, it doesn't.

With the explosion in popularity of Internet sites like Facebook and Myspace, users have clearly taken matters into their own hands. Social networks allow people from all walks of life, from all over the world, to stay connected, to share information, to tell stories, to become accepted, and to be part of a group. This phenomenon has taught marketing professionals a VERY valuable lesson.

The increasing demands on the time of the modern consumer means that there is less time for traditional friendships, fun, and socializing. Social networks provide the perfect quick fix, and more importantly, a reason to stay in touch.

The new reality:
On a Monday night at a local restaurant in Sacramento, the place is packed to the point of no seats available. The food was okay, standard Italian. Keep in mind the place is a coffee shop during the day - get the picture?

As I sat waiting for my meal, I was amazed at the number of large groups eating, drinking, and socializing. It looked more like a trendy bar in downtown Manhattan. Next, an older gentlemen approached me and asked if I was participating in "trivia night," which I wasn't. I told him no and he walked away, disappointed. A few minutes later, this same man stood in the middle of the restaurant and began to announce the "standings" of the various trivia teams seated together in the dining area. After each score, a loud applause could be heard throughout the rest. These people were psyched and clearly excited about the long night of team trivia to come.

What's the point?

The owner had created a real life social network. A way for people who don't know each other and probably aren't comfortable meeting strangers to come together and BE PART OF A GROUP. In this case, a trivia team.

What do people do when they are socializing and having fun? EAT and DRINK more than usual. They stay longer and come back often.

What's the lesson to be learned, independent agencies?
You must do the exact same thing. Create a way for your customers to stay longer, come back often, and BUY/CONSUME more stuff. In your case, INSURANCE. Because of the unique captive nature of the agent/customer relationship, this is relatively easy to do. It's the KNOWING and the DOING that makes it difficult.

Fortunately for agents, Astonish Results has created the greatest social network marketing system designed to help independent agents dominate their local market, wow their commercial clients, and add HUGE value to all their customers.

To learn how to put the power of insurance social network marketing to work for you, contact Astonish Results today.