Who the heck are you?
In 1997, I received a letter informing me that my family Insurance agent had retired, and my account was given to a stranger. I was turned off by the fact his office didn't know my family name when I called. I had to spell my name a few times before they found me on the system. ‘The system? ' I was now on a system! Remember it was 1997, and this statement was as impersonal a comment that anyone could utter, still is. Since my family had been dealing with the same agent since 1965, had built a level of trust with him, I felt uncomfortable with being flipped over to an unfamiliar person.
Knock at the door!
It was a very hot summer's day when Sandra Behlok; State Farm Agent, and I met while she was canvassing my street looking to establish her new office (yes! She was door knocking with pamphlets in hand). I was impressed that anyone was still doing that. I had worn myself out of that practice years before. I was even more impressed that I was considering doing business with a foot canvasser. I thought she must be desperate for business. She was! She was smart, energetic, willing to help, dressed professionally, wore walking shoes; a real trooper, a go getter, and directly asked for the business.
A lesson learned- by me!!!
I'm sure you can guess what happened! She got 3 policies from me that week; I referred other family members and some clients to her for a total of 8 for the month. At one time I had 7 policies with her and received nothing less than first class attention to my needs.
Over the years, I have referred dozens of customers her way, transacted numerous real estate dealings because of her, and developed a strong reciprocal business program with her office.
The lesson here for me was that I didn't have to be hungry in order to go out and meet new people at the door. What I needed was to be humble enough to work the pavement again. Sandra's energy and dedication rejuvenated me. I intensified my one on one interaction; in social situations, at the mall, at the post office, or wherever I share the air with our species. People need me! Just like I needed Sandra that day, someone needs my services today.
Thanks Sandra....
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