Selling across demographic lines has its challenges. Selling to younger prospects can be difficult because this segment of society grew up during a different time and have a far different view of the world than those that came before them. The differences make this sales environment more challenging. Let's discuss the two main reasons it is far more challenging to sell to younger generations.

As I work with advisors on a daily basis, I’m hearing one question that stands out the most: “Can you help me get in front of more qualified prospects?” There are many ways to put yourself in the same room as higher-net worth and better fit prospects. Your tools can include seminars, direct mail campaigns, fundraisers, and referrals. 

A question some clients raise is that they’ve been told that indexed universal life policies won’t perform over the long term, in other words the policy performance isn’t as rosy as illustrated. Before AG 49, many producers over-illustrated the power of IUL, and today those new guidelines help temper some of the more outrageous claims. However, many carriers are finding unique ways to enhance policy performance by reducing the costs to buy the indexing options.

Almost any business would benefit from their clients singing their praises in a public place. Imagine if you could create walking billboards for your company, spreading your message when you are not around to do it yourself. They could infiltrate social groups that you may have been cut out from entering.

One way to make a bad first impression is by misusing fonts and typefaces. This is especially true when it comes to the financial and insurance world. If you come off as unprofessional, the client will not trust you. Trust is key for financial advisors.

There's a store in my neighborhood with a big sign above the front entrance that reads "Home Improvement." Many guests enter. Very few buy anything. Almost no one returns after his or her first visit. No one refers anyone else to visit either. You may be thinking yourself, “that store will not be in business very long.”

Selling indexed universal life over the phone is relatively easy if you have access to products that overcome the big objections to buying life insurance. The first objection to IUL that you’ll typically hear is that it is expensive. Here's why IUL isn't as expensive as your prospects think...

Many advisors and agents ask their Insurance Marketing Organization (IMO) “What's your favorite product?” I've always been perplexed by this question. What's your favorite product? Really? It's as if financial advisors and insurance agents have been conditioned to ask that question, which would lead me to believe that most IMOs are pitching products and not asking questions.

Besides the obvious things like desks, chairs, internet, shelving and cabinets and a television, you’ll want to organize your financial services office space to optimize efficiencies. Most of your processes should be handled by your assistant or office manager and you’ll want to give them the tools to create the most efficient process possible.

As a financial professional, taking a team approach is a smart move. It’s much better than the alternative of trying to convince your prospects and clients that you're a jack-of-all-trades. It's just not credible or trustworthy. There is strength in numbers as a financial professional, and filling your roster with other skilled players will win more clients.