These are uncharted times—for you, your clients and the world. However, during a crisis, your clients still need to hear from you, now more than ever. Below are some tips that experts have shared recently on how to communicate with your clients during the current coronavirus crisis.
Be proactive
A
Harvard
Business Review article reports that you need to communicate early and often
with your key constituencies throughout a crisis. Approach the situation with
empathy. Don’t wait for them to contact you. Put yourself in your clients’
shoes to understand their anxiety and reach out to let them know you understand
their concerns and will work with them to address their fears.
Be honest
During a recent webinar for
the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Brock Jolly, a financial
advisor, said “None of us has a crystal ball and none of us knows what the
future will bring. Don’t be afraid to admit you can’t predict what will
happen.” However, you are viewed as an expert on their insurance or finance
needs, so make sure to provide any honest guidance they may need now.
Be flexible
You may need to adjust your form and timing of communication to your clients. The 9 a.m. phone call to your client’s office now may need to be a 7 p.m. text. Working remotely instead of in the office and more responsibilities at home require some time flexibility. Ask them about the best times to reach them during this time. The US Chamber of Commerce suggests focusing on serving your customers through digital channels like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and other instant messaging platforms, and video conferencing options through Skype or FaceTime.
Be informative
No one has all the answers, but by providing educational resources to your clients you are helping them get all the information they need. In addition to your company information, here are some credible resources you can share with clients.
- The National Association of Insurance Commissioners
(NAIC) has a consumer
resource website with answers to
clients’ common insurance inquiries to help them make informed decisions, including tips on naming beneficiaries and consumer
insurance guides.
- The nonprofit organization Life Happens provides information on insurance types and
coverage considerations, including a Life Insurance Needs
Calculator. By providing non-biased third-party information, you are
being transparent with your clients, adding to your credibility of a trusted
advisor.
- In ExamOne’s agent toolkit and on the consumer
website MyExamOne.com there
are checklists, videos and other resources to help educate and explain the
importance of life insurance and the process of applying. Timely resources include
specific questions about
how life insurance exams are being performed with increased safety precautions
during the COVID-19 crisis.
Be there
A recent Advisor’s Edge article reminds, “Ask about their families, their neighbors, their colleagues, and their companies. There are so many people coming together, it’s no longer about how they are, it’s about how this has impacted their community.” This is the time to reinforce that you care about your clients and their families. By taking notes and asking follow-up questions, you can continue to communicate with them more regularly.
Communication is key to help gain your clients’ trust during these
uncharted times. By being proactive, honest, flexible, informative, and by just
“being there” you are demonstrating your commitment to them not only during this temporary
crisis, but for the long-term relationship.
These are uncharted times—for you, your clients and the world. However, during a crisis, your clients still need to hear from you, now more than ever. Below are some tips that experts have shared recently on how to communicate with your clients during the current coronavirus crisis.
Be proactive
A Harvard Business Review article reports that you need to communicate early and often with your key constituencies throughout a crisis. Approach the situation with empathy. Don’t wait for them to contact you. Put yourself in your clients’ shoes to understand their anxiety and reach out to let them know you understand their concerns and will work with them to address their fears.
Be honest
During a recent webinar for the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Brock Jolly, a financial advisor, said “None of us has a crystal ball and none of us knows what the future will bring. Don’t be afraid to admit you can’t predict what will happen.” However, you are viewed as an expert on their insurance or finance needs, so make sure to provide any honest guidance they may need now.
Be flexible
You may need to adjust your form and timing of communication to your clients. The 9 a.m. phone call to your client’s office now may need to be a 7 p.m. text. Working remotely instead of in the office and more responsibilities at home require some time flexibility. Ask them about the best times to reach them during this time. The US Chamber of Commerce suggests focusing on serving your customers through digital channels like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and other instant messaging platforms, and video conferencing options through Skype or FaceTime.
Be informative
No one has all the answers, but by providing educational resources to your clients you are helping them get all the information they need. In addition to your company information, here are some credible resources you can share with clients.
Be there
A recent Advisor’s Edge article reminds, “Ask about their families, their neighbors, their colleagues, and their companies. There are so many people coming together, it’s no longer about how they are, it’s about how this has impacted their community.” This is the time to reinforce that you care about your clients and their families. By taking notes and asking follow-up questions, you can continue to communicate with them more regularly.
Communication is key to help gain your clients’ trust during these uncharted times. By being proactive, honest, flexible, informative, and by just “being there” you are demonstrating your commitment to them not only during this temporary crisis, but for the long-term relationship.