How to Maximize Your Time With Service Providers

Working with a financial adviser, Insurance Agent, Coach, etc? The best way to maximize your time for a successful meeting is to mention how you found them, ask questions, communicate effectively, and schedule using their tools. We will jump into more detail below, but remember these four tips can be the difference between a waste of time and a fruitful encounter. 

I recently had an appointment with my financial advisor.  I had not prepared a minute for this visit.  I mean nothing.  I had not reviewed our statements, prepared questions or discussed our goals with my husband.  As a result, the appointment was fruitless and a review of accounts that I could access myself.  Not a huge deal but probably not the best use of my time- or the financial advisor’s either.

So this made me reflect on the things that my absolute favorite clients do that I really love.  If you want to get the most out of your time and interactions with the important service providers in your life, take a note of these habits.

Healthy Habits for Provider Meetings

1. Mention How You Found Them

I know for my clients, my contact information is everywhere- website, social media, advertising, business cards, etc.  I can be found in many places so it is very helpful to know how you found me.  If you are referred to me- I always like to reach out to that person to at least say thank you.  I built this business on referrals so they are very important to me, and I want to know how best I can serve you which helps when I know how or why you started looking and eventually found me or any other service provider you are speaking with. 

For example: A new client- Rachel- left me a voice message when needing to change her health insurance plan.  Her message stated what she wanted to discuss and that her friend had given her my name and phone number.  Seems small but it is not- now I know how Rachel found me and what she needs.  She was enrolled in her new plan in less than 48 hours.

2.  Ask Questions- Lots of Them.  

Some of the best service providers hold the same philosophy that I do, “Be A Teacher”, but if they student has not prepared, it become difficult to help them succeed, as I always say: “I am not a preacher”  You will not get much by me  just throwing information and pricing at you  during our conversations or with any other service provider.  It is not fun for them or you.  So be sure to ask lots of questions and even better, have a few questions prepared before your appointment then I know how to better assist you, teach you, and I can address your concerns more directly.

If you don’t know where to start for preparing questions use these as a good stepping stone

1. 1.  What are you confused about?  

1. 1. What is important to you?  

1. 1. Are you comparing it to something that you already have in place? 

This makes a huge difference and can really help who ever your talking with target the conversations to what matters most to you.

For example: Fadi- a client not familiar with the health system here in Louisiana- called me with questions about comparing individual coverage to a similar plan for his family.  He asked lots of questions about networks, pricing and payment methods and ancillary products.  That way- I knew what coverage was already in place and how a new plan would compare on price and other factors.  He submitted an application after a month of careful research.

3.   Over Communicate.

I like to hear from my clients.  Even if it is bad news like an issue with a policy or billing.  Remember- I work for you- not your insurance carrier.  I want my clients to know what happens with their policy.  My clients are not transactions, and your service provider should not be treating you as such and they, like myself, should want to hear from you.    Communicating is so important even before you are a client.  One example is in the application process; with insurance, applications can take time and be confusing so hearing from you is essential to making your life less stressful.  In my line of work, if  any of my clients are trying to find paperwork or scheduling a paramed exam, I’d like them to let me know.  

For example: Ben- a client for many years- sent me a text to let me know that he has scheduled his phone interview for his life insurance application.  That way I knew that the carrier had communicated with him about it and I could follow up with him once I knew it was complete.  He was insured in less than 2 weeks.

4. Schedule Using Their Tools

 Using the preferred method of communication for each service provider you work with will allow everyone to have a smooth and less stressful experience. For example, by virtue of my employment, like many other service providers, I am on the phone constantly- with you as the client, with the carriers on questions about your policies and applications, with vendors on ways that I support this business, etc.  Being on the phone in many ways is my job.  So I am not always available to answer your calls or texts.  But, I am when you schedule a call through Calendly. For starters, I can not ignore it or not see it- it shows up on my calendar as an appointment.   I even get texts reminding me about upcoming appointments.  Secondly, I know it must be important for you to schedule a call about it.  Third, you can actually put a message into the appointment so that I can be prepared for the question.  That is big- I do not always know the answer off the top of my head but I can oftentimes research your inquiry and have a better understanding of the issue.  That saves both of us time.

For example: Gemma- a client who found me on Google first- scheduled a call and put in the message that she was looking for coverage and her budget.  Super helpful- I was able to have benefits and rates available before our call that could be easily shared with her afterwards.  Her insurance took effect the next month after her first call.

We are all looking for ways to maximize efficiency and communication. It’s not always easy but a good service provider will always do their best to make the process easier. . Keep these tips in mind the next time you need to communicate with me or any other important contact in your life.  It is a win/win for them and you.  I know that you do not want to spend all your time and energy focusing on insurance.  I get it.  So- when working with me or anyone else, use these simple ways to get the most out of your calls and meetings.

Schedule a call today.