In this episode of the Insurance Business Babes podcast, Kathy Klein and Joanna Wyckoff discuss the importance of "giving up" certain things in order to grow your business.
They begin by clarifying that they are not talking about giving up in a negative way, but rather letting go of certain clients, tasks, or habits that are not serving you well. Kathy shares a story about how she gave up a difficult client as a financial advisor who was berating her assistant, realizing it was not a good use of her time.
Joanna agrees that sometimes you need to give up clients or agents who are taking up too much of your time but not providing enough return. She discusses releasing over 100 agents last year who were causing issues but rebuilding her downline to over 200 agents who respect her time more.
They discuss how consumer expectations have changed due to constant cell phone connectivity, with some clients feeling entitled to responses at all hours. Both ladies have cut off work communication after hours and on weekends to maintain work-life balance.
Joanna talks about some specific examples of agents expecting too much of her time for minimal production. They agree agents should self-educate more via recorded trainings instead of constant personal assistance.
Kathy recommends Joanna set up a paid service like Clarity to charge agents for assistance outside her core downline, to better value her time. Joanna resolves to create automated responses directing people to paid options.
They discuss dropping unprofitable tasks like standalone drug plan appointments. Joanna considers getting a license to help with supplement enrollments for drug plan clients affected by rate increases.
In summary, they encourage listeners to identify what they need to "give up" or let go of to optimize their business and better value their own time. The key message is that cutting unnecessary tasks and clients is essential for growth.