Every year at this time, just as we are getting into the annual enrollment period (AEP) I look at the tasks that are ahead of me and it's easy to get overwhelmed. We want to make sure that we learn the new products well, and that we touch base with all of our clients and make sure that their current plans continue to meet their needs.
From time to time, I have to remind myself to slow down, take a deep breath, and make sure that I make every day count. Instead of looking at the daunting task of contacting so many people, I remind myself to break it down into half days, and it makes it more reasonable. I commit to contacting (or meeting with) a certain amount of people each morning, and each afternoon. If I fall short of that goal, then I may make a few contacts early in the evening so that I start fresh the next day.
This is really an exciting time of year. I look forward to the added contact with our clients, and try to "cement" our relationships by giving them important information so we can determine where we need to go with products. By doing this well (at least I hope I'm doing it well!), inevitably it leads to referrals and more clients, which benefits everyone involved. I use a small checklist with each client to make sure that I get certain important points across.
So...take a deep breath and embrace the opportunity that lays before us. I've seen the AEP really wear down some agents, and I've seen others use it to make their business bigger and better. Good luck!!