The title of this commentary describes what happens after the death of a loved one.  I recently lost two friends in unexpected deaths.  All of the above mentioned in the title will be there for the survivors.  I am in a unique position to speak to this.  I lost my wife in an unexpected circumstance.  Yes, despair, details and decisions all came at me quickly as it did for my family. 

​The death impacts so many people… friends, kids, grandkids, co-workers… I could go on and on.  Fortunately, in my situation, we had already discussed the possibility.  I did not have a pre-planned funeral for her. But, we all pulled together and made it happen.  But, I quickly went and paid for mine which I hope is decades away. So, where am I going with this?  It’s time to meet with all of your clients, and ask them what they want to happen at time of death. 

Also, find out who the “go to” people are in their lives.  

• Would they be their children? 
  
• Do you know their children/heirs? 
  
• Do you think that you should while all is right?  I suggest yes.  
  

Contact the people that would be left behind, tell them who you are and what you have done for their parents and ask if they have questions.  Give them your contact info, and include them in the list of people that receive monthly info from you. 

With your clients, ask them how they would like the finances left to the survivor. 

• Do they want guaranteed resources to be paid out monthly? 
  
• Do they have a life policy earmarked for funeral costs?

Bottom line, you have to ask questions and discuss.  This is part of the pledge we gave our clients at time of sale.  So, this is not a product push or some grand marketing approach.  It is the right thing to do and it will be so helpful to all.  Have them commit their desires to paper and help them out.  Then they will know that, you too, are also… a different experience.

Wow, I remember when I had 2020 vision.  I also remember when I had more hair. Well, enough of that- I am not writing about vision or hair.  I am writing about your “2020” business plans.  You need good vision to plan, implement, track and adjust throughout the year.  

I would like for you to consider the following: 

1. What would 20% more qualified prospects do for your business this year?  
2. What would a 20% increase of future product sales from your clients do for your business? 
3. What if the referrals from your clients increased by 20%? 
4. And, what would a 20% increase in sales and revenues do for you and your family? 

I think that I know the answers to all of these questions.  Please read on…

I know that the usual prescription for attaining the above goals is usually… make more calls.  Of course that is part of it.  But, you might just need a “digital partner” in your practice.  You might also need to be part of a “national brand.”  We have all of this and more waiting for the taking.  

First off, The Ohlson Group can provide you with a “best in class” personalized website.  But, we all know  that we need more than that.  You need to have traffic going to your site… right?  What if we can get you 10-15 qualified digital marketing leads per month?  What if your prospects and clients would receive quality print and video content pieces once per month from you?

Bottom line, we have invested tons of time, money, and manpower into our programs.  And, our marketing consultants do more than just give you rates and commissions. We provide real time solutions for your clients to help you obtain the sales you deserve.  

So, if you are interested in “2020” vison for your business this year, give one of our marketing consultants a call and spend 9 minutes listening to the story.  What do you have to lose?  Income?  Call today at 1-877-844-0900.

What an opportunity that lies before us in the new year.  Never before, in the history of our business, has change been this rapid.  The big questions are...
​

1. How do we take advantage of the new tools and resources to assist our agents and advisors in their quest for increased sales and a better return on their investments of time, money and manpower? 
2. What tools can we utilize to make your clients relationship with you a "different experience," and make them come back to you for additional products?  
3. How can we become your best promoter in assisting you in getting better referrals?  

Here at The Ohlson Group, we are just getting started.  We have the ideas, the tools, the knowledge, the experience and the people to assist you in making 2020 your best year ever.  We are constantly on the lookout for new opportunities to help our agents grow their business.

Give us a call and prepare to have a discussion unlike most discussions with internal marketers at other IMO's... yes... a different experience. We look forward to hearing from you in the new year.

Our recent Holiday season got me thinking of gifts that can really make a difference.  I was watching a business show and they were focusing on the high cost of education.  They also spoke of the lack of basic personal finance by young people. 

​They, and their parents, are many times more than willing to encourage student debt.  Yes, they may take responsibility of these loans with their kids, but bottom line… it’s a problem for everyone.  It could be a terrible burden for the child when they do get out of college.  Or, it is a terrible burden for the parents when they are focusing on retirement.  So, what can be done?

It is often said that grandparents start to like the grandchildren even more than their kids.  So, wouldn’t they want to be in a position to help pay off part of the college loans?  Of course, but it seems so very expensive to do…  if you are not using “discounted dollars.”  

Discounted dollars are available in a life insurance policy.  The grandparent will not pay full dollars for the benefit.  They either pay via periodic premiums or a single premium.  And, there can be a safety valve.  Many policies offer accelerated benefits if the insured needs some type of long term care assistance.

Want to know more? Give us a call at 1-877-844-0900.