First off, we respect all that you do for the agents and advisors in the field that are associated with your firm.  We also are keenly aware of the challenges that you face every day.  Products and commission are not enough today.  The field force demands, and deserves, help in the areas of marketing research and education. Digital technology is no longer a "nice to do."  It is a basic fundamental requirement.  Many agencies and IMO's have merged or sold to a larger firm.  You see it every week in the news.  It may seem at times very hard to stay independent.  Well, you might be right, unless you have a strategic alliance. Read on…

The Ohlson Group already has a transition plan in motion.  No, I am not going anywhere any time soon.  But, my sons, Nick Ohlson CLU, ChFC and Joe Ohlson LUTCF are my partners and they will eventually own our IMO.  So, we are continually planning for the future with the "new tools” while always keeping to the bedrock that has been the dogma of our firm since 1975... Service, Credibility, Integrity and Profitability (SCIP).  So, let me get to the point and what it could mean to you.

We are interested in aligning ourselves with independent life and annuity organizations around the country that want to keep their independence... AND have an exit strategy.  We have all the products that you will need, a time saving and cost cutting back office to increase your profitability, and the ability to equip your organization with state of the art web-sites, digital marketing and training to assist them towards their goals.

Bottom line... I have no idea as to whether or not this is of interest to you.  But, since we have been approached by other successful agencies, we felt that we should reach out  So, if interested, give us a call at 877-844-0900 and request a phone appointment with one of my partners Nick or Joe. If there is an interest, we will schedule a conference call and talk. I have been doing this for a long time, and know what it takes to make this work. I would be honored to speak with you.

I just thought that now would be a good time to remind ourselves as to what keeps our clients up at night.  I am confident that most of your clients have a least one of these worries:

Loss of Income... longevity.  Let's face it, as we get older, the size of the "pile" of our money is less important when compared to the income it will produce and the length of time it will continue.  Sometimes, with age, we regress.  Early on, we wanted to know "what is the monthly payment for that car, house etc.”  Now we want to know what the monthly income I can derive from my nest egg is.

Loss of life... yep, really important.  We all know that in the case of a married couple, the smaller social security check will go away at the death of a spouse.  That will cause a problem.  Maybe a life insurance policy will help ease the pain.  And, what about additional life coverage to pay for the final expenses?

Loss in the Portfolio...  Sure, when we were all young and dollar cost averaging, a market downturn could be viewed as an opportunity.  But, what about if you are nearing or in retirement?  I don't think so.

Loss of independence... The inability to do the activities of daily living.  Wow... this is a big one.  My mom is in an assisted living community and it is expensive.  Could it be time to present a long term care solution?  Maybe a life or annuity that has accelerated or enhanced benefits if your client is not able to perform 2 of the 6 activities of daily living?

Legacy planning... sure, we want to pass on what we have learned, and maybe a little bit of what we have earned.  Remember, life insurance goes directly to the named beneficiary, bypasses probate and is free of federal income tax.  Maybe it’s time to rollover unneeded assets for income into a Single Premium Life policy with enhanced benefits.

I know that you are all aware of the big "L" issues.  But, is your client? 

I think that we all agree that we have three major assets.  They are… time, money and manpower.  Unfortunately, time is limited.  Time: we have a lease on life, and don’t know when our check out dates have been planned.  Money?  Well, you might just be a person that has so much cash that you never worry.  But, if you are like most in the financial services industry, it is not a bottomless pit.  You need to be a great steward of these two assets. Finally, the big elephant in the room is manpower.  And if you are a small organization, you have to look at your budget, consider manpower an investment and then plan from there.  So, as you make next years plans, you have to take these things into consideration.  Is there a simple way to do this?  Let’s look…

First off, a problem can often be a great opportunity.  Let’s say your big problem is getting in front of enough pre-qualified prospects, under favorable circumstances and on a regular basis.  Also, you might be dismayed at the lack of referrals that you are obtaining.  That might be because of an unsuccessful communication program with clients and top prospects.  

So, here are questions I like to ask of myself when thinking of how to deploy… time, money and manpower...

1. What is my problem or the challenge that I need to overcome?
2. How did this problem develop?  In other words, when and why?  Did I do something different?  Or, did I quit doing the things I used to do that made me more successful?
3. Why does this problem still exist?  Why have I not done something to solve it?  Or, did I try some things and back off too early?  Or just a plan that didn’t work?
4. Finally, do I need additional staff to get me to the promise land?  What would I want new staff to accomplish?  Do I have a plan with check points and actual job descriptions?

Here is my suggestion.  Our staff is ready and willing to help.  Of course, the more successful you are… the more successful we are.  With The Ohlson Group and The Safe Money Places Agent Network, we believe you can embark on a journey that will reap true dividends for you and your company.  

​Give us a call and speak with one of marketing consultants.  Find out how we can supply you with a predictable stream of prospects to help you fulfill your dreams.  

I have recently been involved in a situation where death occurred and there was no life insurance available in the deceased’s estate.  You know, life insurance proceeds go directly to the named beneficiary, avoids probate, is tax free and is not subject to claims from others. 

Plus, it is usually a very quick payout.  There is already a lot of emotion and mental anguish at the death of a loved one.  There are the funeral arrangements and they are expensive.  Plus, in most cases, deferred billing is not an option, and the funeral home needs to be paid in full. 

So, why doesn’t everyone have some life insurance or a PRE-PAID FUNERAL?  Because they will do it later, timing isn’t right, they say they can’t afford it or just don’t want to talk about it. Our job is to make the client look in the mirror, address the issue and get them covered.

The vast majority of people can get some kind of coverage.  It could be a modified death benefit, graded benefit or immediate coverage.  And, there are so many simplified issue products that are quick to issue.  Need something to go back and speak to your clients about?  Life insurance… don’t leave this earth without it.