I want to share a few thoughts on my client approach, my personality, what to look for in an agent/advisor & what to make sure you do with any policy you obtain.

I began actively marketing life insurance and annuities in 2010.  Prior to that, I spent 10+ years in corporate finance, business development, marketing, and new product development both inside companies & as a private consultant to large & small businesses.

I’ve learned a lot.  I’ve learned what works & what doesn’t work. What doesn’t work is poor communication.  That holds true whether you are in Corporate America working on a project team, talking to your kids about their weekend plans or sitting with a family talking about their future.

So when I talk with you and your spouse I’m going to ask you a lot of questions.  I’m going to follow them up with “why?” I want to understand your situation and what you are looking to do.

Believe it or not, there is actually a great deal of innovation in the areas of life insurance, retirement income planning, retirement saving & wealth preservation.  Many people are unaware some of the solutions I offer even exist.

Also, if you will let me, I want to treat you like your family.  I’m going to be honest with you and tell you what you need to hear, even if it isn’t what you want to hear.  Call it tough love. For some people, this might not be comfortable. I’m at my best when I can, respectfully, be brutally honest with you.

I’m not for everyone. If you don’t think we’ll be compatible personality-wise I’d encourage you to consider working with someone else.  There are something like 10,000+ other agents in Metro Atlanta alone.

If you do pick another agent, make sure he or she knows their stuff.  That doesn’t mean they have every minute technical detail memorized but they can explain key elements of a policy.

Finally, make sure you understand what you have.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve met with clients what have existing insurance and are mistaken about key provisions of their policies.  They think they have a permanent policy and really they have a term or temporary policy.  Or they don’t realize their premiums increase or benefits will decrease. Make sure you understand the policy.  Your agent should be able to answer your questions.  Don’t be bashful about asking.  Read your policy when you receive it.

Next, check out my take on preparing to meet with an agent and the process of purchasing insurance.