Business Relationships During COVID

Just as we thought we were moving beyond the pandemic, the Delta variant has swung many of us back into either fully remote or hybrid work environments. Researchers estimate that many workers will remain at-home long after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided. Here are some key tips to ensure you maintain and grow strong business relationships in this new normal.

1. Communication is Key. Review all of your channels of communication. Digital marketing strategies should be fine-tuned to target particular customer needs. Make yourself accessible. Zoom is great, but don’t forget to pick up the phone. People want to see your face and hear your voice.
2. Make sure your customers are a top priority. Create more opportunities to touch base. Just as your agency has changed in the last year, your customer’s business may have changed as well. Has their risk profile changed? Maintain check-ins with top customers. Ensure that your agency is coordinated in your response to clients’ questions. Even if your team in the agency is hybrid, you still need to speak with one voice to your customer.
3. Embrace technology. Many agencies and insureds are considering hybrid models as the new normal. Don’t let technology be a barrier to your continued efforts to build strong relationships. Expectations around digital experience are high and studies have shown that agencies that adopt more digital tools grow faster than those that do not. Lean on the technology of your carrier contacts. With Property & Inland Marine, you have everything you need right at your fingertips! The Agent Portal is simple to navigate. Bind, quote and issue your next policy with our GREATpolicy online quoter.
4. Help customers understand risks in the new normal. Make sure you continue to nurture relationships with your current customers. What are your contractor or trucking clients worried about? Is now a good time to revisit their insurance needs? Check out our Property & Inland Marine Overview to learn more about the coverages we specialize in.