The United Stakes of Insurance Agents
Despite the masculine title, "Insurance Man" was written with both male and female insurance agents in mind. It references some relatable beliefs, benefits and struggles of being in the business of insurance, as well as making light of some of the daily, common treachery that exists in all modern Americans' lives. As most reputable agents will attest, "it's a perilous world" and we do in fact have "a plan for you".
Insurance agents take great pride in ensuring they "find the best policy, company and cost" by thoroughly evaluating clients' risk potential and aligning their needs with the best coverage we have available to them, at a premium they can afford. It often becomes a balancing act, which is best described in the lyrical line, "Apples and oranges are two different fruits, but comparing the two is a common pursuit" (meaning: we compare what coverages the prospect currently has with the companies and coverages we have available to come up with a more advantageous position for the client). And when things do inevitably go awry ("On the road or in your home, there's no safe place"), your trusty insurance agent will be "your pot of gold, your biggest fan", advocating for the best claim payout.
While all of the insurance-related commercials that are broadcast over digital airwaves are brand centric (i.e. Aflac, "the quacking goose"; Allstate, "Mayhem", etc), "Insurance Man" was produced independently to appeal to agents as a whole; as a combined force of professionals who grind away endlessly, day-in-and-day-out, to create a safer, more responsible, society at large. It occurred to me after spending several years in the business that there are negative connotations that sometimes revolve around the insurance industry. And in many cases this can be justified. Like any industry, there are indeed heroes and villains contained within. However, the majority of agents I've come to know personally are genuinely decent human beings out to do the right thing for their clients. Oftentimes, it's not a matter of one side being right and the other wrong. The challenge often boils down to how well an agent can communicate with his or her client/prospect.
Insurance is an allusive language in itself and one I've heard even seasoned attorneys complain about. So the difficulty for both sides often lies in listening carefully to what the other is saying, and the agent communicating in a manner that doesn't come across as condescending by using uncommon terminology. It's akin to when I visit a doctor and they begin to spout off their prognosis. My eyes instantly gloss over and ears suddenly become blocked. Not a good approach when what they are telling me could potentially be life threatening or life saving. The same could be said about the "health" of our insurance affairs. It's important for both sides (client/prospect, and agent) to pay attention and be honest. Otherwise, negative outcomes for all affected parties become the result, and no one wishes for that. Well, maybe with the exception of "Mayhem".
Gabe Schick is a songwriter and licensed insurance agent in the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, representing hundreds of insurance companies through McPherson & Newland Insurance, headquartered in Flemington, NJ, and is available to help business leaders and personal property and vehicle owners navigate the complex world of insurance. A friendly phone call or email will get the process started. Call (609) 669-0087, or email [email protected].