As an insurance agent, it is important to stay up to date with insurance industry trends and new practices so you can provide the best customer experience possible. Staying informed allows you to tailor insurance products to clients’ specific needs while managing your own risk and compliance. Whether it’s insurance sales, prospecting, or insurance marketing, these developments can help you maintain a competitive edge in an ever evolving and expanding industry.

We have compiled a list of the best publications and websites insurance agents should be reading to give you the an advantage over competitors and help you effectively serve your customers.

Websites and Publications Insurance Agents Should Be Reading

Best Websites For Insurance Agents

Here is a list of the best websites for insurance professionals to read to better understand their insurance policies and products:

1. AM Best – Known for its ratings of insurance companies, AM Best also offers news and analysis on various insurance and financial topics, providing a valuable resource for understanding company credibility and industry trends.
2. Annuity Rate Watch – Annuity Rate Watch provides Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity (MYGA) rates, which are important to keep up because they provide stable and predictable returns, ultimately helping customers maximize their returns.
3. Annuity Genius – Annuity Genius can help you understand your annuity through their expert guidance and various resources. They also provide a free annuity quote tool for you to better understand your returns.
4. Life Annuity Specialist – Life Annuity Specialist is a source for insurance industry news and updates. They provide analysis for life insurance and annuity providers written from the perspective of the product manufacturer, so you can stay informed and competitive in your sales.

Best Publications For Insurance Agents

Subscribing to an insurance industry specific magazine is a valuable tool for any insurance agent looking to enhance their professional knowledge and connections within their field. They provide expert insights, while also offering unique networking opportunities through associated events and forums. Here are some suggestions for insurance industry magazines to help you become a better insurance agent:

Best Magazines For Medicare

1. Modern Healthcare – Modern Healthcare reports on important and current healthcare news and events, offering readers crucial information and reports to help you make informed decisions.
2. AARP The Magazine – AARP is an organization working to improve the lives of those over the age of 50 by spreading information about healthcare and health insurance. This magazine provides insights into governmental policy information from Washington D.C. while also providing tips and tricks for specific policies.
3. Health Affairs – Health Affairs is a peer-reviewed journal that explores health policy issues and current challenges in the healthcare industry. They explore local and broad topics, with their audience reaching everywhere from healthcare professionals to government employees.

Best Magazines For Annuities

1. Kiplinger Magazine – Kiplinger is an American publisher of business forecasts and personal finance advice, offering insights on investments, retirement planning, taxes, and managing credit card debt. Their thorough research and forward-thinking reporting helps you provide the best financial services possible to each customer.
2. Fortune – This magazine is a prominent international business publication known for its in-depth analysis of industries, companies, and economic trends. It provides comprehensive coverage of major insurance companies and thought leaders.
3. The Economist – The Economist is an international weekly magazine known for its analysis of current affairs, international business, and politics. This publication influences discussions worldwide, reaching across multiple industries and professions.
4. Money – Money magazine’s mission is to “guide people through financial victories” through education, information, and empowerment. Their content focuses on mortgage, mortgage refinancing, auto and home insurance, life insurance, and credit cards.
5. Barron’s Magazine – This magazine provides weekly updates on all things investing, finance, and market analysis. It is known for its detailed analysis of the stock markets, mutual funds, and bonds, ultimately helping you maximize your customers’ returns and run a successful business.

Best Books For Insurance Agents

Although there may be no perfect way to be an insurance salesperson, there are tips and tricks that can help you better connect with and serve your customers. Several bestseller books have been called “must-reads” by successful insurance professionals and business owners for their insights into the insurance business. Some of these books include:

1. How to Win Friends and Influence People By: Dale Carnegie

This book is a self-help guide that offers practical advice on improving interpersonal skills, building relationships, and influencing others. Carnegie emphasizes the importance of empathy, genuine interest in others, and positive interactions as the main cornerstones to success. This book may be helpful for new agents as they learn the ins and outs of the insurance industry and how to become a successful insurance salesperson.

2. The Psychology of Selling By: Brian Tracy

This book dives into the strategies and mindset necessary for being successful in sales. Tracy discusses the importance of understanding the psychological motivations of buyers and the significance of self-image in sales success. This book provides insights into mastering the art of persuasion, developing a winning sales strategy, and ultimately increasing sales performance by focusing on customer needs and desires.

3. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion By: Robert B. Cialdini

This book explores the science behind why people say “yes” and how to apply these understandings in various aspects of life. Cialdini uses a combination of research evidence and real-life examples to show how principles such as reciprocity, social proof, authority, and scarcity help you become more persuasive.

Keeping up with the insurance industry ultimately helps you better understand your products and better serve your customers. There are many other ways to stay up to date on all insurance industry news. There are several podcasts, webinars, or seminars that outline the best ways to sell insurance and marketing strategies. Additionally, paying attention to other successful insurance agents and business owners can provide insights into how to become a successful salesperson. Consistently checking social media sites like LinkedIn allows you to read the latest tips and tricks directly from the insurance agents who have tried them.

All insurance agents, either new or experienced, benefit from staying up to date on insurance industry news and trends. As you navigate these complex financial services and insurance products, your knowledge and awareness can greatly impact your business decisions and success. The resources we have recommended here are a great place to start to make sure you have all the information and research needed to serve your customers as best you can.

Midwestern Marketing is a true FMO where a handshake still means something. We value our agents and take service and contracting to a new level. The teamwork and principles by which we operate are reflected in the thousands of agents we serve nationwide. Feel free to call 877-278-3775 or email us at info@midwesternmarketing.com. We are certain we can help you grow your business!

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