Well it is that time of year again. Getting ready to file your taxes, and also sending in a check for your quarterly estimates.  Stinks, doesn't it?  Yep, you squirreled away the money and then life got in the way.

Did you know that The Ohlson Group pays a quarterly allowance right around the time that your taxes are due? Let us give you money to pay your quarterly federal income tax estimates... or money towards your Quarterly tax estimates. So, many of our associates get the check and the pressure is off.

Can you keep a secret? 

We have one insurance carrier that is paying a one time lump sum after the year closes out. Could be great to pay for federal taxes.  Want more info?  Of course you do. Who would walk away from money?

Another reason why agents coast to coast continue to refer to us as a different experience.

We have all heard the saying, "Life is short".  We all know what that means.  Time flies by, and the years seem to sail by as we age.  When we focus on that, we usually think of things we want to do or accomplish and decide that we had better get on it. 

But, life can be very long.  And, for some, that could become a problem.  Longevity is one of the greatest challenges people have when looking at their retirement income plans.  We might just live longer than the actuarial tables predicted.  This, according to many surveys, is a leading concern for financial professionals when planning for their clients retirement.  

For those in the investment arena, they try to have a good balance of conservative investment, while keeping some equity stocks in the portfolio to preserve the capital growth.  Some pros will use bonds to take care of essential expenses. You know… the home, the loans, the utilities, etc.  But, sometimes life gets in the way.  And, there are some circumstances beyond our control that can derail the plan.  A good example could be geopolitical events that could shatter or upset financial markets. 

So, what about the client that does not want to take any chances?  The one that just wants the guarantee?  Well, the answer is obvious.

Annuities with income options can provide clients with the income that they can never outlive, and peace of mind knowing that they can plan for their lives... no matter how long that they live.  There can be other factors like a chronic illness, or a long term care event.  Well, don't we have those products and riders as well?  Of course we do.

You know, as I have said many times, I am sort of like a financial magician.  "Tell me what you need and when you need it. I will give you the exact amount of money you should deploy in this annuity, and I will make it happen."  What a great profession to be in.  No, we will not be hitting financial home runs when you look at rates of return.  But, our Safe Money Instruments will usually (historically) provide a rate of return that exceeds most other Safe Money Places. 

Keep it simple, explain our products and let people sleep at night.  Because remember, life "could” be very long.

Well, if you know me at all, you know that I have never been a farmer.  But, as an MDRT agent, I always planted seeds with my clients and prospects today... hoping for a harvest tomorrow. 

I do know quite a bit about gardening. I know that you have to tend to the plants.  And, if you tend to those flowers, they will continue to provide pleasure for you during the season.  The same is true with your clients... if you have clients, that is. 

Please don't take offense, I know that the majority of our valued associates in the field have clients.  You know, people that you have a continued relationship with.  People that count on you for direction and guidance in the financial services relationship. 

But, unfortunately, some in our business have customers who are a "one off transaction.”  Now, I had (and have) plenty of these customers, too. They would be people that were just looking for one thing to take care of one need.  Could have been a term policy at the lowest premium, or a MYGA with the highest rate.  They view me as a facilitator, and I was happy to handle the transaction.  But, that is a tough way to build a business.  One off sales also don't produce many referrals.  So, what is the purpose of this "farming story?"  Read on please.

I hear most agents and advisors stating that they need "leads."  Well, of course we all need to keep a marketing program to provide us with pre-qualified prospects, under favorable circumstances and on a regular basis.  But, are you overlooking your greatest asset... your client base? 

In other words, are some of the fruits just withering on the vine?  If so, we have solutions to help you get in front of these customers and turn them into clients.  Okay, we all know that the new client does not give us all of their assets with the first sale.  You earn their trust by the service you provide, the promises you keep, and the perceived value you present to them. You may have not spoken with these purchasers of your products for many years.  If that is the case, it is time for a periodic review.  This can be done either via phone or face to face.  Yes, this is a job, but it will provide you with great dividends.  How to get started?

Okay, we have the system.  But, we need for you to "buy in.” You might need to hire a college kid in the summer to make some calls and update your CRM.  Don't have a CRM?  We can direct you. We will also provide the presentation and info to be gathered. We will immediately start sending, on your behalf and with your name, quality content to your clients and prospects, to enhance your credibility.  Now, there is a lot more to this program, and we would like to help.

You need to give us a call and find out why agents from coast to coast continue to refer to us as... a different experience. Hey, looks like I am watering our plants (that would mean you) and hoping for a harvest today... or tomorrow.

A king tide is a colloquial term for an especially high spring tide.  It is not a scientific term.  King tides are the highest tides.  They are naturally occurring and predictable events.  Per Wikipedia, predicted heights of a king tide can be further augmented by local weather patterns and ocean conditions.

You might wonder what got me to this topic. Well, I sat down to work at my South Carolina office and looked at all of the reeds and debris on the beach. The tides came in dangerously high. They approached the new dunes developed by nature and the new snow fences erected after Hurricane Matthew.  The waves are exceptionally high, and there is a small craft warning.  As I am writing this, I see people walking the beach undeterred.  All will look okay in a couple of days but there is, and will be, additional beach erosion which lowers our guard against a major storm.  So, what does any of this have to do with the financial services business?  Please read on.

Years ago, I published my second book, “Waves of Change” and wrote regarding changes to our business, personal and family lives.  I am continuing that concept with “King Tides.” 

The King Tides are changes that are happening to our industry, the consumer, the economy and world events. Like the tides, they are predictable and we at The Ohlson Group have been watching and have the protection that you need and the opportunities to ride the waves to prosperity and good times.  Simply put, all areas of marketing, research and education are changing.  Consumers are getting the info they desire online.  They view your website as ”who you are.”  We can take you into the digital world while continuing to embrace the four pillars of service, credibility, integrity and profitability.  S

o, looking for answers, more income and more fun?  Call the family owned boutique IMO and find out why agents from coast to coast continue to refer to us as a different experience.