As you get ready for appointments during this Annual Enrollment Period, it’s easy to focus on your usual checklist of tasks. Pens? Check. Scope of Appointment forms? Check! Enrollment kits? Got them.
However, it’s important to think beyond your standard prep list. Are you ready for any unexpected situations that might arise? Preparing for the unexpected can ensure you’re fully equipped for every appointment.
Plan Your Routes Ahead of Time
While GPS is helpful, it can let you down if you lose signal. To avoid getting lost, especially in unfamiliar areas, review your route before heading out. It’s also a good idea to print out directions as a backup. When being on time is critical, consider mapping out alternative routes. You never know when road construction or an accident might force you to take a detour.
If you rely on your phone for GPS, be sure to have a charger handy in your car. Alternatively, you could invest in a dedicated GPS device to save your phone’s battery for important client calls.
Plan Your Meals Ahead
Your schedule could include back-to-back appointments—morning, afternoon, and evening. Sometimes, the day gets busier than expected, and suddenly it’s 9 p.m., and you realize you haven’t eaten all day. That’s not ideal!
To perform at your best, you need to take care of yourself. Skipping meals can lead to fatigue, lack of focus, and even irritability. The last thing you want is to feel “hangry” during client meetings. If you know you’ll be on the road all day, start with a nutritious breakfast. Consider meal prepping the night before so lunch is ready and waiting in your fridge. It’s also smart to keep healthy snacks in your car for those days when you need to grab a quick bite between appointments.
Assess Your Mindset
While it may seem obvious, it’s always worth checking your mindset before heading into any appointment. Life can throw curveballs—maybe you were stuck in traffic or accidentally spilled coffee on yourself (don’t worry, we’ll touch on that later!). Regardless of the situation, it’s important not to let personal frustrations affect your interaction with clients. First impressions carry weight, and a negative one could easily impact a potential sale. Even with returning clients, it’s essential to stick to the three Ps: professionalism, positivity, and patience.
In that same spirit, steer clear of forming preconceived notions or judgments during appointments. Factors like the state of a client’s home, their attire, or the condition of their yard have no bearing on the Medicare coverage they need. Keep an open mind!
Pack a Backup Outfit
Accidents happen, and there’s nothing worse than a spill right before an important meeting. That’s why it’s smart to keep an extra set of clothes in your car, just in case. Spills aren’t the only reason you might need to freshen up—on hot days, for example, you might feel the need to change before your next appointment. Keeping essentials like deodorant, mints, floss, and even a toothbrush in your car can also be a lifesaver.
If packing a full outfit seems unnecessary, consider stashing a stain remover pen, like Tide to Go, in your glove compartment for those smaller mishaps.
Refresh Your Memory
Before an insurance meeting, you might find yourself wondering, “What plan was John interested in?” or “What’s Sarah’s son’s name?” These details can make all the difference in your preparation. Luckily, with Essential Care’s agent tools, you can easily access client information from your Connecture and Sunfire CRM.
We want our agents to have the best AEP yet, and that means being ready for anything. The more prepared you are, the more success you’ll have with clients and closing sales. At Essential Care, we’re here to support you every step of the way this AEP!
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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