As the coronavirus slowly leads us to a world where we are socially distant and working remotely, I keep seeing articles and social media posts about how the virus is changing the landscape of sales. And the biggest questions concern working from home and how to be effective.
For me, it's easy to stay home and take an application over the phone, as most of the insurance carriers I represent have web applications. There have been clients in the past that I just wasn't able to see, so I spoke to them over the phone, got their information and took the app while sitting in front of the computer. I really liked it because the client couldn't see me, nor could they see that I was wearing gym shorts and a t-shirt. As a matter of fact, I realized I liked it a lot!
Not having to wear a coat or a necktie was awesome. I hate ties, as they squeeze my neck and eventually give me a headache. Coats are bothersome and I buy one approximately every 5 years, so I can't afford to spill mustard on one. And insurance companies that require their agents to wear coats and ties don't understand that I live in a vacation town, where everybody looks casual.
To make matters worse, there's always that one guy who insists on wearing a bow tie. Kill me now.
But I have to admit that too much working from home can make me lazy when it comes to my attire. I can easily fall into a habit of not shaving, not bathing or showering, and definitely not getting dressed for clients who aren't going to see me.
So I force myself. Every morning I shower and shave and put on "business casual" clothes, usually a pair of khakis and a polo. I do this because I know that once this stupid virus goes away I'll still be in a habit of doing the basic things I need to do. And if I step out and go to the store, I'll look like I'm almost professional instead of looking like a bum.
Chris Castanes is a professional speaker who helps sales people succeed through workshops and humorous presentations. For booking information, click here. He's also the president of Surf Financial Brokers selling life and disability insurance in several states.
For me, it's easy to stay home and take an application over the phone, as most of the insurance carriers I represent have web applications. There have been clients in the past that I just wasn't able to see, so I spoke to them over the phone, got their information and took the app while sitting in front of the computer. I really liked it because the client couldn't see me, nor could they see that I was wearing gym shorts and a t-shirt. As a matter of fact, I realized I liked it a lot!
Not having to wear a coat or a necktie was awesome. I hate ties, as they squeeze my neck and eventually give me a headache. Coats are bothersome and I buy one approximately every 5 years, so I can't afford to spill mustard on one. And insurance companies that require their agents to wear coats and ties don't understand that I live in a vacation town, where everybody looks casual.
To make matters worse, there's always that one guy who insists on wearing a bow tie. Kill me now.
But I have to admit that too much working from home can make me lazy when it comes to my attire. I can easily fall into a habit of not shaving, not bathing or showering, and definitely not getting dressed for clients who aren't going to see me.
So I force myself. Every morning I shower and shave and put on "business casual" clothes, usually a pair of khakis and a polo. I do this because I know that once this stupid virus goes away I'll still be in a habit of doing the basic things I need to do. And if I step out and go to the store, I'll look like I'm almost professional instead of looking like a bum.
Chris Castanes is a professional speaker who helps sales people succeed through workshops and humorous presentations. For booking information, click here. He's also the president of Surf Financial Brokers selling life and disability insurance in several states.
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