A friend of mine once walked up to a bar where a handsome gentleman was nursing a beer. She sat on this stranger’s lap and said, “you can pick your friends, and you can pick your nose, but you can’t pick your friend’s nose!” And then, she proceeded to pick his nose. Unbelievably, they’ve been married for 20 years.
Pick Up Line, Or Opening Line?
What could this story of the world’s worst pick-up line possibly have to do with selling insurance over the phone? It illustrates the importance of opening lines and first impressions. Confidence, charm, intuition, and the perfect timing are needed for both a good pickup line and a good opening line. As an independent insurance agent, you are working hard to turn strangers into customers. You have only a few seconds to transform a simple opening line into an engaging two-way conversation, which can be daunting.
If you’re new at this, or you tend to stumble over your words, don’t worry. We’ve compiled a few opening lines you can use or adapt when selling insurance over the phone.
4 Example Opening Lines for Selling Insurance Over the Phone
Example 1:
“Hi [prospect name], we’ve never spoken before. My name is [name] and I help people like yourself find answers to questions they have about Medicare.”
There’s something very honest about this approach that many people seem to find refreshing. Its unpresumptuous nature tends to put people at ease.
Example 2:
“Hi [prospect name]. [Your name] calling. Did I catch you in the middle of something there?”
This is a great opening line because you’re immediately asking for permission to continue speaking, showing consideration for the prospect.
Example 3:
“Hi [prospect name]. I know your time is valuable, so I’ll get right to the point…”
People will feel respected when you start out this way – and that’s always a good start to a relationship. But I must caution you to then get right to the point. Don’t ramble on and make yourself a liar.
Example 4:
“Hi [prospect name], this is [your name]. Our mutual friend [referral name] said you might be able to use my services. Do you have a few minutes?”
This, of course, is meant to be used when you have the name of a referral. Dropping a name will let their guard down enough to give you more time to speak.
A script is not all you need.
However, simply having a script doesn’t mean your work is done. When on the phone, you don’t have the opportunity to use facial expressions and eye contact to help woo them (and you definitely can’t pick their nose!). This is why when selling insurance over the phone, it is even more important than usual that you smile and sit up straight. Why? Smiling changes the tone of your voice and makes you sound more inviting. Sitting up straight opens your diaphragm, improving the sound quality of your voice. You’ll need both of these assets in your corner to be successful. Good luck!