Posted on

Benefits of Becoming a Resource for Clients

The key to unlocking a lifelong client can be found when you become an unwavering resource. Clients typically look for value; when you offer affordable expertise combined with quality products, they will be hard-pressed to seek services elsewhere. A strong, reliable business resource adds value to the client’s portfolio while continuing to provide top-tier products and services.

Some of the benefits of becoming a business resource or information hub for clients include:

  1. Authority: you become your client’s go-to for questions in the decision-making process. It is imperative to become a hub for your client when they have a decision to make. Financial planners, for example, consult hundreds of clients who share their entire monetary portfolios. Other life decisions are put into the hands of different business genres such as home, auto, and health insurance, mortgages, and attorneys for legal counsel. If you position yourself as a steadfast resource, you are further embedded as a business they trust.
  2. Retention: as a business hub, you are able to assist your clients with other stressors in their lives, which means they are far less likely to turn to your competition. They will value you for whatever primary product or service you are providing. Moreover, they will most likely value your insight and refer to you for other ideas. Your clients will appreciate a steadfast resource, making them more loyal to you.
  3. Referrals: the greater the number of loyal clients who trust your business, the higher your referral rate will skyrocket. Clients who are satisfied with your services and see your overall value will more-than-likely refer you to family, friends, and other businesses.

Becoming an authority, securing retention, and gaining referrals are all quite powerful benefits of acting as a valuable resource for your clients. Implementing these strategies will yield harmonious results.

Want to become a valuable resource for your Medicare clients? Contact the experts at Omega Business Strategies today to learn more about offering Medicare benefits to your company.

Omega Benefit Strategies provides senior credit union members and other groups an educational resource for Medicare. Our turnkey marketing package seamlessly integrates with existing market strategies. We can help businesses increase new member acquisitions, bolster retention, cross-sell opportunities via our “scorecard” system, and even earn an ancillary revenue stream. Accommodating any size membership, we maintain exemplary member service and offer top-notch products. Contact us today by going to www.omegabenefit.org or call 888-404-5049.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Posted on

Upcoming Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare

The annual enrollment for Medicare occurs from October 15 through December 7. Medicare health and drug plans make yearly adjustments to cost, coverage, and providers and pharmacies in their networks. During this time, it is possible for beneficiaries to alter their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage to fit their needs better. The specific modifications are as follows:

  • Switch Medicare Advantage Plans
  • Return to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) if enrolled in the Medicare Advantage program
  • Sign up for a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan or Medicare Supplement Plan if enrolled in Original Medicare

Medicare beneficiaries should always review their plan, examining the Evidence of Coverage (EOC) and Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) materials included. If the plans are changing, beneficiaries should ensure the plan they are enrolled in will continue to meet their needs the following year. If they are satisfied that their plan will be sufficient for the next year, they do not need to make any adjustments.

Those who have Medicare supplements are able to change their program any day or time. If a beneficiary is new to Medicare, their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) occurs three months prior to their birthday. For example, if that person’s birthday were in June, their IEP would be from March until September. Special Enrollment Periods are open to those who qualify due to a life event such as moving or retiring; during this time, the beneficiary can sign up for Medicare or change their plan.  

Annual enrollment is typically a busy time for agents. Is your business prepared to handle the influx of beneficiaries during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period? If you need assistance, Omega Benefit Strategies is your number one resource to help prepare you and make confident Medicare decisions. Contact us today for advice on how to manage the rush.

Omega Benefit Strategies provides members belonging to credit unions, labor unions, and associations an educational resource for Medicare. Our turnkey marketing package seamlessly integrates with existing branding strategies. We can help increase new member acquisitions, bolster retention, cross-sell opportunities via our “scorecard” system, and even earn an ancillary revenue stream. Accommodating any size membership, we maintain exemplary member service and offer top-notch products.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Posted on

9 Reasons Why Credit Unions Should Turn Marketing Efforts from Millennials to Baby Boomers Right Now

It’s obvious why the “ever-elusive” millennials are the apple of every marketing team’s eye, as the population is soon to control 75% of the workforce. Millennials are demanding of the companies and brands with which they do business, they’re technologically advanced as it’s been ingrained into their habits from a young age, and they’re the most educated generation living now. They’re an attractive population, especially for credit unions and financial institutions who are seeking to lock in lifetime members from an early age. They are also easier to reach for less expense because 86% of this generation uses social media and it directly influences their buying habits.

Again, it’s easy to see why most financial institutions are focusing on the millennials, but I’m here to say that it’s time for credit unions to turn their attention back to the baby boomers. Here are nine reasons that financial institutions should turn their marketing sites to the baby boomer generation instead of the millennials:

  1. Let’s look at the sheer volume of people needing similar information simultaneously. Half of the entire US population is age 50 and over currently. 10,000 people are aging into government systems like Medicare and Social Security every day. The biggest year of the baby boomer wave won’t even hit until 2022 (those born in 1957) and the numbers will increase until then. This population of people is huge and looking for retirement information from trusted sources constantly. Why should they look any further than your credit union?
  2. People are living longer and have more time to accumulate wealth and, of course, spend it. The average male life expectancy in the United States is about 77 years old and for females about 81 years old. The average retiree’s biggest fear is outliving their money, yet they have three times the wealth of their kids and grandkids and are choosing to work longer. They also outspend every other generation, with a whopping $400 billion spent on goods and services each year. The predicted longevity of this generation gives a brand enough time to foster a lifelong relationship, even if it happens later in the member’s life. This time of a person’s life is also when they make critical decisions regarding retirement, and they spend more money with newfound extra time.
  3. Did we mention they control a lot of wealth? Baby boomers have more disposable income, more money in savings and loans, and they outspend every other generation. We’ve all heard the expression “show me the money,” and my response to that would be to point to the baby boomers. This generation makes up about 26% of the country’s population, yet they control 47% of the income. The group also owns 80% of all money in loans and savings accounts. The average baby boomer has about $24,000 a year in disposable income, and they have three times the net worth than that of their kids and grandkids. If you’re looking for members with money to spend, then look no further than the boomers.
  4. Boomer spending is already the highest among the generations and will continue to increase over the next two decades. Researchers are estimating that within twenty years baby boomer spending will increase by almost 60%, and in that same time frame, millennial spending is only increasing by 25%. The baby boomer wealth is vast and growing exponentially.
  5. Boomers are set to accrue even more money soon. This group is predicted to inherit over $15 trillion from their “silent” parents and grandparents. As the traditionalists (otherwise known as the silent generation) pass away and leave their legacies, many baby boomers will inherit significant assets. It’s estimated that another $15 trillion (or more) in assets will be in the hands of the baby boomer generation. Another amazing statistic- only 52% of boomers plan to leave inheritances for their children. The rest plan to spend it before they die! In fact, luxury travel is one of the most significant spends of the boomer generation.
  6. Everybody else is targeting millennials – but you were born to stand out! Only 5-10% of ALL existing marketing is directed at baby boomers. If you’re like me, then you would prefer to take the road less traveled. It may be against what competitors are doing but in a lot of cases that is a great thing. Going against the grain, especially when the numbers make sense, is a delightful walk on the wild side. Those who find and influence the baby boomers with their marketing will earn the more profitable members, and meanwhile, enjoy a less saturated target market for prospecting.
  7. You can access the millennials VIA the baby boomers. Most baby boomers influence their loved ones, especially kids and grandkids, which includes those mystifying millennials. Baby boomers have close relationships with their children and grandchildren (for the most part) and are influential in their brand and product choices. The millennials listen to their relatives, in fact, with 63% of them saying they use all or many of the same brands as their parents and grandparents. Moreover, 38% of millennials are willing to change brands because of a recommendation from a relative. If the baby boomers are directly influencing the generation that most CUs are targeting, then it seems a natural move to attract and delight that group as well.
  8. Baby boomers seek in-person engagement and are a highly attentive audience for seminars and workshops with topics they care about. Baby boomers tend to desire human interaction and connection when making a purchase or gathering research to make a purchase, much more than the millennial generation. Boomers care about important issues and take opportunities to learn and understand the retirement landscape they’re entering. Putting the human interaction together with a learning and social occasion is a match made in heaven! If you’ve ever struggled with attendance at your events, aim for the boomers to be your audience for better results and provide them topics relevant to their lives.
  9. Baby boomers are more loyal to brands than millennials, which means once you have them you are likely to keep them. While millennials are undoubtedly capable of brand loyalty, they make brands work a lot harder to keep them. They have higher expectations when it comes to customer service, probably due in part to the fact that they’ve always had options at their fingertips via their mobile devices. Not only that, but they are known to “jump ship” from brands for many different reasons. In fact, 80% of millennials would switch a brand simply to save money. Boomers are more loyal and additionally more likely to refer when they’re satisfied. When a member is genuinely loyal, they will buy about 66% more from you than your non-loyal members throughout the membership. It pays to have loyal members (pun definitely intended).

So, there you have it. Nine reasons why I believe that credit unions need to take a walk on the wild side and change up their target market. Take it from me- I’m a millennial who markets to baby boomers for a living. Millennials are an obvious market to choose because of our near domination in the workforce and our demanding consumer habits, but we waiver and easily “brand jump” when we can save a buck or are unhappy with customer service. Growing up in a world where we have “option overload,” millennials are the riskier group to recruit. I hate to admit it, but as a millennial, I absolutely believe that.

Baby boomers have massive wealth and not near as much debt as millennials, they’re more loyal when given opportunities to get to know a brand, they’re more likely to refer when their delighted by a product, service, or brand, and to top it all off, very few brands out there are marketing to them. Baby boomers are where it’s at.

We’ll be breaking down how to market to baby boomers with some tips and tricks for CUs in future posts. Follow our blog and comment with more topics you’d like to see!

Stay classy, CU world!

Cortney Ventrone

 

Sources: 1) “The Generational Shift in Brand Loyalty” by Guest Contributor, SmallBizClub. www.smallbizclub.com., 2) “How Brand Loyalty Differs Among the Generations” by Matt Graywood, Modern Restaurant Management. www.modernrestaurantmanagement.com., 3) “30 Customer Loyalty Stats You Need to Know” by Sara Spaventa, thanx.com. 4) “31 Stunning Baby Boomer Population Statistics” by Brandon Gaille, www.brandongaille.com.

Posted on

How amazing leaders gain followers

Integrity is key: The people who you are leading should not have any doubt in their minds that you are working for their best interest. If you keep your intentions pure and actions open, those who you are leading will not worry about what you are hiding from them. Tony Dungy says, “Integrity, the choice between what’s convenient, and what’s right.” When you lead, constantly remind yourself of this statement. Ask yourself am I doing this because it’s the easiest option, or am I doing this because it’s the right option? If you keep this in the forefront of your mind, you will not have depend on your position for power.

Trust: Trust is more than a five letter word, it’s a motivator, rationale, a unifying idea, and a guide. If you trust in your team and your team trusts in you, moving forward to your goal will minimize obstacles. Trust will allow you as a leader to unlock the potential of your following. If you build your foundation on trust, you will be able to focus on elevating your team, rather than focusing on if they will do their job properly.

Influence: Even though trust is the foundation, influence is the “way” you gain the trust of your following. Many amazing leaders like Martin Luther King, Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, and Malala Yousafzai could transfer their ideas to the hearts of their listeners. When speaking to your following, do not forget that the message is important, but the delivery is what makes it “stick”.  Influence is not only what you say, but it is also what you do. Leaders can influence many people with their words, but exceptional leaders influence the masses by their words and actions.

Be Free, Be Open: We all can agree that the role of a leader can de-humanize the individual at times. Your followers may see you as a title rather than a person. To change that, allow your followers to see your vulnerability and the things that push you on a daily basis.  When you humanize yourself, it allows room for growth, for change, and many more elements of leadership.  It also eases the separation from yourself and your followers.

Please let us know which tip stands out to you!