The right IMO partner should make your work easier. As an independent agent, you already have plenty to manage when working through an annuity case. A strong annuity IMO partner gives you knowledgeable support when you need it, from evaluating options to navigating the application process. Over time, that relationship should also give you a resource who understands your business and how you work.
Look for Direct Access to Experienced Support
When you’re working through an annuity case, getting useful answers shouldn’t require jumping through unnecessary hoops. Direct access to someone who understands annuities and can talk through a case with you can make a huge difference. Product comparisons and questions about contract features can become more complicated when you’re trying to match an option to your client’s specific retirement income goals. Having another knowledgeable perspective can help you work through those details before moving forward with a recommendation.
This is where annuity case support becomes especially valuable. Rather than simply providing product information, a good IMO relationship should give you a knowledgeable resource who can help you think through the details of a case and consider which available options may fit your client’s needs. At Phase One Financial Group, that relationship includes direct access to Brian. The goal is personal, knowledgeable support when you have a case or question that deserves a closer look.
Pay Attention to What Happens After the Application
Choosing a product and completing an application aren’t the end of the process. Questions can come up after a case has been submitted, and additional information or follow-up may be needed before it can move forward. That’s why responsiveness matters. When evaluating an IMO relationship, consider the level of independent agent support you can expect throughout the application process.
Having a reliable point of contact also means you know where to turn when a question comes up, an issue needs to be worked through, or a case requires additional attention. Back office support can also take some of the administrative burden off your plate and help you stay focused on your client relationships. The right IMO should continue to be a resource as the case moves through the process.
Choose a Partner Who Gets to Know Your Business
The value of an IMO relationship can grow over time, too. When you’re constantly starting over with someone new, you may find yourself explaining your business, your clients, and the way you work over and over again. But with a consistent point of contact, your IMO partner can better understand the kind of business you write and the support that’s most useful to you.
That familiarity can make future conversations more productive, too. You get a resource who understands your annuity business rather than approaching every case as a standalone transaction. Phase One takes a selective, relationship-driven approach to working with independent agents. We stay involved, giving producers a consistent point of contact as you work through cases and grow your annuity business.
Consider the Service Behind the Products
Product access matters, but it shouldn’t be the only consideration when choosing an annuity IMO partner. The service you get when you actually need help matters, too. Knowledgeable case support, responsiveness, application assistance, and ongoing communication can all make it easier to manage your annuity business and stay focused on your clients. At Phase One, we believe personal service should feel personal. You should know who you’re working with and feel comfortable reaching out when you need another perspective or help moving a case forward.
Find the Right Fit for Your Annuity Business
Reliable annuity case support, knowledgeable help, and a consistent point of contact can make it easier to work through cases without feeling like you’re starting from scratch each time. A dependable IMO relationship helps agents serve clients confidently and efficiently. When you have a case that could use another perspective, get in touch with us to see how we can help. Connect with us on our website, email Brian at [email protected], or call today at (800) 849-5520.