Remote work means creating your own work environment, which comes with its own set of challenges. However, remote work does not have to mean staying in one place. Travelling as a remote life insurance agent is a real possibility, and while travelling is nothing new for agents, travelling while working digitally might be.
Digital nomadism is a rising trend, and in 2024, one in 10 U.S. workers identified as a digital nomad. This new wave of remote workers is adapting to life (mostly) on the road, and since the life insurance industry is one built on travelling, it’s no wonder that life insurance agents would find this trend appealing.
Still, becoming a digital nomad requires a new set of skills beyond the average remote work criteria. We’re bringing you five tips to achieve location independence while growing your life insurance business.
#1: Establish a reliable remote-work infrastructure
The first essential tip for becoming a digital nomad in life insurance sales is establishing connectivity. Backup internet solutions and mobile hotspots are the name of the game when working digitally from the road. When missing a prospective client appointment can make or break your income, a lack of WiFi will not do!
Always have a plan B when your portable devices can’t find a signal. Apps like Instabridge and WiFi Analyzer can help you locate reliable internet, and even pinpoint where it’s strongest. Make sure wherever you’re calling “the office” that day has a strong connection to get you through your workday.
Another addition to your remote-work infrastructure is secure cloud storage. Keeping your client data protected should be a top priority; working from various WiFi sources makes cloud storage even more important.
Research a reputable service that encrypts sensitive data and can be accessed anywhere. Organizations like Cryptomator are examples of services that can help you maintain peace of mind for you and your clients.
Last, always prepare for the inevitable. Creating communication templates for clients when technical difficulties arise will allow you to respond quickly while focusing on resolving any connectivity issues.
#2: Master virtual client meetings and presentations
Do not sacrifice professional presentations while working from the road. Develop some best practices for conducting meetings with clients from any environment. A branded background for your Zoom calls (which Symmetry agents have free access to) can make sure you’re consistent regardless of your surroundings.
Speaking of consistency, lighting is a huge part of conveying professionalism during client calls. Invest in a traveling ring light for your laptop to maintain consistent lighting wherever you hold your calls. Noise can be another distraction for you and your clients — a nice pair of headphones can go a long way in reducing that distraction.
Understand that while a lifestyle of working out of your van might be appealing to you, clients might not feel the same way. Do what you can to ensure none of your professionalism is lost while living the digital nomad life.
#3: Create a comfortable space for travelling work
You must create comfortable working conditions for your digital nomad lifestyle. Travel-friendly equipment can help you maintain a consistent working environment while staying ergonomic.
Investments like lightweight laptop stands and compact keyboards are a great place to start, but stackable office chairs and seat cushions can take your nomad workspace to the next level.
Beyond that, understanding where you feel most comfortable working is another consideration when planning the blueprint of your nomad lifestyle. Accommodation for those who prefer working out of coffee shops might require specific criteria as opposed to someone who’s working out of a hotel room or van.
Once you’ve decided what that space is for you, choose travel-friendly work equipment that best complements your environment.
#4: Build a community of support and resources
Maintaining connections while working from the road is crucial to your success as a life insurance agent. Staying visible while being physically absent is an evolution the life insurance industry has had to adapt to over the last several years. Whether it’s speaking with clients or collaborating with a team member, finding methods to stay connected adds an extra layer of challenge for digital nomads.
With that in mind, choose a virtual community to regularly interact with. Lines of support aren’t always easy to find, so having industry-specific communities to lean on is important. Beyond that, pooling resources is another huge benefit to staying connected. Agents with Symmetry have access to HQ, where support is the top priority. From branded marketing materials to comprehensive product-specific training, HQ is the perfect site for any life insurance nomads on the road.
#5: Manage time zones and work-life balance
One of the trickiest parts of leading a digital nomad lifestyle might be successfully managing your time. Whether that’s finding time for yourself or just figuring out how to schedule client meetings with different time zones while you’re on the road.
Mobile apps like World Time Buddy act as a time zone converter for when you’re having a tough time scheduling those trickier client appointments. You should also consider blocking out your schedule by time zone. If you have several meetings you need to make throughout your day, start with the earliest time zone and work your way down.
Be willing to adapt your work schedule based on where your clients are and not wherever you’re deciding to set up your portable keyboard that day. This type of consistency will help build trust and accountability with clients.
Beyond that, finding time for your personal life can be even more of a struggle as a digital nomad. If you’re spending a lot of your free time travelling from one place to the next, it leaves you less time to spend focused on your well-being. Be intentional when developing your nomadic schedule and carve out specific time for your rest.
Embrace your inner nomad with Symmetry
Having a flexible work location can help you achieve more in your personal life. The independence of working wherever you want can be liberating, but understanding how to best prepare for travelling while working can be all the difference. Each tip on this list will help you find a balance between travelling and maintaining a successful life insurance practice. Embrace your inner digital nomad and expand your perspective of what “remote work” means to you.
