Happy Wednesday! In this week's Big I Buzz, we're sharing the odds of hitting a deer in WI and phrases to avoid in client conversations. Plus, a reminder for agency members to register for InsurCon2024 before our early bird pricing ends. 

Here Are the Odds of Hitting a Deer in WI: How to Avoid it This Season

Wisconsin's roads become more perilous during November, October, and December, with a heightened risk of animal collisions, primarily involving deer, rodents, dogs, raccoons, and coyotes, according to State Farm. The insurer reports that the odds of hitting an animal are 60 to 1 in Wisconsin. This risk varies from state to state, with West Virginia, Montana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and others having the highest odds. To minimize your risk of animal collisions, it's essential to stay vigilant, obey animal crossing signs, reduce distractions, and refrain from swerving if a collision is imminent. Following these precautions will help you safely navigate the roads and protect both yourself and the local wildlife. You can read the full article here.

Phrases to Avoid in Client Discussions (and What to Say Instead)

Zendesk has put together a list of words and phrases you should eliminate from your client conversations. Here's what they say you should cut out: 

"I don't know." Replace it with "Great question! I'll find the answer for you."

"That's not my job." Replace it with "I'd love to help you with that but our [specialist] has incredible success resolving this specific issue. Would you mind if I connect you?"

"You misheard me." Replace it with "My apologies! May I rephrase that for clarity?"

"No, I can't." Replace it with "While I'm unable to do that, here's something else we can do."

"Actually" - Zendesk says that Actually is a filler word, so it's best to just eliminate it from client conversations altogether. 

"I'm sorry you feel that way." Replace it with "I understand how frustrated you must be feeling."

"What else do you need?" Replace it with, "Please let us know if there is anything else we can help with."

"We've never had this issue before." Replace it with "Would you mind if I look into this further and follow up?"

"Unfortunately". Instead replace it with "Although [x] isn't available, we can offer [y]."

We believe this one is a given but Zendesk also lists "Calm down." as a phrase to remove. Replace it with, "That would upset me, too. Here's how I can help."

Read more here. 

Register Now for InsurCon2024

Secure your spot and join us at InsurCon as we celebrate our 125-year anniversary, happening on May 15-16, 2024, at Lambeau Field! Don't want to register, attendee registration price increase on November 1st. Click here to register now.

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