05/02/2007
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Does this look like a "good neighbor?" To many in Louisiana, she is. Christine Bailey, a State Farm insurance agency owner who has been on her own for seven years, says she has adjusted her business model in the wake of the hurricanes to grow her business and customer base. Bailey says she joined NFIB because she expects the organization "to protect my small-business interests in Baton Rouge and D.C." |
In 2000, Christine Bailey from Lake Charles wanted to be the captain of her own ship, so she took the risk of opening her own insurance agency. Seven years later, Bailey says the rewards have been well worth it. Bailey says she gains much working with her employees and watching what they do for their customers. Through her personal one-on-one approach, Bailey says she ensures her customers walk away more satisfied than by calling an 800 number.
It's no secret Louisiana's insurance industry has experienced drastic changes the last few years, but Bailey says she has adapted by offering additional services. No matter the ebb and flow of insurance, her business philosophy – exceed customer expectations – never changes. She says this enables her business to grow by word-of-mouth.
NFIB spoke recently to Christine, owner of Christine Bailey Insurance and an NFIB member since February 2007.
Describe your business
Christine Bailey Insurance provides State Farm insurance and State Farm financial services. We offer all personal, commercial, life and health insurance, as well as State Farm Bank, investments, mutual funds, annuities and IRAs.
Existing and future business opportunities
Everyone has to have insurance, but in the Louisiana market it is a little different because of the hurricanes. This allows me the opportunity to offer other products like our bank and financial services and deliver those products with very personal service.
Company strengths
State Farm offers name recognition, which gives me an edge in the insurance industry. Because of the State Farm brand, it offers the customer a very financially stable company of which they are very familiar. The biggest strength of my agency is the addition of the personal touch. I just have to reaffirm that with the client with the personal service that State Farm expects me to deliver.
Changes in your industry
Providing warm customer service is a trend shaping the insurance industry. Insurance is no longer a cold, stuffy product. Additionally, I need to have a wide knowledge of many different products because of the shift in the types of policies that can be written. This is essential if you want to succeed in Louisiana right now.
Upcoming legislation
On the state level, we are debating abolishing the Louisiana Insurance Rating Commission. This is a huge issue for the insurance industry. I am also watching legislation regarding lowering of jury thresholds and ways to support a less litigious judicial environment.
NFIB experience and expectations
I worked for an agent years ago who was a member of NFIB. I was also familiar with them from political races, their PAC and the plaques (on business doors), of course! What I expect from NFIB is to protect my small-business interests in Baton Rouge and D.C. I also like NFIB's political power and influence, as well as the benefits offered.
Important lesson learned
I try to live my life as loyal as our family pet. Our dog always welcomes me home at the end of the day no matter how long he's been left, and he's always excited to see me. I try to treat family, friends and my business with this same type of loyalty. If everyone did that, I think it would make us all that much happier and more successful!
