Astonish Results Reviews Instagram, Part 1

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instagram for insurance agenciesThis is part of a multi-part series about newer social media sites we are reviewing to help insurance agencies appeal to broader audiences online.

“Put that picture on Instagram!” Let’s face it – this sentence is thrown around an awful lot as of lately! For those of you who are not familiar with this social photo app, allow us to explain.

Instagram is an image-based social network that is available on Smartphone devices. Users can take as many photos as they want, being able to choose from a variety of filters, as well as editing techniques to post the very best photo possible (who needs professional photography?!) Once the user is satisfied with their image, they can then tag friends or followers, add a quick caption and upload! Users also have the option to post the photo to their Facebook and Twitter pages, making it easy to share.
Yes, you could say that this app is not only fun, but up and coming. Here are just a few stats to prove to you just how valuable and relevant Instagram is (taken from the official Instagram website):

• 100 million monthly active users
• 40 million photos posted per day
• 8,500 likes per second
• 1,000 comments per second

As you can see, there is A LOT of action going on! Is your agency ready to jump on this action? GOOD! Some may think that insurance agencies have no use or business being on Instagram, but we beg to differ. This week, we have a few reasons to change your mind:

• Instagram can expand your audience. Once you have another social network linked to both your Facebook and Twitter account, you can bet that fans and followers will like your photos and add you back! You can also use #hashtags on Instagram (for example: #insurancehumor) and gain new followers and fans who may be posting the same type of content. You can never have too many ways to “connect with” and “share” with your clientele and potential clients.

• Instagram can increase engagement. There are always ways that you can engage with your clients. Ask fans and followers to post their OWN photos on Instagram and tag your agency. For example, you can run a fun contest: Cutest Pet Contest! Winner gets a $50 gift card!

Want to hear more? Be sure to visit back for a few techniques and ways to take advantage of Instagram!

Disclaimer: Please note we did use Astonish Results in the blog title, though we changed our name to Astonish last year. The reason we did this is because a lot of people still find us by searching Astonish Results. This is why some posts will contain our old name.

No Comments by on May 22, 2013
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Astonishing Employee Spotlight: Joe Johnson

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As always, Astonish continues to grow, grow, grow! This week, we would like to take a moment to welcome Joe Johnson, our newest addition to the Astonish Family. Joe has come aboard as a Business Development Representative. He is responsible for generating and cultivating new opportunities, building relationships with industry professionals, and educating the insurance industry on digital marketing.

Before Astonish, Joe attended the University of Rhode Island. After graduating, he was employed at Enterprise Rent-a-Car as a Management Trainee. Fortunately, Joe has now made his way on over to Astonish – ready to serve and educate our clients!

While it has only been a few weeks, Joe is already enjoying the Astonish environment and atmosphere. He says, “The people are very friendly here!”

When Joe isn’t in the office, he enjoys outdoor activities, CrossFit, disc golf, going to the beach and video games.

Here are a few other fun facts about Joe:

#1: Favorite food: Cheese Burger
#2: Favorite television show: Walking Dead and Games of Thrones
#3: Favorite musician/band: Hip Hop Drake
#4: Favorite movie: The Dark Knight
#5: Favorite vacationing spot: Newport , RI

Astonish is super PSYCHED to have Joe on board – are you!?

No Comments by on May 16, 2013
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Astonish Results Reviews Pinterest

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Astonish Results Reviews Pinterest for Insurance AgenciesThis is part of a multi-part series about newer social media sites we are reviewing to help insurance agencies appeal to broader audiences online.

It seems like every teenager, co-worker, mom and even grandmother is on Pinterest these days. As an insurance agency, you may wonder if there is any good reason or way for YOUR business to hop on the Pinterest bandwagon. Today, we are here to tell you the good news. OF COURSE you can add Pinterest to your insurance marketing strategy! In fact, Pinterest is still one of the fastest growing social media platforms, with a total of 48.7 million users.

To give you a quick review, Pinterest is a social network that utilizes photo sharing tools that enable engagement with various audiences through sharing, liking and re-pinning. This online pin board will allow your agency to share photos, whether you choose to make your own insurance memes or repost others!

Here are a few “pinteresting” ways that insurance agencies can use the social media site to get results:

#1: Make an insurance meme. There are plenty of insurance memes and e-cards out there – why not make your own? If you are looking to target your lady fans and followers, you may want to create a Ryan Gosling insurance meme. Example: “Hey girl, I totally paid your insurance premium in full for the remainder of the year. You’re welcome.”

#2: Give followers an INSIDE look. Create a board that is dedicated to the community and your agency. Here, you can post pictures of office parties, birthdays, or just life in the office. This is a great way to show your fans and followers WHO you are, visually.

#3: Create a board for VISUAL insurance information. If you search the word insurance on Pinterest, a lot of infographics may come up. If you see one that you like, do not be afraid to RE-PIN it to your “Insurance Infographic” board. These images may be very helpful to your clients.

Remember: Once you have your agency’s Pinterest board up and running, be sure to blast out your link or username on other social media sites. You can do this on Facebook, Twitter and even LinkedIn. The more exposure your Pinterest board has, the more fans and followers it will receive.

Happy pinning!

Disclaimer: Please note we did use Astonish Results in the blog title, though we changed our name to Astonish last year. The reason we did this is because a lot of people still find us by searching Astonish Results. This is why some posts will contain our old name.

No Comments by on May 7, 2013
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Astonishing Employee Spotlight: Jenna Miedzionoski

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new employeeThe Astonish Family just keeps on growing! This week, we would like to introduce one of our latest additions, Jenna Miedzionoski! Jenna has joined our Sales Team, as a Business Development Representative.

Jenna attended the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, graduating with a B.A. in Psychology. Before coming to Astonish, she rounded up a variety of talents in other positions, including:

• Marketing and Social Media intern at Oberon Company
• Assistant Director and Marketing Manager at Dodgeballin’ for Kids
• Coach of UCONN Field Hockey Summer Camps (she played in college!)

Now, Jenna finds herself here at Astonish. Her favorite part so far? “The upbeat, positive, and fun environment and ability to learn and grow as a person and professional – and of course, the people!” she exclaims.

When Jenna is not working hard at work, she enjoys a good game of Field Hockey, concerts in the summertime, running and wine tasting. Enjoy a few other fun facts about Jenna:

#1: Favorite food: Frozen Yogurt
#2: Favorite television show: Modern Family
#3: Favorite musician/band: Dave Matthews Band
#4: Favorite movie: Along Came Polly
#5: Favorite vacationing spot: St John/ St Thomas USVI

Astonish is excited to have Jenna onboard – be sure to say hello!

No Comments by on May 1, 2013
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Astonishing Employee Spotlight: Rob Washburn

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Rob WashburnThis week, we have yet ANOTHER great addition to our ever-growing team at Astonish. Please give a big, warm welcome to Rob Washburn! Rob has taken on the role of Product Specialist, making sure to keep our clients happy. He will be answering client questions, training, editing websites, and the likes.

Rob attended DeVry University and graduated with a Computer Engineering Technology degree. Once out of college, he was a Sergeant in the United States Army for five years, as a Signals Intelligence Analyst. He also completed one tour in Afghanistan, from March 2011-March 2012. There, he collected processed, analyzed, and disseminated enemy intelligence to the decision makers on the battlefield. Fast forward to April 2013 – we are ecstatic to have Rob and his talent on board at Astonish!

What does he loves most about working here? “Free health care!” he jokes, before adding “and helping businesses stay in business.”

When Rob is outside of the office, he enjoys surfing, sports, fishing, and reading. Here are a few fun facts about Rob:

#1: Favorite food: Chicken Parmesan

#2: Favorite television show: Seinfeld

#3: Favorite musician/band: Slightly Stoopid

#4: Favorite movie: Superbad

#5: Favorite vacationing spot: Costa Rica

Astonish is excited to have Rob and we are glad that he is just as PSYCHED!

No Comments by on April 24, 2013
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Astonishing Employee Spotlight: Joe Bento

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Astonish employeeAstonish is very pleased to introduce you all to one of our latest and greatest additions to the team: Joe Bento! Joe has come to Astonish to take on the role of Product Specialist. He does it all when it comes to helping agencies, including website edits, page additions, VPC help, e-mail templates, campaigns and much more. Joe is a HUGE help to the Astonish Family.

Before Astonish, Joe graduated from the Community College of Rhode Island with a degree in Computer Programming. Previously, he worked for call centers to aid in customer service and help desk. What is even more exciting and awesome about Joe is the fact that he also has his own Inc. – a nonprofit Jeep owners club. The members have monthly trail rides, BBQs, meet and greets, car shows, and more. Joe is also proud to be a part of charity events, such as Christmas toy drives for the Arctic Mission in West Warwick and various Make-a-Wish Foundation events. Over time, the Jeep owners club has raised over $5,000 for the foundation. Talk about awesome!

Here are a few other fun facts about Joe:

#1: Favorite food:  Soup

#2: Favorite television show: Family Guy

#3: Favorite musician/band: Lamb of God

#4: Favorite movie: Dumb and Dumber

#5: Favorite vacationing spot: Portugal

Joe says, “The people that work here are great and very helpful. I love the feeling that I am a part of something and not just a corporate drone.”

Well Joe, we are just as PSYCHED to have you be a part of our family!

No Comments by on April 17, 2013
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E-Agent Summit Early Bird Pricing – Come and Get It!

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Astonish has already announced early bird pricing for the annual E-Agent Summit! This event will be taking place from October 27th-29th, but we have decided to give the early birds agents a break. How exciting is that? What is even more exciting may be the location of this event… the Red Rock in Las Vegas, Nevada!

EAgent Summit

Early bird pricing for this three-day event totals up to be $395. This price includes access to leaders in the insurance marketing, training, and technology space who will present on various topics. Topics include knowledge on how to bring agencies into the digital age as well as give local agents the tools they need to succeed in today’s tech savvy world. This deal expires on May 31st, 2013 – so agents must act quickly!

Astonish is committed to keeping independent insurance agents and brokers up to speed on the fast-paced and ever-changing world of technology. To be honest, more than 85% of consumers will use the internet to find their next insurance policy. To avoid getting left behind, you must learn how to utilize and embrace this new way of selling policies. Why not have FUN while learning how to do this? By attending the E-Agent Summit, you will be hearing from top-notch speakers who will show you just how to succeed in this day and age. Get inspired, get energized and get PSYCHED!

If you are reading this and are excited to attend this worthwhile, educational and ROCKING event, do not waste another second. Jump onboard and grab the early bird package before May 31st rolls around. You can do so by going to the registration page, here. If you would prefer to call, contact Krystle DeGraide at 407-967-1247 for more information. This date will be coming quick, so spread the word and sign up before it is too late!

No Comments by on April 10, 2013
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Astonishing Employee Spotlight: Jeff Lupinski

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Astonish continues to add to their hardworking, dedicated and amazing team. This week, we would like to take a moment to introduce one of our latest and greatest additions to our Web Design and Development Team. Please welcome Jeff Lupinski, Designer and Front-end Web Developer!

 

Jeff was hired with one great goal in mind: to design and build unique, creative and clean websites for our clients. With a degree in Digital Media from Johnson & Wales University, he is just the guy for the job. When Jeff is not working behind a computer, he enjoys doing ANYTHING outdoors and live music. He also enjoys being creative in the kitchen, with an interest in cooking and brewing his own beer.

What does Jeff love most about Astonish? “It’s an opportunity to contribute to a team of people that are passionate about what they do,” he explains.

Here are a few more fun facts about Jeff:

#1: Favorite food: Seafood and Italian

#2: Favorite television show: Seinfeld

#3: Favorite musician/band: Too many to choose from, love a little bit of everything

#4: Favorite movie: Caddyshack

#5: Favorite vacationing spot: Anywhere with a beach

Astonish is beyond excited to have Jeff onboard – remember to say hello!

No Comments by on April 2, 2013
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Astonish’s Modern Consumer Training Around the Country Continues

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Over the last couple months, Astonish has been hosting FREE One-Day Modern Consumer Training sessions across the nation, from Illinois to Tennessee and beyond. Our company is committed to making sure independent insurance agents across the country are building their business as well as making more money by selling to the Modern Consumer.

What is the Modern Consumer?

The Modern Consumer is the 85% of insurance customers who will research their options online before purchasing their next policy. With both technology and the Internet rapidly changing, it is crucial for agency owners to keep up with these trends.  This is where Astonish comes into the picture!

Astonish’s Modern Consumer Training is designed to educate and train Principals, CEOs, and Presidents of local insurance agencies on the following:

  • How the consumer has changed
  • How these changes affect their business (and their profit!)
  • How they can use this information to sell more

It may also help agencies improve basic sales and service skills, build agency culture by focusing on selling new business and retaining existing clients, and much, much more!

Modern Consumer Training is STILL going on, too! Below is a list of upcoming sessions:

March 28th 2013
PIA of Michigan Hosts
The Bob 20 Monroe Ave. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
800-610-9737

April 2nd 2013
PIA of Tennessee Hosts
Vanderbilt University Memorial Gymnasium
210 25th Ave S., Nashville, TN 37240
800-610-9737

April 11th 2013
QQ Solutions Hosts
Residence Inn by Marriott Aventura Mall
19900 W Country Club Dr., Aventura, FL 33180
800-610-9737

At Astonish, we are proud to help independent insurance agencies keep up with the changing of times. If you are an agent in the MI, TN or FL area, now would be the time to attend and discover just how much Astonish can help you make more money selling to the Modern Consumer.

If you’re a partner interested in offering this training to your constituents, feel free to contact Joe Amaral at 401-921-6220 ext. 352. Spread the word, today!

No Comments by on March 26, 2013
filed in Management, Motivation, Sales, SEO, Social Media, Training
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February Flashback: An Astonishing Round of EOM Nominees!

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Here at Astonish, we like to recognize three individuals each month to showcase their wins, hard work and dedication. Though everyone here works extremely hard day in and day out, we believe it is nice to single out a few employees. Last month, the following three candidates were featured in our monthly newsletter and highlighted at our monthly company meeting!

Theresa Navarra#1: Theresa Navarra: Theresa has only been at Astonish for 6 months, but she has grown by leaps and bounds! As a Content and Social Media Marketer, she not only excels at writing unique and engaging content for our clients, but also suggests innovative strategies to test. For example, she’s currently testing whether looking into clients’ Facebook analytics can provide better insight into blog topics that might draw more traffic to clients’ VIOs. Her passion and commitment to improving Internet marketing strategies for clients is inspiring and we are ecstatic to have her as a part of our Astonish team!

 

Jeanette Cole#2: Jeanette Cole: Jeanette is our Director of Product Management and has been instrumental on the development end with many projects including integration, VPC interface, and the user advisory group – just to name a few. She goes above and beyond to interact with many of our clients and also serves as an extremely positive extension of Astonish. She takes ownership, responsibility, and is true asset to the team. Her contributions and work make an impact every day and we are very lucky to have her with us!

 

#3: Steve Upritchar: Steven is a part of our Product and Technology team here at Astonish as the Development Team Leader. He has a brilliant mind and is always investigating new ways to solve complex problems – and he is always eager to lend a helping hand when need be! His work is exemplary, no matter what he is working on. Though he has been around the world, we are very lucky and happy to have Steven in our little corner of Rhode Island.

 

At Astonish, we love go-getters. These three candidates are GREAT examples of go-getters! Again, here is a big congratulation to our three nominees. Their dedication, ideas and hard work make Astonish a greater and brighter place.

No Comments by on March 20, 2013
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