Episode 113 Show Notes
The age of the independent rep is changing. The role that an independent rep played that we were familiar with up to the year 2015 doesn’t really exist anymore. So what does it look like now, in the wave of a digitalized era?
I got the opportunity to chat with Kurtis Michela, and he shares his perspective on what it’s like to be an independent representative in the current climate and how he is adapting his business to grow with this change.
Coming from a background at a tech startup, Kurtis was able to bring a new perspective on how to approach, monitor and track communication, bookkeeping, and sales to maintain relationships with his customers. He stresses the importance of using a CRM software to capture data and information as a key strategy to fuel the growth of the business.
By integrating a CRM into their business, Kurtis can maintain his relationships with automated flows when he is out of office. He is also bringing innovation to his communication strategy by sending personalized videos to his clients, allowing him to maintain a personal connection without having to schedule or coordinate physical appointments with the struggle of varying hybrid work schedules.
While building relationships poses a challenge in the digital era, it isn’t any less important. The emphasis falls on following up and showing your face when the opportunity arises. And by understanding that other independent representatives aren’t your competition but an opportunity for collaboration and partnership, you can build relationships and help each other to move forward as an industry.
Tune in to this episode to hear more about what the future looks like for the independent rep and how you can leverage technology and relationships to move your business forward as our industry evolves in the face of the digital era.
In this episode:
[01:39] Welcome to the show, Kurtis!
[02:10] Kurtis’s background and the decision to join his family business.
[05:09] The adjustment into the independent representative role and Kurtis’s unique perspective.
[06:47] The outside perspective that allows for industry transformation.
[09:43] What does an independent rep actually do?
[12:44] How independent reps are evolving with the digital transition in the industry.
[17:00] Leveraging technology to meet your customers where they are.
[20:22] Building relationships in the industry when face time is hard to obtain.
[25:36] Using video messages to break the monotony of email communication.
[27:21] The benefit of using video messaging in your business.
[33:59] Innovation is the future of the independent rep.
[40:01] Connect with Kurtis on his website and check out his youtube link
[40:54] The best way to get in contact with Kurtis.
Links & Resources:
The Insider
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Connect with Kurtis:
Connect with Sid:
www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows
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The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link:https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License:http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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