Hey there, it’s Jeremy Ochsner, and welcome to Volume 4 of Jeremy’s Journal. This week, we’re taking you through the happenings from January 29th through February 2nd. As always, it’s a one-take recording, no editing, just real thoughts and experiences. So, let’s dive into the week!
Starting with Gratitude: I begin this journal entry with a heart full of gratitude. I want to express my sincerest thanks to all the businesses that trusted us to take care of their insurance plans in January 2024. Your trust is the foundation of our independent scratch agency. To our clients who allowed us to insure their homes, autos, and provided quotes for various insurance needs – thank you! Without you, none of this would be possible. Gratitude is a significant part of my life, and I regularly take time to reflect on the things I’m thankful for.
Challenges in the Insurance Market: This week has been quite a rollercoaster, with various challenges in the insurance market. The insurance landscape is complex, and factors like the number of clients and property exposures affect it greatly. March and April are anticipated to be especially intense. In Nevada with Northern Nevada zip codes, a major insurer plans to non-renew all property insurance for homes with a dwelling coverage value over $500,000. Given the median home prices in Northern Nevada ($570,000 according to realtor.com), this could impact a significant number of homeowners. Remember sales prices of homes are different than the reconstruction values used in insurance. According to Houzeo, average reconstruction prices in Nevada are $167 per square foot. Some range over $300 per square foot and more!
The reasons behind these changes are multifaceted. Reinsurance costs have surged, leading to insurance companies reconsidering their property coverage offerings. As a result, many companies are exiting homeowners policies and other property coverages. This shift has broader implications for businesses and homeowners alike.
Notebook for ideas and Email Efficiency: While shoveling during the 2/4/24 13” + snow storm, I decided to use my time with some positive inputs. Using the Headway app, I played this summary: Kevin Kruse’s Book: 15 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management: The Productivity Habits of 7 Billionaires, 13 Olympic Athletes, 29 Straight-A Students, and 239 Entrepreneurs. The first chapter that really stuck with me was on an idea journal. I was resistant to the idea because I’m against using paper. Back story, things have gotten lost, resulting in lost clients. Fixed this one early on, and I use a Rocketbook for notes in the business. However, the ideas journal struck me, when the narrator said, “writing it down clears the brain and allows for more details to be written”. I now carrier my ideas journal with me, wherever I go. The journal was a hand painted gift from my daughter Alivia.
Another key takeaway from this week is the importance of efficient email management. Email is a vital communication tool, but it can also be overwhelming. To tackle this challenge, I’ve adopted the “3-21-0” email method. It involves checking emails three times a day for 21-minute sessions. When I’m reviewing emails, I set a timer for 21 minutes! During these sessions, emails are organized into four groups: do it, defer it, delegate it, or delete it. This approach ensures that emails are managed effectively, cluttered inboxes avoided, and allows for quick responses to critical matters.
In conclusion, thank you to all our new clients and renewing for their trust in us to provide their insurance plans. I highlighted the upcoming challenges in the property insurance market along with some real estate trends and stressed the importance of efficient email management. Your support and trust mean the world to us as we navigate the dynamic world of insurance and risk management.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through Jeremy’s 1 Take Journal Volume 4. It’s always a pleasure to share my week with you in these one-take journals. Have a fantastic week ahead, and remember, we’re here to serve you!
Thank you so much.