Insurance agents now have an opportunity to raise their profile and their credibility by participating in Long Term Care Planning Month and bringing this national event to their town.
Originally founded in 2001 as National Long Term Care Planning Week, the event was changed to Long Term Care Planning Month in 2006. The change to a monthly event gives sponsors, the media, and others a full month in which to schedule events, interviews, and other activities.
According to the 30-page official LTC Planning Month marketing manual (available to all event sponsors), the grassroots, nonpartisan event was created to promote awareness and discussion of how to meet the challenge of providing compassionate long term care.
Marilee Driscoll, author of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Long-Term Care Planning,” founded the event. Marilee is frequently quoted in national media and has appeared on national television and radio. Here are some examples of how you can leverage LTC Planning Month:
• Mail postcards at the end of September, announcing to your mailing list that October is Long Term Care Planning Month. Be sure to list any related activities that you are planning, as well as whom the recipient should contact for more information on their own LTC planning.
• Add a reminder in your email signature that October is LTC Planning Month and let recipients know you can help them with their planning. You can also do the same with your voicemail greeting.
• Position yourself as the LTC specialist in your area with media exposure leading up to LTC Planning Month. This is probably the least expensive marketing method; try a photo and short blurb in the Names and Faces section of your local newspaper.
For more information, visit www.ltcmonth.com.