We recently connected with Zakiyyah Austin and have shared our conversation below.

Zakiyyah, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

I’m a survivor of a very traumatic and life altering event and the products I offer today are the exact same products that saved me, financially. I want to educate as many people as possible through platforms such as CanvasRebel because you are careful about the topics you highlight. My agency’s mission is to loving move, primarily women, to be proactive in protecting their financial foundations whether they are single or married.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am from New Jersey, a mom to two young adult daughters, and a book nerd. I was introduced to the insurance industry by a Loan Originator because I was a Realtor at the time and once she knew I was a grinder. She recruited me and I became obsessed with it to help my clients that I just sold a home to protect their investment. I sat down with my clients once they were settled in and insured them with life insurance to cover the loan amount and also disability just in case they were sick or injured they could still pay their mortgage. I am very proud that I was able to help make dreams come true through home ownership and also installing additional bricks to their financial foundations with legacy planning. I am different from a lot of Insurance Professionals because I can answer questions about so many areas of finances. I have a background that most Insurance Professionals don’t and I am not only out for what’s in it for me. I educate!
I had to use the products that I passionately speak about after surviving an auto accident that almost claimed my life. I was out of the workforce for about 18 months and could have been longer because my insurance was still paying me. I am proud of the reputation I have made for myself and that many of my clients have become friends and speak highly of me when they refer their friends and family. I have over a decade in both industries and 2 and I represent several companies to make sure I match my clients with the best products (pieces to their financial picture). If I can’t help I have a huge network to point you in the right direction.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I spoke about how I got into insurance but I also shared that I was a Realtor, first. I loved real estate! I sold my last home from the hospital bed in 2019 and went through a grieving period because I severely fractured my femur so I could not return to real estate doing the activities I was accustomed to. Thank God I had insurance and financial license already because that was my pivot point! I would have been lost career-wise had I not already started to build my reputation and client base in insurance. I have always been what my dear beloved sister-friend called a “busy body” but, there came that moment where I could no longer be a “busy body” because I was coping with depression and working very hard to regain my mobility and maintain independence. What I have been through proved that I am resilient. Those who know my story were and most likely still are inspired by my grit and strength. I made pivoting look easy.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Honesty, vulnerability, and authenticity. I share real stories of what it looks like when you are proactive and when you’re not. People respect and appreciate that I experienced the process of a claim for the products I recommend. I am not afraid to ask to be introduced to someone that my clients know and love so that I can do the same great work for them. Wouldn’t you prefer to make an important financial decision through a recommendation of someone you trust?
I don’t forget that potential clients are on social media too. They may need to see you and hear from you consistently before they decide to give you the opportunity to earn their business. Last but not least, building relationships instead of being transactional has been very effective. Having a direct number for help versus an 800 number is very desirable. I am licensed in NJ, NC, PA, and GA.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.zaustinagency.com
• Instagram: @z.austinagency
• Linkedin: https://LinkedIn.com/in/zakiyyahaustin
• Youtube: z.austinagency
• Yelp: Z Austin Agency LLC