This interview is part of our Researching Bridges Project. Learn more about this project or read other interviews we have conducted in this endeavor.
Note that not all content below is verbatim, but all concepts are taken directly from information gathered during the interview.
Git-R-Done | About Jim Shireman
I recently met Jim at a Power Circle meeting and, I must say, I never would have guessed that he is a serious hiker with the Trail Name of Git-R-Done. He is a commercial and residential insurance agent who is definitely a pleasure to talk to, but I really enjoyed learning more about him over lunch last week. He’s been in the insurance business for many years; his best friend got him started back in the day. He hiked the Appalachian Trail two summers ago–but not before analyzing all the trails and every detail almost right down to the projected wind speed for the days he would be hiking.
Jim takes a very analytical approach to everything, so much so that he is trying to scale back on analysis so that he might be able to make decisions more quickly. When he told me this, I was absolutely floored! This is the exact type of person that I have been wanting to connect with for this research project! Needless to say, I learned a lot in the short amount of time I spent with him.
Do you need an insurance agent you can trust? Are you unhappy with the agency you have? Have you not seen or talked to your agent in years? Has your business expanded significantly in the last few years and have you talked to your insurance agent about it? Do you understand the coverage you have? If your answer to any of these questions was “no”, contact Jim today via email or phone (317.783.3303 x324).
A Left-Brained View of Design
In your own words, what is “design”?
To me, “design” means that something is customized, personal, not a template, and is specifically made for me. It also means that the person doing the work is a professional, and that they are interested in my needs and desires.
What is the purpose of design?
To convey the true message that you are trying to communicate to your audience, separate me from my competitors, and specifically identify me and my company.
Have you ever contracted the services of a professional designer?
Yes, I have a “rip card” that I give to people that includes my photo and some information about me. I email it to someone if I am going to meet up with them and we have never met before, allowing us to recognize each other when we meet. Based on the amount of people who have copied this idea from me, I would definitely say that this was a successful project.
Analytical Business Processes
What is the most successful business process that you use?
I am currently involved in a sales training program that is, among other things, teaching me how to better communicate with people. Overall, however, networking has been the main source of sales generation for me.
Have you actually measured this?
Yes. I analyzed my activities from last year to see which were most successful.
What results of design would be most meaningful to you?
First of all, were the up-front expectations met? Do the aesthetics of the design reach the target audience? There would also need to be a time line for the results: short-term results versus long-term.
Also, how did I as the client implement the design? Did I leave my rip card sitting on my desk for a year after the project was finished, or did I actually give it to people? For the rip card, I can not only measure the number of people who have mimicked me, but I can also measure the number of people that have used them to help sell me to people that they know.
Thanks again, Jim!
It really was a pleasure to see–even for an hour–how the left side of the brain thinks when creativity is completely removed from the equation. Thank you yet again, Jim, for taking the time to meet with me last week! I really enjoyed it! See you again soon!