Help an employer reach a responsive independent benefits partner
If you know an employer who could use a thoughtful, independent benefits advisor — one who listens first and lets the employer choose the next step — this page explains how to make a warm introduction.
The two email starters below are text you can review and send from your own email client.
Who might refer an employer — or be referred
A warm introduction can come from anyone who knows an employer well enough to confirm they're open to a conversation.
- Clients and employees
- Employers and employees who know a peer organization that could benefit from a responsive independent benefits partner.
- Professional advisers
- CPAs, payroll firms, HR consultants, and attorneys who see employer benefits questions in their own work.
- Carriers and brokers
- Carriers, general agents, and fellow brokers who encounter an employer whose needs align with SSGI's independent advisory model.
- Strategic partners
- Organizations whose services complement employer benefits, introduced thoughtfully and only with a genuine, permission-based fit.
Signals that an employer may benefit from a conversation
These are the situations that most often prompt a warm introduction.
Renewal or cost pressure
A renewal that feels too costly, opaque, or rushed, and a desire for an independent second look.
Administration or service gaps
Too much administrative burden on a small team, or service that feels distant when questions come up.
First benefits program
A growing employer offering benefits for the first time and wanting independent design guidance.
Maryland FAMLI
A Maryland employer weighing the State Plan against a private-plan option for 2027.
ICHRA
An employer exploring an ICHRA as a flexible alternative to a traditional group plan.
Broker transition
An employer considering a change of broker and wanting independent, year-round guidance.
Growth or acquisition
Benefits becoming more complex across locations, classes, or states as the employer grows.
Multi-location or multi-state
Operations across multiple locations or states needing guidance that holds across jurisdictions.
Employee-support problems
Employees who struggle to understand or use their benefits and want clearer support.
For context on how SSGI approaches these situations, see our small business employee benefits and mid-market employee benefits pages, or our Why SSGI overview.
A three-step flow — at the employer's pace
The employer stays in control at every step.
Warm introduction
One clear path to a benefits conversation
- Ask permission
- Make the introduction
- SSGI listens, the employer chooses
Only general business context travels with the introduction; sensitive employee and health information stays out.
Ask permission
Confirm the employer is open to a conversation with an independent benefits advisor. Permission comes first — always.
Make the introduction
Introduce the employer by email with business-level context — contact name, business email, organization, and a general reason.
SSGI listens, the employer chooses
SSGI listens to the employer's situation and reviews what's relevant. The employer decides whether and how to continue.
What to expect from SSGI
A referral gives the employer a direct conversation with an independent advisor.
- SSGI listens first and lets the employer set the pace.
- SSGI reviews what's relevant at a business level and advises on benefits strategy and coordination.
- The employer stays in control and chooses whether and how to continue.
What to gather before a warm introduction
A referral needs very little — and must never include sensitive employee or health information.
You may share
- Contact name (the person at the employer you are referring)
- Business email for that contact
- Organization name
- A general, non-sensitive reason for the referral
- Confirmation that you have the employer's permission
Never include
- Employee or dependent information
- Health, claims, or Medicare data
- IDs or Social Security numbers
- Financial, payroll, or banking data
- Underwriting or census data
- Credentials, eligibility files, or plan documents
Two starters you can review and send yourself
Choose the starter that fits the introduction.
Employer introduction starter
Use this when you are introducing an employer to SSGI.
- To:
- VIP@ssgibenefits.com
- Subject:
- Employer referral introduction
Hello SSGI, I would like to introduce an employer who may benefit from a conversation with an independent benefits advisor. I have the employer's permission to make this introduction. I will share only business contact information and general context with permission. Employer contact name: [Replace with the contact's name] Employer business email: [Replace with a business email address] Organization: [Replace with the organization name] General reason for the referral: [Replace with a short, non-sensitive reason] Confirmation of permission: [Confirm you have the employer's permission] Thank you, [Replace with your name] [Replace with your organization] [Replace with your business email]
Professional-partner conversation starter
Use this when you are a professional partner opening a partnership or referral conversation with SSGI.
- To:
- adecker@ssgibenefits.com
- Subject:
- Professional referral or partnership inquiry
Hello Andrew, I would like to discuss a professional partnership or referral arrangement with SSGI. I have the relevant party's permission to open this conversation where one is required. I will share only business contact information and general context with permission. Your name: [Replace with your name] Your organization: [Replace with your organization] Your business email: [Replace with your business email] Partnership or referral context: [Replace with a short, non-sensitive note] Thank you, [Replace with your name]
Selecting either link opens your email app with a prefilled draft. Review and replace every placeholder before sending. Share only business contact information and a general reason for the introduction; do not include employee, health, claims, identity, financial, or credential data.
About referring an employer
The basics on who may refer, permission, prohibited information, next steps, and compensation.
Want to understand how SSGI works before referring?
A few existing pages give the full picture — how SSGI implements a new benefits program, and how the Maryland FAMLI and ICHRA conversations tend to run.
