Skip to main content

What I've Learned in the Past 365 Days

This month, I celebrated one year with Independent Insurance Center. I've been in the insurance industry since I graduated high school and since then, I've had 3 positions, 3 types of leaders, a diverse range of customers, and evolving goals. In the last year, a slow but steady process has taken place. I have a few things to say about the last 365 days.

Sales is Like a Box of Chocolates

I had to mention the Office somehow and I'm not sorry. Sales is diverse. No two customers are the
same. I'm in the business of helping people and because we're all unique, each sales experience is
unique. It's one of the things I love about my job the most.

Don't Listen to What They Say About You

When you start making decisions for your personal betterment, people always have something to say. Each stepping stone has brought loving support from others but also a lot of doubtful criticism, unwanted advice, and just straight up negativity. DO NOT LISTEN.

It's a waste of time to worry about what others think. Be joyful and confident. Drive them all nuts.

Honesty is Underrated

Too many salespeople talk a big game. Customers see through it and it doesn't work. Just be a real person and the right customers will be drawn to you. When conflict arises, be honest and direct. That's what I would want in an agent so that's what how I operate.

It's OK to Work After 5 p.m.

Sales is a non-stop job. Whether it's marketing, meeting with clients, or calling them after hours- I could be working at any time.

I don't mind working late. I don't mind working early. I enjoy my job and it makes me happy to meet customers where they're at instead of forcing them into a 9-5 box like everyone else.

Good things come to those who work. Go the extra mile or an extra five miles and at some point, it will pay off.

Answer Questions Before They are Asked

One of the most common pieces of feedback I get from my customers is that I am thorough. When I first speak with them, we go through what kind of coverage they have now and I make them aware of additional coverage that is available. "No one has ever explained that to me before."

That makes me sad but it's also just another reminder that I need to continue keeping people informed.

Good Things are Worth the Wait

I would describe my last two insurance positions as a challenge. Over the last 6 years, there has actually been a lot of heartache and frustration. The last time I began job hunting, I took it very
seriously. I was adamant that I only wanted to be with an independent insurance agency and I was dead set on being a salesperson.

The search felt long. I denied positions offered to me because they just didn't feel right. My job at the time was leaving me heavy with stress. I knew something better was coming but I had to wait. So I did.

It was the best decision I have ever made. I found my home. When I look back, I can see how everything fell into place. I am so excited for the next 365 days!

"Life is like a game of cards. The hand you are dealt is determinism; the way you play it is free will." - Jawaharlal Nehru

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

5 Things I Love About My Job

I am blessed to have a job that I love. Each day is a chance to succeed and I am truly thankful that I decided to enter the insurance industry in the first place. I ended up in the industry like many others: accidentally. It was the summer after I graduated high school and I was sleeping in, like most 18 year-old girls do. I received a call from my mother who worked for a local insurance agency. She was frantic, telling me to hurry up and get dressed because the agency was looking for a new service rep and she wanted me to interview with them in the coming hour. I put on the most professional dress I owned, went to the agency, and the rest is history. Since that summer so many years ago and since learning much about the industry, I have been delighted to become a part of the team at Independent Insurance Center, Inc. When I decided to reflect on my favorite things about this job, I didn't find it difficult at all. 5 Things I Love About My Job 1) The Building When yo...

Top Mistakes When Shopping for Insurance

Something about the warm weather makes my phone ring off the hook with folks who would like a new insurance policy. Some customers are buying their first home, a new car, and others just got an itch to look around. Regardless of why, they all have something in common: they need help. When you've never done it before or haven't done it since 1987, shopping for insurance is a headache that you just want to be done with, or so you have been told. In your search, make sure you don't make the top 3 mistakes below! Calling One Insurance Company When you are standing at the grocery store, staring at the multi-vitamin selection in front of you, most likely you are trying to decide which brand to choose. There will always be some people that just grab the first bottle of vitamins they see without paying attention to what kind they are. But for many of us, we really ponder what we're purchasing. You need to read the bottle and see what's being provided to you...

Jump Start Your Day with this Simple Smoothie!

Oh the morning. Whether you love it or hate it, getting started for the day should include a breakfast that will be filling and energizing. Some love to sit down to a classic dish of eggs and bacon. Some prefer yogurt, oatmeal, fruit, granola, or just a cup of coffee. But what about avocados? "Breakfast is everything. The beginning, the first thing. It is the mouthful that is the commitment to a new day, a continuing life" - A. A. Gill Avocados are a super food. They are chalk full of healthy fats and they help with nutrient absorption. They also strengthen your immune system and have anti-inflammatory properties. The list of benefits is pretty extensive. In my opinion, an avocado a day is even better than an apple a day and will certainly keep the doctor away! But other than chopping an avocado for a salad or guacamole, how can you make sure you're getting enough of it's green goodness? Breakfast. Yep, you read that right. Recently, I've discovere...