1. See possibility.

"Our industry is in a place where those who can see possibilities are poised to absolutely own the future … Leading in our industry is easy; just be the person willing to do things a little differently."

—Benefits Selling columnist Brian Hicks

2. Don't let the small stuff get you down.

It's easy to get bogged down in minutia—take the time to remember why you got into the business in the first place.

3. Think process, not outcome.

"Take charge of the process of being a world class benefits professional. People who worry about outcomes are those who won't get them. If you worry about commissions, approvals, closing the sale, you aren't thinking about the right thing. If all you're worrying about is the outcome—if I'm going to make a sale — you take away the process which leads to the sale."

—Jack Singer, president and CEO of Psychologically Speaking

4. Stop complaining, get creative.

"There are a lot of ways you can capitalize off of PPACA and turn that frown upside-down. Is this what we envisioned for our industry five years ago? Absolutely not. But if you get creative and stop complaining, you can really spin some gold and take your business to the next level!"

—Susan L. Combs, CEO of Combs & Company

5.  Remember generosity.

"[Benefits professionals] are the most generous people I've ever met. Generous with their time; with other competitors; with their money. And you just can't have that many positive people with that much positive energy fail. It's not gonna happen. Change? Yes? Failure? No."

—Don Goldmann, Vice president, Word & Brown, NAHU President

6. Scared? Keep going. 

"The role of the broker has never been more important, and your clients need you in ways they never have before, which means you have to work in ways you never have before. Sure it's scary, but just look at PPACA. You've already proven you're capable. And, as we all know, facing your own fears is the first step to becoming the feared competitor in your market."

—Kevin Trokey, coach and an implementer of business strategies

7. Remember your value.

"I feel that clients look at their consultants as true business partners and are grateful for the knowledge and the solutions we can bring to the table. There's more value in our jobs than ever, and that is a great thing."

—Brandon Scarborough, Business Advisor at Truss

8. It's okay you don't know it all.

"Keep your ego in check by facing the fact that no one person can know it all, no matter what level their position is within the hierarchy."

—Brian Ray, consultant

9. Help others help themselves.

"There are two things we need to do: encourage and incentivize employees to be better consumers of health care."

— David Contorno, 2015 Broker of the Year

10. It's all about relationships.

"I don't even consider myself a broker or an agent. I call myself a 'giver.' I give people security for themselves and their families. I listen to a lot of motivational speakers and that's what they tell you—to form relationships with your clients."

— 2015 Broker of the Year finalist Eric Stanton