1. Be the expert on health care reform. And talk about it. Most Americans—and businesses—don't understand it.
2. Use emotional connections during enrollment.
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3. Astound yourself today. (Or, make up your own personal slogan.)
4. Don't blame the economy. Or PPACA. Or whatever. Keep going.
5. Make calls. Repeat.
(President Barack Obama signs the health care reform bill in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, March 23, 2010. Associated Press Photo/Charles Dharapak)
6. Remember: Success is a journey, not a destination. Creating your funnel, making calls, tracking results, collecting business cards, attending networking events, even getting yelled at by a receptionist who's having a bad day—it's all part of the process. But activity always yields results.
7. Network.
8. Build your reputation by blogging.
9. Hold volunteer positions in organizations that interest you. It'll help you stay visible.
10. Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals you are given.
(photo credit: tungphoto)
11. Tap into the Hispanic market. The American population has been shifting over time demographically to a much larger percentage of Hispanics.
12. Give life insurance a shot. Here's how.
13. Embrace technology. It's not going anywhere.
14. Remember the three P's: Patience, patience, patience.
15. Learn to say no. Don't chase opportunities that aren't a good fit with what you do well. By saying no to the wrong opportunities and yes to the right ones, you will have more success and earn more clients. You will find you are building deeper, more compelling, and longer lasting relationships while having more fun.
(photo credit: David Castillo Dominici)
16. Learn to handle rejection. [Read "6 ways to overcome sales objections"]
17. Don't ask yourself, "Is it convenient?" Ask yourself, "Are you capable?"
18. Know how—and when to—cross sell products. [Read "The business of cross-selling"]
19. Learn how to communicate across generations. "The one-size-fits-all approach does not fit at all anymore—it's a whole different conversation with each generation," says Joe Navarro, marketing director for Warner-Pacific in Westlake Village, Calif.
20. Ask open-ended questions in networking conversations.
(photo credit: pakorn)
[Editor's note: Check back Tuesday-Friday to read parts 2-5.]
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