So, we made it through the "month of Mondays" and now we're back at it! Not sure about you, but things have been crazy for me. I'm sitting here on a plane, and it is literally my sixth flight in five days! I swear I have aged five years this week! I'm very excited to introduce you to my new friends, Kimberly, Sharon and Susan! These women were all introduced to me by a fan of this series, Eric Silverman! Eric is a great advocate for our industry and for women in our industry, so I love the extra support he has been providing to this column by making great recommendations for some incredible women in our industry! I really think you'll be wowed by these women. I know I was.
"I am grateful that the past year has been action-packed! I was able to be a part of a team that collaborated and published a book called, "Breaking Through the Status Quo." This was a fun project that not only highlighted me and my journey in this industry, but many of my peers as well. Professionally, I have worked hard this year at implementing unbundled, transparent solutions to my partially self-funded client base, which has been successful in increasing revenue for my firm companywide. I am a believer in education and investing in yourself in order to always give my clients the best version of myself. This year, I did this through attending a CFO Training class taught by Craig Lack. This class helped me "learn the language" to become a more effective communicator when I speak to the C-Suite population. I reinforced this education by spending time with Mick Rodger and honing these skills further for the times when I speak to CFOs on funding options. Lastly, I believe the best mentors we can surround ourselves with are peer-to-peer mentors. For the past 12 months I have participated in a Mastermind Group with such individuals, and it has been my best career move ever!"
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"When asked about this past year, an old saying comes to mind pretty quickly: The only thing constant in life is change. I had spent 10 years helping an employee benefits consulting firm more than double in revenue. Growth like that brings many changes, and in early 2017, I found myself deliberating my next career move, reflecting on my past accomplishments, my decisions, good and bad, my personal life and my goals. After weighing several opportunities, I made the decision to join Raffa Financial Services, Inc. because I wanted something more than business as usual.
Without a doubt, 2017 was the happiest and most fulfilling year for me. I was able to seamlessly integrate my career and my personal life. I am part of a dynamic team that's changing the way employers deliver health care to their employees. I have been able to broaden my industry connections and professional network, develop and expand my skills and reinforce my enthusiasm to do my best every day for our clients and our industry. And I am contributing to my community in a meaningful way."
"If the past year is any indication on what's coming down the pike, what a fabulous year 2018 is going to be! My team and I have made some amazing connections with new agencies as well as some enriching friendships. Last spring, I was fortunate enough to successfully complete internal LEAD Tech training, where we read "The Phoenix Project: a novel about IT, DevOps and Helping Your Business Win." Through this program, we considered how technology, relationships, workflow, and the philosophy of "The Three Ways" could help us embrace the best of technology without getting lost in the process or forgetting our company's main goals. I also began the process of obtaining my CLU and ChFC, which I will be completing this year. My firm added 15+ key brokers with whom we have already landed several groups which helped us round out 2017 at 127 percent of quota! On a personal note, I successfully ran one half marathon and logged 365 miles throughout the year. Running is such a great metaphor for life. I'm not fast, but I keep at it and remember "you don't stop when you're tired; you stop when you're done." I don't plan on being "done" any time soon!"
I challenge you this month to be like Silverman! If you know of great women in the industry who are working hard to make this this industry great, send me an email introduction at [email protected]. I'd love to connect! And if you want to check out Eric and all the remarkable things he's doing in our industry, he will also be a speaker at the BenefitsPRO Broker Expo coming up in April, where you can come here me too!
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