Tired of seeing an inbox full of emails aboutCOVID-19, what to do and what not to do? Take a break with somepositive stories. (Graphic by Chris Nicholls)

"I need to hear something good."

This is what my editor, Paul Wilson, told me more than threeyears ago when I started writing the series, "What's the Good News, Ladies?" At the time,many in our industry were bummed out and we needed some positivenews to inspire us.

Fast forward to the present: My husband and I have both testedpositive for COVID-19 and, although the symptoms are mild, I foundmyself being the one that was bummed out. I'm completely overseeing an inbox full of emails about COVID-19, what to do and whatnot to do, and I'm getting information overload on what carriersare doing. I just needed to hear something good.

Related: 10 movies and TV shows to binge watch whilemaintaining social distance

This reminded me of the phrase, "Innovation is born fromnecessity." What a bold statement that rings so true today. I'm inNYC, AKA the U.S. epicenter of COVID-19, and it is definitely notbusiness as usual. But we have found new ways to connect withfamily, friends and clients and also support them in ways we neverthought we would before.

This got me curious to find out what other people were doing inour industry. I reached out to women who have been featured in the"What's the Good News, Ladies?" monthly series over the years andasked them what they were doing to support their clients duringthis time or what someone did for them that made a difference.Here's what they said.

Christy Aleckson | Single Point Advisors

"We had an emergency plan in our office built around the idea ofthe 'big one' earthquake. We flipped to our remote plan the secondweekend in March. I shipped a secure laptop to my assistant, and wecontacted clients to flip all meetings to phone or Zoom.

"I sent out increased communications to clients talking aboutthe market drops and using behavioral finance coaching to help themmake the best decisions for their situation. "I also had clientswanting to invest on the down drops. I worked long hours to getaccounts open and funded.

"I've had many clients thank me for just being there andlistening. Some of my clients live alone, and we've been checkingon them. Mental health is important, too."

Alice Tang | BPG Wealth Management

"Peace comes from accepting reality and letting go of thespecific outcome you expect. Control what you can control. Weunderstand that our clients are facing some pretty big challengesright now so we are leading discussion on some of the biggestchallenges facing leaders, which include: business and employmentlaw, staffing, investments, SBA lending, communicating throughCOVID-19 and more."

Patricia Griffey | Page 1 Medicare & National President ofNAHU

"The majority of my clients today are Medicare-eligible, whichmakes them high-risk in light of COVID-19. Prior to the pandemic,my appointments were face-to-face online applications at my office.In the last few weeks, carriers have quickly moved forward withCMS-compliant telephonic enrollment capabilities, as well as makingit easier to do virtual online appointments. This is so refreshing!I have shared with my clients that they no longer need to meet withme in person. This change is being very well received, andeliminates the risk of exposure to the virus."

Esther Pipoly | Loss of Life Advocates

"This has definitely been a time of reflection for me and mycompany. I have been working these last few years to get peopleprepared in the event of a life transition and well, here we aresmack in the middle of a life transition. I did a lot of evaluatingaround what exactly people needed right now, given some have losttheir jobs, are unemployed and are truly contemplating life. Howcan we help them at some level?

"I was also heartbroken that for some families, their loved onegoes into the hospital and is alone. I have two friends in SanAntonio on life support, and not being able to comfort them ortheir families crushes me. My whole business is about supportingand guiding people during the darkest moments. The phone and videojust does not replace the human touch.

"We have offered a free template so someone without a will inplace could prepare a handwritten will as well as use our legaltrusted partners to get their medical power of attorney and durablepower of attorney forms prepared at reduced costs."

Juli McNeely | McNeely Financial Services

"We are reaching out to all of our clients just to check in. Ourclients are like family, and we want to know they are OK duringquarantine. They love that we take a few minutes to check on them."We have also called our small-business clients to make sure theyare fully aware of the CARES Act and the loan provisions thatspecifically apply to them. Most of them have been so busy tryingto keep their businesses going they haven't had time to researchthe help that is there for them during this difficult time. We havereceived numerous thank you calls back.

"Lastly, we are going to be holding a webinar for our clients tokeep them up to date on market volatility during this uncertaintime. This is our time to shine and be there for our clients!"

Marcy Sanders | InoVentive Benefits Consulting

"We have been keeping our clients updated on everything from howto keep workers safe during COVID-19 to how to keep employeesengaged while working from home. We have briefed employers on thenew guidelines surrounding emergency FMLA, emergency paid sickleave, and unemployment. We are providing webinars for employers toinform them about the loans and grants available through the SBAand how to apply.

"We have also reached out to our community to assist businessowners in applying for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan/Grant. Wehave opened our services to those affected by loss of coverage,enrolling them into the marketplace for free and adjusting membersannual salaries that are already enrolled in the marketplace. Wehave successfully assisted approximately 100 small businesses thusfar. It is our mission to keep our community going during thispandemic so we can thrive once this passes."

Susan Rider | Preventia Group

"I have been doing virtual coffees and happy hours that haveallowed me to connect with more people. No travel allows me tofocus more on our customer needs. I've seen that people appreciatethe checks-ins, especially with video capabilities. Sometimes weeven include their family members and pets. It allows the humanside of us all to show.

"Together, we are learning, strategizing and finding new ways totackle projects that were on the back burner.

"One of my interesting experiences has been that I just startedwith a new firm during the quarantine, and my on-boarding at my newemployer included a video chat. Everything you would expect, withthe exception of social distancing to pick up my equipment. Ipopped the trunk, items placed in, returned home, processed itemsthrough a decontamination station and then virtually installedneeded software to hit the ground running."

Rachel Druckenmiller | Unmuted Life

"Leading up to and in the midst of the current situation, I'vebeen using my voice for good to share messages of hope andencouragement via daily videos on LinkedIn. Sometimes I sing a songlike 'This Little Light of Mine,' and other times, I offer quickmindset shifts to help people feel more empowered.

"I've also been offering virtual workshops on building hope andresilience. More than anything, I think what people need right nowis to be encouraged. One of the phrases that I've been holding ontoin the midst of this season is from a speaker named Steven Furtick,whose work I admire and follow. Let this encourage you today, too:'Every season of struggle has an expiration date.'"

Chelsea Whalley | J Donovan Financial

"In recent years, some of my best clients have told me theyenjoy our partnership because it is more than financial; it ishuman. When you start from the most basic concept of what it meansto be human, it comes down to this: We all want to feel safe and wewant to experience true connection. I know this is usually a little'foo-foo' for the insurance industry, but in our current reality ofa pandemic, these two concepts mean far more than a summary of whatcarriers are covering or a copy and paste of financial assistanceupdates.

"'Safe' in our industry is trusting your advisor to do the rightthing with the company's finances and the employees' attention.'Connection' in our industry is much more difficult to attain,because it requires being vulnerable, a place often labeled adanger zone in our business.

"As an advisor during this pandemic, it is possible to maintainyour professionalism and fiduciary responsibility while alsosharing in your clients' experience. For example, we have beencreating two-minute digestible videos on legislation and financialassistance programs designed to help our clients get the bigpicture. In these short videos, I share that we are also applyingfor the assistance and that whether the person watching is a clientor not, they can have access to our resources because we are all inthis together. I have followed up with phone calls to clients, notto make sure they are paying health insurance premiums, but insteadto ask only how I can help.

"Last week, a client told me that all she needed help with wasfinding 300 material masks for her nurses. We went on a mission andfound someone to sew them for her. Clients always need ourinsurance knowledge and expertise, but now more than ever, theyalso want real and authentic connection. It is no secret that therole of the insurance advisor has been evolving and must continueto do so in order for us to stay relevant. I encourage otheradvisors to use this time to practice what can never be replaced bytechnology: the human component to what we do."

Heather Bowers | Lone Star Benefits, Inc.

"Our number-one goal has always been our clients. With businessowners facing very hard decisions, I have reached out personally toeach of them to encourage them, see how we can assist and let themknow I'm available day, night or on the weekends."

Samantha Clark | Center For Wealth Preservation

"We have been working on several creative ideas in our office.To engage clients, one of our advisors sent out 1,000-piece puzzlesto his clients with a note wishing them well and to let them knowhe was thinking of them.

"With all the information out there, we have been forwarding asmuch as we can to our advisors, without being too overbearing. Wehave weekly open forum meetings, helping advisors to connect andshare something positive or negative that they are dealing with,weekly staff meetings in which we go around and see how each personis doing personally and what we can do to help. We also host aweekly happy hour, which is all fun, no work.

"We are designing company T-shirts through customink.com,pushing them out to our firm, and the proceeds from their purchaseswill go to the Long Island Food Bank. When we can get togetheragain, we will all wear our shirts and never forget this crazytime! AALU/GAMA have been sending out daily info and webinars tohelp get information to their advisors, which has been a great helpto us as managers in the field."

Suzy Alberts | Comprehensive Benefits, Inc.

"The big thing that I feel we need to do right now for ourclients is just be there for them. Their worlds have been turnedupside down and many are struggling to stay afloat. They are alsogetting bombarded with information from every corner of the earth.We try to be their 'one source' of correct and conciseinformation.

"As with many agencies, we have placed a COVID-19 tab on ourwebsite for future reference. We are supporting our clients bygathering the information they need for the SBA loans and movingquickly when requests come in. As always, we are trying to take theday-to-day burden off of the HR staff so they can focus on otherbusiness matters.

"Not sure we are doing anything that is rocket science, justtrying to support each client in the manner that they need. Forthose we have not heard from, I have reached out one-on-one, toensure that they are doing OK. It's going to be a rough go, buttogether, we can make it through."

Denise Van Putten | Keyser

"This is certainly a difficult time for all of us, bothpersonally and professionally. The good news is this is the time toshine, to be present, to bring value, and to show how much you careabout your clients! I've been working more hours than I typicallywork during the fourth quarter; however, I am so glad that I can bethe calm in my clients' storm. This, too, shall pass!"

Naama Pozniak | A+ Insurance Services

"During this strange and unique moment in history, all of us arehunkered down inside our homes, challenged by accepting, managingand dealing with the new norms. A necessary shift must take placein order for us to focus on our mental, spiritual, and physicalhealth.

"I designed 'The Stress-Reduction Break' to teach and inspirepositive, peaceful, and meaningful moments in our daily routines sowe are unencumbered by toxic anxiety. Through short conversationsand guided meditation, we learn to pause mentally and refresh.These sessions were originally designed for my remote employer andemployee teams; however, I decided to revitalize the sessions toalign with the current energy of the world at large—mind, body andspirit—at a time when it is most needed and offer them to nonprofitorganizations, corporate companies, remote employees, friends,family and my own team members to instill the spirit of courage,unity, and support through this difficult pandemic. The goal foreach session is to decrease worries and angst and to guidelisteners to a place of peace and comfort, while offering importantwellness advice."

Jennifer Warfield | National Life Group

"Right now, the simple things are especially meaningful. Humorhas been a bright spot, and sharing a laugh is a way to instantlyconnect. I've also tried to share honest, positive feedback withothers. A simple compliment can brighten a day and right now, I'mconstantly reminded how important and valuable my relationshipsare. I want them to know that."

Cerrina Jensen | CoreMark Insurance Services, Inc

"Amidst the obvious tragedy of this pandemic, I am honestly moregrateful than ever. This global experience has forced me to stopand smell the roses, as they say. To come face to face with thereality of what truly matters, and what does not. To engage with myclients and their employees on a much deeper level. To appreciatesimple pleasures like a hug, a social event, a restaurantexperience, a full paycheck, plenty of essential supplies, etc.And, ironically, I've reconnected with so many fellow humans, andmy own inner spirit. It's almost like I needed this peace and quietto reset, recharge and reignite on a soul level. So, while I jointhe globe in mourning the tremendous loss of life and prosperity, Iam looking forward with great enthusiasm to the other side of thisthing."

Megan (Cook) Narrance | Adept Benefits

"Our efforts have varied during this time, one of which hasincluded creating custom masks for a few of our larger clients. Wehave also been sending out paper masks and hand sanitizer toclients that are essential businesses and still working but tryingtheir best to take care of employees. We have had several Zoommeetings with clients to help them through furloughs andterminations and really just be there as a sounding board as theymake difficult decisions."

Wendy Keneipp | Q4intelligence, LLC

"The power of listening and allowing for a space to talk, openup, share concerns and work through thoughts and feelings cannot beunderstated. Whether it's with your team, your clients, yourprospects, or your partners, proactively create that space for opendialogue.

"This is how so much of our time has been spent on coachingcalls for weeks now. Helping people work through things from staffto clients to prospects to marketing. All the 'Should we, shouldn'twe, how do we?' questions and deliberations. And to see people goout and put things into action afterwards, it's making a realdifference. We need our leaders to feel some degree of confidenceand we have to give them the space to find it."

Angela Ribuffo | Raion Financial Strategies LLC

"I have spent the last weeks in contact with my clients througha group email I send out on the current status of the market, orthe coronavirus and answers common questions that may be asked. Ihave connected with them through Zoom meetings and phoneappointments as well. All in all, my clients have been doingwell."

Pamela Sams | Jackson Sams Wealth Strategies

"It has been a long few months, but a lot of good things havehappened, despite the tumultuous market conditions. I have had achance to have more in-depth conversations with clients during thistime. I reached out to all of them when the markets began tocrumble to get a temperature on how everyone was doing. Most werenot happy, but knew they could and should stay the course. Somewere a bit more skittish. I had to sell out of some positions forthose people. I obtained my Behavioral Financial Advisordesignation at the end of last year. It has come in handy duringthis time to talk to clients about their values and goals insteadof focusing so much on the volatility.

"The silver lining is that I have more people inquiring about myfinancial planning services. In the last four weeks, I have takenon four new clients. It is truly about being a trusted advisor tothose who need you during this difficult time."

I'd be remiss if I didn't share my own thoughts. When my brotherwas sick with cancer when we were kids, the chaplain at St. JudeChildren's Research Hospital told my mother, "You have to be agracious receiver." Badass that I am, I have learned to let peopledo for me.

I can't tell you how many industry friends have reached out justto check on me and offer support. I have had people send masks, gofood shopping for us, and FaceTime to see how we are doing. It'sbeen amazing to feel connected when we had felt like we were on anisland. There are truly so many incredible people in my life,including so many women on this list. I want to thank theseincredible women for working hard to make an impact in our industryduring this difficult time. They all serve as a shining light insuch a dark time and I am grateful to have gotten to know them allthrough the years. Stay strong, my friends.

Susan L Combs, the 2017 Broker of the Year,is the CEO of Combs & Company, a full service insurancebrokerage firm.

Read more: 

• Chaos breeds opportunity
• An industry united for hurricanerelief
• Remembering the positive aspects of socialmedia