Troy J. Cook, vice president-client account executive Marsh U.S. Consumer, Urbandale, Iowa

1. Be proud of being a licensed insurance professional. Our industry has a positive impact on millions of Americans every year.
2. Insurance agents/brokers have the opportunity to provide professional advice and solutions that make a difference for our clients. This is not an opinion; it's a fact and obligation.
3. Define your success on your own terms.
4. Always prepare for client meetings. 
5. Develop partnerships with your clients. They expect you to be their advocate and adviser.
6. Engage in conversations with your clients, not monologues of how smart you are.
7. Become an expert on a topic and share your knowledge in a constructive way.
8. Take one step at a time. Shortcuts in our industry rarely work long term.
9. We all are in sales and client satisfaction. No matter what role you play, someone will need you to provide a solution.
10. Develop a network of resources within and outside of your firm. You can't know it all, so know where to find what you don't know.