1. Be a leader. Know the trends, and implementthem. Wellness programs are really growing, both of the financialand health varieties.
  2. Stay current. Watch what the new productsare—they may surprise you. Joseph mentioned vacation wellnessprogram benefits are a hot new product. “Who ever thought that adiscount for going on a cruise would be an employee benefit?”Joseph said.
  3. Think like the employer. “As an employer Idon’t care about commissions or fees, I just need services,” Josephexplains. “I need someone who will understand my view point. I wantyour help.”
  4. Embrace social media. It doesn’t matter if youagree or don’t agree that social media is a business tool. LinkedInshould be mandatory for those working in employee benefits, Josephargued. You can research clients, your competition and potentialpartners. “If you’re clients are doing it, you need to,” shesaid.
  5. Be a partner to your employer. “They want youto have all the answers,” she said. “The worst thing that canhappen is when a broker says, ‘Here’s what’s gonna happen,’ and theemployer says, ‘So what do I do?’ and [the broker] doesn’t have asolution.”
  6. Know stagnation isn’t an option. “You need togrow,” Joseph said. “Stagnation isn’t acceptable anymore.”
  7. Be a mentor. Share your expertise with youngergenerations getting into the business. Be understanding of whatyounger generations need and do to be successful. Have lunch andlearns. Reach out. Be active in organizations. Hire the best andthe brightest people.

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