Matthew Vaugh, Zachary Raden and Justin Goodson Photographed by Dero Sanford

Change is Good

Throughout the course of PPACA, we've learned change is good. And can be highly profitable. With PPACA, so many existing companies with proven track records have jumped into the voluntary market. Increased competition has driven products to become more competitive while premiums have been reduced compared to what people have seen traditionally.

Missing the Boat?

Let's pretend money rains from the sky when we go out and market. Now, let's assign a denomination to different lines of insurance or services. Traditional dental and vision are $1 bills. Voluntary products are $5s. Traditional STD, LTD and group life are $10s. Large individual life contracts are $20s. Group health deals are $50s. And lastly, the ability to consolidate all this to streamline enrollments and benefits coordination for clients are $100s.

Now, imagine you're the only person out there when this downpour happens. Look at all the money out there you're unable to pick up because of the limited ability to meet client's needs. Now, imagine all of your direct competition in your market comes outside to see all of this and you now can then begin trying to pick up the money. Too many agents leave too much on the table. We found a better way.

Success Breeds Success

Surround yourself with successful people and rise to the occasion. Realize you can always be better and strive to learn from others. Don't let your ego get in the way of your income. Find mentors and become a student as you strive to rise up in your industry. Mentor others and watch your career skyrocket.

Mista kes aren't failures

Everyone makes mistakes. People are human. It happens. They're inevitable in an industry with an everchanging landscape such as ours. It's how you handle the mistakes that can make or break you. I'm a firm believer that a mistake is never a failure unless you fail to learn from it. If you take the time to analyze a situation in which you feel you made a mistake, you'll feel better moving ahead and will come out knowing how to prevent that mistake in the future. Nothing ever came of dwelling on negativity. You can be your greatest asset or your worst enemy in this aspect.

Law of Everest

John C. Maxwell put it best with the Law of Mount Everest: “As the challenge escalates, the need for teamwork elevates.” Building a team gives you the ability to tackle obstacles and accomplish tasks much larger than what you could do alone. The bigger and better the team, the higher and further you can reach. Every member of the team is important, as is every gear and valve in a machine. When a team of mountain climbers head for the summit they are tied together by the same rope, and can only go as far as every individual tied to that rope is willing to go. So when you build your team, make sure everyone on the “rope” is wanting, willing and able to reach the highest summit of dreams.