So when PPACA started coming down the pike and some brokers started jumping ship for fear of falling commissions, I started thinking: How are there ways to make more cash with little cost?

So here are some things I did:

1. I expanded my knowledge base.  Many financial advisors have a few letters after their names and I decided I wanted some, too!  So I got the PPACA designation through the National Association of Health Underwriters.  This has opened a lot of doors for me.  Which in turn has allowed me to come in as a consultant and do PPACA audits for companies AND for brokers who felt like it was a little above their paygrade (and yes, my E&O carrier covers it).  By doing this alone, this is now 11 percent of my revenue, and that's not splitting anything with anyone, its cash in my pocket!
2. I've become an expert witness. I'm doing this for a law firm that pays me on an hourly basis to consult with them on how PPACA works, and I get to collaborate with actuaries and doctors on determining a life settlement for an injured party. This is actually a national firm, so the exposure alone is huge.  Right now, I'm licensed in 16 states and they're actually going to pick up the tab on getting me licensed in the remaining states they want me to be able to work in.
3. I'm public speaking more.  As we all know in this business, you can work where ever you are, so why not do it from a plane, collect some new clients while you're away and see some amazing parts of the country?  I hired a speaking coach last year to help me have four speeches in the can I can tweak for whatever audience I'm in front of and she's also given me confidence to charge speaking fees.  I'm also vetting some speakers' bureaus as well to help get bookings, too!

I'm not saying this is for everyone, if you have a fear of public speaking – skip No. 3!  But for me, I actually enjoy doing all the above.  And they all cost the same: my time.  I don't have to worry about any additional overhead or staff cost, it's just me!  And at this place in my life, I'm more than happy to share me around!