BenefitsPRO Magazine-January/February 2020
Letter from the Editor
I learned a lot during my ill-fated career in sales. My biggest takeaway? I'm not very good at it.
Features
Across the U.S., CFOs, HR directors and CEOs at companies of all sizes are grappling with what to do in the face of unsustainable health insurance…
Columnists
Not enough opportunities in the pipeline? Whose fault is that?
With the SECURE Act, there's a very good chance the MEP will become the standard 401(k) solution for all but the largest businesses.
As workforce demographics shift, what actions are you and your carrier partners taking when employees change jobs or retire?
Trends can tell us which way the wind is blowing so we don't get left behind, but they're not an invitation to jump in head first.
Action/Reaction
Sales calls that aren't 'sales calls,' salesmen with bad breath, oversharing personal details... and more horrible sales pitches!
Face of Change
Benefits advisor Caitlin Hodge's time in the Army has given her the right skills to tackle the changing health care landscape.
100 Sales & Marketing Tips
The world of employee benefits and health insurance is changing rapidly, with new problems and solutions popping up every day. The best brokers…
Whatever position you're currently in, it's always prudent to have one eye on expanding your book of business.
You've got the solutions to help your clients bring down benefit costs, if only they'll take the leap. Nudge them along with these tips.
This year will be a political minefield for benefits brokers. Here's how to stay nimble and avoid blowing yourself up.
You want to have the ear of the C-Suite, but if the HR team isn't on your side, nothing's going to get done.
For the tech-averse brokers out there, here are a few tips to help you get up to speed.
Running the business side of things is a chore for many advisors. Here are some tips to make it seem like less work.
Ditching the commissions to rebrand as a benefits consultant? We've got some tips to help you get started.
Getting employees to listen to your message during open enrollment is hard. Here are some new strategies to try.
Trending Stories
- 1Parental Burnout: Strategies for a Healthier, More Engaged Workforce
- 2UnitedHealth CEO to testify before Congress about cyberattack that could cost firm $1.6B
- 3FTC, DOJ, HHS launch health care antitrust portal for unfair competition 'complaints'
- 4What President Biden's paid leave proposal means for HR teams
- 5UnitedHealth admits ransom was paid to bad actors, 'substantial' data stolen in hack
{ "data": { "slug": "benefitspro-magazine-januaryfebruary-2020-1", "title": "BenefitsPRO Magazine-January/February 2020", "type": "issue", "packageUrl": "", "summary": "", "cssFile": "", "imageUrl": "//www.almcms.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/JanFeb.jpg", "mediaUrl": "", "blurb": "", "articles": [ { "uri": "/2020/01/21/give-them-a-puppy/", "title": "Give them a puppy", "summary": "I learned a lot during my ill-fated career in sales. My biggest takeaway? I'm not very good at it.", "byline": "Paul Wilson", "kicker": "Editor's Letter", "tags": [], "prettyDate": "January 21, 2020", "wordcount": "560", "timeToRead": "3 minute", "readtime": "3", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/paul-wilson/", "name": "Paul Wilson" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/editors-letter/", "sectionName": "Editor's Letter" } ], "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/PuppyShutterstock.jpg", "width": "625", "height": "372" } }, { "uri": "/2020/02/17/two-kinds-of-voluntary/", "title": "Two kinds of voluntary", "summary": "We need to move beyond the perception that benefit communication programs are focused on enrollment.", "byline": "Marty Traynor", "kicker": "Commentary", "tags": [], "prettyDate": "February 17, 2020", "wordcount": "560", "timeToRead": "3 minute", "readtime": "3", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/marty-traynor/", "name": "Marty Traynor" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/commentary/", "sectionName": "Commentary" } ], "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2019/11/Businessmen_Puzzle_Communication_Gap_MI600.jpg", "width": "600", "height": "338" } }, { "uri": "/2020/01/31/no-ones-selling-anything-with-these-sales-pitches/", "title": "No one's selling anything with these sales pitches", "summary": "Sales calls that aren't 'sales calls,' salesmen with bad breath, oversharing personal details... and more horrible sales pitches!", "byline": "BenefitsPRO editors", "kicker": "Conversation", "tags": [], "prettyDate": "January 31, 2020", "wordcount": "1372", "timeToRead": "7 minute", "readtime": "7", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/benefitspro-editors/", "name": "BenefitsPRO editors" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/conversation/", "sectionName": "Conversation" } ], "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2019/07/SalespersonShutterstock.jpg", "width": "616", "height": "372" } }, { "uri": "/2020/02/11/suck-it-up/", "title": "Suck it up!", "summary": "Not enough opportunities in the pipeline? Whose fault is that?", "byline": "Kevin Trokey", "kicker": "Commentary", "tags": [], "prettyDate": "February 11, 2020", "wordcount": "589", "timeToRead": "3 minute", "readtime": "3", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/kevin-trokey/", "name": "Kevin Trokey" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/commentary/", "sectionName": "Commentary" } ], "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/ConfusedWorkerShutterstock.jpg", "width": "625", "height": "372" } }, { "uri": "/2020/01/20/brush-up-on-401k-meps/", "title": "Brush up on 401(k) MEPs", "summary": "With the SECURE Act, there's a very good chance the MEP will become the standard 401(k) solution for all but the largest businesses.", "byline": "Christopher Carosa", "kicker": "Commentary", "tags": [], "prettyDate": "January 20, 2020", "wordcount": "561", "timeToRead": "3 minute", "readtime": "3", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/christopher-carosa/", "name": "Christopher Carosa" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/commentary/", "sectionName": "Commentary" } ], "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/BooksComputerShutterstock.jpg", "width": "625", "height": "372" } }, { "uri": "/2020/02/07/getting-the-most-from-a-sale-part-2/", "title": "Getting the most from a sale, part 2", "summary": "As workforce demographics shift, what actions are you and your carrier partners taking when employees change jobs or retire?", "byline": "Bonnie Brazzell and Nick Rockwell", "kicker": "Expert Opinion", "tags": [], "prettyDate": "February 07, 2020", "wordcount": "566", "timeToRead": "3 minute", "readtime": "3", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/bonnie-brazzell/", "name": "Bonnie Brazzell" }, { "webUrl": "/author/profile/nick-rockwell/", "name": "Nick Rockwell" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/expert-opinion/", "sectionName": "Expert Opinion" } ], "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2019/08/light-see-woman-money-dollar.jpg", "width": "617", "height": "411" } }, { "uri": "/2020/01/27/how-will-the-cmss-new-health-care-price-transparency-rule-play-out/", "title": "How will the CMS's new health care price transparency rule play out?", "summary": "The CMS's new price transparency rule is intended to bring clarity to health care prices, but could come with unintended consequences.", "byline": "Dan Cook", "kicker": "Market Insights", "tags": [], "prettyDate": "January 27, 2020", "wordcount": "1549", "timeToRead": "8 minute", "readtime": "8", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/dan-cook/", "name": "Dan Cook" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/market-insights/", "sectionName": "Market Insights" } ], "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/0220-Cover-Story-MI.jpg", "width": "616", "height": "372" } }, { "uri": "/2020/02/21/when-are-alternative-funding-arrangements-the-right-choice-2/", "title": "When are alternative funding arrangements the right choice?", "summary": "Across the U.S., CFOs, HR directors and CEOs at companies of all sizes are grappling with what to do in the face of unsustainable health insurance…", "byline": "Ryan Cronan and George Lucas", "kicker": "Best Practices", "tags": [], "prettyDate": "February 21, 2020", "wordcount": "1549", "timeToRead": "8 minute", "readtime": "8", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/ryan-cronan/", "name": "Ryan Cronan" }, { "webUrl": "/author/profile/george-lucas/", "name": "George Lucas" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/best-practices/", "sectionName": "Best Practices" } ], "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/0220-Alternative-Funding-MI.jpg", "width": "616", "height": "372" } }, { "uri": "/2020/02/13/dont-get-caught-up-in-trends-too-soon/", "title": "Don't get caught up in trends too soon", "summary": "Trends can tell us which way the wind is blowing so we don't get left behind, but they're not an invitation to jump in head first.", "byline": "Bonnie Brazzell and Nick Rockwell", "kicker": "Commentary", "tags": [], "prettyDate": "February 13, 2020", "wordcount": "497", "timeToRead": "3 minute", "readtime": "3", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/bonnie-brazzell/", "name": "Bonnie Brazzell" }, { "webUrl": "/author/profile/nick-rockwell/", "name": "Nick Rockwell" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/commentary/", "sectionName": "Commentary" } ], "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2019/02/new-products-people-technology.jpg", "width": "616", "height": "372" } }, { "uri": "/2020/02/12/duck-and-weave-a-qa-with-caitlin-hodge/", "title": "Duck and weave: A Q&A with Caitlin Hodge", "summary": "Benefits advisor Caitlin Hodge's time in the Army has given her the right skills to tackle the changing health care landscape.", "byline": "Paul Wilson", "kicker": "Q&A", "tags": [], "prettyDate": "February 12, 2020", "wordcount": "1500", "timeToRead": "8 minute", "readtime": "8", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/paul-wilson/", "name": "Paul Wilson" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/q-and-a/", "sectionName": "Q&A" } ], "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/02/Hodge-Caitlin-MI.jpg", "width": "616", "height": "372" } }, { "uri": "/2020/02/05/2020-sales-marketing-tips-innovation-collaboration-and-personal-growth/", "title": "2020 sales & marketing tips: Innovation, collaboration and personal growth", "summary": "The world of employee benefits and health insurance is changing rapidly, with new problems and solutions popping up every day. The best brokers…", "byline": "BenefitsPRO Editors", "kicker": "Best Practices", "tags": [], "prettyDate": "February 05, 2020", "wordcount": "173", "timeToRead": "1 minute", "readtime": "1", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/benefitspro-editors/", "name": "BenefitsPRO Editors" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/best-practices/", "sectionName": "Best Practices" } ], "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/100-Sales-and-Mktg-Tips-MI.png", "width": "616", "height": "372" } }, { "uri": "/2020/02/04/2020-sales-marketing-tips-grow-your-book-of-business/", "title": "2020 sales & marketing tips: Grow your book of business", "summary": "Whatever position you're currently in, it's always prudent to have one eye on expanding your book of business.", "byline": "BenefitsPRO Editors", "kicker": "Best Practices", "tags": [], "prettyDate": "February 04, 2020", "wordcount": "177", "timeToRead": "1 minute", "readtime": "1", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/benefitspro-editors/", "name": "BenefitsPRO Editors" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/best-practices/", "sectionName": "Best Practices" } ], "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/100-Sales-and-Mktg-Tips-MI.png", "width": "616", "height": "372" } }, { "uri": "/2020/02/03/2020-sales-marketing-tips-getting-creative-with-plan-design/", "title": "2020 sales & marketing tips: Getting creative with plan design", "summary": "You've got the solutions to help your clients bring down benefit costs, if only they'll take the leap. Nudge them along with these tips.", "byline": "BenefitsPRO Editors", "kicker": "Best Practices", "tags": [], "prettyDate": "February 03, 2020", "wordcount": "146", "timeToRead": "1 minute", "readtime": "1", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/benefitspro-editors/", "name": "BenefitsPRO Editors" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/best-practices/", "sectionName": "Best Practices" } ], "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/100-Sales-and-Mktg-Tips-MI.png", "width": "616", "height": "372" } }, { "uri": "/2020/01/31/2020-sales-marketing-tips-navigating-the-political-landscape/", "title": "2020 sales & marketing tips: Navigating the political landscape", "summary": "This year will be a political minefield for benefits brokers. Here's how to stay nimble and avoid blowing yourself up.", "byline": "BenefitsPRO Editors", "kicker": "Best Practices", "tags": [], "prettyDate": "January 31, 2020", "wordcount": "151", "timeToRead": "1 minute", "readtime": "1", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/benefitspro-editors/", "name": "BenefitsPRO Editors" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/best-practices/", "sectionName": "Best Practices" } ], "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/100-Sales-and-Mktg-Tips-MI.png", "width": "616", "height": "372" } }, { "uri": "/2020/01/30/2020-sales-marketing-tips-building-a-stronger-relationship-with-the-c-suite-and-hr/", "title": "2020 sales & marketing tips: Building a stronger relationship with the C-Suite and HR", "summary": "You want to have the ear of the C-Suite, but if the HR team isn't on your side, nothing's going to get done.", "byline": "BenefitsPRO Editors", "kicker": "Best Practices", "tags": [], "prettyDate": "January 30, 2020", "wordcount": "197", "timeToRead": "1 minute", "readtime": "1", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/benefitspro-editors/", "name": "BenefitsPRO Editors" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/best-practices/", "sectionName": "Best Practices" } ], "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/100-Sales-and-Mktg-Tips-MI.png", "width": "616", "height": "372" } }, { "uri": "/2020/01/29/2020-sales-marketing-tips-becoming-a-tech-savvy-broker/", "title": "2020 sales & marketing tips: Becoming a tech-savvy broker", "summary": "For the tech-averse brokers out there, here are a few tips to help you get up to speed.", "byline": "BenefitsPRO Editors", "kicker": "Best Practices", "tags": [], "prettyDate": "January 29, 2020", "wordcount": "141", "timeToRead": "1 minute", "readtime": "1", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/benefitspro-editors/", "name": "BenefitsPRO Editors" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/best-practices/", "sectionName": "Best Practices" } ], "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/100-Sales-and-Mktg-Tips-MI.png", "width": "616", "height": "372" } }, { "uri": "/2020/02/07/2020-sales-marketing-tips-running-your-business/", "title": "2020 sales & marketing tips: Running your business", "summary": "Running the business side of things is a chore for many advisors. Here are some tips to make it seem like less work.", "byline": "BenefitsPRO Editors", "kicker": "Best Practices", "tags": [], "prettyDate": "February 07, 2020", "wordcount": "172", "timeToRead": "1 minute", "readtime": "1", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/benefitspro-editors/", "name": "BenefitsPRO Editors" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/best-practices/", "sectionName": "Best Practices" } ], "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/100-Sales-and-Mktg-Tips-MI.png", "width": "616", "height": "372" } }, { "uri": "/2020/01/28/2020-sales-marketing-tips-so-you-want-to-be-a-consultant/", "title": "2020 sales & marketing tips: So you want to be a consultant", "summary": "Ditching the commissions to rebrand as a benefits consultant? We've got some tips to help you get started.", "byline": "BenefitsPRO Editors", "kicker": "Best Practices", "tags": [], "prettyDate": "January 28, 2020", "wordcount": "168", "timeToRead": "1 minute", "readtime": "1", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/benefitspro-editors/", "name": "BenefitsPRO Editors" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/best-practices/", "sectionName": "Best Practices" } ], "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/100-Sales-and-Mktg-Tips-MI.png", "width": "616", "height": "372" } }, { "uri": "/2020/02/06/2020-sales-marketing-tips-getting-ready-for-open-enrollment/", "title": "2020 sales & marketing tips: Getting ready for open enrollment", "summary": "Getting employees to listen to your message during open enrollment is hard. Here are some new strategies to try.", "byline": "BenefitsPRO Editors", "kicker": "Best Practices", "tags": [], "prettyDate": "February 06, 2020", "wordcount": "168", "timeToRead": "1 minute", "readtime": "1", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/benefitspro-editors/", "name": "BenefitsPRO Editors" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/best-practices/", "sectionName": "Best Practices" } ], "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/100-Sales-and-Mktg-Tips-MI.png", "width": "616", "height": "372" } } ], "navigations": [ { "name": "Letter from the Editor", "description": "", "link": "", "query": "", "showAll": "", "searchContents": [ { "uri": "/2020/01/21/give-them-a-puppy/", "title": "Give them a puppy", "byline": "Paul Wilson", "kicker": "Editor's Letter", "summary": "I learned a lot during my ill-fated career in sales. My biggest takeaway? I'm not very good at it.", "isDownload": "false", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/paul-wilson/", "name": "Paul Wilson" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/editors-letter/", "sectionName": "Editor's Letter" } ], "readtime": "3", "prettyDate": "January 21, 2020", "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/PuppyShutterstock.jpg", "width": "625", "height": "372" } } ] }, { "name": "Cover Story", "description": "", "link": "", "query": "", "showAll": "", "searchContents": [] }, { "name": "Features", "description": "", "link": "", "query": "", "showAll": "", "searchContents": [ { "uri": "/2020/02/21/when-are-alternative-funding-arrangements-the-right-choice-2/", "title": "When are alternative funding arrangements the right choice?", "byline": "Ryan Cronan and George Lucas", "kicker": "Best Practices", "summary": "Across the U.S., CFOs, HR directors and CEOs at companies of all sizes are grappling with what to do in the face of unsustainable health insurance…", "isDownload": "false", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/ryan-cronan/", "name": "Ryan Cronan" }, { "webUrl": "/author/profile/george-lucas/", "name": "George Lucas" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/best-practices/", "sectionName": "Best Practices" } ], "readtime": "8", "prettyDate": "February 21, 2020", "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/0220-Alternative-Funding-MI.jpg", "width": "616", "height": "372" } } ] }, { "name": "Columnists", "description": "", "link": "", "query": "", "showAll": "", "searchContents": [ { "uri": "/2020/02/11/suck-it-up/", "title": "Suck it up!", "byline": "Kevin Trokey", "kicker": "Commentary", "summary": "Not enough opportunities in the pipeline? Whose fault is that?", "isDownload": "false", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/kevin-trokey/", "name": "Kevin Trokey" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/commentary/", "sectionName": "Commentary" } ], "readtime": "3", "prettyDate": "February 11, 2020", "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/ConfusedWorkerShutterstock.jpg", "width": "625", "height": "372" } }, { "uri": "/2020/01/20/brush-up-on-401k-meps/", "title": "Brush up on 401(k) MEPs", "byline": "Christopher Carosa", "kicker": "Commentary", "summary": "With the SECURE Act, there's a very good chance the MEP will become the standard 401(k) solution for all but the largest businesses.", "isDownload": "false", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/christopher-carosa/", "name": "Christopher Carosa" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/commentary/", "sectionName": "Commentary" } ], "readtime": "3", "prettyDate": "January 20, 2020", "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/BooksComputerShutterstock.jpg", "width": "625", "height": "372" } }, { "uri": "/2020/02/07/getting-the-most-from-a-sale-part-2/", "title": "Getting the most from a sale, part 2", "byline": "Bonnie Brazzell and Nick Rockwell", "kicker": "Expert Opinion", "summary": "As workforce demographics shift, what actions are you and your carrier partners taking when employees change jobs or retire?", "isDownload": "false", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/bonnie-brazzell/", "name": "Bonnie Brazzell" }, { "webUrl": "/author/profile/nick-rockwell/", "name": "Nick Rockwell" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/expert-opinion/", "sectionName": "Expert Opinion" } ], "readtime": "3", "prettyDate": "February 07, 2020", "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2019/08/light-see-woman-money-dollar.jpg", "width": "617", "height": "411" } }, { "uri": "/2020/02/13/dont-get-caught-up-in-trends-too-soon/", "title": "Don't get caught up in trends too soon", "byline": "Bonnie Brazzell and Nick Rockwell", "kicker": "Commentary", "summary": "Trends can tell us which way the wind is blowing so we don't get left behind, but they're not an invitation to jump in head first.", "isDownload": "false", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/bonnie-brazzell/", "name": "Bonnie Brazzell" }, { "webUrl": "/author/profile/nick-rockwell/", "name": "Nick Rockwell" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/commentary/", "sectionName": "Commentary" } ], "readtime": "3", "prettyDate": "February 13, 2020", "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2019/02/new-products-people-technology.jpg", "width": "616", "height": "372" } } ] }, { "name": "Action/Reaction", "description": "", "link": "", "query": "", "showAll": "", "searchContents": [ { "uri": "/2020/01/31/no-ones-selling-anything-with-these-sales-pitches/", "title": "No one's selling anything with these sales pitches", "byline": "BenefitsPRO editors", "kicker": "Conversation", "summary": "Sales calls that aren't 'sales calls,' salesmen with bad breath, oversharing personal details... and more horrible sales pitches!", "isDownload": "false", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/benefitspro-editors/", "name": "BenefitsPRO editors" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/conversation/", "sectionName": "Conversation" } ], "readtime": "7", "prettyDate": "January 31, 2020", "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2019/07/SalespersonShutterstock.jpg", "width": "616", "height": "372" } } ] }, { "name": "Face of Change", "description": "", "link": "", "query": "", "showAll": "", "searchContents": [ { "uri": "/2020/02/12/duck-and-weave-a-qa-with-caitlin-hodge/", "title": "Duck and weave: A Q&A with Caitlin Hodge", "byline": "Paul Wilson", "kicker": "Q&A", "summary": "Benefits advisor Caitlin Hodge's time in the Army has given her the right skills to tackle the changing health care landscape.", "isDownload": "false", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/paul-wilson/", "name": "Paul Wilson" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/q-and-a/", "sectionName": "Q&A" } ], "readtime": "8", "prettyDate": "February 12, 2020", "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/02/Hodge-Caitlin-MI.jpg", "width": "616", "height": "372" } } ] }, { "name": "100 Sales & Marketing Tips", "description": "", "link": "", "query": "", "showAll": "", "searchContents": [ { "uri": "/2020/02/05/2020-sales-marketing-tips-innovation-collaboration-and-personal-growth/", "title": "2020 sales & marketing tips: Innovation, collaboration and personal growth", "byline": "BenefitsPRO Editors", "kicker": "Best Practices", "summary": "The world of employee benefits and health insurance is changing rapidly, with new problems and solutions popping up every day. The best brokers…", "isDownload": "false", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/benefitspro-editors/", "name": "BenefitsPRO Editors" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/best-practices/", "sectionName": "Best Practices" } ], "readtime": "1", "prettyDate": "February 05, 2020", "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/100-Sales-and-Mktg-Tips-MI.png", "width": "616", "height": "372" } }, { "uri": "/2020/02/04/2020-sales-marketing-tips-grow-your-book-of-business/", "title": "2020 sales & marketing tips: Grow your book of business", "byline": "BenefitsPRO Editors", "kicker": "Best Practices", "summary": "Whatever position you're currently in, it's always prudent to have one eye on expanding your book of business.", "isDownload": "false", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/benefitspro-editors/", "name": "BenefitsPRO Editors" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/best-practices/", "sectionName": "Best Practices" } ], "readtime": "1", "prettyDate": "February 04, 2020", "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/100-Sales-and-Mktg-Tips-MI.png", "width": "616", "height": "372" } }, { "uri": "/2020/02/03/2020-sales-marketing-tips-getting-creative-with-plan-design/", "title": "2020 sales & marketing tips: Getting creative with plan design", "byline": "BenefitsPRO Editors", "kicker": "Best Practices", "summary": "You've got the solutions to help your clients bring down benefit costs, if only they'll take the leap. Nudge them along with these tips.", "isDownload": "false", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/benefitspro-editors/", "name": "BenefitsPRO Editors" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/best-practices/", "sectionName": "Best Practices" } ], "readtime": "1", "prettyDate": "February 03, 2020", "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/100-Sales-and-Mktg-Tips-MI.png", "width": "616", "height": "372" } }, { "uri": "/2020/01/31/2020-sales-marketing-tips-navigating-the-political-landscape/", "title": "2020 sales & marketing tips: Navigating the political landscape", "byline": "BenefitsPRO Editors", "kicker": "Best Practices", "summary": "This year will be a political minefield for benefits brokers. Here's how to stay nimble and avoid blowing yourself up.", "isDownload": "false", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/benefitspro-editors/", "name": "BenefitsPRO Editors" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/best-practices/", "sectionName": "Best Practices" } ], "readtime": "1", "prettyDate": "January 31, 2020", "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/100-Sales-and-Mktg-Tips-MI.png", "width": "616", "height": "372" } }, { "uri": "/2020/01/30/2020-sales-marketing-tips-building-a-stronger-relationship-with-the-c-suite-and-hr/", "title": "2020 sales & marketing tips: Building a stronger relationship with the C-Suite and HR", "byline": "BenefitsPRO Editors", "kicker": "Best Practices", "summary": "You want to have the ear of the C-Suite, but if the HR team isn't on your side, nothing's going to get done.", "isDownload": "false", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/benefitspro-editors/", "name": "BenefitsPRO Editors" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/best-practices/", "sectionName": "Best Practices" } ], "readtime": "1", "prettyDate": "January 30, 2020", "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/100-Sales-and-Mktg-Tips-MI.png", "width": "616", "height": "372" } }, { "uri": "/2020/01/29/2020-sales-marketing-tips-becoming-a-tech-savvy-broker/", "title": "2020 sales & marketing tips: Becoming a tech-savvy broker", "byline": "BenefitsPRO Editors", "kicker": "Best Practices", "summary": "For the tech-averse brokers out there, here are a few tips to help you get up to speed.", "isDownload": "false", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/benefitspro-editors/", "name": "BenefitsPRO Editors" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/best-practices/", "sectionName": "Best Practices" } ], "readtime": "1", "prettyDate": "January 29, 2020", "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/100-Sales-and-Mktg-Tips-MI.png", "width": "616", "height": "372" } }, { "uri": "/2020/02/07/2020-sales-marketing-tips-running-your-business/", "title": "2020 sales & marketing tips: Running your business", "byline": "BenefitsPRO Editors", "kicker": "Best Practices", "summary": "Running the business side of things is a chore for many advisors. Here are some tips to make it seem like less work.", "isDownload": "false", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/benefitspro-editors/", "name": "BenefitsPRO Editors" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/best-practices/", "sectionName": "Best Practices" } ], "readtime": "1", "prettyDate": "February 07, 2020", "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/100-Sales-and-Mktg-Tips-MI.png", "width": "616", "height": "372" } }, { "uri": "/2020/01/28/2020-sales-marketing-tips-so-you-want-to-be-a-consultant/", "title": "2020 sales & marketing tips: So you want to be a consultant", "byline": "BenefitsPRO Editors", "kicker": "Best Practices", "summary": "Ditching the commissions to rebrand as a benefits consultant? We've got some tips to help you get started.", "isDownload": "false", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/benefitspro-editors/", "name": "BenefitsPRO Editors" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/best-practices/", "sectionName": "Best Practices" } ], "readtime": "1", "prettyDate": "January 28, 2020", "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/100-Sales-and-Mktg-Tips-MI.png", "width": "616", "height": "372" } }, { "uri": "/2020/02/06/2020-sales-marketing-tips-getting-ready-for-open-enrollment/", "title": "2020 sales & marketing tips: Getting ready for open enrollment", "byline": "BenefitsPRO Editors", "kicker": "Best Practices", "summary": "Getting employees to listen to your message during open enrollment is hard. Here are some new strategies to try.", "isDownload": "false", "authors": [ { "webUrl": "/author/profile/benefitspro-editors/", "name": "BenefitsPRO Editors" } ], "kickerNode": [ { "uri": "/best-practices/", "sectionName": "Best Practices" } ], "readtime": "1", "prettyDate": "February 06, 2020", "primaryCategory": { "channelName": "", "sectionName": "", "uri": "" }, "image": { "uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2020/01/100-Sales-and-Mktg-Tips-MI.png", "width": "616", "height": "372" } } ] } ], "sponsors": [] } }