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  • Kelli McCauley

    Consultant, Executive Coach and Speaker Kelli McCauley Consultant, Executive Coach and Speaker Kelli McCauley is a leadership consultant, executive coach, facilitator and speaker who works exclusively with high potential leaders in sales-performance driven industries. As an expert in improving leadership effectiveness and bottom line performance, Kelli works with the best and brightest industry leaders, executives, sales management teams and their key stakeholders. By using highly regarded leadership and coaching programs, Kelli and her team are able to help clients identify, retain and maximize employee talent for increased growth, leadership and profitability. Kelli works closely with her clients to generate fast-track success while avoiding burn-out and maintaining balance. Her expertise includes high potential leadership effectiveness and development programs, talent identification and grooming, and successor planning, identification and development. By initiating proven leadership strategies, Kelli’s clients realize outstanding performance in short periods of time. Her work is founded in research on what separates star performers from average and leadership principles developed at Harvard University. Depending on what you are looking to accomplish, she incorporates measurement tools such as SPQ*Gold (Sales Call Reluctance), 360-degree feedback reports, LPI (Leadership Practices Inventory), and many other best in class assessments. Clients of MK Performance Group continue to report breakthrough results in their business objectives, combined with increased levels of Emotional Intelligence, promotability, and satisfaction. As you can see, Kelli’s passion is partnering with leaders and helping them achieve their full potential. In addition to having a highly rewarding career, Kelli is an avid skier and lover of world culture. Bali, Thailand, Italy, Zimbabwe, and Botswana are a sampling of some of the favorite places she’s traveled to with her husband Steven M. Kress. Previous Speaker Go back to Speaker Network Next Speaker

  • 6 Common Challenges E-Learning Can Solve

    Next Item Previous Item Go back to White Papers List As technology continues to advance at warp speed and as the demographics and dynamics of the workplace change, it’s easy to fall behind. Here’s the good news: many common challenges that companies, firms and agencies face can be solved with e-learning. Here are six key areas in which e-learning can conquer the challenges that erode morale and profits in our organizations. 1. Generational Differences Can Cause a Disconnect With 80 million Millennials in the population, these 17- to 36-year-olds (in 2017) are the largest generation to date. Myriad companies have conducted research to discover how to provide training that will appeal to Millennials and result in the optimum outcome for organizations. In many companies, firms and agencies, there is a yawning gap in communication and mutual understanding among the generations. It’s important to train Millennials in a way they respond to. It’s also critical that Millennials, Baby Boomers and Gen Xer’s understand and respect one another’s differences in communication style, career mind-set and learning preferences. This type of communication gap can be an obstacle to your organization’s success, especially if your training manager is not on board with modifying training in a way that appeals to generations other than the one he or she represents. If that’s the case, that manager probably needs training and/or coaching to learn and accept generational differences. Here are a few tips for creating Millennial-friendly training, gleaned from our personal experience in training and from myriad research studies: Keep Millennials informed. They want to know what we expect of them, what criteria we will use to evaluate them and how it will impact them. Make the training tech-based. For Millennials, education has always been delivered via online platforms. Many are “digital natives” who don’t know anything else. Make it visually compelling. Millennials are accustomed to icons, infographics and other visual representations of data. Massive blocks of text will bore them. Coach them. Follow up with them regularly. Guide them through the entire learning program, one step at a time. Many are accustomed to “sound bites,” and a longterm training program can seem overwhelming. Make training flexible and easy to access. Deliver it in a format that fits younger advisors’ lifestyles. Many younger advisors log in at 1 a.m. or midnight to watch training videos. It’s not about our schedule; it’s about their schedule. We need to note here that flexible and 24/7 training is important for veteran advisors, too. Sometimes older advisors feel like their lives are being turned upside down because of the constant, frenetic pace of change. Many of them are self-conscious about needing to get up to speed in certain areas in which younger advisors already excel. Deliver training and education they can watch anytime, anywhere, in the privacy of their homes or offices. Numerous studies show this is what veteran producers want. When we interview experienced advisors, and ask them what aspects of their current role they’re unhappy about, they often say something like, “When I first joined the firm, I got great training for the first three months, but then it disappeared.” 2. External Managers and Specialists Need to Adapt to Your Systems When you hire managers and specialists from outside the organization, it’s important to make sure their initiatives align with what you’re already doing. This is especially critical if you hire more than one external person at once. You want to make sure that if they are building something new, it’s all done according to consistent guidelines that anyone in the organization can duplicate. Each manager doing something differently is not the way to run an organization. It should be something anyone can grab off the shelf and use. Training also can help you make sure your external managers aren’t bringing ineffective systems with them. If they had used those systems successfully in their previous roles, they wouldn’t have left. 3. Staff Members Need to Learn Something New Too often, when companies and firms train staff members, they provide training that teaches them how to do the job they’re already in. Sometimes that’s necessary, but we also need to teach them skills that will help them progress and learn something new. Research shows that a lack of training is one reason talented people leave. We often see producers with anywhere from 3 to 20 staff members who do 99 percent of the client interaction. These critical support staff won’t talk with clients about subjects they don’t understand — and that translates into missed opportunities for cross-selling. Offer them training that teaches them about all the products you sell. Make it part of their responsibility to recognize what products each client needs, and reward that effort with an incentive. Your sales will skyrocket. 4. Day-to-Day Documentation Should Be a Priority Accepting the responsibility for annual compliance is something everyone learns early in this career. But what about documentation of day-to-day occurrences that can have a significant impact on your organization? What if someone hears a conversation that turns out to be important, but no one documents it? What if a customer complaint snowballs, and there is no record of what happened? Training is a simple solution. Educate everyone in your organization about the importance of documenting various interactions with clients. Specify who is responsible for what, and provide them with guidelines. Everyone needs to be able to prove that they’re handling things as they are required to by law and according to the organization’s expectations. Building a training program like this will require your management team to make some business decisions. But it needs to be done. As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” E-training can help, whether you hire someone to customize it or you produce it in-house. 5. There Is a Lot of Expertise in Your Organization That You Can Leverage People often learn their most valuable strategies from their colleagues. By establishing focus groups, study groups, joint-work opportunities, teams and mentoring partnerships, you can leverage the vast knowledge and wisdom that already exists in your organization. Offering this type of in-house training will help you retain your reps because they are likely to value being able to learn new things. This shouldn’t be the traditional Monday new-agent school; it should be an ongoing effort to encourage reps to share what they know with their colleagues. This will be especially helpful to second-to-fifthyear agents and veteran agents, who have already completed all the formal training and may feel like they’re no longer growing. They can watch training videos together and share best practices regarding what is and is not working. And they can find ways to combine their expertise in a way that provides clients with more value. You can use e-learning with these groups for brainstorming, to look for something they haven’t seen or heard before and to serve as a refresher on concepts they may have neglected, such as networking. Advisors can use the training resources to help them grow their businesses, develop their staff or junior associates in a team-building arrangement or bring a son or daughter into the business. For example, with e-learning, a veteran producer can spend his or her time teaching the next generation valuable relationship-building skills and have the younger reps supplement that unique perspective with videos that teach the fundamentals of selling. This cannot be a set-it-and-forget-it program. I am amazed at the number of organizations that spend a lot of time building a system and delegating tasks to people, but then there is no follow-up. They have no idea if the system is working or not. But they never followed up on it, promoted it or assessed its value. 6. E-Learning Can Be a Resource, Not a Curriculum Often, bite-sized training is more effective than a longterm, formal curriculum-based program. E-learning makes it easy for reps to access ideas, concepts, education, knowledge and skills. Many reps, especially Millennials, are more likely to use training that they view as a resource, not a curriculum. It needs to be something they want to learn, not something their managers expect them to do. With “sound bites” of training, such as short videos, reps can watch a brief segment over and over again. Repetition is the mother of all learning. When you hear something many times, you become indoctrinated into it, and your recall and retention improves. Lawyers don’t know every case study or precedent. They know the fundamental concepts by heart, and they know where to find the laws, regulations and proceedings that will help them with a case. 6 Common Challenges E-Learning Can Solve

  • Facts About Retirement and Medicare

    Next Item Previous Item Go back to White Papers List The rising cost of health care in the United States has become a worrisome risk to a financially-secure retirement. With that in mind, it’s important to understand the various components of Medicare, the federal government program that provides health insurance to most Americans age 65 and older. For Americans 65 and older, any conversation about health care must include Medicare. Your eligibility for this program at age 65 means that your health insurance will likely become more affordable, and you won’t be denied coverage for pre-existing conditions. It’s important to understand what happens with regard to Medicare when you retire and how you can obtain the best and most cost-effective coverage. This white paper covers some important aspects of the Medicare program. What Is Medicare? The original Medicare and Medicaid programs were signed into law at the Truman Library in Independence, Missouri, by President Lyndon Johnson on July 30, 1965, with former President Harry Truman looking on. In 1945, President Truman was the first sitting president to endorse national health insurance. The original Medicare legislation (Title XVIII) extended health-care coverage to almost all Americans age 65 or older. On July 1, 1966, when Medicare was implemented, more than 19 million Americans initially enrolled in the program. About 48 million Americans age 65 and older are now enrolled in Medicare, as well as another 9 million or so younger people with disabilities. Subsequent legislation has made a number of changes to the program since 1965. How Is Medicare Financed? There are 3 primary sources of Medicare funding: Medicare Part A (hospital insurance): Medicare Part A is financed largely through a 2.9% payroll tax paid by employees and their employers (1.45% each). That amount increases to 2.35% on earnings over $200,000 single/$250,000 married, employees only), which goes into the Part A Trust Fund that helps pay the eligible hospital expenses of Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare Part B (medical insurance): Medicare Part B, which helps pay for doctors’ services, outpatient care, and home health care, is paid for primarily by general government revenues, with Medicare beneficiary premiums accounting for about 25% of the Part B financing. Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage): Medicare Part D, which helps cover the cost of prescription drugs, is also paid for primarily though general government revenues. Some state payments and beneficiary premiums finance the balance. Who Is Eligible for Medicare? Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) is provided at no cost to U.S. citizens and permanent residents of the United States who meet certain eligibility requirements. Anyone enrolled in Medicare Part A can, on an optional basis, enroll in Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) by paying a monthly premium. Medicare beneficiaries with higher incomes will pay higher Part B premiums. Age 65 or older: Beginning at age 65, you are eligible for Medicare if you or your spouse worked for at least 10 years (40 quarters) in Medicare-covered employment and you are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. You do not need to be receiving Social Security retirement benefits to qualify for Medicare at age 65. At any age: A citizen or permanent resident of the United States who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD) can get Medicare at any age. In addition, regardless of age, someone who has been entitled to Social Security disability benefits for 24 months or who receives a disability pension from the Railroad Retirement Board and meets certain conditions is eligible for Medicare. Finally, someone with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) will automatically receive Medicare the month Social Security disability benefits begin. If you are not certain about your eligibility for Medicare, you can call the Social Security Administration tollfree at 800-772-1213 or visit the official government website for Medicare. What Medicare Does Not Cover It’s important to know what Medicare does not cover so you can avoid surprises. Teeth, eyes, and ears. Generally speaking, Original Medicare does not cover dental work and routine vision or hearing care. This means it does not cover dentures, which can run anywhere from about $1,000 to more than $5,000 for a complete set. A single tooth implant cost close to $4,000. However, if a dental condition involves an emergency or complicated procedure, it could be covered. Routine vision checks are generally not covered. But if you have an eye condition like glaucoma or cataracts, basic Medicare will cover your care. If you decide to go with an Advantage Plan, there’s a good chance dental and vision will be included. However, it will likely be limited. Medical care outside the United States. If you plan to travel the world after your turn 65, you need to know that basic Medicare generally does not cover care you receive outside the United States. If you choose an Advantage Plan, emergencies are often covered worldwide. However, routine care received overseas might not be. In this situation, you can look into travel-medical policies specifically targeted at the 65-and-over crowd. Depending on the specifics of the coverage and your age, these policies can cost about $175 or more per month. Long-term care. In general, Medicare does not cover long-term care. There are insurance policies that cover it, although they can be pricey. And the older you are, the more they cost. On average, an American turning 65 today will spend $138,000 in future long-term-care costs, according to a 2017 Bipartisan Policy Center report. Long-term care includes things like daily help with bathing and eating. Enrolling in Medicare at Age 65 There are 2 ways in which you can enroll in Medicare at age 65. If you are already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits: If you’re already receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare at age 65. You should receive a package of Medicare information, together with your Medicare card, in the mail. If you don’t receive the package by your 65th birthday, contact the Social Security Administration toll-free at 800-772-1213. If you are not yet receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits: If you’ll be turning age 65 in a few months and are not yet receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits because, for example, you’ve decided to delay retirement, you need to call or visit your local Social Security office to enroll in Medicare. You can also enroll in Medicare online. You can enroll in Medicare at age 65, even if you don’t plan to retire at age 65. The recommendation is that you contact your local Social Security office or enroll online about 3 months before your 65th birthday. Medicare Part B You will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. But because you have to pay a premium for Medicare Part B, you have the option of turning it down. If you do not enroll in Medicare Part B during your initial enrollment period, you can enroll later during a “general enrollment period” from January 1 through March 31 of each year, with your coverage then beginning the following July. Be aware that your monthly premium could increase 10% for each 12-month period you were eligible for, but did not enroll in, Medicare Part B. Medicare Coverage Options Medicare provides you with choices on how to receive your Medicare benefits. You can choose to receive your Medicare benefits either through Original Medicare or through a Medicare Advantage plan: Original Medicare (Parts A and B): Original Medicare is operated by the federal government and consists of Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). With Original Medicare, you choose your doctors, hospitals, and other health-care providers. Most people do not have to pay a premium for Part A because they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while employed. Part B is optional because it does require payment of a monthly premium. Most people enrolled in Part B will pay a premium of $135.50 per month in 2019. Higher-income Medicare beneficiaries will pay more.You have the option to enroll in Part D – Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. It’s run by private insurance companies and helps cover the cost of your prescription drugs. Because there are gaps in the coverage provided by Parts A and B, you also have the option to purchase a Medicare Supplement or “Medigap” insurance policy, also sold by private insurance companies, to help fill those gaps. Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C): Medicare Advantage plans are generally HMO or PPO plans, although private fee-for-service plans are also available and are run by private insurance companies that are approved by and under contract with Medicare.You can choose to receive your Medicare benefits through a Medicare Advantage plan if you elect both Medicare Parts A and B. The Medicare Advantage plan will then provide other benefits covered by Parts A and B, with the exception of hospice care. The plan might provide additional benefits that aren’t otherwise covered by OriginalMedicare, such as prescription drug coverage. Unlike Original Medicare, though, Medicare Advantage plans usually require that you either use plan doctors, hospitals, and other health-care providers or pay more for the services you receive.With a Medicare Advantage plan, you do not need to, and cannot, purchase a supplemental Medigap insurance policy. Medicare Advantage plans, however, may have a monthly premium you must pay, in addition to the Medicare Part B premium. You might also be charged a copayment amount for covered services you use. Initial Enrollment Periods When you initially enroll in Medicare, you’ll need to choose between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Your initial enrollment period is the 7-month period that begins three months before you turn age 65, includes the month you turn age 65, and ends 3 months after the month you turn age 65. If you decide to enroll in Original Medicare, you’ll then need to decide if you want to purchase a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan and/or a Medigap policy. Annual Enrollment Periods While your initial choice of Medicare options is an important decision, it is not an irrevocable decision. Each year, you’ll have these opportunities to change your Medicare coverage: Open enrollment period: You can make the following changes during the annual open enrollment period (between October 15 and December 7), with the new coverage taking effect on January 1 of the next year: 1) An individual covered by Original Medicare can switch to a Medicare Advantage Plan. 2) An individual with Original Medicare can add or switch Medicare Prescription Drug Plans and/or Medigap insurance policies. There might be medical underwriting requirements. 3) An individual with a Medicare Advantage Plan can switch between Medicare Advantage Plans or drop Medicare Advantage, switch to Original Medicare, and add Medicare Prescription Drug Plan and/or Medigap insurance coverage. Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (January 1–February 14): An individual enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan can switch to Original Medicare and can also join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. Coverage begins on the 1st day of the month after the plan office receives your enrollment form. There is no right to buy a Medigap plan without satisfying medical underwriting requirements. General Medicare Part B Enrollment Period (January 1-March 31): An individual who did not enroll in Medicare Part B when first eligible can sign up from January 1 through March 31 of each year, with the coverage taking effect on July 1 of that year. If you didn’t sign-up for Part B when you were initially eligible, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Medicare. Your Part B premium may increase 10 percent for each 12-month period that you could have had Part B coverage but didn’t sign up for it. Special enrollment period: There are situations for which you may not need to enroll in Medicare Part B when you first become eligible. For example, you or your spouse might still be working and covered by a group health plan, meaning that you don’t need Part B coverage. In this instance, you can enroll in Part B without a late enrollment penalty at the following times: Anytime while you have group health coverage based on current employment. During the 8-month period that begins the month after the employment ends or the group health plan coverage ends, whichever happens first. If you have COBRA coverage, you must enroll in Part B during the eight-month period beginning the month after the employment ends. If you enroll in Part B during a special enrollment period, you then have a 6-month Medigap open enrollment period, which gives you a guaranteed right to purchase a Medicare Supplement Insurance policy. Caution: If you receive health-care coverage, including prescription drug coverage, from a current or former employer, union, or other source, you should contact the benefits administrator before dropping any of your current coverage and/or enrolling in any of the Medicare coverage options. It is important that you understand how your insurance works with Medicare before making any changes. If You Need Help Paying Your Premiums If you cannot afford to pay your Medicare premiums and other health-care costs, there are federal and state programs available for people with limited income and resources. Here are some examples. Medicare savings programs: States have programs that pay Medicare premiums and, in some cases, might also pay Medicare Part A and B deductibles and co-insurance amounts. To qualify for a Medicare savings program, you must have Medicare Part A and meet specific state requirements with regard to your income and financial resources. To find out if you qualify, call or visit your State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) office or call Medicare at 800-633-4227. Ask about getting help to pay your Medicare premiums. Extra help paying for Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage): You automatically qualify to receive extra help paying for Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage if you (1) have full Medicaid coverage, (2) belong to a Medicare savings program, or (3) receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. You may qualify for the Medicare low-income subsidy (LIS) to help pay prescription drug costs if your annual income and your financial resources are below specified limits. For more information, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or Medicare at 800-633-4227. Medicaid: Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps pay medical costs if you have limited income and financial resources and meet other eligibility requirements. Some people qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (and are therefore called “dual eligibles”). Medicaid requirements vary from state to state. Contact your State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) office for more information and to see if you qualify. State Pharmacy Assistance Programs (SPARs): Some states have SPARs that help certain people pay for prescription drugs based on criteria such as financial need, age, or medical condition. Each SPAR has its own rules and helps in different ways. To find out about a SPAR in your state, call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Online Resources There are so many pieces and parts to Medicare that it can get confusing. We don’t have room here to cover all the details. Please visit www.medicare.gov , the official U.S. government website for Medicare. It is a comprehensive, easy-to-use online resource that allows you to accomplish the following: Check your Medicare eligibility. Review what Medicare covers. Compare Medicare health plans, prescription drug plans, and Medigap plans in your area, including how much they cost and the services they provide. Locate helpful phone numbers and websites, such as for your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Learn about your Medicare rights and how to file a Medicare appeal. Download many helpful Medicare-related publications. Medicare also provides a secure online service for accessing your personal Medicare information, located at www.MyMedicare.gov . After registering on the site, you’ll be able to do the following: Complete a questionnaire that will enable Medicare to process your bills correctly. Track your health-care claims. Request a replacement Medicare card. Check your Medicare Part B deductible status. Track the preventive services you can receive. Find information about your current Medicare health and/or prescription drug plan or search for a new one. Facts About Retirement and Medicare

  • Marketing | Hoopis.com

    Course Catalog Go Back to Main Catalog Page Client Appreciation Events Client Segmentation: Identifying Growth Opportunities in Your Book of Business Cross-Selling Marketing 101 - Client Segmentation Cross-Selling Marketing 201 - Cross-Selling Clients Cross-Selling Marketing 301 Leveraging Resources to Build an Exciting Client Experience Newest Cross Selling Videos Cross-Selling Log in now to view this course Perspectives: Marketing Social Media 101 Social Media 201 Social Media 301 Social Selling PRO Social Media Client Appreciation Events Is Your Target Market Really Your Target Market? Marketing to the Affluent 101 Marketing to the Affluent 201 Marketing to the Affluent 301 Newest Target Marketing Videos Target Marketing 101 Target Marketing 201 Target Marketing 301 Understanding The NIL Opportunity Working in the Medical Market Target Marketing Learning Paths (beta) Sales Skills Marketing Product Knowledge Practice Management Motivation Classroom Training Coaching Resources Menu Close Try It Free for 14 Days Get full access to the platform—risk-free. No credit card. No commitment. Just results. Start building your advisor bench today. Start Your FREE Trial

  • Classroom Training | Hoopis.com

    Course Catalog Go Back to Main Catalog Page Classroom Training Curriculum Month 1 Classroom Training Curriculum Month 10 Classroom Training Curriculum Month 11 Classroom Training Curriculum Month 12 Classroom Training Curriculum Month 13 Classroom Training Curriculum Month 14 Classroom Training Curriculum Month 15 Classroom Training Curriculum Month 16 Classroom Training Curriculum Month 17 Classroom Training Curriculum Month 18 Classroom Training Curriculum Month 19 Classroom Training Curriculum Month 2 Classroom Training Curriculum Month 20 Classroom Training Curriculum Month 21 Classroom Training Curriculum Month 22 Classroom Training Curriculum Month 23 Classroom Training Curriculum Month 24 Classroom Training Curriculum Month 3 Classroom Training Curriculum Month 4 Classroom Training Curriculum Month 5 Classroom Training Curriculum Month 6 Classroom Training Curriculum Month 7 Classroom Training Curriculum Month 8 Classroom Training Curriculum Month 9 Classroom Training Curriculum Months 1-24 Advisor Phoning Strategies to Master Handling Objections Anticipating and Delivering What Clients Want Boost Prospecting Success and Overcome Referral Obstacles Building Mental Toughness and Insights for New Advisors Closing: Mastering Case Preparation and the Power of Agendas Empowering Solutions: Closing with Conviction and Belief Empowering Your Clients with Simple Money Saving Strategies Helping Clients Build Better Habits: Being a Financial Specialist Keep Recommendations Simple & Leverage Financial Comparisons Leveraging LinkedIn and Social Media for Prospecting Opportunities Leveraging Presentation Skills to Move Clients to Action Master Personal Observations and Uncover the New Wave of Prospecting Mastering the Art of Connecting Through Your Approach Language Mental Toughness and Staying Positive in this Career Mindset for Ferocious Prospecting & Asking for Referrals Navigating Consumer Mindsets to Build Trust and Relationships Phoning Strategies and Language for Booking Meetings Prospecting Outreach Best Practices: Beyond Phoning Questioning Techniques to Make Connection & Uncover Their "Why" Skills & Techniques to Become a Better Active Listener Social Media Prospecting Strategies Strategies and Language for Overcoming Prospecting Objections Strategies for Prospecting Up with Your Clients Telephoning Mindset and Strategies Around Your Phoning Approach Ways to Create Connection & Increase Your Value Proposition New Classroom Training Activity Management Clientbuilding General Marketing Practice Management Advanced Planning Disability Insurance Life Insurance Long Term Care Retirement Planning Product Knowledge Closing Factfinding Prospecting Sales Psychology Telephoning Sales Skills Building a Solid Referral Practice DAD: My Formula for Success Developing Daily Discipline Factfinding for Life Insurance Factfinding: Uncovering Opportunities & Finding the Money From Motivation to Inspiration How to Connect More Deeply and Emotionally Through Storytelling Overcoming Prospecting Objections & Positioning the Life Insurance Need Powerful Phoning Habits & High Impact Language Sales Cycle Power Phrases Sales Cycle Power Phrases & the Need vs. Greed Sale Social Intelligence and Mastering the Approach Social Media Linkedin Steps to a Fearless Referral Conversation Telephoning Masters Time Maximization Techniques to Increase Productivity Understanding and Determining Human Life Value Using Your Purpose to Communicate Conviction Virtual Classroom Training Learning Paths (beta) Sales Skills Marketing Product Knowledge Practice Management Motivation Classroom Training Coaching Resources Menu Close Try It Free for 14 Days Get full access to the platform—risk-free. No credit card. No commitment. Just results. Start building your advisor bench today. Start Your FREE Trial

  • Ian Freeman

    Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Ian Freeman CLU, ChFC, CASL, AEP Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network After graduating from Wesleyan University in 1980 with an interdisciplinary major in government, history, economics, and philosophy, Ian became a banker and investment banker before joining Northwestern Mutual in October of 1987. Starting with a $5,000 loan from his uncle, heavy debt, and major anxiety, Ian went nearly 4 months in the business without writing a policy. By the end of that first year, he was the leading first-year agent in the Eastern region. Ian followed that by being the leading second and third-year agent in Eastern region, one of the few representatives ever to lead all three years. In his 29 year career, Ian has written over 3,800 lives and has over $1.3 billion of death benefit in force. As a measure of consistency, 100 lives written in a year is a benchmark, and Ian has done that every year except one (he wrote 98.5 – still a sore spot!) He ranks in the top 40 in career production in the history of Northwestern Mutual, and is a life and qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table, consistently qualifying for Court of The Table or Top of the Table honors. Ian is most proud that he is one of only 27 representatives out of 6,500 that have qualified for the Northwestern Forum, the highest measure of production at that company, every year since its inception. Ian holds the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Chartered Advisor for Senior Living (CASL), and Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) designations, and is a member of NAIFA and AALU. Ian considers himself to be an old-fashioned, traditional representative working primarily in the personal market. His passion and commitment to his clients are the driving forces in his practice and carry through to his team of three dedicated associates. Ian is considered a “living legend” at Northwestern Mutual not just because of his production but because of how much time he has given back to mentoring agents throughout the country. In his “spare time” Ian has been President of the Financial Representative Association at Northwestern Mutual, the primary link between their field and home office. Less than 80 representatives in the history of the company have held this honor. Ian has served on countless committees and his counsel is often sought by senior management. He regularly gives dynamic main platform presentations throughout the U.S. to help explain the basics of insurance. He is active in several charitable organizations in Connecticut and Florida. Previous Speaker Go back to Speaker Network Next Speaker

  • Adam Holt

    CEO and Founder, Asset-Map Adam Holt CFP, ChFC CEO and Founder, Asset-Map H. Adam Holt has been a financial advisor for over 20 years, during which time he has helped build and manage his wealth management firm to over $1B in assets under management. Adam is known for his early adoption of technology to build trend-setting client experiences. This mindset led him to found Asset-Map, LLC, a financial technology firm dedicated to creating engaging visual communication tools used throughout the customer and advisor journey and now used by thousands of advisors worldwide. Previous Speaker Go back to Speaker Network Next Speaker

  • The Power of Persuasion

    Next Item Previous Item Go back to White Papers List Many of the methods we use to persuade and motivate others such as nagging, pleading, coercing and brute force, not only fail to work, but many times, they make things worse by making people mistrust or even become angry. Some persuasion tactics will not only hurt the cause, but damage relationships by creating resentment or remorse. Effective persuasion is different. It’s subtle, unsuspecting, and non-confrontational. The human mind is surprisingly malleable and easy to manipulate, if you know what it is you want and what you’re doing. When you effectively persuade, you are not trying to control someone. You are trying to nudge them to take action or see things from a different perspective. One’s ability to persuade has held great social prestige in the ancient Greek world and throughout history. Aristotle was the first to introduce persuasion as a skill that could be learned. He argued that the most effective persuasive attempts contain three concepts: ethos, pathos, and logos. Ethos Ethos refers to the character of the speaker. If audiences believe that the speaker is credible, they are more likely to be persuaded. He believed that this includes body type, movement, dress, body language, sincerity, word choice, and reputation, in addition to expertise and charisma. Ethos is about the audience’s perception of credibility and it is the most powerful of the three persuasive means, according to Aristotle. Pathos Pathos is the psychological and emotional state of the audience. Aristotle believed that our ability to be persuaded is closely connected to how pleased and friendly or pained and hostile we are feeling. He also recommended that we determine the difference between our audience’s actual state of mind and their desired state of mind. If you can help them see how to get from their current state to their desired state, you can persuade people to do almost anything. Logos Logos refers to the actual substance of a message, or logic provided as proof to the listener. Aristotle argued that humans are basically reasonable beings who make decisions based on what makes sense. You can be more persuasive and convincing by using reason and logic in your arguments. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion Whether you are selling financial instruments, insurance, or boiled peanuts, the psychology behind selling, is deeply rooted in persuasion, which is influencing someone to believe or act in a specific way. Many people have observed and commented on persuasion, but Robert Cialdini is the most quoted in business and how persuasion relates to sales and marketing. In Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, originally published in 1984, Cialdini identifies six principles of persuasion, which have been expanded by others over the years. Let’s first look at these six principles – reciprocity, scarcity, authority, consistency, liking, and consensus – and how you can apply them to prospecting and acquiring new clients. Reciprocity Reciprocity is a social convention that compels people to return a favor to someone who does something nice for them. You probably heard the adage, “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.” Companies may send free samples of a product with the hope (and proven trackrecord) that the receiver will likely feel an obligation to buy the product. This, and offering “extras” or “bonuses,” are common examples of reciprocity. Since it’s impossible to give free samples, extras, or bonuses of insurance, stocks, and commodities, your gift to clients can be your knowledge. Consider creating video content, downloads, and e-books to attract clients on your website, or offer free workshops or webinars. The real power of reciprocity lies in the fact that it’s such a strong social norm, and a universally expected give back. While not everyone practices reciprocity, the majority of people will, without even realizing it. Keep in mind that you should never expect reciprocity, so do it for them, not for you. Reciprocity works when there is no expectation of return because the sincerity of the gesture is what gives it its power. The need to return the favor is strongest when the initial favor was done with no expectation of repayment. Be generous and helpful as often as possible, in the hope that those you help will be on your side when you need them in the future. When used regularly, reciprocity can be an indispensable sales tool. Scarcity The economic principle of scarcity has been around for ages. When resources are in short supply, people want more of them. Understanding the psychology of scarcity and how it can impact decision-making can give you an additional edge in the sales process. Using the principle of scarcity to persuade others requires that you create a sense of urgency, motivating people to act. You see scarcity being used all the time in ads that say, “Selling Fast,” “Only 3 left,” and “Limited Time Only.” In the financial services industry, salespeople can create that sense of urgency by sharing with prospects what they risk losing if they don’t act on your proposal today. Appealing to your client’s fundamental needs of shelter, love, self-esteem, and self-actualization can be very persuasive. For example, an agent/advisor selling life insurance may ask a client what will happen if he or she dies. What will happen to your family? Will they have money to survive? How will your death financially impact your family, and will they be able to maintain their lifestyle? Some agents/advisors apply this principle by limiting their availability. Don’t tell a prospective client that your schedule is “wide open.” Instead, give two options for when you “can squeeze them in.” Be careful not to create a false sense of urgency or you will lose credibility. Sincerity and truthfulness are keys to repeat business and lifelong clients. Authority Establishing authority and credibility that you know about the service you are providing or the product you are selling is especially important in the financial services industry. People will generally listen and act when they feel they are with credible experts. If you speak confidently, clearly and concisely, people are more likely to listen to you, to take what you have to say seriously, and to agree with you. Prepare what you want to say and practice it. Write out your scripts and practice them regularly. When speaking, avoid filler words (such as ‘umm’, ‘err’ or ‘like’) because these suggest that you’re struggling to express your message or that you are uncertain about its validity. Establishing authority means you must send signals to prospects about what makes you an authority before you attempt to persuade them. This also requires walking a fine line between confidence and arrogance. People don’t want to hear you boast about your accomplishments or about how smart you are. Your website and digital marketing campaigns play a valuable role in establishing authority. Providing accurate, educational content on a regular basis through video content, newsletters, and blogs, will demonstrate your knowledge to others, making it more likely that they will buy from you. Consistency Most people don’t like to go back on their actions or words. Once they say something, human nature will tend to make people stick to what they said, in fear of looking indecisive. Applying the principle of consistency to the sales process is about asking for small actions and commitments from prospective clients throughout the sales process, also known as the “yes ladder.” Giving them early and small opportunities to agree with you allows them to be a part of the process and makes it easier for them to give you the “big yes” later. Some people refer to this as the “foot in the door” technique since once you get your foot in the door, it’s harder for them to close it. Your clients need to feel like they were not forced into decisions, or they may get cold feet or resent you. You can ask for commitments from prospective clients during website or in-person interaction. For example, ask for an email when you offer free content, ask a prospect to commit to a phone or office appointment, or ask a prospect to take a survey about their needs. Consistency is built through regular communication and interaction. Liking Prospective clients are more likely to buy from salespeople they like. Cialdini outlines three specific elements of the likability principle: People like those who are similar to them. People like those who pay them compliments. People like those who cooperate. The best salespeople will take time to make a personal connection with prospects about things that have nothing to do with the product or service they are offering, either on the phone or in person. They might talk about kids, sports, television, movies, college, or any other common ground. Applying the liking principle online is a bit trickier, and it can take more time. The single best way to create likability online is by creating an outstanding ‘About Us’ page on your website or a bio page, if you are an agent/advisor. Tell your readers about your hobbies, your core values, and why you enjoy helping and educating your clients. The more likable you are, the more people you will persuade to buy from you. People tend to adopt a “herd” mentality, meaning they may look to others to make decisions. This behavior is often driven by the desire to fit in. Many may think, “If they are doing XYZ, so can I.” You can apply the principle of consensus to the sales process by harnessing the power of testimonials. Whether you share videos, blog posts, or talking to a prospect in person, sharing success stories from current and previous clients inspires prospects to “jump on the bandwagon.” Another powerful way to activate consensus is through online reviews from third-party sites. Prospects searching for you online can see positive comments, encouraging them to join others who have done successful business with you. Additional Tips and Techniques As a spin-off from these basics’ techniques outlined by Cialdini, there are other persuasion tips and techniques which can also help you to effectively persuade others. Keep in mind that the ultimate goal of persuasion is to convince the client or prospect to adopt a new attitude as a part of their own core belief system and choose to buy from you. Content Organization If you carefully describe or explain things in such a way that influences how the recipient interprets the information, you are ‘framing’ that content. This technique is often used to influence audiences in political debates. The three core elements of framing include: Placement – Make sure you choose the right time, place and people to communicate with. Are both members of a partnership in attendance? Approach – Make sure you carefully construct how your argument is presented. Focus on the positives, rather than any potential downsides of an agreement. Words – Make sure to select the most appropriate words to explain your viewpoint. Mark Twain once said, “The difference between similar words and the right words is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug.” Choose your words wisely. An example of this is the difference between using the words “cheap” and “inexpensive.” It is important to frame your words to say how you want your client to feel. Go Big and Then Small This approach is the opposite of the “foot in the door” approach or “consistency” principle. A salesperson will begin by making a large and possibly unrealistic request. The individual responds by refusing. The salesperson then responds by making a much smaller request, with may often come off as conciliatory. People often feel obligated to respond positively to these offers. Since they refused that initial request, people often feel compelled to help the salesperson by accepting the smaller request. Anchor Points The anchoring bias is a technique that can have a powerful influence when negotiating or selling. Basically, your first offer has the tendency to become an anchoring point for all future negotiations. An example of this is if you are trying to sell an insurance policy. If you suggest a larger policy first, that larger policy will become the anchoring starting point for your client’s decision. While you might not sell a policy that large, starting high might lead you to getting a higher sale. “But You Are Free” By simply reminding those who you’re talking to that they are free to make their own decision on whatever the topic you’re discussing, will make them more comfortable and feel less pressured. This is a highly effective strategy that is easy to implement. Body Language Never underestimate the power of your body language, which has a significant impact on your ability to persuade: Smile naturally. This will make you seem approachable and likeable. Raise your eyebrows. This signals you are not a threat, and gives the impression that you are friendly and approachable. Avoid crossing your arms and putting your hands in your pockets. These are “closed” positions and they signal that you are not flexible, comfortable, or approachable. Use eye contact. Making regular eye contact shows an interest in the conversation and the person you are talking to. You will also appear as more trustworthy. Show your palms. This technique goes back to the cave men days when the first thing we need to verify is that the visitor is not holding a weapon. No matter how far this dates back, it still indicates you are telling the full story. Clothing While these may seem subconscious, they have proven important and effective in aiding persuasion. Show your neck. This indicates that you are unthreatening and easy to approach. Color. Make a special attempt not to clash with your environment. Wear colors that soften your look without weakening you. Wear colors that make you feel confident. Professionalism. While it’s important to establish authority through your clothing, you don’t want to appear to be inflexible or inappropriate for the situation in which you are meeting. Conclusion Persuasion is not a new concept but is one that is used in advertisements and conversations every day. Techniques for improving your ability to persuade others are likely to make you more successful. Keep in mind Zig Ziglar’s words, “The most powerful persuasion tool you have in your entire arsenal is your integrity. The Power of Persuasion

  • Overcoming Phone Anxiety

    Next Item Previous Item Go back to White Papers List Do you feel anxious whenever your phone rings or you must call someone? Do you worry about what you are going to say? Are you worried about embarrassing yourself, so you avoid or put off making that call? Do you ignore other people’s calls? Do you constantly replay conversations in your head after you hang up from a phone call? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, you may suffer from phone anxiety, also known as telephobia. While you might think that this isn’t a problem, there are many missed opportunities and poor communication that occurs because of one’s hesitation to answer or make a phone call. What is Phone Anxiety? Phone Anxiety, or Telephobia, is a reluctance or fear of making or taking phone calls. Believe it or not, this is a recognized social disorder, or type of social anxiety. Perhaps you fear that you are intruding, being unintentionally rude, or even that your voice sounds funny, can keep you from making a call or picking up that phone when it rings. While some may suffer from telephobia, it has been noted that a large majority of millennials (those born between 1981 and 1996) struggle with this disorder. Symptoms of phone anxiety are the same as any other type of anxiety, which may commonly include: Panic attacks Shaking Racing heart Difficulty concentrating Sweating Difficulty in getting the words out when speaking Social anxiety disorder affects approximately 15 million American adults and is the second most commonly diagnosed anxiety disorder following specific phobia, according to the Social Anxiety Disorder | Anxiety and Depression. The average age of onset for social anxiety disorder is during the teenage years. Although individuals diagnosed with social anxiety disorder commonly report extreme shyness in childhood, it is important to note that this disorder is not simply shyness. The Phone Anxiety Paradox Considering the fact that 85% of Americans own smartphones in 2019, according to the Global Mobile Consumer Survey, phone anxiety is one of the great paradoxes of today’s world. According to a recent Gallup poll, nearly half of all smartphone users can’t even imagine life without their phone. We adore our smartphones, carrying them everywhere with us, sleeping with them, and touching them an average of 2,617 times a day. More intense users are touching their phones as many as 5,427 times a day. This is interesting considering many are avoiding the actual thing phones were created for – phone calls. Why Do People Suffer from Phone Anxiety? The common reasons that people suffer from phone anxiety can be lumped into inexperience, pressure, and insecurity. Let’s take a closer look at each of these. Inexperience is a simple and understandable reason as to why someone may experience phone anxiety. We live in an era where people tend to text more than they talk on their mobile devices, so when the phone rings, those with phone anxiety may become hesitant simply due to unfamiliarity. Too often, when one begins a sales career, he or she is simply given a phone and a sales script of what to say, but most are not trained in understanding the phone calling process and its various techniques. Pressure and stress are other reasons people suffer from phone anxiety. When texting, if you run out of things to say, or are unsure of how to respond, you can simply stop replying. This option doesn’t exist when talking to someone over the phone. Many people feel the need to try to keep conversations going, but when they inevitably fade, and periods of silence develop, some may begin to feel uncomfortable as awkwardness ensues. After experiencing situations like this, those afflicted with phone anxiety will begin to encounter symptoms of the disorder every time their phone rings. Insecurity in not being able to see the other person is another excuse for phone anxiety. While the exact percentage is impossible to determine because of varying situations, experts agree that approximately 90% of our communication is nonverbal. When we engage in conversations, many elements are factored in, as our brains work to decipher not only what they are saying, but what they mean. Some of these elements include tone of voice, fluidity of words, mannerisms, eye contact, physiological behavior (i.e., sweating and scratching), and much more. When we talk to people over the phone, we are losing the majority of the indicators that help us communicate efficiently. This plays a major role in the development and triggering of phone anxiety, because the ability to gauge how our words are being interpreted, greatly diminishes, which makes those who suffer from social anxiety insecure about conversing through their mobile devices. Millennials and Phone Anxiety Many millennials struggle with mental health, and their generation has been dubbed as the “anxious generation.” Whether you are a millennial suffering with phone anxiety or trying to get ahold of a millennial with phone anxiety, it can help to understand the possible root causes and reasons for the cold shoulder. A survey from gadget retail site BankMyCell attempts to delve into why many millennials love their phones but hate talking on them. The top reasons for a millennial not to answer an incoming phone or reach out to you with an email or text instead of calling you include: Calls can be time-consuming. You have no way to tell if a call will take minutes or hours. Millennials want to communicate faster and prefer getting straightforward answers. Calls are disruptive. In most cases, your phone will vibrate with a call at a random time of the day, potentially interrupting whatever activity you’re doing if you answer. Calls come off presumptuous. Overall, when someone calls you it’s probable that they need something from you. There is an assumption that you have the time to be interrupted. One millennial told the Wall Street Journal, “Calling someone without emailing first can make it seem as though you’re prioritizing your needs over theirs.” Calls are commonly inefficient. When you’re using a messaging service, you can drop in and out when you want. Sending an email or message via an app gets straight to the point without any polite small talk. Calls can be annoying. Getting a presumptuous call from someone creates a negative reaction. People often sigh or roll their eyes when a call comes in at an inconvenient time. Calls are stressful. Everyone is so productivity driven that in many situations like work, calls can be stressful. You could be working on a deadline or rushing to get out the door and the distraction interrupts you at the wrong time. People like to avoid conflict. Calls leave you little time to compose yourself. You can feel vulnerable about how you come across and what you’re going to say if confronted. Calls are rarely private. You can message nonstop in a room and no one will know what you’re saying. If you want a degree of privacy on the phone, you’ll have to relocate yourself to stop people from eavesdropping. How Phone Anxiety Affects Your Life As our phones become a bigger and more important part of our personal lives, as well as our professional lives, a sufferer of phone anxiety may risk important relationships when they ignore or avoid phone calls. Whether it’s a friend, family member, a colleague, or a client, some people may take the avoidance as a sign that you don’t want to speak with them. This can greatly affect relationships with those individuals. If you have or are planning to get a job that requires communication over the phone, such as sales or consulting, your phone anxiety could potentially prevent you from getting or keeping your job. For those with symptoms that include stammering, it could be perceived as unprofessional, and may even impact your work performance and even your employment status. How to Overcome Phone Anxiety While it may seem impossible to overcome your phone anxiety, it can be overcome with hard work and dedication. Since there are many reasons for phone anxiety, there are also many techniques, and some may be more effective than others. Here are some simple, yet effective techniques to implement to help you combat your anxiety. Before You Call Relax and Breathe. Taking a deep breath before making a call or answering the phone might seem easy but is proven to be effective. Breathing increases oxygen to the brain and helps calm the mind. This can help increase the fluidity of your thoughts as they are being converted into speech. Try “tactical breathing” (so named because it’s a technique that soldiers and police officers use to quickly calm down and stay focused during firefights). Here’s how to do it: 1) Slowly inhale a deep breath for 4 seconds. 2) Hold the breath in for 4 seconds. 3) Slowly exhale the breath out for 4 seconds. 4) Hold the empty breath for 4 seconds. 5) Repeat until your breathing is under control. Create a Script for the Call. Writing out what you want to say takes away some of the unknown and will make you feel more confident that you will be able to accomplish your objective during the call. Consider writing out your opening word for word, as this can be the hardest part of the call. Once you’re past that, you’ll often feel less nervous. In your opening, make sure to say who you are, where you’re calling from, and what you are calling about. Next, make a list of key points you want to discuss during the call. Try to anticipate what the person on the other end might ask you, and what you’d like to say in response. Write down any numbers or names you might be asked to provide. If you’re making a social call, write down possible conversation topics and questions you can ask to keep the conversation going and avoid that awkward silence. Add as much detail as you’d like to your script. You won’t likely be able to (or want to) read it word for word, but it will give you confidence as you go into the call. Rehearse. If you’re especially nervous, consider rehearsing your opening before making your call. Hold the phone to your ear and speak into it to make it as realistic as possible. Avoid over-rehearsing as this may make you come across as if you aren’t listening to the person on the other line. • Call someone else first. Right before you must call a stranger or someone who makes you nervous, call someone like a family member or significant other that you feel completely comfortable talking to over the phone. After a short warm-up conversation with them, make the other call immediately. This can be a very effective technique for calming your phone shyness, as the first call soothes the part of your brain that associates being on the phone with stress. During the Call Walk around and make gestures. Studies have found that when your arms are constrained, you feel more nervous and use more language fillers (like “ums” and “uhs”) because you’re less confident that your message is getting across. Consider moving and using body language even though the person you’re talking to can’t see it and you will likely feel more comfortable and natural. Smile. While we may think that we only smile in response too feelings of calmness and happiness, smiling can actually create these feelings. Research shows that even a fake smile during a stressful activity can decrease your heart rate and stress level. Additionally, you’ll sound friendlier to the person on the other end of the line. Look in the mirror as you talk. Part of what creates anxiety during phone calls is that the only feedback you get is the person’s voice without seeing their reassuring facial expressions. Looking at yourself in the mirror can help make you feel less awkward because it tricks your brain into thinking that you’re talking to another human face-to-face. Take Your Time. Phone conversations typically don’t need to be rushed. Rushing is probably the number one contributing factor causing mistakes in many facets of life. When you are routinely rushing to communicate, and you are not being clearly understood, you are not communicating effectively. As a result, you start to develop insecurities, which often triggers even more anxiety. Speaking over one another or interrupting can become awkward quickly. When conversing, just remember to take your time to listen carefully and speak clearly. Practice. Make one phone call each day. If you don’t have anyone that you need to call, call a business and ask what their hours are. Work your way into doing calls that require longer openings, and more back and forth. Find reasons to call customer service or call and make appointments. The more you do it, the more you will overcome your fear and become more efficient. Keep in mind that perfection rarely exists in communication. Speaking without nonverbal clues can be tricky in virtually every situation. If you flub a word, or stutter, chances are the person you are speaking with has done the same thing many times before as well. Some people simply have more experience with phone calls. The next time you get on the phone and start to feel symptoms of your anxiety kick in, remember that it has happened to everyone at some point in time. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. We’re all human. Making Phone Calls More Productive Be aware that a large percentage of people suffer with phone anxiety, so you will be more productive and efficient if you take the time to discover the preferred communication channel of the person you are trying to reach. If a phone call makes sense as the best channel, arrange a good time to call and be respectful of the other person’s time. Sending an email or message with preliminary details may ease anxiety that the other party may feel about a phone call. Recognize that calling someone with a valid business goal is not bothering them as long as you are confident and efficient. Many customer relationships can’t be developed without a conversation, and companies who use the phone to connect with, train, and assist new employees, have better acquisition and retention rates. Harvard Business Review reported that 57% of customers have had to switch from the web to a phone call to resolve an issue. NewVoice found that 75% of consumers chose the phone as the “most effective way of getting a quick response. The quick back and forth communication of a phone call can often resolve misunderstandings faster than other seemingly convenient channels like email or text. Conclusion Phone anxiety is a real disorder that affects many people and impedes communication and opportunities regularly. Overcoming this fear and learning to best communicate with every person will improve business and personal relationships. To learn how to develop the skills necessary to overcome your anxiety, and thrive in this new, competitive environment, contact Hoopis Performance Network to learn about the many tools and resources that are available to help you overcome anxieties and master phone calls. HPN provides knowledge and skills training for management, producers, and staff in the financial services industry. Whether you own or manage an insurance agency or an investment firm, we want to give you and your employees the tools needed to successfully grow your business in a competitive industry. Contact us today for your training and education needs and to learn more about how to best communicate with all groups with varying communication preferences. Overcoming Phone Anxiety

  • Alexis Gladstone

    Principal, Intelead Alexis Gladstone Principal, Intelead Alexis Gladstone is the founder of Intelead. Through consulting, training, speaking, and executive coaching, she works with clients in the areas of leadership, sales, and organizational change to maximize individual and company results. Alexis has worked across industries from financial services to oil & gas, and everything in between. While the leadership problems most businesses face are the same, she believes the solutions are unique to its culture. She uses her ability to quickly learn about the business and pull on her experiences to recommend appropriate, custom solutions. Her passion is helping women succeed. She works with women individually through coaching and mentoring, and with organizations and leaders who want to recruit, retain, develop and champion women. Alexis has presented and trained on leadership at both public companies and not-for-profit organizations including Bank of America, Bankers Life, The YWCA of Chicago, Heartland Alliance, DePaul University and Northwestern University Alumni. Internationally she has been honored to present to business and government leaders in Harbin China, and to a number of financial organizations in Melbourne Australia. Previous Speaker Go back to Speaker Network Next Speaker

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