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Master Sales Trainer, Financial Services Speaker, President of P2P Group Jim Effner Master Sales Trainer, Financial Services Speaker, President of P2P Group Jim Effner is a financial services speaker and master sales trainer with 27 years of experience. Formerly, Jim was Managing Partner of the Effner Financial Group, one of the largest Northwestern Mutual offices in the country, consisting of 117 full-time advisors, insuring over 65,000 policyholders with a face amount of nearly $27 billion. Jim began the first 12 years of his career as an advisor and is a lifetime Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) qualifier. He was also a three-time Forum qualifier, representing the top 5% of all Northwestern Mutual advisors, and the youngest person to make Forum the first two times he qualified. Jim has also overcome numerous life challenges, including losing his hearing just 30 days after taking his managing partner contract. Now, as President of P2P Group, Inc., he shares his proven systems for success with financial professionals around the country. Previous Speaker Go back to Speaker Network Next Speaker

Financial Wellness Save or Pay Off Debt Calculator: Saving vs using the money you have in savings to pay down debt. Try Our Save or Pay Off Debt Calculator Having savings is important, especially when the savings are part of an emergency fund or a hedge against a loss of income. However, when you also have debt, in the form of an outstanding credit card balance or loan, you might want to consider whether you are better off using the money you have in savings to pay down debt. Back to Financial Calculators We Invite You To “Test Drive” Our Financial Wellness Content Today! Test Drive

HPN digital content and learning solutions are designed to fit your organization’s unique needs. Our content solutions are scalable, customizable and designed to increase advisor productivity and retention. Digital Learning Solutions for Advisor Development Gain Trial Access and Experience Our Digital Content Today! Trial Access Sales Skills Prospecting Telephoning Factfinding Closing Sales Psychology Handling Objections Virtual Selling Generational Buying Differences Practice Management Goal Setting Time Management Activity Management Client Building Team Selling Staff Development Digital Practice Operational Best Practices Marketing Networking Social Media Marketing Target Marketing Cross-Selling Center of Influence Development Understanding Life Events Giving Presentations Product Knowledge Life Insurance Annuities Disability Insurance Understanding IRAs Qualified Retirement Plans Long Term Care Insurance Critical Illness Insurance Multiline Solutions Planning Concepts Saving & Investing Retirement Planning College Planning Business Planning Estate Planning Life Event Planning Overview of Social Security Understanding Medicare Motivation & Inspiration The Power of Purpose Mental Toughness Overcoming Rejection and Adversity Real Impact Stories Power of Risk Management Planning Check Out Just Some of the Topics Within Our Content Library Looking to get new advisors off to a fast start or reignite experienced advisors to get to the next level? Either way, our digital content and learning solutions are designed to fit your organization’s unique needs. Our content solutions are scalable, customizable and designed to increase advisor productivity and retention. Interested in a FREE “Test Drive” of Our Content? Test Drive eLearning Knowledge Checks and Action Items for Performance Improvement Ability to Easily Enroll Learners in Courses and Learning Paths Reporting and Analytics for Greater Accountability Around Learning On Demand Classroom Training Modules (virtual and in person) Coaching Resources Including Guides, Assessments and Tutorial Videos Skill Assessment to Identify Strengths and Areas of Development Additional Advisor Development Tools and Resources In addition to our digital content, we also provide turnkey training and coaching tools for managers including: How to Conduct an Annual Policy Review History and Numbers Behind Social Security Choices for Medicare Coverage Understanding Social Security and FICA Tax How to Find Networking Opportunities The Financial Services Education Network content library provides the Science through hundreds of micro-learning modules focused on education and knowledge. Eszylfie Taylor – Personal Observation Strategies for Better Prospecting Tom Hegna – Don’t Worry, Retire Happy: 7 Steps to Retirement Security Sabine Robinson – Understanding the Art & Science of High Activity David Resseguie – 3 Powerful Tips for Building Better Phoning Habits Ellen Rogen – Leveraging Presentation Skills to Move Clients to Action The HPN University content library provides the Art by focusing on the skills, best practices and execution methods of the top experts and practitioners in financial services. Check Out Some of Our Sample Videos! We’ve combined the two most powerful digital content libraries in the world, equipping you and your advisors with the Art and Science of learning and development. Digital Learning Solutions for Advisor Development

Consultant, Business Coach and Author Machen MacDonald Consultant, Business Coach and Author For almost a quarter century Machen MacDonald has dedicated himself to helping business owners, sales professionals, financial advisers, and financial services executives discover their purpose and help them align their focus to achieve dramatic and measurable improvements both in business and in life. His ability to develop systems, based on his clients’ mental and emotional foundation, for creating immediate and lasting change has made him a recognized expert in the world of coaching and peak performance. As the consummate entrepreneur, Machen started five successful service companies and went on to succeed in financial services as an advisor working his way into award-winning field management and then into executive level management before founding The ProBrilliance Leadership Institute. He understands and can relate firsthand to the challenges small business owners, sales professionals, advisers, managers and corporate leaders all face. Machen is a #1 best-selling author and creator of the highly successful Power of Coaching book series. He is a certified business coach and life coach, certified Master Coach and Certified MindScan Consultant. Machen resides in Northern California with his wife of 23 years and their three children. He enjoys competitive running, snow and water skiing, and spending time with family. Previous Speaker Go back to Speaker Network Next Speaker

Next Item Previous Item Go back to White Papers List Ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius expressed his belief in the importance of learning from interaction when he wrote, “I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do, and I understand.” There are no shortcuts when it comes to being successful, just as there are no shortcuts when it comes to gaining knowledge and understanding. Why We Must Get Training Right The training you offer can distinguish your firm or agency from others, which in turn can help you attract top talent. This is one area in which you just cannot take shortcuts. According to the 2018 Deloitte Millennial Survey, about 8 in 10 millennials say that on-the-job training, continuous professional development and formal training led by employers will be important to help them perform their best. Employer training and support quite obviously help millennials and the Gen Z cohort perform their jobs, and as their careers progress, the role of employer as educator will take on even greater significance. The study noted that 73 percent of those who plan to stay with their organizations more than five years say their organizations are strong providers of education and training. But young professionals are looking for training that goes beyond technical and sales skills. Young professionals are especially seeking help building confidence, interpersonal skills and— particularly for Gen Z—ethics/integrity aptitude. In their view, businesses are insufficiently focusing on nurturing these and similar soft skills. More than one-third of millennials (36 percent) say it is “essential” to a company’s long-term success that its employees and leaders have strong interpersonal skills, but only 26 percent are offered much help or support in developing them. A similar support deficit exists in the areas of confidence/ motivation, ethics/integrity, critical thinking and innovation/creativity. Failing to train your team members can be a catalyst for them to seek out organizations that offer better training. That can be costly to your organization. Employee Benefit News reported that turnover cost approximately 15,000 per employee who earns an annual salary of $45,000. That number is much higher for top producers. We Retain More Knowledge when We Participate in Training Actively Edgar Dale, famous for his research on this subject and his “cone of experience,” found that after two weeks, we tend to remember only: 10 percent of what we read 20 percent of what we hear 30 percent of what we see 50 percent of what we see and hear 70 percent of what we say and write 90 percent of what we do The higher our level of participation, the more information we retain. From a business perspective, higher retention of information translates to a higher ROI on your investment in providing training to your team. How to Engage Participants in Learning This is why it is so important to have participants in any learning course do more than just sit there and listen to what is being presented. Here are some strategies you can ask your instructor to use in an effort to get your team members more involved in their learning: Require participants to complete pre-work before the training. Before the training, if possible, connect with all the participants, probably via email. Ask them what they hope to learn from the session and if there are any specific questions they would like to get answered. This involves them in the training before it even begins. During the training, present the material in several different formats, such as written bullet points with images, video or audio clips, quiz questions and hands-on exercises. Offer different methods of training. Consider off-site, on-site, online self-study and online instructor-led programs. Make it easy for participants to follow along with what is being presented and to take notes, either online or on paper—whichever they prefer. Let participants know what’s coming. One effective way to do this for longer training classwork is to use the 50-10-50 module/break format. People tend to tune out and get restless if a training module lasts longer than 50 minutes. Let them know you will conduct a 50-minute training session, and then they will get a 10-minute break. Then the next 50-minute session will begin. When participants know ahead of time that the workshop will break at a specific time, it reduces their stress and distraction. They likely will need to check their email or return calls. Choose participants randomly during the training to answer questions or offer their perspectives. They will want to be prepared in case they are called on, so they will pay closer attention. Require participants to complete worksheets, and then collect and review them. If it’s not worth instructors’ time to inspect what they expect, then soon it won’t be worth the participants’ time to complete the assignments. Break the participants into groups and ask them to engage in discussions on the topic. Have the participants write or say how they will translate the information, concepts and techniques they have learned into actionable activities they can use with their clients. Have your instructor create high-value deliverables that summarize and expand on what the participants have learned. Listing or linking to additional support resources is a valuable way to keep adults engaged long after your training seminar is over. You can offer these deliverables in the form of printed handouts or via an online LMS. Offer praise when participants offer contributions to the training and when they excel at grasping the concepts and translating them into real-world scenarios. Mistakes to Avoid in Training In addition to the above tips for engaging learners in their training, here are some common training mistakes for your trainers and instructors to avoid. Most of these common mistakes boil down to organizations, trainers and/ or participants attempting to take shortcuts in the learning process: Mistake #1: Offering training as an afterthought — or not at all. To become known as the organization that offers the best and most valuable training, it must be included in your budget. You must devote time, staff and money to training. Otherwise, it’s no more than an afterthought, or at best, a one-time event. Ongoing training is the hallmark of dynamic organizations that attract the best talent. Plus, when you train your own team members, you are investing in your own company. Mistake #2: Creating cognitive overload. That occurs when too much information is delivered at once. If participants feel overwhelmed, they will be unable to absorb the concepts you are sharing with them. This is a common occurrence when it comes to new agent/advisor onboarding training, since there is so much information to provide in such a short period of time. Offer classroom training in short segments, and stick with “bite sized” online training courses or modules that offer learners a small bit of vital information at once. This online coursework can be used as an initial presentation of the subject matter or as a training follow up after a classroom session. Repetition is the key to learning and recall. (This is one of the beneficial features of FSEdNet video training; our hundreds of videos last an average of only 8.5 minutes each.) Mistake #3: Using outdated materials. Make sure all your training materials are updated, with current statistics and facts. Participants are likely to lose confidence in the credibility of the information if the information is no longer accurate. Mistake #4: Ignoring differences in learning styles. We know people learn by doing. We also know that some people tend to learn better through visual or audio content. Be sure your content isn’t just written or spoken; but it contains a blend of written, audio, visual and even gaming elements in your training materials. Mistake #5: Ignoring generational differences. We can’t assume that all baby boomers prefer traditional training materials and millennials, or Gen Z prefer online training. A study of 1,000 professionals by Activia Training found that younger employees prefer classroom learning. Thus, when utilizing eLearning the style and design of its format is very important. The best designs are those which replicate a classroom experience, which should contain a blend of live speakers, along with visual enhancements to engage and supplement the learning process. Voiceover PowerPoints scored the lowest when it came to eLearning. Mistake #6: Trying to teach all knowledge levels in one class. When possible, tailor your training according to skill level. Veteran agents or advisors who have been selling life insurance for their entire careers obviously don’t need an introductory class on life insurance. Assess knowledge levels before deciding which participants should take which training. Also, don’t assume people know more or less than they really do. Mistake #7: Leaving out important aspects of the participants’ everyday activities. Training your agents or advisors in sales and negotiation strategies is essential but be sure to complement that training with product training and how to manage a practice as well. And, as mentioned earlier, millennials and Gen Z want training in “soft skills.” Offer training in a variety of skills. Mistake #8: Failing to follow up. The learning shouldn’t end the moment the training ends. Training is a process, not an event. One of the key benefits of eLearning via an LMS, is that the training curriculum is available for a refresher whenever the information is needed. No trainer can design a curriculum to fit every situation or client event at the exact moment needed. So, having the ability to return to a specific training topic at any time is a winning solution. Thus, repetition is the key element to any learning process. Set expectations for posttraining follow-up. Ask participants to submit reports three months later, for example, to explain how they have used the training. Schedule a get-together three or six months later, and have participants share their thoughts about the training. Ask participants to write down two or three specific goals for how they will use the training in their professional growth. Check back with them three and six months later to learn about their progress. Mistake #9: Skipping the assessment step. Ask participants to fill out an evaluation form before they leave the room or as soon as they sign off the online training platform. Make sure someone compiles the data on these forms to understand what worked and what could be done better next time. This is extremely important. Training requires a significant investment of your organization’s time, money and resources, so it pays to learn what type of impact it’s having. Do not allow anyone involved in the training of your team, or the participants, to take or accept shortcuts! It’s human nature to try, but we must form the habit of never accepting any shortcuts in learning or business. Consider Hoopis Performance Network for Advisor, Leader and Staff Training An effective resource for training financial advisors is HPN, which features online, ondemand, total video-based training built on four Disciplines of Success with access to more than 600 training sessions. The coursework can be either self-study or facilitator-led, and it complements any firm, agency or company training programs and marketing selling systems. With our mobile application your advisors can access the video training anytime, anywhere, on their computers, smartphones or tablets. It’s a cost-effective, time-efficient way to increase productivity, thus retention. All of our platforms are designed to help all levels of those in the financial services industry enhance their career opportunities by learning and understanding more. Which results in helping them reach their full potential by sharing ideas, concepts, techniques on topics that will help turn potential into reality. Don’t Shortcut the Learning Process

Inspirational Speaker, Bestselling Author Joe Jordan Inspirational Speaker, Bestselling Author Joseph W. Jordan is an independent consultant, author, and speaker. The former Senior Vice President at MetLife is an industry-renowned thought leader in the areas of behavioral finance, client-centric tools, ethical selling and client advocacy. He helps financial professionals around the world recognize and celebrate the intrinsic value that they deliver to their clients. With over 36 years of experience – from life insurance sales to Wall Street to MetLife – Joe Jordan offers compelling insights into the financial services industry, illustrates the concept of managing behavior, and demonstrates how to emotionally engage customers. Joe Jordan started his career with Home Life in 1974—was named “Rookie of the Year” and member of Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT).Joe ran insurance sales at Paine Webber from 1981-1988. He joined MetLife in 1988 to manage annuity (and later life) sales and product development and was ultimately responsible for MetLife’s Behavioral Finance Strategies. Some of his well-known keynote speaking engagements include the 2004 Million Dollar Round Table as well as MDRT Conferences worldwide since then that include Thailand, Korea, Ireland, Greece, Poland, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Australia. He also was a keynote speaker for the 2006 and 2009 GAMA LAMP Conferences, LIMRA’s 2008 Retirement Industry Conference, LOMA’s Customer Service Conference, and most recently The American College Knowledge Summit. Last year, Mr. Jordan was selected as one of the top 50 Irish Americans on Wall Street. This year, he released a book titled Living a Life of Significance published by The American College. Joe is married with two children, lives in Manhattan and is a member of the Fordham University Football Hall of Fame. He also played rugby for over 30 years with the New York Athletic Club. Previous Speaker Go back to Speaker Network Next Speaker

Best Selling Author, International Speaker, and Business Coach Jane Blaufus Best Selling Author, International Speaker, and Business Coach Jane Blaufus is the bestselling author of the book WITH THE [STROKE] OF A PEN: Claim your life. Her book and companion planning binder have become recognized as two of the most comprehensive, actionable, personal and financial planning resources available today for families, individuals and business owners alike. She brings to the table 25+ years of insurance expertise as a financial advisor, sales manager, and executive responsible for the development, delivery, and implementation of recruiting and selection processes and sales and marketing training to thousands of people in the sales force. Today she is the Principal of The Blaufus Group Inc., based in Toronto, Canada where she consults extensively into the financial services industry. Jane is a sought-after international keynote speaker delivering a highly rated MDRT Vancouver 2016 session and was showcased in the ROUND the TABLE magazine 2016 Annual Meeting Highlights. She was also a featured speaker on the main platform at the MDRT PEAK 2017 Convention in Pattaya, Thailand. Jane is a frequent guest expert on national TV/Radio, and a Huffington Post blogger. Her reputation and expertise make her an influential coach to many financial services professionals across Canada and the United States. Jane believes that to excel in today’s marketplace, the key to success is relationship building and she walks the walk and talks the talk. Previous Speaker Go back to Speaker Network Next Speaker

Founder, Thrivos Consulting, LLC Penny Phillips Founder, Thrivos Consulting, LLC After a decade of working with financial advisors and institutions on practice management, Penny launched Thrivos Consulting with a vision of building a firm that would transcend the traditional norms of industry consulting. Founded on the belief that in order to thrive one must successfully navigate change, Thrivos offers services designed to support professionals and institutions as they learn to turn industry challenges into opportunities. With a keen ability to connect with professionals across varying demographics, Penny has had success working with clients ranging from top independent advisors seeking support around building a multi-gen team to multi-billion-dollar enterprises looking to explore scale and growth opportunities. Penny has worked with countless advisory teams and broker dealers on issues ranging from the integration of next generation talent to succession planning to communication and behavior management. She previously ran a national business-building workshop series for financial advisors. She has authored multiple practice management programs, and has been featured as a keynote speaker at conferences and events for the following firms LPL, Investors Group, Guardian Life, Morgan Stanley, MassMutual, Northwestern Mutual, Prudential, New York Life, Signature Financial Solutions, Flexible Plan Investments, RBC, and Platinum Advisor Strategies. Previous Speaker Go back to Speaker Network Next Speaker

Partner at Peachtree Planning of North Georgia Ande Frazier CFP, CLU, ChFC, RICP, BFA, LUTCF, CLTC Partner at Peachtree Planning of North Georgia Ande began working in the financial industry over twenty-four years ago as a Financial Strategist, specializing in personal finance and wealth building for individuals and business owners. Her skills led her to become a prominent speaker and thought leader in the financial services industry; having coached and developed thousands of financial professionals. After serving in various leadership positions throughout the financial services industry, including running a multi-million dollar fintech company, Ande felt it was time to do something that would make a profound difference in bridging the confidence gap between women and their money. She states, “a watershed moment is upon us and it is likely that history will remember this as the time when women found their voices and realized just how powerful they really are. As CEO, Head of Vision and Brand at myWorth, I can partner with women and coach them to harness their power so that the dreaded words of “financial planning” actually make them feel strong, secure and proud.” Ande has participated in extensive ontological, financial, image, communication and sales training. Ande’s career accomplishments led her be named one of Bristol’s Who’s Who Among Distinguished Professionals and Executives, Top 100 in Finance, by Top 100 Magazine, and is a ForbesBooks author with a book to be released later this year. She has completed courses with prominent financial training institutions in areas of Financial Planning, Investments, Taxation, Business, Estate and Retirement Planning. Along with her financial education, Ande is a Certified Image Consultant and has received training from the Coach Training Alliance, Landmark Education and The Life Coach Institute. She is an active member of GAMA, AALU, NAIFA, and WIFS and serves on several corporate and non-profit boards. Ande has her Life and Health Insurance license in addition to Securities Licenses Series 7,63, and 65. Originally a Georgia native, she currently lives in New York with her husband and two children. Previous Speaker Go back to Speaker Network Next Speaker

Free downloads of our Hoopis Performance Network advisor skill assessments and manager systems assessments. (PDF format). Advisor Skill Assessments The following are skills assessments based on the best practices of top advisors in financial services. The purpose is to have your advisors complete an assessment by reflecting on their own sales skills and the extent to which they are applying each best practice. Listening Skills Assessment Prospecting Skills Assessment Factfindings Skill Assessment Closing Skills Assessment Manager Systems Assessments The following are organizational systems assessments based on best practices of the top quartile firms in financial services. The purpose is to have your leadership team complete an assessment by reflecting on the firm’s existing systems and the extent to which the organization is applying each best practice. Recruiting & Selection Systems Assessment Training Systems Assessment Coaching & Development Systems Assessment Attracting Generation Next Assessment Your Top Line is Only as Good as Your Distribution I'm Ready to Build My Dream Team We have the proven programs you need to increase productivity and retention