NAIFA Weekly Connections

Special Events Make the NAIFA 2011 Conference Extra Special

Educational workshops, great networking opportunities and conducting the business of NAIFA makes the NAIFA 2011 Career Conference and Annual Meeting a special event for any NAIFA member. But the conference special events take NAIFA 2011 to another level.

Be sure to select these special events when you register at www.naifa.org/conference. If you have already registered, modify your registration to add these events.

LILI 7 Leadership Workshop

LILI 7 provides a unique interactive learning event designed for those who are serious about leadership and personal and professional growth. This year’s workshop features an exciting new format and Lessons in Leadership from a one of the most admired men in America. Bridging from his main-stage presentation in the morning, General Colin Powell, USA (Ret.) will open LILI 7 with 45 minutes of Q&A. A networking and refreshment break will follow. Small group table discussions moderated by LILI leaders and focused on Powell’s signature leadership principles will round out this popular workshop. An advance ticket is required.

NAIFA’s Got Talent

NAIFA members have talents way beyond selling insurance. See your colleagues perform at this fun evening event or maybe you will be the one performing. Find out more at www.weeklyconnections.com/2011/07/talent2011.html.

Independent Advisors Networking Reception

Monday night of the conference is a night for company dinners. Independent advisors have your own special event. Mix and mingle with your colleagues at this special reception. An advance ticket is required.

YAT Forum

NAIFA’s Young Advisors Team is a vibrant and exciting group of NAIFA members under the age of 40 or in their first five years in the business. If this describes you, plan on being part of this special event which includes a special presentation by Keni Thomas. The session is included with your registration, but seats are limited and an advance ticket is required.

NAIFA Day on the Hill

Representing our industry and the work we do for Americans in Washington, DC, is the mission of NAIFA. Representing yourself and your colleagues by meeting with your Congressman and Senator is your mission. Join NAIFA for this historic Day on the Hill.

You can follow all the events and preparations for NAIFA 2011 by following the conference on Twitter @NAIFA2011.

Want to start networking even before you head to Washington? RSVP on for the conference on Facebook at http://bit.ly/naifa2011 and start connecting online today.

Register now and make your plans to attend NAIFA 2011 in Washington, DC, September 10-14.

For more information: Go to www.naifa.org/conference or call John Boyle, Asst. Vice President, Professional Development & Education, (703) 770-8267.

 

What Having a Cup of Coffee in a Lexus Has to Do With Marketing YOU and Your Business

Ten years ago Joe Pine and Jim Gilmore wrote one of the most influential business books in the last decade, The Experience Economy, Work is Theatre & Every Business A Stage. It is vital that you understand what they have to say.  Here in NAIFA Marketing Coach Stan Hustad’s “Lexus and Coffee Cup Show,” NAIFA members can preview for free which is usually a pay-for-view program. Stan introduces you to the vital business and marketing principles that are necessary for business success today.

If you don’t know what having a cup of coffee in a Lexus has to do with you and your business you are not ready for doing business in the 21st century.

The program airs beginning July 29 at www.MarketingLifeCoach.com.

For more information: Contact Diane Powers, Vice President, Professional Development & Education, (703) 770-8226.

Members Get Discount on Annette Bau Marketing Programs

Annette Bau, CFP^® is a nationally recognized author, speaker, consultant and entrepreneur. One of the nation’s leading authorities on increasing retention, referrals, repeat business and success with the affluent, including affluent women. She has presented and spoken to hundreds of thousands of advisors, small business owners and independent professionals in her 20 year career. Topics include marketing strategies, selling, practice management, affluent women insight, wealth, financial planning, estate planning, life planning, millionaire insight and much more.

NAIFA Members can take advantage of two popular marketing programs at an exclusive discount rate and gain some of her knowledge, marketing expertise, ideas, insight, and strategies that have helped so many grow their advisory business and bottom line.

The Million Dollar Marketing System
This proven comprehensive marketing system is delivered in eight online modules with optional coaching support that helps you identify your target market, create a marketing plan and effective follow-up system, and generate leads and referrals.

Grow Your Business Working with Affluent Women
This program is for advisors who want to see if the Affluent Women market is right for them. You’ll get a great overview of the niche and learn which type of Affluent Women you’re most compatible with. Learn details about the three types of Affluent Women, including their likes, dislikes, typical professions, favorite charities, investing habits and much more.

For more information: Visit the Million Dollar Marketing System section on the NAIFA website or contact Diane Powers, Vice President, Professional Development and Education, (703) 770-8226.

Free Members-Only Free Webinar Covers "Fearless Referrals from Centers of Influence"

All advisors have quality relationships with people who could open some great doors if they were asked effectively. Given that it’s virtually a free way to market, and given how much we love “Centers of Influence” or COI referrals, why are our results often so weak? How do you tap into great referral opportunities from other professionals, friends and family, and/or top clients? Join us Thursday, July 14, at 11 a.m. ET to find out how other advisors:

• Decide who the best COIs are
• Build these relationships so that the COI is open to help them
• Coach their COIs so that they get the referrals they want
• Develop a system to keep the referral flow more consistent

Matt Anderson, of the Referral Authority, has grown his business exclusively by referrals and now speaks and coaches not only across the United States, but in Canada, the UK and the Middle East. He specializes in training and coaching insurance and financial service professionals how to get more and better referrals.

Matt’s referral coaching clients come from independent agents and companies. He is a frequent speaker at industry events, contributes to numerous publications, such as NAIFA’s Advisor Today, and is the author of Fearless Referrals. In addition, Matt has recorded several referral and networking training videos for Hoopis Performance Network and New York Life.  

Space is limited. Reserve your webinar seat now at www.naifa.org/webinars.

For more information: Contact the NAIFA Member Service Center, (877) 866-2432.

Sign Up Now for LUTCF Summer Courses From The American College

Complete or continue to pursue your LUTCF designation this summer with Online Courses from The American College. Choose from the following learning options: 

• Webinar -- Live online, instructor-led classes

• OTC -- Online Training Center, allows students to interact via chat boards on their own schedule

Classes are starting soon so select ENROLL/Student Login on www.theamericancollege.edu to register today.

For more information: Contact The American College Professional Education Department, (888) 263-7265.

Subscribe to Hoopis Advisor Network and View Free Monthly Videos Including "Into the Wild: Navigating Life Insurance"

Monthly subscribers to Hoopis Advisor Network for NAIFA, an online, multimedia learning platform designed for producers in the financial services industry, may take advantage of free monthly features videos and articles on a wide range of topics.

In this video segment, “Into the Wild: Navigating Life Insurance,” Brad Bauer, J.D. takes us into the jungle and shows us how to confidently navigate through some basic taxation rules for life insurance. He gives us examples of steering around common estate tax rules so that your client’s family can maximize the benefit of your client’s estate. He teaches us how to be keen when dealing with the seemingly simple taxation rules and watch out for overlooked, potentially, career ending mistakes. This video will help you to elevate your advanced planning senses and more importantly allow your clients and their families the benefit of your excellence in service.

Interested in seeing the video? Subscribe today. The NAIFA Member cost for the monthly subscription is $29.95, a 30% discount off the standard price.

For more information: Contact Teri Shaw, Marketing Director, Professional Development and Education at (703) 770-8225.

NAIFA Members Save 10% on Simplified Training Solutions Products

Simplified Training Solutions has delivered training and communications materials for employer associations, third party administrators, CPAs and financial advisors, state societies, national physicians associations, specialty groups, long-term care facilities, and health information management organizations to meet federally mandated compliance regulations. When creating training products, they collaborate with prominent health law and business attorneys and e-health consultants so you can feel sure the materials they offer will be accurate. Your success is their primary goal.

NAIFA Members are eligible for 10% off all products, including the “HIPAA Privacy/Security and HITECH Tool Kit for Agents, Brokers and Consultants.”

Call (800) 344-6381 and mention “NAIFA11” to receive your 10% member discount.

For more information: Visit www.simplifiedtraining.com.

2011 NAIFA Career Conference and Annual Meeting Offers Exciting Educational Workshops Plus CE Credit!

In addition to inspiring main stage presentations featuring General Colin Powell, USA (Ret.), MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough, Chief Richard Picciotto, FDNY, realLIFEstories and many more; and an action-packed “Day on Capitol Hill” the 2011 NAIFA Conference offers more than two dozen educational workshops and networking sessions to help you learn more to earn more.

Sessions are arrayed along six learning tracks:

• NAIFA Connections and Leadership
• Life & Annuities
• Multiline
• Health & Employee Benefits
• Financial Advising & Investments
• Sales, Prospecting, Marketing & Practice Management

Topics are geared to both accomplished and early career agents and advisors, and many sessions are eligible for CE credit.

Seasoned industry experts, MDRT greats and NAIFA favorites will share their secrets and success stories, including David Appel, CLU, ChFC, with tips on gaining referrals; Annette Bau, CFP® with insights on effectively serving the women’s market; Van Mueller, LUTCF with sales ideas that work; Jamie Brown with best practices in the multiline environment; and Simon Reilly with provocative ideas on removing your roadblocks to success.

Other session highlights include: “Linked Benefits: Recognizing Opportunities with Combination Products”; “The Missing Piece of the Financial Planning Puzzle-Insurance and Managing Risk”; “Healthcare Consultant”; “The Effect of Regulatory Changes for Investment Advisors”; and “Practice Made Perfect: One Firm’s Story,” plus the LILI 7 workshop open to all Conference attendees featuring a conversation with Gen. Colin Powell, USA (Ret.) and table discussion.

Come for the entire Conference (September 10-14) or select the one day option day that best fits your interest and needs.

For more information: Contact Diane Powers, Vice President, Professional Development and Education, (703) 770-8226, and to register visit www.naifa.org/conference.

What is This Marketing Life Stuff All About?

That is the question that NAIFA Marketing Coach Stan Hustad continues to receive from many folks interested in learning more about his series of internet TV shows on how to market you. In this program, Stan will explain why it is not your company, your products, your messages or even the media you use. Marketing is best accomplished by how you treat others, how you live your life, and how useful you are to others.

For more information: Visit www.MarketingLifeCoach.com. Archived programs may be found under the “Show” tab on the site. Contact Diane Powers, Vice President, Professional Development and Education, (703) 770-8226.

This Week's Free Video Program Features "The Seven Principles of Marketing You!"

This week’s free video program featuring NAIFA Marketing Coach Stan Hustad revisits key themes of "The Seven Principles of Marketing YOU!" workshop that Stan presented at a recent NAIFA Career Conference. 

Stan suggests that almost all personal marketing programs and strategies flow out of seven key principles. By understanding and implementing these seven ways to get your message of wisdom, insight, truth, and a smile (WITS) into the marketplace you are well on your way to becoming a Master Marketer—Stan explains how to begin starting now!

The program airs April 29 to May 5 and can be viewed at www.MarketingLifeCoach.com. Archived programs can be found under the "show" tab on the site.

For more information: Contact Diane Powers, Vice President, Professional Development and Education, (703) 770-8226.

Weekly Video Series Explains How Telling Stories is the Secret to Sales and Marketing Success

In the final session of this free, four-part video series, NAIFA Marketing Coach Stan Hustad explains:

• That indeed storytelling is the only effective means of communication!
• When you overcome objections you are telling the prospect that they are wrong, perhaps stupid!
• When you tell stories people deal with their own objections and discover the truth for themselves.
• The great and true secret of persuasion success.

The show airs April 15-21 and may be viewed at www.MarketingLifeCoach.com. Archived programs may be found under the “Show” tab on the site.

For more information: Contact Diane Powers, Vice President, Professional Development and Education, (703) 770-8226.

Learn How Telling Stories is the Secret to Sales and Marketing Success

In Part 3 of this four-part FREE weekly video series, NAIFA Marketing Coach Stan Hustad explains:

• That indeed storytelling is the only effective means of communication!
• That puzzle, predicament, pathos, and pets are good story elements and how to include them.
• We must tell parables!

It is in stories that people really “get it!” – and then can take strong emotional and rational actions.

The show airs from April 8-14 and can be viewed at www.MarketingLifeCoach.com. Archived programs can be found under the “Show” tab on the site.

For more information: Contact Diane Powers, Vice President, Professional Development and Education, (703) 770-8226.