Career Advancement in B2B Insurance

Tonight, I received a call inquiring about my journey in the insurance sector and seeking advice for someone starting their career in this industry. One key insight I've gained is the importance of working for companies where the CEO engages with employees at all levels. Leaders who genuinely care about your career growth are the ones you should aim to work for. I've been fortunate to work for some remarkable companies, and the friendships I've formed there are invaluable. If I were beginning a new career in insurance today, drawing from 36 years of experience, here's the advice I'd offer my younger self: ✅ Prioritize Mentorship and Sponsorship: Build your brand with the help of mentors and sponsors who can advocate for you. Ensure your voice is heard in significant discussions. ✅ Embrace Specialization: While aligning with a carrier that focuses on auto and home insurance is an option, it’s vital to diversify your expertise with life and commercial insurance. These areas have considerably broadened my knowledge and skill set. ✅ Maximize Earnings and Marketability by Job Mobility: To optimize your earning potential and enhance your market appeal, consider changing companies every 3-5 years. Although this may unsettle those accustomed to traditional career paths, it reflects the modern workforce's realities. Adaptability is crucial in today's professional landscape. ✅ Learn from Industry Leaders: As an agent, seek out and learn from the best in the industry. As for which is better, independent or captive carriers - there’s pros and cons to both. I have my preferences for certain. ✅ Diversify Your Experience: During my 18+ years with one company, my greatest growth occurred when I diversified my experience every two years. If you remain with one organization, avoid staying in the same role for too long. Broadening your knowledge will be indispensable for future opportunities. ✅ Network Strategically: Constantly expand your network. Make sure people within and outside your organization know who you are. Building your personal brand is key to long-term success. ✅ Value Education: While many carriers stress the importance of industry-specific designations, I chose to earn a Master's degree. Although it wasn't essential for my insurance career, the additional knowledge and experience were invaluable. ✅ Stay Humble and Give Back: As you advance, remain humble and always remember the significance of mentoring others. Invest in someone's growth and help pave the way for their success. Best of luck, new insurance industry professionals. #mentorship #specialization #networking #education #giveback #Diversify #insurance

The secret sauce to winning in the Insurance Industry: For more than two decades I’ve worked with some of the brightest minds in our business. On the broker side. Traded with some of the best underwriters. Resolved claims with the top legal minds. Serviced some of the largest buyers at global financial institutions. Most of them have these five qualities: They’re ALL LIFELONG LEARNERS Constantly seeking knowledge through daily reading, industry engagement, and mentorship. Tip: Establish a daily reading ritual like skimming the WSJ headlines. Send links and summaries to people you think could benefit from the article. They’re RELATIONSHIP BUILDERS Masters at nurturing strong connections with clients, underwriters, and colleagues in the value chain. Tip: Do a bi annual review of your accomplishments 250 words or less and send it to all your contacts. Thank all the people that helped you. They’re PROBLEM SOLVERS Excelling at simplifying complexity and offering creative solutions to clients' challenges. Tip: Stay calm. Never go to a client or trading partner with a problem without a solution or a thoughtful game plan to get there. They’re RESILIENT The winners have thick skin and bounce back stronger after every challenge. Tip: Develop coping strategies such as mindfulness or meditation. I find 15-20 minute walks can help. They’re VISIONARIES Embracing a long-term career vision and setting ambitious goals aligned with their purpose. Tip: The Japanese have a concept called the Ikigai. It helps you identify your purpose. Find yours in the insurance industry and align or realign your career accordingly. To emulate their success, cultivate these traits: prioritize learning, nurture relationships, sharpen problem-solving skills, fortify resilience, and think big. What did I miss? Enjoy posts like this? Follow Natasha I. Kiemnec, ARM and Mark Flippen and sign up for our weekly newsletter. 5 minutes a week to stay informed of the global market.

𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 The insurance industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by digital innovation and customer-centric strategies. At the heart of this evolution is Salesforce, a platform that's not only enhancing the customer experience but also opening up a wealth of career opportunities for aspiring professionals. For those looking to make their mark in the insurance sector with Salesforce expertise, here are some compelling insights and statistics that highlight the burgeoning demand and the path to success: Rising Demand for Salesforce Experts: With over 80% of insurance companies now utilizing Salesforce to streamline operations and engage with customers, the demand for skilled professionals in this space has skyrocketed. This presents a unique opportunity for job seekers with Salesforce skills to carve out a lucrative career in insurance. Diverse Career Paths: Salesforce's versatility within the insurance industry means that career opportunities are not limited to technical roles. From business analysts who understand insurance workflows to project managers who oversee Salesforce implementation projects, the platform is creating diverse roles with a 30% year-on-year increase in job openings. Competitive Salaries and Growth Potential: Professionals with Salesforce expertise in the insurance sector enjoy competitive salaries, with reports indicating a 25% higher average salary compared to other tech roles within the industry. Moreover, Salesforce professionals in insurance often see faster career progression, with over 60% reporting promotions within two years of Salesforce adoption by their employers. Continuous Learning and Certification: Salesforce offers a robust certification program, which is highly valued in the insurance sector. Professionals who pursue Salesforce certifications not only enhance their employability but also contribute to a 40% improvement in project success rates for their organizations, making this a key investment in your career. Networking and Community: Engaging with the Salesforce community can open doors to mentorship, knowledge sharing, and opportunities within the insurance sector. Over 70% of Salesforce professionals in insurance attribute part of their career success to active participation in Salesforce events and online forums. For those aspiring to break into or advance within the insurance industry, mastering Salesforce and obtaining relevant certifications can be a game-changer. The convergence of Salesforce technology and insurance expertise not only enhances your professional value but also positions you at the forefront of industry innovation. ----------------------------------- If you're ready to embark on a rewarding career journey that blends technology with insurance, DM me to get started! #SalesforceCareers #InsuranceIndustry #DigitalTransformation