Your First Four Years

Here are stories of success and additional resources to help young advisors see it through their first four years, widely acknowledged to be the make-or-break period in a new producer’s career.

What’s Your Plan?
Helen Thompson
David Newman dispels some myths about business plans and explains why you can and should write one.

What’s Your Plan? Part 2
Helen Thompson
Once you understand why you need a business plan, here’s what to include in the plan.

Ten Tips for Networking
Ike Z. Devji, J.D.
These helpful hints have led to a steady stream of referrals for one advisor.

Mentoring 101
Lisa Singh
It’s the key to lasting in this industry, says MDRT member Ed Watkins.

Generation to Generation
Helen Thompson
Three families share their insights on why working together as financial advisors offers so many benefits for their clients and for them.

Strategies for Success
Helen Thompson
Four young advisors and a professional coach describe the ways you can get through the tough times and start moving ahead.

Raising the Standards
Maggie Leyes
The 2006 NAIFA Convention and Career Conference

Jump-Start Your Inspiration
Robert A. Arzt, CLU, ChFC, LLIF  
Here are six ways to get back on track to achieving your dreams and goals.

Going Farr
Lisa Singh
Many new multiline agents fail, while others succeed. Why? For answers, check out a day in the life of one top producer, 31-year-old Paul Farr.

Words of Wisdom for Rookies (and Veterans)
Jeff Thorsteinson
Listen up!—Top agents offer their advice on what it takes to succeed in this business.

Making the A-List
Helen Thompson
Whether you’re a new agent or you’re working with one, be willing to share what you know and learn from each other.

Keys to Early Success
Merlyn K. Fernandes
Being a professional agent is both easier and harder than you can imagine.

The Financial Advisor’s Guide to Success
Janet Arrowood
This long-range calendar breaks your major activities into manageable chunks you can fit into each month.

Women Can Have It All
Michele Bupp
Katherine Forrester has learned that happiness comes from a fulfilling work and personal life, and credits the industry for giving her both.

The Producers
Maggie Leyes
Six high-performing producers give us 10 tips for making the big numbers, growing a successful practice, developing a unique niche—and waking up each day passionate about this business.

Setting Up Your Own Practice
Janet Arrowood
There is so much to take care of before hanging out a shingle. Here’s a list of what you need to do to stay on track and out of trouble.

The Sales Power of Storytelling
Charles R. Hale
No matter how young you are, there is a story you can tell that will connect you with your older clients.

Estate Planning: How to Get Started
Glenn Stevick, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF
You need to help clients with the “who,” “how” and “when” questions.

First Impressions
Ayo Mseka
First impressions can make or break you. Here is how to use them to your advantage.

Tips From the Top  
Steven Drozdeck
The road to success is taken one step at a time.

Buy/Sell Basics
Glenn Stevick, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF
Learn what plans your clients can put in place, and which plan to choose.

Priming the Prospecting Machine
Peter Bates
If you look in fertile locations for new clients and cultivate often, you will get results.

Links to Designations
From AAI to RHU, and all the CLUs and LUTCFs in between, here’s what all those letters mean and who bestows these important designations.

Mentoring for Success
Tom Metcalf
Here are some key points to remember when pursuing a mentor/agent relationship.