Giving Thanks

By Ayo Mseka

Soon, most of us will be joining our families and friends for Thanksgiving dinner, when we will fill our plates with all of nature’s bounty and give thanks for the many blessings that life has bestowed upon us.

As you celebrate Thanksgiving this year, don’t forget to acknowledge the countless benefits you get for being a NAIFA member. These include unsurpassed political advocacy that helps create a favorable business climate for you and the clients you serve, year-round networking opportunities that connect you with the best in the business and numerous opportunities for professional development.

A good example of NAIFA’s professional development at its best is the association’s Performance + Purpose Conference, which took place this September in Orlando. This “gathering of the minds” provided inspiration from those who have triumphed over adversity, cutting-edge strategies from industry icons and provided an opportunity for you to renew your power in making a difference in the lives of your clients. A feature article in this issue showcases highlights from this important event.

Other articles offer time-tested tips for running a successful practice, such as useful information on legacy planning for your clients, helpful hints for overcoming objections in the Hispanic market and prospecting tips that truly work.

And since November is Long-Term Care Awareness Month, you may be looking for ways to rev up your longterm care insurance (LTCI) and limited and extended care planning (LECP) sales. Two articles in this issue may be just what you need: the interview with Shawn Britt and the article by Craig Roers on making the most of LongTerm Care Awareness Month.

Thanking clients and referral partners

Finally, as you give thanks, don’t overlook the people who have helped make most of your blessings possible — your clients, your centers of influence, your referral sources and your co-workers. From now until the end of the year, you have several opportunities to let them know how much they mean to you and how much you value what they do. Send them holiday cards or gift baskets, invite them to your end-of-year parties or client-appreciation events — do everything you can to let them know how grateful you are to have them as clients, colleagues and business partners. Don’t underestimate the power of giving thanks — it pays hefty dividends and gives you many more reasons for which to give thanks.

Happy returns on your thanksgiving efforts and I hope you find more things to be thankful for — now, and in the months ahead.