The insurance industry is definitely a cut above most sales jobs, and it takes a special person to thrive in it. Most people find the challenging structure of a competitive career difficult, but anyone can find success in it as long as you know which skills to sharpen.
Adaptability
The first skill we’ll talk about is the most important one: adaptability. It takes a real warrior to roll with the punches and keep fighting. Any industry benefits from this skill, so building it up before you enter this career can carry you through to other sectors of insurance.
This involves recognizing errors and improving with grace. If something you’re implementing isn’t working, then you must practice making firm decisions to change. People often fail here because they want to save face in front of their peers. However, being adaptable and learning from these mistakes builds character and improves the workplace.
Mistakes are hidden lessons. As long as you are aware of them, you can better show your character by how you react and improve, rather than just covering them up and hoping for the best.
Proper Networking
This goes way beyond your referral system. A skilled networker creates strong bonds no matter who they talk to, and these bonds improve your career by leaps and bounds. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, picture moving throughout your day (even doing mundane things like chores), but no one you speak to is friendly or helpful.
You wouldn’t get very far, or if you did, it wouldn’t be pleasant.
Practice respect and courtesy in all your interactions. Keep notes and tabs on people that you like that are better connected. We see this in social media all the time. If you’re looking for a leg-up in your career, talking with someone who knows a potential employer and making friends, is a great way to get your foot in the door later.
A trusted network is a support group. These people will provide assistance in hard times, celebrate your success in the good times, and balance you out as you make your way to the top.
Innovation
Going above and beyond is a sure-fire way to dominate a competitive career. Is someone doing something well? Then you must innovate and do it better.
This involves thinking outside the box and pushing the boundaries of what people expect. Of course, always follow the proper legal channels with this, and abide by industry rules, but the person that stands out (and well) is the person you see succeeding.
For example, a small gesture like having an apple pie scented candle in your office can be considered innovation. People will associate the smell of fresh baked goods with you. It works well for the real estate industry. Simple changes like these can have wildly successful results. Paired with the earlier skills, mastering this can be life-changing for your career.
Remember, always act with integrity in your competition. People may not remember your actions, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel. If your interactions with peers come off as manipulative or underhanded, that’s the way they’ll think of you. However, if you keep this strong thread of honesty and mix it with ambition, you’ll have wildfire inside to blaze you straight to the top.
