Category: <span>2017</span>

Strategies for Success Newsletter December 2017 Issue 144

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Published by Emily Huling Selling Strategies

www.sellingstrategies.com

Copyright 2017 Emily Huling. All rights reserved.

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In this December 2017 issue:

1. Thoughts from the Office
2. Thoughts from Home
3. Josmo’s Cafe
4. Stay Energized
5. Emily Live

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A note to my clients

Dear Clients,

I have made a submission for a prestigious designation – Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) and need your help, please.

The requirements to be awarded the CSP designation include ten years in the speaking business, 250 verified presentations, a presentation video, and specific income requirements.

During January and February. Sarah Best, sarah@nsaspeaker.org, will be in contact with my clients either by phone or e-mail to verify the presentations I have listed on my submission. If she contacts you, I’d be grateful if you’d respond to her inquiry.

Thank you so much for your help!

John and I wish you the happiest of holiday seasons!

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1. Thoughts from the Office

When spoilers are good

In the world of storytelling, a piece of information revealed to us before we need to know it can ruin the experience. In the world of business, the earlier we know something that affects us directly or indirectly the better our experience.

Too frequently I hear employees say with exasperation, “I just found out about….” The end of the statement may be staffing, office environment, product or technology changes, vendor partnerships, or client relationships. Things that matter.

More times than not, the manager knew the information ahead of time and failed to communicate it. The time gap between information known by a leader and staff communication can affect morale and productivity. Even worse is when the information arrives via grapevine when facts can easily get altered.

Some managers believe telling employees too early about a situation causes stress. On the contrary, alerting the team in a timely, forthright, and formal manner builds organizational and personal trust.

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2. Thoughts from Home

What’s your excuse?

I’m frustrated with people who say, “I can’t change.” What they mean is “I won’t change because…..” Fill in the blank with whatever excuse you can think of.  No time, too old, too young, children, lack of education or skills – the list goes on. People state excuses to mask the real culprit – fear.  Fear is an acronym that stands for Fantasized Experiences Appearing Real. Fear stops people from pursuing their dreams and goals.

If you are stuck and unable to change, give this exercise a try. Think of one of your excuses that stopped you from pursuing something you wanted.  For example, you may want a higher-level job to earn more money, but don’t have the credentials. Perhaps you’re single and always wanted to have a child, but are worried what others will think. You want to move to another area, but believe that your family will be upset.

Overcoming the fear of change is a process. The first step is to ask yourself – and answer – some tough questions.

• Did you ever try to overcome your belief (excuse)? If so, what happened? Why? Have things changed since then?
• Are you blaming others as an excuse for your current situation?
• Have you reached out to people who had the same challenge and did succeed?
• Are you spending time with people who are moving forward in a variety of ways?
• Will you ask your family and friends for support?

The answers to these questions will provide perspective. Slowly, fear will be replaced with a how-to attitude and action plan. Once you start moving forward, momentum builds and before long you are on the road to getting what you truly want.

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Lao Tzu

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3. Josmo’s Cafe

December is the big month for family and friend gatherings. “What can I bring?” you ask your host. If the answer is an appetizer, Goat Cheese, Ricotta and Pesto Terrine is one of my favorites sure to impress guests. Make it a day ahead for both convenience and enhanced flavor.

We hope you will try other Josmo’s Cafe recipes that are listed on the website.

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4. Stay Energized

December Energizer Minute – Check, double check Get supercharged with Energizer Minutes – one-to-two-minute audio stories told by yours truly to energize, invigorate, and inspire!

Follow me on Twitter @EmilyHuling to read my weekday Energizer Moments.

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5. Emily Live

• Private Client – Minneapolis, MN – consulting and planning – January 24-26, 2018
• Agency Management CIC – North Little Rock, AR – February 21-23, 2018
• Agency Management CIC – Cincinnati, OH – April 3, 2018
• WSIA Conference – Scottsdale, AZ – April 11-14, 2018
• Private Client – Minneapolis, MN – workshops – April 24-26, 2018
• Private Client – Fargo, ND – workshop – April 27, 2018

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Please share any of my free stuff, articles, or newsletter content when proper credit is included.

Selling Strategies: Strategies for Success Newsletter is published by Emily Huling Selling Strategies. For further information, contact emily@sellingstrategies.com.

© 2017 Emily Huling. All rights reserved.

Strategies for Success Newsletter November 2017 Issue 143

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Published by Emily Huling Selling Strategies

www.sellingstrategies.com

Copyright 2017 Emily Huling. All rights reserved.

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In this November 2017 issue:

1. Thoughts from the Road
2. Thoughts from the Office
3. Josmo’s Cafe
4. Stay Energized
5. Emily Live

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1. Thoughts from the Road

More wise words from Larry

In my September 2016 newsletter I told you about Larry, the 90-year old resident of my mom’s retirement community in Arizona. Lucky me to run into Larry again on a recent morning walk! As before, he was dressed appropriately for the hot weather and had a bag to pick up trash. Last year, Larry left me with wisdom for all ages. He told me, ”push yourself today.”

Larry remembered talking with me year ago. I asked him what advice he had for me this time. Without hesitation, Larry said, “Every day try something new. It’s okay if it doesn’t work out or you don’t like it. Life is about reaching higher every day.”

So noted.

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2. Thoughts from the Office

Sweat the small stuff

“We feel like we don’t matter. Our office needs to have light bulbs changed and a new microwave. We’ve been asking for months and things just don’t get done.” Insurance professional from a branch location

“Turned out the dirty refrigerator and messy breakroom were reliable indicators of employee attitudes and work ethic. I had to leave.”  Insurance professional’s remark to me on why she left a past employer.

American psychologist Frederick Herzberg (1923-2000) proposed the motivator-hygiene theory in 1968. In summary, people are influenced by two sets of factors in the workplace. Motivators are intrinsic and include challenging work, job recognition and promotion potential. Hygiene factors are external. It’s what people expect in their workplace such as a clean work environment, functioning office equipment, respectful interpersonal relationships, and a fair salary and benefits. Hygiene factors will not motivate. However, if employee hygiene expectations are not met, these office environment factors will lower motivation, satisfaction, and can cause good people to leave.

Step back and assess the condition, cleanliness, and general maintenance of your office. I’ve seen years-old proposal binders sitting in corners of conference rooms, dying plants in common areas, glass doors in need of thorough cleaning, and yes, refrigerators that I wouldn’t want to use.

Pay attention to the small stuff.  It affects and reflects the pride, quality, and service of your business.

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3. Josmo’s Cafe

As cooler weather rolls in, I love to make dishes that fill the house with fragrant smells. Chicken Marbella fits that description perfectly. We’ve posted it before, but if you haven’t tried it, give it try. Prunes, olives, and capers are an unusual and delicious combination. It’s easy to make. Marinate overnight and cooks in the oven. Enjoy!

We have lots of other Josmo’s Cafe recipes on the website. All dishes have been taste tested many, many times!

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4. Stay Energized

November Energizer Minute –Try this at home Get supercharged with Energizer Minutes – one-to-two-minute audio stories told by yours truly to energize, invigorate, and inspire!

Thanks to all the readers who took time to view and comment on John’s amazing hand-built wooden kayak! The video of the building project and launch are posted online.

Follow me on Twitter @EmilyHuling to read my weekday Energizer Moments.

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5. Emily Live

• Private Client – Indianapolis, IN – Clients are Forever: 5 Carats to Dazzle and Retain Buyers – November 9, 2017
• Private Client – Minneapolis, MN – consulting and planning – November 13-15, 2017
• Agency Management CIC – Cincinnati, OH – April 3, 2018
• WSIA Conference – Scottsdale, AZ – April 11-14, 2018
• Agency Management CIC – North Little Rock, AR – August 21-25, 2018

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Share any of my free stuff, articles, or newsletter content as long as proper credit is included.

Selling Strategies: Strategies for Success Newsletter is published by Emily Huling Selling Strategies. For further information, contact emily@sellingstrategies.com.

© 2017 Emily Huling. All rights reserved.

Strategies for Success Newsletter October 2017 Issue 142

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Published by Emily Huling Selling Strategies

www.sellingstrategies.com

Copyright 2017 Emily Huling. All rights reserved.

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In this October 2017 issue:

1. Thoughts from Home
2. Thoughts from the Office
3. Josmo’s Cafe
4. Stay Energized
5. Emily Live

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In case you missed it last month, you can still view John’s most recent building project! He went big! Rather than building another model-size remote-controlled boat, John hand built a gorgeous wooden kayak. See pictures and a video of his exceptional craftsmanship!

Interested in viewing another of John’s fantastic projects? Here is the slideshow of the building his PT 109 and video of him running it. Building the PT109 and The PT109 in action.

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1. Thoughts from Home

Keeping score

A lot of people keep score.

If a neighbor is nice to you, you are nice to them. If you ask a friend for a favor, you reciprocate sometime later. When you invite a person to an event or out for a meal, you expect the other person to initiate an invitation later. One problem with that is that life doesn’t always work out that way.

Sometime ago, I decided to quit keeping score. As level-headed John puts it, some people are callers and others are callees. We have friends we totally enjoy, but we seem to be the ones who always initiate connecting.

Not keeping score has been a blessing. It’s enabled me to be sincere in what I do without thinking of how it will be reciprocated. I’m grateful for what’s offered to me without self-imposed beliefs of what I should do in return.

If you’re a scorekeeper, try not keeping score and see where your heart takes you.

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2. Thoughts from the Office

Building a meaningful workplace

Getting people to work harder, allowing them to own it, gets them to love what they are doing to a higher degree.

That message was delivered loud and clear by Dan Ariely, professor of psychology and behavioral economics at Duke University, in his October 2012 TED talk What makes us feel good about our work?

In 2011, psychologists labeled this concept the Ikea effect. A series of experiments with Legos and origami showed that people find more satisfaction in things they create than in the same outcome created by others. Haven’t you found that assembling your own Ikea furniture, while certainly frustrating and a challenge, provides us enormous pride and satisfaction when it is finished?

Dan Ariely is the author of Payoff: The Hidden Logic that Shapes our Motivations. He believes businesses benefit from the power of the Ikea effect by giving people more individual challenges and acknowledging their effort, work, and contribution.

The acknowledging part is critical to motivation. Recognize effort, not just positive results. Not all we put our hearts, souls, and time into leads to short-term successful outcomes. However, in the long term, it’s workplaces who value meaningful work that have happier, more productive employees which translates into greater profits.

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3. Josmo’s Cafe

Yippee! It’s pumpkin season! I love all things pumpkin! I adapted a few pumpkin muffin recipes to come up with just the right blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in my Pumpkin Cranberry Muffin recipe. Hope you enjoy!

We have lots of other Josmo’s Cafe recipes on the website. All dishes have been taste tested many, many times!

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4. Stay Energized

Energizer Minute Headphones – tuning in or tuning out? Get supercharged with Energizer Minutes – one-to-two-minute audio stories told by yours truly to energize, invigorate, and inspire!

Follow me on Twitter @EmilyHuling to read my weekday Energizer Moments.

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5. Emily Live

• Private Client – Fargo, ND – Working Together for Success – October 2-5, 2017
• Kansas Association of Property & Casualty Insurance Companies – Leading with Certainty – Manhattan, KS – October 12, 2017
• Private Client – Indianapolis, IN – Clients are Forever: 5 Carats to Dazzle and Retain Buyers – November 9, 2017
• Private Client – Minneapolis, MN – consulting and planning – November 13-15, 2017

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Share any of my free stuff, articles, or newsletter content as long as proper credit is included.

Selling Strategies: Strategies for Success Newsletter is published by Emily Huling Selling Strategies. For further information, contact emily@sellingstrategies.com.

© 2017 Emily Huling. All rights reserved.

Strategies for Success Newsletter September 2017 Issue 141

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Published by Emily Huling Selling Strategies
www.sellingstrategies.com
Copyright 2017 Emily Huling. All rights reserved.

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In this September 2017 issue:

1. Thoughts from the Office
2. Thoughts from Others
3. Josmo’s Cafe
4. Stay Energized
5. Emily Live

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Check out John’s most recent amazing project! He went big! Rather than building another model-size remote-controlled boat, John hand built a gorgeous wooden kayak! Check out the pictures of his exceptional craftmanship on this work of art. It paddles beautifully!

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1. Thoughts from the Office

Ready, set, grow!

What a pleasure it is for me to work with professionals eager to learn new skills, expand knowledge, and build confidence – all of which assure long-term career success. Here’s a list of proven development resources that I recommend to people who boldly take charge of their future.

Toastmasters  –  A learn-by-doing organization in which participants hone their speaking and leadership skills in a no-pressure atmosphere. Members meet weekly or bi-weekly to speak, evaluate others, and learn fundamental speaking protocols. I was a dedicated member for five years.

Soundview Executive Book Summaries – An online subscription provides monthly business book summaries and a variety of free webinars by well-known business authors and experts. Annual cost is less than $200.00. A valuable investment!

Dale Carnegie Training – Leadership, sales, people skills training offered in a variety of formats.

Fred Pryor Seminars – Courses cover a broad spectrum of development topics by professional instructors through live seminars and online. I’m a member of their Training Rewards program which provides unlimited annual access to both live and online materials.

TED Talks – Conceived in 1984, the original focus was Technology, Entertainment, Design. TED’s slogan is “ideas worth spreading.” Thousands of talks, each limited to 18 minutes or less, have been posted for free distribution over the past 25 years. Presenters have expanded to include business experts, scientists, educators, inventors, philosophers, musicians, religious leaders, philanthropists, and many others. An abundance of interesting and thought-provoking information.

Community leadership – Many Chamber of Commerce affiliates sponsor a leadership training program for emerging and existing leaders. The purpose is to develop community volunteer leadership by increasing participants’ community knowledge, civic network, and awareness of service opportunities. Ask your local Chamber if they have or can start a program similar to Leadership Charlotte.

Which of these will you begin this fall? I’d love to hear from you if you want to share your personal experiences with any of these great programs.

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2. Thoughts from Others

To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by
a healthy child, a garden patch
or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed
easier because you have lived;

This is to have succeeded.

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

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3. Josmo’s Cafe

Josmo’s Café has added a second cocktail to our menu. Never fear! Our Josmo’s Cosmo will never be replaced!

Our friends Richard and Debbie introduced us to The St-Germain Cocktail. It’s a perfect dinner party starter beverage. Bubbly, fresh and festive. Your guests will love it!

Please visit our Josmo’s Cafe recipes list to find a wide variety of our favorite recipes. All dishes have been taste tested many, many times!

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4. Stay Energized

September Energizer Minute-Choose It or Change It  Get supercharged with Energizer Minutes – one-to-two-minute audio stories told by yours truly to energize, invigorate, and inspire!

Follow me on Twitter @EmilyHuling to read my weekday Energizer Moments.

You’ll find our most requested presentations on our 2017 speaking topics web page. Please get in touch if you are interested in a program for a meeting or event.

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5. Emily Live

• NAPSLO Annual Conference – San Diego – September 10-13, 2017
• Private Client – Kick Your “But” Proven Strategies to Earn More Money – Columbia, SC – September 26, 2017
• Private Client – Fargo, ND – Working Together for Success – October 2-5, 2017
• Kansas Association of Property & Casualty Insurance Companies – Leading with Certainty – Manhattan, KS – October 12, 2017
• Private Client – Indianapolis, IN – Clients are Forever: 5 Carats to Dazzle and Retain Buyers – November 9, 2017

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Share any of my free stuff, articles, or newsletter content as long as proper credit is included.

Selling Strategies: Strategies for Success Newsletter is published by Emily Huling Selling Strategies. For further information, contact emily@sellingstrategies.com.

© 2017 Emily Huling. All rights reserved.

Strategies for Success Newsletter July 2017 Issue 139

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Published by Emily Huling Selling Strategies

www.sellingstrategies.com

Copyright 2017 Emily Huling. All rights reserved.

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In this July 2017 issue:

1. Thoughts from Home
2. Thoughts from the Office
3. Josmo’s Cafe
4. Stay Energized
5. Emily Live

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1. Thoughts from Home

Take a hike

How I love a walk in the woods in the cool early mornings of summer! Similarities between life and nature walks came to me on a recent hike.

Look both down and ahead at the same time. Pay close attention to what can trip you up. Roots, limbs, or poop. At the same time, keep an eye on what’s ahead so you know what to expect.

Venture off the path occasionally. Discover great new things.

Pay attention to trail markers. They will show you the way which helps save time, anxiety, and needless effort.

Take time to get your bearings and reassess. Check the trail maps posted at the forks on the path. Be certain you’re still going in the right direction to accomplish your goal.

Breathe deeply and look around. Looking outward opens the mind, the heart, and the spirit.

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2. Thoughts from the Office

After months of anticipation for Agency Nation’s Elevate 17 conference, the sold-out event was an overwhelming success! For those who didn’t attend, here are some highlights with links to valuable business-building information.

Designing Your Agency Customer Experience was a compelling learning session. Jeff Bair, Head of IA and Affinity Marketing with Foremost Insurance Group, shared with us the four-step process designed by Foremost for agencies to examine and design effective strategies to work with different personas of customers. There is a DIY workbook that Foremost has generously offered to provide my newsletter readers. To learn more and request your copy, please e-mail Brian Leppard at Foremost.

Derek Coburn, is the author of the Amazon bestseller, Networking is Not Working: Stop Collecting Business Cards and Start Making Meaningful Relationships, and the co-founder of CADRE, an innovative business membership community. For novel tips to make your networking effective listen to Derek’s podcast interview with Ryan Hanley from TrustedChoice.com.

Marcus Sheridan’s high-energy presentation did not disappoint!! I reviewed his book They Ask You Answer: A Revolutionary Approach to Inbound Sales, Content Marketing, and Today’s Digital Consumer in the March newsletter. It is the most valuable business growth strategy book I’ve read in years. Using the foundation of telling his personal compelling story of how he saved his swimming pool company, Marcus gives us a step-by-step blueprint on how to execute content marketing in any organization by answering questions he knows your customers will ask.

Hope you’ll join us for Elevate18. Stay tuned for dates and details!

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3. Josmo’s Cafe

I’ve made yummy Potatoes with Parmesan, Rosemary, and Garlic twice in the past month for company so I thought I would feature it again. So easy using non-stick foil and putting on the grill for 20 minutes. Make up the packets ahead of company arriving so you can kick back with your guests!

Please visit our Josmo’s Cafe recipes list to find a wide variety of our favorite recipes. All dishes have been taste tested many, many times!

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2017 Event Speaking News

Looking for hot topics for your client, member, or employee meetings? Our most requested presentations are listed on our 2017 speaking topics web page.

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4. Stay Energized

It’s the small stuff that matters for long-term career success! You’ll find reminders and new thoughts in our column 17 Terrific Tips to Be Polished and Professional.  Visit the Business Building page on our website to read all eleven 17 Terrific Tips columns.

July Energizer Minute – Learn to Zig and Zag  – Get supercharged with Energizer Minutes – one-to-two-minute audio stories told by yours truly to energize, invigorate, and inspire!

Follow me on Twitter @EmilyHuling to read my weekday Energizer Moments.

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5. Emily Live

• National Speakers Association Annual Convention – Influence 2017 – Orlando, FL – July 7-9, 2017
• Private client – Phoenix, AZ – August 1-7, 2017
• Agency Management CIC – Knoxville, TN – August 16-18, 2017
• NAPSLO Annual Conference – San Diego – September 10-13, 2017
• Private Client – Fargo, ND – Working Together for Success – October 2-5, 2017
• Private Client – Indianapolis, IN – Clients are Forever: 5 Carats to Dazzle and Retain Buyers – November 9, 2017

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Share any of my free stuff, articles, or newsletter content as long as proper credit is included.

Selling Strategies: Strategies for Success Newsletter is published by Emily Huling Selling Strategies. For further information, contact emily@sellingstrategies.com.

© 2017 Emily Huling. All rights reserved.

Strategies for Success Newsletter June 2017 Issue 138

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Published by Emily Huling Selling Strategies

www.sellingstrategies.com

Copyright 2017 Emily Huling. All rights reserved.

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In this June 2017 issue:

1. Thoughts from Home
2. Thoughts from the Office
3. Josmo’s Cafe
4. Stay Energized
5. Emily Live

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1. Thoughts from Home

Personal packaging.

Steve Martin and Martin Short live on stage! We scored tickets to the one performance they had in Charlotte on a Saturday night at a very nice performing arts theater. Our mezzanine seats were expensive. $189.00 each plus those exorbitant ticketing fees. John and I dressed nicely for our special evening out.

No surprise that one of the bits they did was about the Three Amigos. They selected three men from the audience to be on stage. As they handed the men their Amigo hats, Martin Short said to the one man dressed in crumpled cargo shorts and a tee shirt, “I’m curious. What do you wear when you go bowling?” The audience roared with laughter. Funny, I had been wondering the same thing.

Moral of the story. We do judge books by their covers. A person’s attire should show self-awareness and confidence, the respect a person has for others, and how tuned in a person is to social appropriateness. Think through your apparel choices and the statement they make.

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2. Thoughts from the Office

17 ideas to grow personal lines

For twenty-three years I’ve been teaching the Agency Management curriculum for The Society of CIC. During the agency planning portion of the institute, participants brainstorm how to grow personal lines. I hope their list and a few of my own ideas help you grow your business!

1. Cross-sell a coverage of the month using the “by the way” technique.
2. Cross-sell Commercial and Benefits accounts through onsite lunch and learn sessions.
3. Offer Personal Lines to life insurance clients.
4. Require Commercial Lines producers to provide two referrals a month to Personal Lines.
5. Partner with a real estate firm.
6. Hire exclusive Personal Lines producers.
7. Move a sales-oriented CSR into an inside sales position.
8. Complete annual reviews on existing business. Create a position that only does reviews.
9. Meet with newly licensed drivers and their parents. Review and sign a Family Driving Agreement.
10. Offer a small gift incentive to clients to provide referrals.
11. Create a VIP account department for accounts that would benefit from preferred handling.
12. Solicit business that was lost during the past two years. Send a “We miss you!” letter.
13. Expand into a new geographic area.
14. Send monthly electronic newsletters.
15. Solicit larger-revenue business.
16. Create an effective online presence – LinkedIn for agency individuals, Facebook that’s client focused and fun, Twitter posts that are relevant.
17. Develop and list the five reasons why your agency and agents should be the agent of choice. (Hint: personal touch, provide advice and recommendations, local in the community, one-stop shop, guide and advocate at claim time.)

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3. Josmo’s Cafe

Nothing screams early summer louder than fresh strawberries! Fresh Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Goat Cheese is one of my favorite from North Carolina’s Our State magazine. I have even served the marinated goat cheese with crackers as an appetizer on several occasions. Enjoy!

Please visit our Josmo’s Cafe recipes list to find a wide variety of our favorite recipes. All dishes have been taste tested many, many times!

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2017 Event Speaking News

I’ve heard from dozens of readers who will be at Elevate 2017. I look forward to seeing everyone! Agency Nation’s Ryan Hanley interviewed me about my presentation Leading with Certainty. Please enjoy the podcast!

Looking for hot topics for your client, member, or employee meetings? Our most requested presentations are listed on our 2017 speaking topics web page.

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4. Stay Energized

Managers tell me they find lots of helpful ideas in our column 17 Terrific Management Tips. Visit the Business Building page on our website to read all eleven 17 Terrific Tips columns.

June Energizer Minute – Computing Value  – Get supercharged with Energizer Minutes – one-to-two-minute audio stories told by yours truly to energize, invigorate, and inspire!

Follow me on Twitter @EmilyHuling to read my weekday Energizer Moments.

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5. Emily Live

• Elevate 2017 – Agency Nation event – Leading with Certainty – Milwaukee, WI – June 4-6, 2017
• Private Client – Parsippany, NJ – June 26-28, 2017
• Agency Management CIC – Knoxville, TN – August 16-18, 2017
• NAPSLO Annual Conference – San Diego – September 10-13, 2017
• Private Client – Fargo, ND – Working Together for Success – October 2-5, 2017
• Private Client – Indianapolis, IN – Clients are Forever: 5 Carats to Dazzle and Retain Buyers – November 9, 2017

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Share any of my free stuff, articles, or newsletter content as long as proper credit is included.

Selling Strategies: Strategies for Success Newsletter is published by Emily Huling Selling Strategies. For further information, contact emily@sellingstrategies.com.

© 2017 Emily Huling. All rights reserved.

Strategies for Success Newsletter May 2017 Issue 137

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Published by Emily Huling Selling Strategies

www.sellingstrategies.com

Copyright 2017 Emily Huling. All rights reserved.

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In this May 2017 issue:

1. Thoughts from the Road
2. Thoughts from the Office
3. Josmo’s Cafe
4. Stay Energized
5. Emily Live

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1. Thoughts from the Road

Pruning is essential

It’s been almost six years since my mom, 90 years young and doing very well, has lived at the beautiful continuing care retirement community The Forum at Desert Harbor in Peoria, AZ. My lovely early morning walks continue during my frequent visits.

April is my favorite month in Arizona. The six-foot tall decorative bushes on my walking path are bursting with vivid red, pink, and white blossoms against the backdrop of bright green leaves. I didn’t think I’d see that again. Five years ago, I sadly watched gardeners trim back those same bushes to about six inches after a harsh early spring freeze. Drastic pruning and cutting back was essential for the future growth of those bushes.

The same holds true in our lives. What needs to be pruned from your life to nourish future health and personal growth? Negative people? Self-defeating thoughts? Job that doesn’t nurture you anymore? Unhealthy habits? Traditions that have become a burden?

This spring, please take time to assess what needs to change in your life so that in five years (or less) you can blossom like never before!

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2. Thoughts from the Office

It’s show time!

Convention season is getting into full swing this month. Whether you are an attendee or staffing your company’s exhibit booth, here are some reminders to make your networking professional, productive, and profitable.

1. Download the event mobile app. Sign in to set up your profile. Load your contact information and include your picture. Use the My Agenda feature to make it easy to set up and access your schedule and location of sessions.
2. Business cards. Be sure all your information is correct, always carry them with you, and take plenty.
3. Before the event, reach out to contacts either through the app or a personal e-mail to let them know you’ll be there and looking forward to visiting.
4. Have a team meeting with those attending with you and/or staffing the booth.  What sessions will you each attend to maximize learning? Discuss how to greet people, what questions to ask, and what information to offer.  Review how to introduce yourself, your company, and make proper introductions.
5. Decide what you will post on social media before, while attending, and after the event. Be sure to post on your individual and company business channels and the event channels.
6. Build your reputation. Be approachable. Smile. Offer a firm handshake with eye contact. Be interested in what others do. Offer and accept business cards.
7. Review the attendee list. Make a list of ten or more prospects and clients to see. Ahead of the event, set up appointments to meet, if possible.
8. Be the first to arrive and the last to leave networking events. The best connections are made when the crowds are thin. If you have an exhibit booth, be sure it’s staffed at all times. It doesn’t look good for attendees to see an empty booth.
9. Guidelines for eating or drinking in an exhibit hall. Don’t drink liquor at your booth. Don’t eat at your booth. People may not stop if you are eating. Avoid walking around with a food plate. Usually there are café tables or an area to sit and eat. This provides a great opportunity to meet new people.
10. Debrief back at the office. What did you learn? What will you do with the information gathered or contacts made? What would you do differently next year?

Career-building contacts can be made at industry events. Make the most of your convention experience and have fun!

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3. Josmo’s Cafe

Tuscan Chicken is our recipe of the month. Few ingredients, easy to assemble, and a beautiful table presentation. Perfect for company.  Enjoy!

Please visit our Josmo’s Cafe recipes list to find a wide variety of our favorite recipes. All dishes have been taste tested many, many times!

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2017 Event Speaking News

Agency Nation’s Ryan Hanley interviewed me about my presentation Leading with Certainty at Elevate 2017. Please enjoy the podcast!

Looking for hot topics for your client, member, or employee meetings? Our most requested presentations are listed on our 2017 speaking topics web page.

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4. Stay Energized

Managers tell me they find lots of helpful ideas in our column 17 Terrific Management Tips. Visit the Business Building page on our website to read all eleven 17 Terrific Tips columns.

May Energizer Minute – The Mirror of Life – Get supercharged with Energizer Minutes – one-to-two-minute audio stories told by yours truly to energize, invigorate, and inspire!

Follow me on Twitter @EmilyHuling to read my weekday Energizer Moments.

John has a new remote-controlled model boat! Combining talent, skill, and the patience of a saint, John has created another amazing model boat.  To view John’s slideshow of the building his PT 109 and video of him running it, click on these links Building the 109 and The PT109 in action.

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5. Emily Live

• AAMGA Annual Conference – Orlando, FL – May 21-23, 2017
• Elevate 2017 – Agency Nation event – Leading with Certainty – Milwaukee, WI – June 4-6, 2017
• Private Client – Parsippany, NJ – June 26-28, 2017
• Agency Management CIC – Knoxville, TN – August 16-18, 2017
• NAPSLO Annual Conference – San Diego – September 10-13, 2017
• Private Client – Fargo, ND – Working Together for Success – October 2-5, 2017

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Selling Strategies: Strategies for Success Newsletter is published by Emily Huling Selling Strategies. For further information, contact emily@sellingstrategies.com.

© 2017 Emily Huling. All rights reserved.