10 tips for furthering benefits education

In order to maintain relevant in today’s ever-changing benefits market, it’s important that brokers and benefits professionals keep learning.

Whether that be by networking with others in the industry, diving in with new technology efforts, or simply chatting about client needs, it’s essential industry professionals keep learning.

As part of our our marketing and sales tips series, we asked our audience for their thoughts on how to continue their benefits education.

Here are the 10 tips we liked best.

1. Cost-effective education excites employees

Employees are eager to better themselves, especially if doing so can be cost effective through innovative benefits. Consider offering financial planning and educational services like career development courses or college prep classes, as these are becoming more and more popular.

2. Industry events

Disruption will continue in the insurance industry, but will you be able to keep up? Stay up-to-date by attending industry events, such as the BenefitsPRO Broker Expo in April.

3. Practice makes perfect

To retain knowledge and keep a competitive edge, it’s important to practice and refresh skills year-round (think social media training, for instance).

4. It’s not a “no,” it’s a growth opportunity

Treat rejection as a learning opportunity. Find ways to turn a no into a yes and remember that persistence prevails.

5. Trial and error is the best teacher

“Experiments are usually about learning. When you get a negative outcome, you’re still really learning something that you need to know.” Linda Hill, professor of business administration, Harvard Business School

6. Think outside your own experience

Look to your colleagues for exclusive insight you might not have. Ask a younger co-worker what they’d most like out of a benefits package, or what type of insurance is best for your officemate nearing retirement.

7. Learning and education are not created equal

“I’m a three-time college dropout, so learning over education is very near and dear to my heart, but to me, education is what people do to you, learning is what you do to yourself.” Joi Ito, director, MIT Media Lab

8. Become the expert

“You can distinguish yourself with top-notch technical or industry knowledge. It pays to be viewed as an expert, whether in risk management or the regulatory landscape. You’ll open up many opportunities by becoming an authority.” Renee Preslar, communications manager, Transamerica Employee Benefits

9. Money, money, money

“The No. 1 employee wellness trend in 2017 will be an increasing focus on helping employees better themselves financially by providing the tools, resources, education and environment to improve their finances.” Matt Cosgriff, retirement plan consultant, BerganKDV Wealth Management.

10. Too much is never enough

“You can never be overdressed or overeducated.” Oscar Wilde