Even amid political goings on, there
are more important things we all should be concerned with
Passion drives businesses and the entrepreneurs that start them. That,
unquestionably, is where their focus should be—on what they are passionate about.
By Michael Wayne
Despite the title, this is a (largely) apolitical piece. You may be wondering how that’s possible. Well, for starters, I’m writing this in the latter part of October, prior to the election taking place.
It seems like every four years now, America holds the “most important election of all-time.” I do indeed believe that elections are important, and certainly the wrong candidate in office can make things miserable. So, I am not going to tell you it does not matter which candidate is elected.
What I will say, however, is that unless I am completely wrong, election day has come and gone at the point you are reading this. Someone is the president-elect, and your clients’ still must live their lives, just as you do.
Note: If, for some reason, America actually has fallen, what I’m typing now is unlikely being read by anyone. I’ll take this opportunity, therefore, to thank my bosses for the final paycheck.
In case we are still America, as with every other election, people will likely have some adjustments to make to the changes—short-term and long-term—that a new administration can cause. Here are the Top 5 Bits of Advice to Give Your Business Clients Now That the Election is Over … Again.
- Retain your identity. Customers value stability above just about everything else. They rest easier knowing that the businesses they rely upon will consistently deliver quality products and services.
Now, where there is already uncertainty in the air, is not the time for radical change. Instead, now is the time for businesses to lean into their convictions, build upon their brand identity, and remain resolute toward achieving their goals.
Ensuring stability, while new norms may not necessarily be normal, is important to say the least.
- Don’t be an island. Businesses tend to thrive when their leaders and employees immerse themselves in their communities—both the communities they live in and the ones that exist for the promotion and benefit of their niche industries. Associations can bring competitors together in a healthy way, promote partnerships, and can yield relationships that are mutually beneficial.
Following an election, there exists potential for new legislation to be enacted and bring upheaval to particular industries. Having businesses with similar interests looking out for disruptive change together is a plus to be sure.
- Be nimble. Remaining consistent is not the same as being inflexible. Industries are faced with the need to change and new realities constantly.
In the wake of an election, there’s little doubt that agendas will be implemented with potentially severe consequences for businesses. Whether it’s new technology, new processes, or changing tastes, businesses must have the ability to adapt if they are going to survive and continue to thrive.
No one wants to become the next Kodak, Blockbuster, or Myspace. Being able to anticipate the next industry upheaval, or at least having the ability to deftly adapt to it, is powerful.
- Keep getting stronger. Whether this means growing the team with strong members, learning something new, or making the organization’s product or service better, keep getting stronger. Evaluating what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to be improved upon should be an ongoing process for any business expecting success.
The adage, “if you’re not moving forward, you’re losing ground,” applies.
- Know your limits. Businesses seldom thrive on the hard work and expertise of a single individual. A Jack- or Jill-of-all-trades is a master of none, and the failure to recognize when help is needed is a sign of poor leadership. Passion drives businesses and the entrepreneurs that start them. That, unquestionably, is where their focus should be—on what they are passionate about.
Work in concert with other experts that you need to make your business viable to ensure you can focus on improving the business. Whether it be payroll, marketing, IT, or whatever, don’t waste valuable time doing a job in a subpar fashion that someone else can do with precision.
Hopefully, you’ve been paying attention. As you prepare for renewals, work to improve your clients’ risk profiles, and strive to obtain new clients, recognize that these five bits of advice are not only applicable to your clients. All the above advice is applicable to you as a producer and what you do daily.
Your clients are not the only ones who will be dealing with the aftermath of this election. You will be, too.
Between natural disasters, typical and outlandish claims, and the potential human-caused “storms” that our industry may face in the form of new legislation or regulation, we have just as much to be concerned about as our clients. Be sure that while you are working to help your clients that you remember your own professional health.
Put yourself in the proper position to actually help your clients and you make it to the next most important election ever. I promise, it will be here before you know it.
The author
Michael Wayne is an insurance freelance writer.
