The word "first" brings to mind many different thoughts. The excitement of competition by being the first to cross the finish line. Perhaps the joy of seeing your first born came to mind. Or maybe it was your first true love. I remember my first life insurance sale. It happened on my first day after serving in the U.S. Navy to my first referral! It wasn't a significant face amount, $25,000. Enough to take care of final expenses with a little left over, but it was my first sale on the first day of my career! I was excited. I knew this was a good "omen". 

Then reality set in. This career is challenging. It's hard to get in front of the right prospects. There's so much to learn and not enough time. I am here to do good and people reject what I have to offer. Worse yet, they can be rude. Did I think about quitting? You bet! I distinctly remember 7 times getting ready to march into my manager's office and announce my resignation. After 22 years in this wonderful career, I feel blessed that something or someone kept me from doing so.
 

Having a support network is so important at every stage of your career. In the beginning, we operate on faith. Family and close friends want to see us succeed, so they can be counted on for that word of encouragement. We also need the trusted counsel of our sales managers, trainers and general agents. After all, they hired us because they saw qualities of success in us.
 

There is another group that is vitally important -- the veteran agents. These are the colleagues who have slogged through the same trenches a new agent experiences. They've built a clientele, hired their first employee and perhaps opened their own office. New agents need the wise words, insight and vision that a veteran can provide.
 

I know NAIFA-Jacksonville is capable of being first on the list for new and veteran agents as the place to find that support. You've elected a creative and passionate Board that has spent the summer on several key issues. Increasing our membership rolls is first on the list. Everyone needs to share the story of why this is the first and best association to represent our industry. In addition, we have developed events for the year to increase participation and provide first class sales and marketing advice to our members. We're one of the first to offer the new 5-hour Ethics CE course in October. At the first of the year, we're going to have an evening event to recognize our members for their professional and community achievements. All year long, you can expect us to put you first.
 

I am excited about our first meeting of the year on September 24th. Reserve the time on your schedule. We'll have more details on the events and programs. Put your association first as a resource for camaraderie, enrichment and advocacy. You may end up crossing the finish line first in your agency!