Most successful people share one thing in common: they know how to tap into the opportunities emerging from crises to take their careers to the next level.
In similar fashion, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, more people now see the importance of financial planning and protection offered by insurance, and they have taken action accordingly. “Confirming that, our bancassurance business grew 16 per cent in the first quarter of 2020, compared with the corresponding period in 2019,” said Virginia Wong, general manager for distribution and life management at Tahoe Life.
At a recent seminar co-organised with Classified Post, Wong noted that the insurance sector is thriving and in need of good new recruits. In general, employers are on the lookout for candidates who are proactive, self-motivated and adept at creating business opportunities by leveraging their personal networks and distinctive corporate branding. The event took place at the Tahoe Club, which is an exclusive meeting venue for the company’s privileged clients. Attendees learned about Tahoe Life’s 30-year track record, as well as its comprehensive range of products and services tailored to the specific needs of individual clients.
Wong continued to explain that the firm’s objective was to provide a diverse and evolving range of services. “We see that new needs have emerged from the pandemic,” she said.
When talking about career openings and choices, Dicky Yu, head of training and development, shared insights on how to turn a crisis into opportunities. While acknowledging that the current situation had led to underemployment and reduced incomes in many sectors, he emphasised the importance of maintaining a positive approach. “You should think about your networks, communication and interpersonal skills, and how to make use of existing platforms to take your lives and careers to another level,” he told the audience. “For instance, a real estate agent can recommend insurance products to his clients as part of a comprehensive service package. That is an opportunity.”
He added that Tahoe Life is an ideal environment for professionals building a career in the sector because it offers products to meet the requirements of clients at each stage of their life cycle. “So, we believe new sales opportunities with existing clients emerge every three years,” Yu said.
To assist people who are currently underemployed, the company has also launched its “Project Sparkle” programme. This encourages new recruits to “multitask”, allowing them to develop a new career in life insurance while keeping their existing jobs and drawing on their years of experience.
“Project Sparkle” includes a well-structured, 12-week training course, which covers financial needs analysis, sales practices, compliance and other competencies. Coaches and mentors, who are also seasoned financial planners, give guidance on specific cases and having the right mindset. And new recruits who meet the attendance requirements receive a HK$10,000 training allowance per month.
During the seminar, TV personality Desmond So, founder of the East-West Institute of Applied Etiquette, told attendees how he had leveraged his personal brand to develop a multi-faceted career. “It’s essential to find something you’re passionate about and see how you can make a living out of it,” So said. “Building a network is like an investment. It takes time and is a two-way street. It helps to be observant and identify ways to help others.”
Wong added that Tahoe Life was delighted with the arrangements of the event. “I’m sure it will help in reaching one of our goals, which is to expand our agency sales force to more than 400 within the next three years,” she said.
