During a recent group coaching session, Defining Your Business Purpose, I noticed an overwhelming majority of the advisors in my group coaching session had similar responses when asked, “What was your single take away from today’s session?” Most if not all of the advisors who were in the group replied, “I realized that I am not alone.”
Don’t get me wrong, their responses were not an echo of each other. Many advisors had their own specific “single take away”, but each seemed to comment on who in the group had provided them with their new found nugget of wisdom; be it me, or their colleagues.
Advisors replied with answers such as, “I could relate to what, so-and-so said about _____....” or, “I really liked what, so-and-so said about having a challenge with ______ because I thought I was the only one who had this challenge.” These types of responses really meant that though you may feel isolated in your challenges, you are not alone.
This group was not unique. Many advisors get a sense of camaraderie and ancillary learning while experiencing a group coaching setting. What is unique is the understanding of the truth about your colleagues; a truth that might surprise you!
The following are a few of those truths:
It doesn’t matter if you are in Denver, Dallas, Detroit or Davenport…at some point in your career you will face the same challenges that other advisors had (or have) to face. The reason is because common challenges such as fear of rejection, handling objections and filling the pipeline, just to name a few, are universal.
Again, you are not alone. You may think you are alone because of the independent nature of our business, (and often the reluctance to discuss our challenges), but in reality you have colleagues and friends that are going through or have gone through the same challenges you are. Your isolation, (as well as theirs) could be easily overcome by finding a mentor or mentee. There is someone right now who needs your help! You could create your own Mastermind Group or join one to help yourself and others.
The truth is that many of your colleagues may have challenges and may not be willing to find solutions. Those that do find solutions may not be willing to make the necessary changes to implement those solutions and create a long lasting impact on their business. As one advisor stated in a recent coaching session, “I read all the books I can on improving my business. Then, I put the books away and continue having the same problems.”
Now that you know some of the truths about your colleagues, it is time to do something about it. Reach out to those who truly need your help. Or, ask for a helping hand if need be. In either case, if you do you will soon realize that you are not alone.
Why Creating Colleague Connections Works:
Building a peer group or joining a group of like-minded individuals is essential for creating success! The reason why creating these types of connections works so well is because you are not reinventing the wheel, you are learning what works for others and applying the same processes. Eventually, you may find that you become the mentor for another advisor that is feeling alone with their struggles.
In Advisor Solutions Podcast Episode #13 You are Not Alone, you will find a much more detailed account of advisors’ and agents’ common challenges as I explain the details discussed in five coaching sessions.
The key is simple: if you are feeling isolated in your business, get the support you need to connect with others. When you find your tribe, you will never feel alone again!