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Highlights

2023

March Word of the Month: EMERGE

Move out of or away from something and come into view.

As we head into Spring, it is a season of change. As a leader, being open to new ideas and willing to adapt to changing circumstances is imperative. Encourage your team to be flexible and adaptable, and lead by example.

The NIIA offers a great opportunity to Unlock your leadership skills and Speak Up to Stand Out, ultimately to become a more effective and influential leader.

Join us with instructor Marla Cormier, Emerging Leaders Training for the impactful virtual session 9 am- 12 noon on Thursday, April 13. If you haven't registered yet, it is not too late just click here.

Good communication is a two-way street, and listening is just as important as speaking. In this session you will enhance skills to find your voice, take initiative, incorporate effective techniques to improve and build on your strengths.

In this 3-hour session, you will walk away feeling encouraged, excited about your role and wanting more. Your superpowers will emerge, and your goals will come into focus as you learn to speak up and stand out. Everyone else in your office will wonder what you are doing and how they can do it.

I look forward to seeing you on screen.

Susan Bauman
Executive Director

February WORD(s) of the Month: Connect and Encourage

Connect: join or link together to provide access and communication

Encourage: give support and advice to (someone) so that they will do or continue to do something

Professional development and engagement in your industry trade association like the Nevada Independent Insurance Agents, can be valuable for boosting retention by providing employees with opportunities to expand their skills, connect with others in the industry and stay up to date on industry trends. Here are some ways to boost retention through professional development and engagement in your industry trade association:

1. Offer training and development programs: Offer training and development programs to help employees build new skills and stay up to date on industry trends. This can include online courses, webinars, conferences, and workshops including the Big 'I" Ask an Expert service.

2. Encourage participation in industry events: Encourage employees to participate in industry events such as tradeshows, conferences, outreach programs, and networking events. This can provide opportunities for employees to connect with others in the industry, learn about new products and services and share their knowledge with others in the office. Joining us at the annual tradeshow The EXPO at World Market Las Vegas March 9 and for the Big 'I' Day on the Hill in Carson City April 6, provides a great way to learn about regulations and legislation, and the impact they have on our industry.

3. Provide opportunities for leadership and volunteering: Provide opportunities for employees to take on leadership roles within the trade association or volunteer for committees and other projects. This can help employees feel more engaged in the industry and give them a sense of ownership over their work. We welcome everyone to the Leadership Superpowers Track and also to participate in both the Emerging Leaders Committee (ELC) Outreach programs to benefit Kids Chance of Nevada (KCON) and the recruitment program with Junior Achievement, UNR and UNLV. connect and encourage.jpg

4. Offer mentoring and coaching: Offer mentoring and coaching programs to help employees develop new skills and advance in their careers. This can help employees feel more valued and supported by the organization. Mentoring and Coaching is available for those already in the industry and for students through our outreach programs.

5. Provide recognition and rewards: Provide recognition and rewards for employees who participate in professional development and engagement in the industry trade association. This can include bonuses, promotions, or other incentives to encourage employees to continue their professional development. The Association also recognizes those who stand above at the Annual Installation & Awards Dinner every June. It is a privilege to recognize the Emerging Leader, Agent, Agency, Partner and Company of the year at this event.

Overall, providing employees with opportunities for professional development and engagement in the industry trade association can help boost retention by providing a sense of community purpose, and growth.

For more information on how you can connect and encourage involvement in the Nevada Independent Insurance Agents, the Nevada Big 'I' Association contact membershipservices@niia.org or call the office at 775-499-5844.

Susan Bauman
Executive Director

January Word of the month: Kaizen

Kai·zen
/ˈkīz(ə)n/

Noun
a Japanese business philosophy of continuous improvement, a concept referring to business activities that continuously improve all functions and involve all employees from the CEO to the assembly line workers

Happy New Year!

I am thrilled to have a new year, a new start. 2022 was a challenging year for me personally, I had many unexpected curve balls thrown my way. In the process of forging ahead and getting through day by day, I came to some realizations not just about the insurance industry but the country and maybe even the world.

No matter how you feel about COVID and the impact, it is real. The number one issue I hear from agency owners and industry managers is how do I find quality people to hire. This is not just true in the insurance world. This is happening in most industries. I have seen it first hands in the restaurant, medical and retail industries too. This has intensified over the past few years.

Though we are in the age of artificial intelligence (ai), human capital is so very important and hard to find. Attracting people to our industry is paramount. What independent insurance agents do, and how they do it, does matter. The human touch, communication, empathy, and knowledge is paramount to protecting insureds, their families, and assets.

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2022

September word of the month: Engage-establish a meaningful contact or connection with

Refocusing your team's attention after the many distractions and hybrid office environments can be difficult. This is where your state trade association can provide tools to recalibrate intentions. This year is the year to identify and invest in the talent within your organization and new talent.

The Nevada Independent Insurance Agents is upping the game plan with our Nevada Emerging Leaders by investing in professional development programs, continuing educational classes & webinars, hosting networking events, and expanding outreach to the community to improve interest in the independent insurance industry and refocus on our business.

We are here for all Nevada independent agents, however belonging to the NIIA brings incentives beyond the E&O Program and the Big 'I 'Markets that impact your ROI. Why be engaged? NIIA and ELC membership are a significant step in your professional development path. Being involved allows you to stay current with changes, help advocate for your industry, align with standards of quality, help grow your network, attend conferences, tradeshows, and events, continue your professional development, and position yourself as a leader.

2022/2023 is the year to be engaged in the many opportunities available to you through the NIIA, the Nevada Big 'I'. Whether you are interested in learning or mentoring let us know. We have an opportunity for you. Engage and make your membership work for you.

For details on upcoming events and opportunities, check out the NIIA 2022/2023 Calendar. Be sure to note the Leadership Superpowers 4 Track Sessions starting in November.

Give me a call so I can help get you started. 775-499-5844.

I hope to hear from you and see you soon.

Respectfully,

Susan Bauman

NIIA Executive Director

Previous Ed Notes:

January : Mindfulness