A day in the life of Wayne Sakamoto

5:00 a.m.
I’ve been getting up early this week to get a jump on the backlog of quote requests that have piled up in anticipation of ACA qualified plan options in 2014 versus current 2013 plan offerings. In addition, I tackle administrative functions for my group clients as well as prepare emails to clients who are expecting quotes and employees who are awaiting their eligibility packet for benefits. I also read and respond to any emails that came in overnight or late afternoon from clients and prospects.

7:00 a.m.
When the first light begins to appear, I take the time to enjoy some cardiovascular exercise. This workout starts with some light stretches, transitioning to either a 20-mile bike ride or four-mile run. The training allows me to keep my fitness and prepare for an upcoming marathon or Ironman event. I believe when promoting wellness to clients that I should be engaged as well.

9:00 a.m.
Return calls to clients and initiate follow-up calls to prospects. As the communication chair for the Florida Association of Health Underwriters, I enjoy tracking the media coverage of health care reform and the exchanges around the country. I share some of the more interesting news articles for our members on our FAHU Facebook page. I also make a note about relevant stories to go in our FAHU newsletter.

12:00 p.m.
During my lunch hour, when not working out, I have lunch in front my computer to catch up on more emails, news articles, stock quotes and Facebook posts on various NAHU state association pages. And on occasion, I may enjoy a lunch meeting with a colleague, client, or community leader here in Southwest Florida.  

1:30 p.m.
The afternoon continues with more follow-up calls and answering in-bound calls coming from clients asking for Medicare supplements, Part D plans, individual health and group health insurance. I own the domain healthinsurancemarketplace.com and sometimes receive inquiries from around the country. I try to refer these clients to NAHU members who are certified to sell coverage on the exchange in their state.

3:00 p.m.
I find myself out on appointments for group health clients or Medicare clients, but I do prefer working in the office and being accessible to as many client and prospects on a daily basis as possible. And most clients are happy that I answer the phone or respond to them in the same day — electronically or by phone.   

5:00 p.m.
Since my wife works late Monday through Thursday, I usually work until 7:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.
Enjoy dinner with my wife and wind down from a very full business day. I gravitate back to my home office for an hour to do some light administrative functions or quote requests, where I listen to KCRW.com.  
 
9:00 p.m.
I conclude each night with my iPad, reading the latest edition of the Wall Street Journal, New York Post, Facebook, Flipboard, and check on the newest alternative rock bands.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
Sales and marketing Benefit plan design Advisor strategies Practice management
MORE FROM EMPLOYEE BENEFIT NEWS