I recently returned from my first Million Dollar Round Table convention. It was one of the most inspirational shows I've ever attended. There's something to say about the attitude of successful people. Not only were the approximately 5,000 attendees a motivated and attentive bunch - even at 8 a.m. - but there was also an air of optimism about the crowd that I found to be truly refreshing.
I think incoming MDRT President Scott Brennan put it best when he told attendees that you can take everything from a person except their attitude. "Optimism is an intellectual choice," he said.
Reflecting on that simple yet powerful statement, I'm reminded of the optimism I encounter on a daily basis in my job as editor of EBA. For example, in the days before the Supreme Court's ruling on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act EBA's columnists came to our office for a photo shoot. In speaking with each of them as we awaited the Court's decision, they all had the same response: It doesn't matter.
Not that the decision won't have an effect on their future in one way or another, but because each is confident in their business plan and ability to succeed, they are prepared for any eventuality. Incidentally, they're more enthusiastic than ever about sharing that drive for success with you. Stay tuned as EBA debuts a redesign next month that will prominently feature our thought leaders.
However, there's no need to wait until August for inspiration. This month's cover story ("Time for Action," p. 32) features an innovative trio of partners at Forsite Benefits in Green Bay, Wis. By thinking outside the box, Tim Mueller, Graham Ness and Michael Troup developed a unique business strategy in the form of a brand new facility that houses both their brokerage business and a client health care clinic. Talk about an optimistic view: These three have rejected the notion that nothing can be done to stem rising health care costs - particularly premiums - and tackled the problem head-on with the Forsite Health & Wellness Clinic.
"We have this weird passion for this clinic and how it's truly going after claims costs," says Troup.
Back at the MDRT convention, motivational speaker, athlete and self-proclaimed "adventure racer" Robyn Benincasa had the crowd on their feet with her words. One bit of wisdom she said stuck with me, and I'm sure the staff and clients of Forsite Benefits would agree: "If you set out to inspire your team rather than impress them, you will have done both."
