By Helen Thompson
Paul Farr, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, wasn’t sure what to expect from NAIFA when he first joined the association, especially since membership in his local association, Northeastern AIFA (N.C.), had been languishing. But he helped rebuild the association, winning awards for his leadership before he had even turned 30. “I felt an obligation to help out,” he says. “We have such a great business, and other people have come before us.”
A tremendous part of that leadership was telling other young advisors about the opportunities he had discovered in NAIFA: education, networking and YAT, to name a few. “We wanted enthusiasm and creativity, and to keep things exciting so that people would keep coming back [to the meetings],” he says. “The YAT portion of our programs is creating that enthusiasm.”
Farr has held numerous leadership posts, including serving on the national YAT Task Force and as a regional vice president for North Carolina AIFA. He feels these positions—as well as the growth of Northeastern AIFA—have enhanced his professionalism, allowing him to build trust with and earn the respect of his peers—something that goes hand in hand with developing client relationships, too. “It’s challenging, but challenges make us stronger, too—and that’s exciting,” says Farr. “It ends up spinning off and helping other people.”
The big picture
Farr attended his first NAIFA Convention and Career Conference in 2002 when it was in nearby Charlotte, N.C. He hasn’t missed one since. “Convention is always a fun time,” he says. “That’s even truer this year, with all the opportunities for networking and learning through YAT activities.”
If you’ve never attended NAIFA’s annual convention, you may be wondering why you should go. Well, you can meet the “Four Under Forty” advisors, get sales ideas to help you gear up for Life Insurance Awareness Month, network with incoming national YAT Chair Greg Bailey and a host of other YATters (including Farr) and participate in a number of activities specifically designed for young advisors. “The convention is a great place to get a taste of what NAIFA is and the magnitude of what it does,” says Farr.
There’s still time to register for the convention, which takes place Aug. 26–30 in San Francisco. Young advisors—those 40 years old and under—receive a significant discount to attend the conference. You can register online at www.naifa.org/convention—but do so before July 31, when the price goes up.
YAT Schedule at the NAIFA Convention |
Visit the NAIFA Super Booth during exhibit hall hours, and you can meet national YAT Team members, obtain information on how to start YAT groups and host YAT events in your area, pick up additional YAT resources and fun, complimentary gifts. Also, be sure to check out these other YAT-centric events.
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Saturday, Aug. 26 |
| 4-5:30 p.m. |
First Timers’ Orientation: Learn everything you need to know about the convention experience. |
| 6-7 p.m. |
YAT Meet and Greet: Take a break and do some networking. |
Sunday, Aug. 27 |
| 3:30-6 p.m. |
YAT at the NAIFA Super Booth |
| 5-6 p.m. |
YAT Legislative Reception: Meet your peers and learn some tips on how to protect your business. |
Monday, Aug. 28 |
| 11 a.m.-3 p.m. |
YAT at the NAIFA Super Booth |
| 12:45-2 p.m. |
YAT Roundtable: Join the YAT committee and national staff to learn more about YAT initiatives and to let us know what you think of YAT. |
| 9:30 p.m.-midnight |
YAT Happy Hour: Mingle with your peers at First Crush restaurant. |
Tuesday, Aug. 29 |
| 11 a.m.-3 p.m. |
YAT at the NAIFA Super Booth |
| 2:30-3:45 p.m. |
40 and Under Panel: Find out what it takes to succeed from the “Four Under Forty” advisors profiled in June’s issue of Advisor Today. |
| 4-5:15 p.m. |
Educational Workshop sponsored by YAT: Brush up your professional-development skills during this informational workshop. |
JULY 2006
Stop Being Average
Suit Up!
Making the A-List
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