Understand the value of preparation by thinking of yourself like an actor

By Dale W. Martin, CLU, ChFC

Think of the last movie you went to. You sat in that comfortable seat with your popcorn and soda. For the next two hours, you were in the moment, and those actors had you thinking that you were right there with them. The storyline, the characters, the sets, all felt real to you.

Now think about being on the set while they are rehearsing. The actors make mistakes; they stop and ask questions or make comments. The movie doesn’t even seem real at this point. An observer probably couldn’t even tell what the movie is going to be about.

What is the difference between the first time they rehearse and the final movie that we see in the theaters? Practice, practice, practice. As a financial advisor, you need to approach your business just like an actor. Don’t wing it. If you don’t practice, you will come across like an amateur. Memorize, professionalize and then naturalize.

Martin is a 17-year MDRT member from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Hear more in the January episode of MDRT Presents:

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