When asked about their jobs, many Financial Consultants often begin their conversations with, “When I started out in insurance, I never dreamt I would get to the level of income that I enjoy today.”
Then, why are there still so many people who are skeptical about being a Financial Consultant, or worse, have a poor opinion of Financial Consultants? Allow us to bust the myths and educate you on the truth about them.
TRUTH! They are not salesmen or insurance agents per se. Prudential’s Financial Consultants offer their clients financial planning solutions in the areas of risk management and wealth accumulation. They organise their clients’ finances by recognising their financial needs and commitments, provide them with available options and guide them to reach their financial goals within a practical timeframe.
And unlike salesmen, the job of a Financial Consultant does not end after a “sale” is secured. The Financial Consultant is responsible for regular follow-ups with the client to ensure that future needs are taken care of.
TRUTH! Contrary to popular belief, many Prudential’s Financial Consultants are Diploma and Degree holders. Sarah Teo is a Financial Consultant representing Prudential Assurance Company Singapore. She graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) with a First Class Honours degree in Business Administration. The Government Investment Corporation (GIC) awarded her a Gold Medal for being the top student in NUS Business School (University Scholars Programme).
She joined Prudential in 2004. Her past achievements include Fastrack 2009 and she was in the Top 20 Annualised Premium Income (Financial Consultant Category) for January to March in 2005 and 2009 respectively.
“A lot of people tell me that I am overqualified and that I do not need a degree to be in the insurance industry. But coming from a business and finance background, it helps me in my insurance product marketing and financial analysis for my clients,” Sarah explains.
TRUTH! Chan Peiying, another Prudential Financial Consultant, clarifies that the minute the client signs on the dotted line, she is ensured a lifetime of client relationship. “We are going to be partners for life because you will always be taken care by Prudential.”
Peiying is an Agency Development Officer representing Prudential Assurance Company Singapore. She graduated from the University of Manchester with a Post-Graduate Degree in Marketing.
She joined Prudential in December 2007. Since then, her career progress is attributed much to her dedication, passion, perseverance and ambitious drive.
Her past achievements include being a qualifier for Prudential’s Quality Club and Quality Club Elite in 2008 and Accident & Health Challenge in 2008 and 2009. She has also become a member of the Million Dollar Round Table in 2009.
Chan Peiying at work and at play
Financial Consultants are committed to after-sales service. If clients need to make changes to their plans, file a claim or have their questions answered regarding their policies, the Financial Consultants are always there to attend to these needs.
To reach out to more people, Peiying has now set up her own team in Prudential so that she could help new entrants to the business be successful too. That is how dedicated she is about helping people make a difference in their future financial security.
TRUTH! The World Wide Web has dominated our society and lifestyle since the beginning of the millennium. Many search for entertainment, make new friends and purchases online.
Although insurance products are also sold online, the information on the website is never going to meet the unique and complex needs of individuals. The personal human touch always makes a difference. Financial Consultants are still essential to their clients in providing professional advice and human empathy in the event of making a claim.
TRUTH! Do economic crisis lessen the impact of deaths, illnesses, accidents and misfortunes? No, in fact, this is the best time to remind people that life is unpredictable. People need more protection for themselves and their future even more in such uncertain times.
With many people neglecting their health due to hectic work schedules (and long working hours), improper eating habits and financial stress, insurance has become a necessity. Many are getting worried about rising medical costs, security of their property, education fees and retirement funding.
TRUTH! After being a successful Financial Consultant for a couple of years, one may aspire to lead and groom others by becoming an Associate Manager. As Associate Manager, one can recruit Financial Consultants and develop them to achieve their fullest potential. This is just what Sarah aspires to do.
Sarah Teo at work
A positive mind can change one’s fate too. As a Malaysian, Peiying did not have many friends. But her drive to succeed resulted in Peiying owning a car and private property within a mere 3 years in the business! “There are over 4 million people in Singapore. As long as you are willing to talk to someone, there is opportunity. Before I joined this industry, I was just a flight stewardess and I never thought I could own my own private property and a car. And this is the industry where everything is possible.”
As a Financial Consultant, you need to have the patience to market your product and follow up with your clients.Clients need time before making a lifetime commitment to an insurance policy. If they see that you have their best interests at heart, they will reach a purchase decision faster.
TRUTH! Peiying enlightens that the misconception many have is that when you buy insurance, it means that someone is dying.
“Clients fail to realise that insurance is for your loved ones such as your dependants and your children to continue their standard of living. When a man dies, that is the death of a husband, father and his income. Financial Consultants cannot help much with the emotional loss but we can definitely help clients cope by delivering a cheque to ease the financial commitments.”
If you choose to a career as a Financial Consultant, it is essential to have absolute faith in yourself and the business. Clearing the false impressions many have on your chosen occupation will help you get rid of unnecessary impediments that may surface and hinder your success.
We know that being a modern lady, it takes a lot more to be independent, confident and successful. That is why we are conducting a finance and beauty seminar to better prepare you for your future.
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Who says women aren’t smart and financially savvy? We have the best leaders in finance and image & grooming industries to mentor you to be your best. Prudential, one of the top international insurance agencies, and Jill Lowe International, a highly regarded Image Professional company in Singapore, will be guiding you on how to climb that ladder of success in your career. Jill Lowe (pic) will be giving a talk on how to improve your image, communication methods and most importantly, self-confidence. She believes in the well-being and growth of every individual in the Asian community. |
Register for Prudential’s “Smart & Savvy. Financially” seminar and we’ll show how you can become financially smart & savvy! Grab your *beauty goodie bag worth $300 at the door, proudly sponsored by MyFatPocket.com’s partners (*while stocks last)
The benefits of attending this event never end! At the end of the seminar, there will be a *lucky draw conducted for all attendees.
- 1ST PRIZE: The Conrad Centennial Singapore 2D/1N worth $300
- 2ND PRIZE: il Lido Italian Dining Set lunch for 2 worth $100
- 3RD PRIZE: Takashimaya Shopping Voucher worth $50
Seats are limited so do sign up now! We’ll see you there!
Date : 15 December 2009, Tuesday
Time : 6.30pm to 9.00pm
Venue : PruHall, Prudential@Scotts 51 Scotts Road #01-02 S(228241)
Event brought to you by
Goodie Bags Sponsored by
* Terms & Conditions of Lucky Draw
1. To qualify for the lucky draw (“Lucky Draw”), the particpant must complete the online registration form and attend the Smart & Savvy. Financially seminar held on 15 Dec 2009.
2. Each attendee is entitled to one lucky draw entry only.
3. The prize is not exchangeable for cash or other items.
4. Winner must present I/C during collection of the prize.
5. The decision of the Organiser on all matters relating to the Lucky Draw are final and binding. No correspondnce will be entertained.
