Compiled by Helen Thompson
March was YAT Awareness Month, and all around the federation young advisors came together for special activities. "The National YAT Committee is proud of the participation, support and
enthusiasm that the first-ever YAT Awareness Month received," says Greg Bailey, FSS. "We believe the attention YAT Awareness Month received around the country will act as a springboard for future YAT activities and successes."
“Young agents and agents new to the business need support and resources to help them succeed in the industry,” says Sarah Sears-Egeli, NAIFA’s membership program director. “YAT Awareness Month is a chance for those agents to see what YAT can offer them and also for the federation to see how dedicated the YATs are to NAIFA.”
Here is a sample of events and activities from around the country; feel free to use these ideas for your own group. If you have any questions about these events or about YAT in general, please send them to yat@naifa.org.
Arizona
NAIFA-East Valley and NAIFA-Scottsdale have been combining forces for their YAT activities. They host quarterly meetings and invite young CPAs and lawyers to their events, along with a guest speaker. Afterward, they have a happy hour for networking.
California
NAIFA-Long Beach teamed up with NAIFA-Orange County and NAIFA-Los Angeles to fly in Doug Pearson, an industry coach, who spoke about accountability and self-improvement. The two-hour session included refreshments and appetizers. From this event, five advisors had the idea to start a study group and share the expense to have Pearson visit once a quarter for more coaching.
NAIFA-Inland Empire held its own, well-attended “Four Under Forty”-themed event for its monthly luncheon. The association invited four up-and-coming young advisors to discuss the genesis of their practices and what they attribute their success to.
NAIFA-San Fernando Valley held a poker tournament that had 62 participants. The poker tournaments have been so successful that NAIFA-California has adopted them for their state convention YAT event, with 20 percent of proceeds going to YATPAC. This will raise awareness of YATPAC and IFAPAC’s efforts.
NAIFA-Stockton hosts a once-a-month event at a local brewery to share sales ideas and help members grow their businesses.
NAIFA-San Diego met for sushi making lessons.
Delaware
NAIFA-Delaware is doing monthly poker nights as well; its event raises money for a scholarship fund—about $500 per event.
Illinois
NAIFA-Chicago had their annual “Spring Training ” continuing-education program (complete with CE credits). This year, a panel of industry experts, including two young advisors, discussed traits that made them successful.
NAIFA-East Side has morning breakfast meetings with a guest speaker. One recent presentation featured a career-coaching professional who spoke on breaking bad habits and developing successful ones.
Missouri
Springfield AIFA is hosting a barbecue cook-off contest among the YATs.
NAIFA-St. Louis held a social event around the “March Madness” basketball theme.
Nebraska
NAIFA-Omaha’s YAT group also took advantage of “March Madness” by creating an online bracket at ESPN.com with prizes going to the winners at a special event at the end of the contest. The group enlisted corporate sponsors to offset the cost of an appetizer buffet at the event.
NAIFA-Lincoln holds monthly YAT networking/social events each month that averages 15 to 20 attendees, and requires a $5 “cover charge” to offset the cost of a pizza buffet.
Oregon
NAIFA-Portland meets four or five times per year and features networking with speakers. Events have included a wine tasting and a YAT panel presentation at the state convention last year.
Virginia
NAIFA-Northern Virginia held an event on referrals sponsored by John Hancock. The guest speaker was Bill Cates, published author and referral coach.
Central Virginia AIFA’s first YAT event was a social gathering followed by a viewing of the movie The Pursuit of Happyness.
May 2007
A Year of Great Advice
Talking to Seniors
Win Their Trust
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