What happens when you bring NAIFA's Young Advisors together...You experience the power of NAIFA Nation. Last week the YATs held their first all YAT call, inviting YAT chairs from across NAIFA Nation to come together. Nearly 30 chapters were represented on the call. Leaders discussed the role of our young professionals in the 2025 Strategic Plan, members were informed of engagement opportunities, and NAIFA-PA YAT Chair, Trish May, shared her success story of member engagement.
Young professionals have a pivotal role in NAIFA's 2025 Strategic Plan for brand amplification, membership growth, and member experience. Trustee Liasion to the YAT committee, Mark Acre, LUTCF stated, "Our future is in us, the 40 and under and [the NAIFA Board of Trustees] wants to do what we can to support you...[YAT] voices are being heard...we have a board who is invested in making sure that [YATs] have the support that you need, the programs that you need, and the opportunities that you need to connect with other YATs and make NAIFA what it will be in 5, 10, 15, 20 years from now."
Trish May, NAIFA-PA YAT chair shared her success story of engaging the young advisors in her chapter. She sent a personal email to every member in Pennslyvania to organize a "YAT Chat." Those who were not YATs replied back offering some nuggets of wisdom to share, such as things they wish they knew when they were early in their careers. The Pennslyvania YAT Chat has their second call scheduled for April focusing on Advocacy. This was a fantastic way to engage all members of the PA chapter.
YAT Co-Chairs, Blake Gillies, DIA and Carina Hatfield, LUTCF, CLCS, LACP shared personal experiences being a part of NAIFA's Advisor Ambassador Program and Future Leaders Session. Both of these are opportunities for YATs across NAIFA Nation to volunteer and help us move the needle on membership. Gillies is looking forward to the next call, scheduled for June, stating "That was one of the best YAT things I've done at NAIFA. We need to do more of this." The call wrapped up with some time for dialogue amongst YATs and some thoughts and topic for the next call.
How YATs Can Take Action Now
Become an Advisor Ambassador to share your "secrets to success" with potential members in a 20-30 minute Zoom meeting. Topics range from marketing tips, sales ideas, prospecting, time management and differentiating yourself. Become an Ambassador by logging into the Member Portal and selected "Advisor Ambassador" under the Volunteer menu.
The Future Leaders program is for college students considering a career in the industry. It is an opportunity to show case you, your career and why you do what you do. Volunteer to be a speaker or serve on the committee for our Fall Program. If your alma mater has a financial planning or insurance program, let us know! We will add them to our growing list of colleges and universities.
With Congressional Conference around the corner, we are looking for young advisors to create short (30-90 second) clips about the importance of participating. Now more than ever we need to be sure our legislators are informed about issues impacting our industry such as the PRO Act.
Members interested in volunteering for these programs and opportunities should contact Emily Cabbage at ecabbage@naifa.org.