About the Guest(s):

Gladys Boutwell is a seasoned insurance professional with a rich background in employee benefits and health insurance. As the “Principal Broker” at Insurance by Design, she brings a wealth of experience, fluency in multiple languages, and a passion for helping people understand the ins and outs of insurance. Gladys is also deeply involved in her local community, participating on multiple boards and actively engaging in networking groups to support and educate others in her industry.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode, we’re introduced to Gladys Boutwell, an insurance broker who intertwines her intrinsic values with her profession. Specializing in employee benefits and health insurance, Gladys takes pride in educating her clients and delivering personalized service. Beyond her brokerage work, she’s a pivotal member of her local community, serving on several boards, and contributing to various networks.

The conversation kicks off with Gladys detailing her journey from the corporate world in Southern California to starting her own insurance agency in Oregon. She recounts the challenges faced during the shift and the importance of networking as a catalyst for growth. With open enrollment as a backdrop, Gladys emphasizes the impact of trust-building and market expertise on her flourishing referral-based business model.

Listeners can expect to gain insights from Gladys on the critical role of networking in business development, her strategies for effective time management, and her approach to servicing clients. Through meaningful engagement and a clear focus on clients’ needs, Gladys showcases how dedication and strategic connections pave the way to success in the insurance industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Building strong, individual relationships within local communities can accelerate the recognition and success of your business.
• Creating a comprehensive and strictly adhered-to calendar is crucial for balancing numerous responsibilities and maximizing productivity.
• Networking is not just about expanding your client base but also about connecting others, which can lead to unexpected and valuable business growth.
• Transitioning focus in your business offerings doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning existing services, as they can still attract referrals and enrich your portfolio.
• Educating clients and having transparent conversations about their insurance options cultivate trust and long-term business relationships.

Notable Quotes:

• “I built relationships through my networking, I built trust, and because I built trust then their clients that they couldn’t serve now trusted me because it was through them.”
• “Money doesn’t drive me. It’s important, I do like it, but it doesn’t drive me. For me, what drives me is helping and educating.”
• “Being intentional and making it easier for us, because if we’re going to make excuses, there’s always an excuse. Let’s look at the excuses that could happen and how we can overcome them.”
• “If it’s important, it’s going to get done and what gets measured gets done. That’s my measurement stick is my calendar.”
• “By taking care of people and doing the right things and guiding them…I continue to do that in helping others. And in helping others, it’s come back to me tenfold.”

Resources:

• Gladys Boutwell’s insurance agency, Insurance by Design: insurancedesignpros.com
• Her book “Health Insurance Secrets Revealed” is discussed, and an upcoming book focused on employee benefits for all budgets is mentioned.

Tune in to the full episode to hear Gladys Boutwell share her experiences and practical tips for flourishing in the fast-paced world of insurance. Don’t miss out on more insightful conversations from our podcast series!

Connect with Gladys:

gladys@insurancedesignpros.com.

#BNI #BNINETWORKING #SOCIALNETWORKING #BUSINESSNETWORKING #REFERRALS