Let’s face it—working in insurance sales these days feels like starring in a disaster movie. You’re the underdog hero, dodging calls from management, braving the wrath of repeat clients you’ve called 47 times this week, and surviving on a diet of hope and coffee. All thanks to the new CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) changes, our world has been flipped upside down. Companies are slashing jobs, quotas are impossible, and some of us are wondering if a career as a dog walker might be less stressful.
But hold on—before you hand in your resignation and pick up a leash, let me show you how we can not only survive this chaos but laugh our way to success.
The CMS Changes: Plot Twist, Not the End
Think of the CMS updates as the villain in our movie—annoying but beatable. Sure, compliance is tougher, and calling the same clients over and over might make you feel like a spam bot. But heroes like us don’t give up. We adapt, pivot, and find creative ways to save the day. And maybe, just maybe, we have a little fun along the way.
10 Survival Tips for Sales Agents with a Sense of Humor
1. Channel Your Inner Educator (Not the Boring Kind)
Don’t just sell policies—teach your clients like you’re hosting an insurance comedy special.
Instead of, “This plan is your best option,” try, “With this plan, you’ll be so covered, even your grandkids’ grandkids will thank you.” Educating with a smile makes you memorable.
2. Diversify Your Leads (Because Aunt Martha Can’t Take Another Call)
Find new ways to connect with prospects. Partner with community organizations, attend events, or join online forums. One agent I know started a “Coffee & Coverage” group at a local café, and guess what? People came for the coffee but stayed for the insurance.
3. Cross-Sell Like a Boss
Already sold them health insurance? Great—now sell them dental, vision, or pet insurance (because Fluffy deserves peace of mind, too). Your clients will appreciate the extra care, and your boss might stop eyeing your desk for the next layoff.
4. Keep a ‘Complaint Journal’ (and Then Laugh About It)
Every time a client groans, “Didn’t you just call me yesterday?” write it down. Later, read them out loud to yourself with a British accent. Congratulations, you just turned frustration into comedy gold.
5. Personalize Your Follow-Ups
Instead of, “Just checking in!” try something like, “Hi, Mr. Johnson. I was thinking about how your new policy can cover that vacation in Florida. Imagine the sunsets—and no surprise medical bills!” Humor makes you relatable.
6. Offer Rewards for Referrals (Bribes, but Legal)
Turn happy clients into your sales squad. Offer a small gift card, a handwritten thank-you note, or even a joke: “Refer a friend, and I’ll stop calling you for a week!”
7. Learn Digital Marketing (It’s Not Witchcraft)
Run a Facebook ad or start an Instagram page. One agent I know posted hilarious Medicare memes and gained 300 followers—and a dozen new clients. Your meme game could be your secret weapon.
8. Create a Signature Sales Line
Find a fun catchphrase to make people remember you. Mine is, “I’m not just selling you peace of mind; I’m selling you the vacation fund you won’t have to spend on medical bills.”
9. Befriend Technology (But Don’t Let It Replace You)
Use customer relationship management (CRM) tools to track leads. It’s like having a digital assistant—but one that won’t eat your lunch or accidentally delete your files.
10. Laugh, Even When It’s Tough
Sometimes, humor is the best survival tool. When things get rough, remember: if your clients don’t buy a policy, at least you gave them a laugh. And if all else fails, you can always start your stand-up career.
A Personal Story: From Tears to Triumph
I’ll never forget the time I called a client 14 times in one week. On the 15th call, she picked up and said, “If this is you again, I’ll block your number!” I replied, “Well, you’d better do it quick, because I’m dialing as we speak.” She laughed so hard, she ended up buying a supplemental policy. Moral of the story? Humor breaks barriers—and makes you unforgettable.
More Laughs and Lessons
If you’re nodding along to this blog, you’ll love my books that dive deeper into overcoming challenges with grace (and a little humor):
- The Affordable Care Act Agent: Your Guide to Accessing Affordable Healthcare
- Silent Chains: Breaking Free from Conformity and Injustice
You can also find more tips, stories, and laughs on my blog, TheHypothyroidismChick.com.
A Final Word from Your Sales Ally
Sales isn’t for the faint of heart, especially now. But with a little humor, creativity, and resilience, we can weather the storm. So, keep smiling, keep dialing, and remember: even in the toughest times, laughter is your best policy.
Warm regards (and a wink),
A.L. Childers
Author, Advocate, and Amateur Comedian
Let’s Connect!
“Life is like insurance—sometimes unpredictable, but always better with a good policy and a great sense of humor.”
When Your Job’s Hanging by a Thread: Navigating the Dread of Being Fired with Grace and Grit
Let’s set the scene: You walk into the office, coffee in hand, and you can feel it—the tension, the unspoken whispers, the lingering glances from HR. Your company is “restructuring,” quotas have suddenly become unattainable, and you’ve been calling the same clients so much that their pets now recognize your voice. Deep down, you know: they’re getting ready to fire you.
It’s a gut-punch moment, but it’s not the end of your story. If you’re in this position, let me tell you—you’re not alone. And more importantly, there are ways to navigate this storm with your dignity, humor, and career intact.
The Reality of Corporate Restructuring
Businesses, especially in sales, face constant pressure to meet targets, adapt to regulations, and cut costs. Unfortunately, that often translates into layoffs, even for hardworking, loyal employees. If you’re in the insurance industry, you might be feeling this more than ever thanks to recent CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) changes.
Let’s call it what it is: a frustrating, soul-crushing rollercoaster. But before you let panic set in, let’s talk about how to flip the script and take back some control.
When the Axe Feels Inevitable: What You Can Do
Here are a few things to keep in mind when you know your company is eyeing the exit door for you:
1. Keep Doing Your Job (Even Better)
- It’s tempting to slack off or mentally check out when you feel like you’re on the chopping block. Don’t. Instead, double down on your effort. Crush those quotas, improve your pitches, and show them exactly why letting you go would be a colossal mistake.
- Pro tip: Start documenting every success, big or small. You’ll want those receipts for future opportunities.
2. Document Everything
- Is your manager making cryptic comments? Are expectations suddenly unclear? Keep a record of every interaction that could indicate trouble.
- If you’re being targeted unfairly, you may need this documentation to protect yourself legally.
3. Control What You Can
- Can’t control the layoffs? Fine. Focus on what you can control: your attitude, your skills, and your plan.
- Take online courses, network with peers in the industry, or polish your resume. Being proactive helps you feel less like a victim and more like the master of your destiny.
4. Build Relationships
- Strengthen connections with coworkers, clients, and industry contacts. A strong professional network can open doors if your current company closes one.
- And who knows? A supportive colleague might even advocate for you when the higher-ups are making decisions.
5. Prepare for the Worst
- If you’re 99% sure you’re getting fired, start planning now. Update your resume, refresh your LinkedIn profile, and quietly explore job opportunities.
- Have a financial safety net? If not, start saving whatever you can. Peace of mind is worth its weight in gold during uncertain times.
When It Finally Happens
If the dreaded day comes and they hand you that pink slip (or politely ask you to join a Zoom call with HR), here’s how to handle it like a pro:
Stay Calm
- Don’t let anger or frustration take over. Take a deep breath and listen to what they’re saying.
Ask Questions
- Why are you being let go? Is it performance-based, or is it part of a larger restructuring?
- Are you eligible for severance or outplacement services?
Negotiate Your Exit
- If possible, negotiate a severance package or extended benefits. Companies often expect you to ask, so don’t leave money on the table.
Turning the Page
Letting go of a job is tough, especially when it feels undeserved or sudden. But remember: this isn’t the end of your career. It’s a chance to start a new chapter—maybe one where you’re the hero of your own story, not just a player in someone else’s game.
Personally, I’ve faced my fair share of job uncertainty, and while it’s never easy, it’s always been an opportunity to grow. Whether you stay in the same industry or pivot to something entirely new, believe in your ability to adapt and thrive.
Need Inspiration? Check Out My Blog
If you’re feeling stuck or need a good laugh to get through tough times, visit my blog: TheHypothyroidismChick.com. You’ll find tips, personal stories, and resources to help you navigate life’s challenges (and maybe even crack a smile along the way).
Books to Help You Take Control
Here are some of my books that might offer guidance and inspiration:
- Silent Chains: Breaking Free from Conformity and Injustice
- The Affordable Care Act Agent: Your Guide to Accessing Affordable Healthcare
Both are available on Amazon and packed with practical advice and insights.
Final Thoughts
If your company is about to fire you, remember this: you are not your job. You are your skills, your resilience, and your ability to reinvent yourself. Losing one job might just be the first step toward finding something even better—or even creating it yourself.
So, take a deep breath, hold your head high, and trust in the road ahead. Who knows? This might just be the start of your greatest adventure yet.
With warmth (and a bit of sass),
A.L. Childers
Author, Advocate, and Professional Optimist
Connect with Me:
“When one door closes, laugh at it, then kick open another one. You’ve got this.”
