--- title: "Financial Insights Blog | Richard \"Dick\" Cleary" description: Engaging financial insights and tips from your go-to experts on understanding financial services concepts, techniques and more. --- [![FSEDNet](https://info.hoopis.com/hubfs/FSEDNet_June2018_v2/Images/logo-sized1.png) ](https://hello.fsednet.com) - Who We Are - [![Schedule Demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4570472/162dd7e4-98c0-4297-85d6-465bc5e71a26.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4570472/162dd7e4-98c0-4297-85d6-465bc5e71a26) - [Sign Us Up](https://hello.fsednet.com/sign-us-up) CLOSE X # Financial Insights Blog ## Richard "Dick" Cleary ### Recent Posts ## [Virtual Accountability](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/virtual-accountability) Posted by [Richard "Dick" Cleary](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/author/richard-dick-cleary) on Oct 29, 2020 7:15:18 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Virtual Accountability](https://hello.fsednet.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_133793650.jpeg) ](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/virtual-accountability) **What is an Accountability Culture?** [Read More](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/virtual-accountability) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/virtual-accountability#comments-listing) Topics: [Agent / Advisor Training](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/agent-advisor-training), [eLearning](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/elearning), [Training and Development](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/training-and-development), [Insurance](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/insurance) ## [The Power of Storytelling](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/the-power-of-storytelling) Posted by [Richard "Dick" Cleary](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/author/richard-dick-cleary) on Sep 1, 2020 11:08:49 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![The Power of Storytelling](https://hello.fsednet.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_179327641.jpeg) ](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/the-power-of-storytelling) Since LinkedIn launched in 2003, the professional social networking site has grown to more than 630 million registered members. In addition to the basic and premium services, LinkedIn Talent Solutions offers LinkedIn Recruiter, a platform to search, connect with, and manage candidates. Regardless of which level you use with LinkedIn, it can be a powerful tool for finding new associates for your agency and remains the preferred method of recruitment for most businesses. Facebook and Instagram are gaining in popularity, especially to reach younger applicants who aren't as active on LinkedIn. Yet, for agencies who are beginning to use social media as a recruiting platform, or for agencies who are looking to expand their social presence, LinkedIn is the place to start. Here are some guidance tips to use when using LinkedIn to recruit new associates for your agency: [Read More](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/the-power-of-storytelling) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/the-power-of-storytelling#comments-listing) Topics: [Agent / Advisor Training](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/agent-advisor-training), [eLearning](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/elearning), [Training and Development](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/training-and-development), [Insurance](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/insurance) ## [Financial Considerations for Special Needs Children](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/financial-considerations-for-special-needs-children) Posted by [Richard "Dick" Cleary](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/author/richard-dick-cleary) on Aug 25, 2020 7:54:48 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Financial Considerations for Special Needs Children](https://hello.fsednet.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_233388562.jpeg) ](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/financial-considerations-for-special-needs-children) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates more than 60 million adults in the United States, approximately one in four, lives with a disability. Struggles with mobility, cognition, hearing, vision, and other impairments make it difficult to make decisions, provide adequate self-care, and live independently. As the parent of a special needs child, you know these struggles; you have been there to guide, support, and aid your child since birth. With your dedication to providing extra guidance and care, you have most likely lost sleep thinking about how your child will fare once you are gone. [Read More](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/financial-considerations-for-special-needs-children) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/financial-considerations-for-special-needs-children#comments-listing) Topics: [Agent / Advisor Training](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/agent-advisor-training), [eLearning](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/elearning), [Training and Development](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/training-and-development), [Insurance](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/insurance) ## [Getting Ready for Retirement](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/getting-ready-for-retirement) Posted by [Richard "Dick" Cleary](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/author/richard-dick-cleary) on Aug 18, 2020 10:00:44 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Getting Ready for Retirement](https://hello.fsednet.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_187228489.jpeg) ](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/getting-ready-for-retirement) As you spend decades in the workforce, you dream about retirement. As it gets closer, you think about how to bring your dream to life. Each person’s idea of retirement differs based on their goals, desire or need to continue working, as well as other considerations. Regardless of your idea of retirement, you need to consider some specific things and take preliminary steps to get ready for retirement. Financial and life goals, as well as feelings about working and planning for healthcare needs are some of the most crucial factors to evaluate when you are getting ready for retirement. [Read More](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/getting-ready-for-retirement) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/getting-ready-for-retirement#comments-listing) Topics: [Agent / Advisor Training](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/agent-advisor-training), [eLearning](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/elearning), [Training and Development](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/training-and-development), [Insurance](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/insurance) ## [The Importance of Measuring Training Results](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/the-importance-of-measuring-training-results) Posted by [Richard "Dick" Cleary](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/author/richard-dick-cleary) on Jul 22, 2020 9:53:58 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![The Importance of Measuring Training Results](https://hello.fsednet.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_178416724-1.jpeg) ](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/the-importance-of-measuring-training-results) It is important to measure the effectiveness of training, yet many organizations don’t take the initiative to do so. If you don’t measure the impact, you won’t know whether your training is worth your investment. [Read More](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/the-importance-of-measuring-training-results) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/the-importance-of-measuring-training-results#comments-listing) Topics: [Agent / Advisor Training](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/agent-advisor-training), [eLearning](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/elearning), [Training and Development](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/training-and-development), [Insurance](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/insurance) ## [There Is No DNA That Delivers Great Sales Skills](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/there-is-no-dna-that-delivers-great-sales-skills) Posted by [Richard "Dick" Cleary](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/author/richard-dick-cleary) on Jul 15, 2020 8:48:54 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![There Is No DNA That Delivers Great Sales Skills](https://hello.fsednet.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_133644977-1.jpeg) ](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/there-is-no-dna-that-delivers-great-sales-skills) Training is an important investment in the people who represent your organization and drive revenue. When you train people, it makes them more valuable to your organization and helps you retain them. We can’t expect that people will arrive to our firms and agencies already knowing what they need to know to excel in this often difficult career. There is no DNA that delivers great sales skills. [Read More](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/there-is-no-dna-that-delivers-great-sales-skills) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/there-is-no-dna-that-delivers-great-sales-skills#comments-listing) Topics: [Agent / Advisor Training](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/agent-advisor-training), [eLearning](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/elearning), [Training and Development](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/training-and-development), [Insurance](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/insurance) ## [Think Twice Before Promoting Your Top Producer](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/think-twice-before-promoting) Posted by [Richard "Dick" Cleary](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/author/richard-dick-cleary) on Jul 14, 2020 8:58:51 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Think Twice Before Promoting Your Top Producer](https://hello.fsednet.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_288572603.jpeg) ](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/think-twice-before-promoting) Your top producer is such a superstar that it makes sense to promote him or her into management, right?   Maybe not.  Remember the classic “Peter Principle”? It was Laurence J. Peter’s management concept that in any kind of hierarchy, people tend to rise to their “level of incompetence.” In other words, as people are promoted, they tend to become progressively less effective because good performance in one job does not guarantee similar performance in another.  [Read More](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/think-twice-before-promoting) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/think-twice-before-promoting#comments-listing) Topics: [Management Development](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/management-development), [eLearning](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/elearning), [Insurance](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/insurance) ## [Stop Procrastinating!](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/stop-procrastinating) Posted by [Richard "Dick" Cleary](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/author/richard-dick-cleary) on Jul 8, 2020 7:22:51 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Stop Procrastinating!](https://hello.fsednet.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_243163607.jpeg) ](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/stop-procrastinating) Do you find yourself frequently putting off tasks you dread? Do you often wait until right before a project is due because you “work better under pressure?” If so, you are not alone. According to the [Association for Psychological Science](https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/why-wait-the-science-behind-procrastination), 20 percent of us are chronic procrastinators. There is room for all of us to become more productive. [Read More](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/stop-procrastinating) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/stop-procrastinating#comments-listing) Topics: [Agent / Advisor Training](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/agent-advisor-training), [eLearning](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/elearning), [Training and Development](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/training-and-development), [Insurance](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/insurance) ## [How to Stay Productive in Changing Times](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/how-to-stay-productive-in-changing-times) Posted by [Richard "Dick" Cleary](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/author/richard-dick-cleary) on Jul 1, 2020 8:15:44 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![How to Stay Productive in Changing Times](https://hello.fsednet.com/hubfs/1p.png) ](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/how-to-stay-productive-in-changing-times) Massive change is upon us. Speculation about how governments and business will handle the COVID-19 crisis has given way to a new quarantine reality. The good old-fashioned handshake is out. Social distancing is in. As those of us in sales and customer-facing roles try to navigate the new work-from-home reality, we thought it would be a good time to offer some strategies for how to stay productive and keep momentum (and morale) as high as possible. [Read More](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/how-to-stay-productive-in-changing-times) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/how-to-stay-productive-in-changing-times#comments-listing) Topics: [Agent / Advisor Training](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/agent-advisor-training), [eLearning](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/elearning), [Training and Development](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/training-and-development), [Insurance](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/insurance) ## [Everyone Wins with Mentoring](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/everyone-wins-with-mentoring) Posted by [Richard "Dick" Cleary](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/author/richard-dick-cleary) on Jun 24, 2020 9:22:31 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Everyone Wins with Mentoring](https://hello.fsednet.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_202940939-1.jpeg) ](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/everyone-wins-with-mentoring) Let’s admit it - the financial services business can be tough. It requires selling products to individuals who really need them but who often are in denial about this fact. That’s why the two-step preparation process for learning how to become a successful professional in the financial services industry is so important: [Read More](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/everyone-wins-with-mentoring) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/everyone-wins-with-mentoring#comments-listing) Topics: [Agent / Advisor Training](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/agent-advisor-training), [eLearning](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/elearning), [Training and Development](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/training-and-development), [Insurance](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/insurance) [All Posts](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/all) [Next](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/author/richard-dick-cleary/page/2) [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4570472/da330556-e3c6-4496-8661-f44c87dd051d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4570472/da330556-e3c6-4496-8661-f44c87dd051d) ### Subscribe Here! ### Recent Post ### Tags - [Insurance (46)](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/insurance) - [Training and Development (46)](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/training-and-development) - [Agent / Advisor Training (45)](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/agent-advisor-training) - [eLearning (44)](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/elearning) - [Management Development (8)](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/management-development) - [Employee Training (3)](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/employee-training) - [Social Security (1)](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/social-security) - [retirement (1)](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/retirement) [See all](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/author/richard-dick-cleary#) ![AppAddWebsite](https://info.hoopis.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Hello%20FSEdNet.com/AppAddWebsite.png?width=1920&height=1080&name=AppAddWebsite.png) ### Anywhere learning, limitless possibilities Learning can happen anywhere, whether on the computer or on the go, with our mobile app for anytime learning. 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Learn More CLOSE X # What People Are Saying “FSEdNet is a game-changing strategy to help with the education of new advisors in the business.  The key to any training is to focus on being brilliant on the basics.  Dick Cleary and his team have created a turnkey educational program that helps leadership teams implement an easy to deliver training system for the fundamentals of success.”      **J. Christopher Noonan, CLU, ChFC Regional President & Divisional Executive VP, Equitable-Advisors LLC** "FSEdNet's delivery process and information will help your advisors become more confident in front of clients." ###### Garry Kinder, CLU, ChFC, CSA, Kinder Brothers International “NAIFA is excited to partner with FSEdNet to create the NAIFA Learning Center. We value the breadth and depth of educational content relevant for all practice specialties and the ease of access on multiple devices to the online video content. Core to NAIFA’s mission is delivery of critical training and professional support to our members—this program is a key component in meeting that objective.” ###### Kevin M. Mayeux, CAE, CEO, NAIFA "The best I have ever seen. Clear, concise and relevant - a platform that really makes a difference." ###### Paul E. Vignone, JD, LLM, CLU, ChFC, VP of Advanced Markets, Empire Wealth Strategies, Penn Mutual Life "FSEdNet is a comprehensive online resource that is filled with practical and actionable content. It provides its user with the fundamentals, as well as advanced learnings, for a successful financial services career." ###### C. Richard Weylman, CEO & CDO, The Weylman Center for Excellence in Practice Management "FSEdNet will engage your new advisors and staff in a new innovative way. Associates will absorb the basics and master the fundamentals through this connected learning platform." ###### Bonnie L. Godsman - CEO, GAMA International" "LIMRA research has found that young advisors integrate technology into all aspects of their practice. FSEdNet provides basic "blocking and tackle" training in an innovative and contemporary way, which resonates with today's financial professionals. Not just for agents and advisors, it's an invaluable part of my onboarding of new LIMRA research professionals - FSEdNet really delivers." ###### – Patrick Leary, LIMRA Corporate Vice President - Research #### "It's Time To Turn Potential Into Reality" "The Financial Services Educational Network, from the genius of Dick Cleary, is something this industry has needed for a long time. It is for many advisors, the missing piece. FSEdNet provides the educational background needed, in a myriad of topics, to give advisors the confidence to engage in meaningful financial discussions." **Harry P. Hoopis, CEO, Hoopis Performance Network, Hall of Fame** “FSEdNet is a game-changing strategy to help with the education of new advisors in the business.  The key to any training is to focus on being brilliant on the basics.  Dick Cleary and his team have created a turnkey educational program that helps leadership teams implement an easy to deliver training system for the fundamentals of success.”      **Mark Rooney, CFP, ChFC, CLU Equitable-Advisors, LLC, Hall of Fame Recipient** “FSEdNet has allowed us to focus on what we do best: find, recruit, select and train the future of our industry.  It provides excellent education, so our leadership team can do what they do best and that is joint work with our newest advisors.  I would strongly encourage any firm to embrace this as it will impact productivity.” **Ed Deutschlander, CLU, CLF, CEO, North Star Resource Group** "Bring back the basic training our agents need is the passion and commitment that Dick has made to the industry. As a long-standing professional in our business, he is well positioned to deliver the right product at the right time. FSEdNet is a perfect solution to the training needs of today." ###### **– Jim Kerley, Chief Membership Officer, LIMRA and LOMA** "I have been in the industry many years. FSEdNet is one of the most comprehensive educational tools to help new reps get off to a successful start and for developing reps to build and grow their business in years 2, 3, 4 and after. The ability to have this information at your fingertips, anytime, anywhere, on any device, 24/7 is truly a must-have for today's financial professional.” **Fred Walker, VP of Professional Development, Transamerica Agency Network** “At the Great Basin Agency of American National, we use FSEdNet faithfully. We find the product they have, and the support of Dick Cleary and his team is amazing, this is one of the best training tools we have or have ever had. The sales training and education are for agents and staff at all levels of their careers." **Ken Gallacher, CLU, ChFC, FSS, LUTCF, LACP and Thresa (Terry) Cochran, CLU, ChFC, CLF, FSS, LACP - General Agent, American National** "A revolutionary strategy to help train and develop your producers, regardless of experience. To make an impact, it must be simple to understand and use, and that is exactly what FSEdNet does. This turn-key educational platform will add true value to your value proposition, and will separate you from the competition." **Dan LaBert, CEO, NAILBA - National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies.** "Opening Up the library of videos offered on FSEdNet for our agents provides an immediate resource that supports the new agent experience after initial training and adds to that knowledge base in all areas. Not only do the new agents benefit, but veteran agents can add to or be reminded of information that helps them focus on improving results." **Mike Catania, Ph.D., Director of Learning Management Field Development, Bankers Life and Casualty Company** “Having been in the industry over 30 years, I can honestly say that FSEdNet is a game changer for improving retention, growing rep productivity and developing a highly trained sales force.  I was exposed to Dick Cleary and FSEdNet in another life prior to being with AAA Life and I was very pleased to have the opportunity to introduce an entirely new field force to this awesome tool!  We have used it as the foundation to build our training program.  I would highly recommend FSEdNet to anyone!” - **Allen Jackson LUTCF, FSCP, Vice president of Agent Distribution, AAA Life Insurance Company** “FSEdNet has been the game changer we needed for our General Agents. It is the perfect tool they needed to make their training programs A+.” **Todd Scott, Manager Practice Management & Development, AMERITAS** “We needed to completely update our agent and management development and training platforms. FSEdNet was a perfect fit that did not take additional resources to write, develop and implement the changes we needed. We now incorporate the management training program of FSLEdNet into our weekly development calls with all our entire field leadership team and incorporated FSEdNet into our new agent training program” - **Damian Salvi, Senior Vice President ****and Chief Distribution Officer, The Baltimore Life Companies** "Just a quick comment of appreciation for your FSEdNet. We have been so pleased and impressed with your training program. It has helped our advisors at all different levels in many different areas of your curriculum. It is concise, effective, and easy to use. And you and your team have been incredibly responsive whenever we have a question or a thought."  **James Meehan, Managing Partner at 1847Financial, Penn Mutual** "FSEdNet has provided us with the foundation we needed to strengthen our Field Force training programs.  The courses have provided us with the basics that would have taken us a very long time to develop on our own. The structure of the videos and worksheets helps to improve retention and develop a skilled workforce. I would highly recommend FSEdNet!" ***Beth Jones, Director of Field Force Training Development, First Command Financial Services.*** ![FSEdNet](https://info.hoopis.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FSEDNet_June2018_v2/Images/cleary-pic.png?width=500&name=cleary-pic.png "FSEdNet") - Download Our App - [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4570472/1454e9fc-640c-4dd3-9678-a66d16a7b477.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4570472/1454e9fc-640c-4dd3-9678-a66d16a7b477) - [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4570472/3006a79f-73fd-497e-867a-f7e34856bca5.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4570472/3006a79f-73fd-497e-867a-f7e34856bca5) Copyright © 2021 All Rights Reserved FINANCIAL SERVICES EDUCATIONAL NETWORK, LLC.