--- title: Financial Insights Blog | Training and Development (2) description: Training and Development | Engaging financial insights and tips from your go-to experts on understanding financial services concepts, techniques and more. (2) --- [![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 ## [Leading the 1099 Associates](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/leading-the-1099-associates) Posted by [Richard "Dick" Cleary](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/author/richard-dick-cleary) on Jun 17, 2020 9:16:47 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Leading the 1099 Associates](https://info.hoopis.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AdobeStock_163929749.jpeg?width=300&name=AdobeStock_163929749.jpeg) ](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/leading-the-1099-associates) If you are leading 1099 associates — those who are not employees of your company paid on W-2’s — be aware of the U.S. Department of Labor’s guidelines on how to differentiate between employees and contract labor. Because rules and laws vary from state to state and from one company to another, we cannot provide detailed information or advice. It is important that you work with your company or get state-appropriate legal advice to make sure you are not crossing any of the existing boundaries that could get you in trouble.  [Read More](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/leading-the-1099-associates) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/leading-the-1099-associates#comments-listing) Topics: [Management Development](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/management-development), [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) ## [Use Focused Training Groups to Engage Associates](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/use-focused-training-groups-to-engage-associates) Posted by [Richard "Dick" Cleary](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/author/richard-dick-cleary) on Jun 15, 2020 9:24:45 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Use Focused Training Groups to Engage Associates](https://info.hoopis.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AdobeStock_132167356.jpeg?width=300&name=AdobeStock_132167356.jpeg) ](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/use-focused-training-groups-to-engage-associates) You’ve probably heard these common complaints about training from your mid-tier and top-tier associates:  1. “You offer training only to new hires and neglect those of us who are more experienced.” 2. “You offer the same training to all associates at every level of the career.” 3. “You force training on us that we can’t relate to and don’t find valuable.”  [Read More](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/use-focused-training-groups-to-engage-associates) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/use-focused-training-groups-to-engage-associates#comments-listing) Topics: [Management Development](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/management-development), [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) ## [Should You Go Into Management?](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/should-you-go-into-management) Posted by [Richard "Dick" Cleary](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/author/richard-dick-cleary) on Jun 3, 2020 8:26:55 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Should You Go Into Management?](https://info.hoopis.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AdobeStock_205914027.jpeg?width=300&name=AdobeStock_205914027.jpeg) ](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/should-you-go-into-management) If you are a top-performing associate, chances are, your manager is likely to approach you about going into management at some point. This happens often, and when it does, it requires a deep soul search to figure out whether to consider it or not.  Plenty of producers have left their clientele and practices behind to give management a try, only to discover that they weren’t happy in a management role. Many associates accept the invitation into management because they want to please their managers. Others do so because they aren’t sure where their true passion lies.  [Read More](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/should-you-go-into-management) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/should-you-go-into-management#comments-listing) Topics: [Management Development](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/management-development), [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) ## [A Six-Step Guide to Writing an Effective Elevator Talk](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/a-six-step-guide-to-writing-an-effective-elevator-talk) Posted by [Richard "Dick" Cleary](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/author/richard-dick-cleary) on May 27, 2020 9:13:14 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![A Six-Step Guide to Writing an Effective Elevator Talk](https://info.hoopis.com/hs-fs/hubfs/0%20(5).jpeg?width=300&name=0%20(5).jpeg) ](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/a-six-step-guide-to-writing-an-effective-elevator-talk) When you have a polished, well-practiced “elevator talk,” you can easily introduce your practice to potential clients, nominators and referrals in any situation. After all, you never know if you’re talking to that one person who might be able to help take your practice to the next level. Using a short but well-planned elevator talk is an effective way to present your unique value proposition to people in an engaging way. [Read More](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/a-six-step-guide-to-writing-an-effective-elevator-talk) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/a-six-step-guide-to-writing-an-effective-elevator-talk#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 Literacy — Understanding Social Security's Impact on Retirement](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/social-security-and-retirement) Posted by [Richard "Dick" Cleary](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/author/richard-dick-cleary) on May 20, 2020 9:19:52 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Financial Literacy — Understanding Social Security's Impact on Retirement](https://hello.fsednet.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_59000451.jpeg) ](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/social-security-and-retirement) [Nearly 9 out of 10 Americans](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/retirement/011317/how-have-comfortable-retirement-social-security-alone.asp) aged 65 or older currently receive Social Security. The Social Security Administration estimates that 21 percent of married couples and 43 percent of single seniors rely on Social Security for 90 percent or more of their income. [Read More](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/social-security-and-retirement) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/social-security-and-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), [retirement](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/retirement), [Social Security](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/social-security) ## [Become a Master Communicator: The Importance of Body Language](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/become-a-master-communicator-the-importance-of-body-language) Posted by [Richard "Dick" Cleary](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/author/richard-dick-cleary) on May 19, 2020 7:12:36 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Become a Master Communicator: The Importance of Body Language](https://info.hoopis.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BodyLanguage2.jpg?width=300&name=BodyLanguage2.jpg) ](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/become-a-master-communicator-the-importance-of-body-language) Every good business relationship begins with strong communication skills. Whether you are meeting a client face to face, skyping with someone halfway across the world or giving or listening to a presentation, communication is always in play. [Read More](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/become-a-master-communicator-the-importance-of-body-language) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/become-a-master-communicator-the-importance-of-body-language#comments-listing) Topics: [Agent / Advisor Training](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/agent-advisor-training), [Employee Training](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/employee-training), [Training and Development](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/training-and-development), [Insurance](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/insurance) ## [Why You Should Convert Classroom Training to E-Learning](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/why-you-should-convert-classroom-training-to-e-learning) Posted by [Richard "Dick" Cleary](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/author/richard-dick-cleary) on May 11, 2020 7:29:15 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Why You Should Convert Classroom Training to E-Learning](https://info.hoopis.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AdobeStock_86126721.jpeg?width=300&name=AdobeStock_86126721.jpeg) ](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/why-you-should-convert-classroom-training-to-e-learning) Traditional classroom training will soon be a thing of the past. E-learning is becoming the new norm because it is highly effective as a learning method, and it is extremely cost-effective.  **It’s Effective and Cost-Effective**  [One study](https://www.shiftelearning.com/blog/bid/301248/15-facts-and-stats-that-reveal-the-power-of-elearning) that compared e-learning with traditional classroom training reports these compelling numbers:  [Read More](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/why-you-should-convert-classroom-training-to-e-learning) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/why-you-should-convert-classroom-training-to-e-learning#comments-listing) Topics: [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) ## [5 Reasons Insurance Agencies Should Invest in Video Content](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/5-reasons-insurance-agencies-should-invest-in-video-content) Posted by [Richard "Dick" Cleary](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/author/richard-dick-cleary) on May 6, 2020 10:01:56 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![5 Reasons Insurance Agencies Should Invest in Video Content](https://hello.fsednet.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_212489792.jpeg) ](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/5-reasons-insurance-agencies-should-invest-in-video-content) Regardless of which marketing information source you consult, video content has become the most powerful digital marketing tool to reach consumers. Numerous marketing surveys and study reveal more than 50 percent of consumers prefer to see video content from the brands and businesses they support; and, video content has edged out static photo images as the best performing content for businesses. If you are not leveraging the power of video content to increase your brand awareness and capture leads, it's time to jump on the bandwagon. Video content is the next big thing and it isn't going anywhere soon. Here are six reasons you should invest in video content for your insurance practice: [Read More](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/5-reasons-insurance-agencies-should-invest-in-video-content) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/5-reasons-insurance-agencies-should-invest-in-video-content#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) ## [Avoid "One and Done" Training](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/one-and-done) Posted by [Richard "Dick" Cleary](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/author/richard-dick-cleary) on May 5, 2020 5:50:53 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Avoid ](https://info.hoopis.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AdobeStock_208260153.jpeg?width=300&name=AdobeStock_208260153.jpeg) ](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/one-and-done) Training would be much more effective if we could remember all the new information we are exposed to.  According to *[Psychology Today](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/open-gently/201504/theres-no-such-thing-photographic-memory)*, there is really no such thing as “photographic memory,” although some people can recall information vividly and in great detail. The phenomenon that comes closest is “eidetic memory,” which shows up in about 2 to 10 percent of children, but virtually no adults. “Eidetikers” can hold onto an image for about half a minute to several minutes after it is gone. If you give them 30 seconds to look at a picture, even after you whisk it away, they can describe it with unusual accuracy and detail.  [Read More](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/one-and-done) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/one-and-done#comments-listing) Topics: [Management Development](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/management-development), [Agent / Advisor Training](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/agent-advisor-training), [eLearning](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/elearning), [Employee Training](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/employee-training), [Training and Development](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/training-and-development), [Insurance](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/insurance) ## [How Well Are Your Selling and Marketing Efforts Aligned?](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/how-well-are-your-selling-and-marketing-efforts-aligned) Posted by [Richard "Dick" Cleary](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/author/richard-dick-cleary) on Apr 8, 2020 9:15:27 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![How Well Are Your Selling and Marketing Efforts Aligned?](https://hello.fsednet.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_110574364.jpeg) ](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/how-well-are-your-selling-and-marketing-efforts-aligned) Selling and marketing are two critical components of any advisor’s practice. Although people sometimes use these two terms interchangeably, they are quite different. [Read More](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/how-well-are-your-selling-and-marketing-efforts-aligned) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/how-well-are-your-selling-and-marketing-efforts-aligned#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) [Previous](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/training-and-development/page/1) [All Posts](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/all) [Next](https://info.hoopis.com/blog/tag/training-and-development/page/3) [![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/tag/training-and-development/page/2#) ![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.