The Profile of Success is a brief overview where I present an agent that is consistently reaching their goals. I also define factors, that you will study and refine, that led their accomplishments. In the featured agent's profile, I identify the key success factors, behaviors, and values that have led them to succeed. As I mentor new agents, as well as the more experienced ones, I stress eleven key points that we have found to be proven elements that exhibit a Successful Agent Profile. As your mentor, I will guide you in mastering these eleven key points as you progress through your introductory training.

Eric Lu - Houston, TX
This month we are featuring Eric Lu. To follow is a breakdown of the eleven elements and how Eric incorporates them in his day to day business activities. Eric, a successful agent is:

Dedicated to Success
Eric has been an agent for 15 years and has consistently been one of the top agents in our district. In addition, Eric holds the distinction of being one of the top commercial producers in the state of Texas. Eric achieves this rank because of his dedication to success. His dedication is derived from a competitive behavior which is combined with working smart - not hard - Eric consistently makes Toppers Club and Profit Bonus. Eric is quoted as saying, "Remember to work 'half a day' and you'll do great. The catch: a day has 24 hours!"

Passionate about Operating his own Successful Business
Eric shows the passion and dedication it takes to run his own independent business. One element that demonstrates this is how Eric cares for his employees. First, Eric has recruited the best people he can find and is continually looking for new individuals that can enhance his agency along with grow his client base. By treating his workers with respect and empowering them with the tools and education to meet their goals, Eric is rewarded with very low turnover and high productivity. He currently employs two senior staff members in his agency. He says, "They are beautiful, hard-working, and smart. They are THE BEST!"

Excellent Communicator; able to Understand and Anticipate Customer Needs
Eric is able to articulate the Farmers message. He understands and anticipates the needs of his customers by keeping a keen eye on the changing demographics of his current clients and opportunities in new emerging markets.

Trusted Member of the Jeff Hastings AgencyFamily and his own Community
Eric is proud to be a member of the Jeff Hastings Agency family and a leader his community. Eric and his staff are active supporters of the Special Olympics. His son, Justin is a Special Olympian who has competed in many different sports. Eric frequently donates to the March of Dimes organization and him and his wife, Louise visit senior citizens once a month with their Temple group. Eric can always be counted on to participate in whatever community activity the district is supporting.

Willing to Leverage Technology to Gain a Competitive Edge
Eric is willing to learn and embrace technology and look at ways it can give his agency a competitive advantage, and grow faster than many agents of his tenure.

Articulate
Eric is comfortable speaking to large groups or one on one - from presenting on the benefits of Insurance to upgrading an existing policy holder.

Ethical and Responsible
Eric stays up-to-date on current industry standards to obtain an ethical and responsible Agency. His customers are comfortable in knowing that they have an agent that they can trust!

Entrepreneurial
As noted above, Eric understands and anticipates the needs of his customers by keeping a keen eye on the changing demographics of his current clients and opportunities in new emerging markets. Eric took the imitative to learn all the aspects of commercial business and it has really paid off for him. Eric is the top commercial producer in our district and one of the top in the state!

Confident and Poised
Through the 15 years of running a successful agency - this goes without saying - if you have not had the opportunity to meet Eric please find the time. He is one of the nicest, most genuine people that you will ever meet. He has a heart of gold.

Persuasive
Eric's style of doing business includes ethics, honesty, and trustworthiness which are a perfect match in writing new policies and up selling his existing clients based on their changing needs. He says that you should always think positive and be passionate about what you can do for your clients and it will pay off. He believes in counting each 'no-sale' as a step further to a new close.

Independent
Eric was nominated 2005 District 65 Agent of the Year. The District uses many criteria in determining Agent of the Year including overall production in all lines of business, retention, and agency growth.

In summary, Eric just does the right things that consistently lead to his Agency's success.

Nicely done and District 65 thanks you, Eric!