The Business of Building Relationships – A Graduation Speech

THE BUSINESS OF BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

Let me start by saying that I never thought I’d experience any more firsts in my 12 years in this profession… until tonight. You can imagine my surprise when I saw my name in the poll last Monday. All the more when you guys voted me as your batch rep.

It is my honor and a privilege to represent all of the 511 graduates of the Masterclass 2020 Batch 1.

Good evening.

On behalf of the first online batch of the MASTERCLASS, I would like to thank the people who worked together and created this opportunity for Sun Life advisors to advance in our practice.

To the men and women of REAP-ISO and H&A, the COVID WONDER TEAM, and Marketing Business Support, Jubi Ragasa, Nic Rodrigues, Deo Orpilla, Ed Antonio, Herbert Juaneza, Iking Atillo, Ian Teruel, Alona Dela Cruz, Zion Fernandez, Threena Magpantay, Francesa Tolentio, Angelica Lamboloto, Cary Casipit, Beron Mangosing and Kenneth Andres. For working tirelessly and giving your all each and every day to prepare and ensure that our evening sessions run efficiently and to create a comfortable environment for us to learn, we thank you.

To the faculty and speakers, Randell Tiongson, Val Baguios, Arnel Pepito, Dr. Alvin Ang, Cary Casipit, Beron Mangosing, Garett Maralit and Ann Payuan. Your passion in your field of expertise resonates in your respective presentations. The wisdom you brought in and the vision you laid out inspires and motivates us to be better than who we were three and a half weeks ago. We thank you.

To each family member represented here by each of the graduates, your support, sacrifice and dedication has not been overlooked. We thank you. And we love you.

To my fellow graduates. I am not sure if you know me. My name is Janet and we have spent the past few Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings together.

We are quite a mix in this huge batch. From rookies to tenured advisors, those who are still struggling to adapt to those who are experienced with the know-how of financial planning. However, there is a state of equilibrium that brings us together and makes us not so different from each other. And that is the heart to educate our fellow countrymen and help them achieve financial freedom.

If there is anything we take away from the past few weeks, be reminded that to leave a legacy and achieve success is not to have more money or recognition. It is to continue to connect with like-minded individuals who seek to add value in other people’s lives, whether they are our clients, recruits or colleagues. We are in the business of building relationships. And relationships are where we get to influence, impact and change other people’s lives. It is a business about people. And your best investment is also in people. Be the kind of person you want to be remembered. This is your legacy.

Truth be told, there is no such thing as secrets to success. It’s all trial and error. All we have to do is find what works for us and stick with it. However, the key to success is resilience. Failure and repeated failure is a sure thing in our journey to achieve success. As sure as breathing is needed to keep us alive. Keep in mind that it is not the number of times that we fail that matters. But the number of times that we peel ourselves off the pavement and move forward.

Frustration, disappointment and self-pity might befriend us from time to time. But do not allow them to become our constant companion and ebb away the ember that was lit these past weeks.

I am reminded of what an MDRT friend, Eszylfie Taylor, once shared. “What I feared most about the business when I started is what I look forward to the most today. And it’s the unknown.” There will always be uncertainties to what the day will bring. Unless you have a crystal ball that tells you exactly what to expect, I suggest we embrace each new day with excitement at what WE can bring to it.

Together, let us pivot through this temporary ruckus and not detract from our set values, principles and commitments. Together, let us optimize each opportunity in this honorable profession as we journey with our clients in building a brighter future for the Filipino people.

Congratulations to the graduates of the Masterclass 2020 Batch 1!

Maraming salamat po.