Leaders Blog

There's one and only one secret to sales---consistent, ruthless activity. We all know it, heck--that's how we built our businesses, but somehow, when it comes to growing membership at NAIFA, we find ourselves freezing, not knowing the value proposition, being hesitant to put ourselves out there to ask others to join even though we clearly see and have experienced the value. I get it--believe me, I totally get it. If I had a dollar for every person that told me I should be in sales, I would be a millionaire, but the issue I always had was for me to sell a product, I had to really believe in it. The problem with me is that I have a hard time in believing in most products, but I am a diehard in believing in concepts or philosophical truths. 

I grew up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. in Maryland, an original colony state. When you grow up in an original colony state, history is just embedded into your education. You are taught the Paul Revere story by first grade and know the entire American Revolution, minutemen, and writing of the Declaration of Independence before you ever leave elementary school. You understand states rights and the power of states coming together--and moreover, the force that we can be as a democracy when we come together to fight. 

We're pleased to congratulate loyal NAIFA member Cheryl Canzanella, CLU, ChSNC, LUTCF, on her new position with NAIFA partner Fairway Independent Mortgage. Cheryl will take over the role of HECM Business Development Manager - Retirement Solutions.

Since joining NAIFA in 2010, Cheryl has been active in the NAIFA community. She is a Past President of NAIFA-Northeast Florida and has served in leadership positions at the local, state, and national levels. She is also a recipient of NAIFA-FL's President’s award. In 2019, she was recognized as NAIFA’s Young Advisor Team Leader of the Year. Cheryl is also a Founding Past President of Women in Insurance & Financial Services (WIFS) Northeast Florida.