An Australian-grown Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) mentoring program is to be used as the basis of an international scheme.
The MDRT Excelerate program has taught scores of young advisers essential skills, including prospecting, generating referrals and selling, in its two years of operation in Australia.
“Excelerate is all about taking young advisers, or advisers new to writing risk insurance, who have all the qualifications but haven’t got the sales skills,” MDRT Australian chairman Beverley Carlyon said.
“The sessions teach them to build a relationship that introduces and grows loyalty in their clients.”
It was announced at the MDRT annual meeting in Denver, Colorado, that the scheme would be developed and expanded internationally.
The appointment of three new state chairmen – Mathew Gale (New South Wales), Stuart Farrell (Queensland) and Peter Graham (ACT) – was also announced at the meeting.
Mathew Fogarty (Victoria) and Doug Cross in (West Australia) will continue as chairmen. MDRT has still to determine the South Australia chairman.
“It’s a great opportunity. They’re a really energetic and young team. They’re keen and have lots of fresh, new ideas,” Carlyon said.
Carlyon and risk writer Russell Collins founded the program while, five life insurance industry stalwarts Bob Riches, Peter David, Tom O’Connell, John Goldsbrough and Robert Burke take the sessions and pass on their knowledge.
The program has been supported by ANZ, Asteron, Axa, MLC, Tower, Aviva and AMP.
MDRT is an independent international association of the world’s top financial services professionals with 35,000 members in 70 countries. There are 200 local members.
