Saturday, November 9, 2013

Feature #68: Charles Brookins, Licensed Life and Health Insurance Agent






Name: Charles Brookins
Current Job Position Title: Licensed Life and Health Insurance Agent

Company Name: Insphere Insurance Solutions/Health Markets

Contact Information: 770-334-0437;
770-334-0437


 
Special skills: Asset Protection, Retirement Planning, Go Between and 1st line of Contact for Clients with various Insurance Carriers, Problem Solving, Strong Negotiation Skills, Great Listener

Describe your job story:

My job story starts after 2007 I had just graduated finally from The Clark Atlanta University with a Bachelor’s of Art in Criminal Justice. Now I’m thinking of finding my niche in my career field, but didn’t really know where to start. My first job in my career field was as a Document Clerk for the Fulton County Solicitor General’s Office. I worked just enough hours not to be considered full time, and was paid two dollars more than the State minimum wage. My pay was not meeting up with my monthly responsibilities, so I started moonlighting as a security guard at night. Now I’m working two jobs and things still aren’t evening out so to speak. I finally gave my formal resignation, and tried my luck at sales. My first sales job was with L.A. Fitness in 2008, and by far one of the best experiences of my life. I was able to work out, and get paid for signing people up for gym memberships.

I left L.A. Fitness in 2009 and started doing various temporary Customer Service Jobs with Call Centers. This went on for the next three years with various companies; too many to even begin naming. The last call center/sales position I held was with a company called All Connect, and they were the first company to give me a broad array of products to offer to prospective buyers. They were also the first company to actually teach me the intricacies and the art of suggestive selling. All Connect taught their employees to approach each opportunity in a more consultative manner. I don’t think I could put a price on the knowledge I gained from my Supervisor or my teammates. I was making so much money with All Connect I didn’t know what to do with it after I paid my bills. The only drawback with their organization, in my opinion, would be the unwillingness to adjust shift schedules. So after I left All Connect I started researching Careers where I would have more control over my schedule, and still could make a substantial amount of money. I had it narrowed down to two choices which were real estate agent and insurance agent. After speaking with individuals in both fields I chose the latter and never looked back.

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager?
When I was a child I wanted to be a lawyer, and as a teenager I wanted to be a comedian.

Are doing your dream job?
I love my career because I am actually offering services that people actually need. I really feel like I have given them solutions to those tricky questions that come with just living life.

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST?
What I like most about my career is that I meet new people every day. I get to interact with different personalities, and also get a chance to look at situations with a different perspective. Insurance is constantly changing so you have to be knowledgeable of these changes, and able to adapt to unique situations that will present themselves. What I don’t like about my job is the driving.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Five years from now I expect to have written over 2 million dollars in life and health insurance policies. I would like to have a couple of kids, and do a lot of traveling. If all goes well I may be inclined to open my own insurance agency.

Are you happy with where you are in life?
Yes, I am. I would not trade my current situation for anything in the world. I have a beautiful wife, a budding career, and all the support you need to be successful.

What more do you want to do with your life?
I actually would like to give back more in a philanthropic way. I want to get to a point in life where I can actually say I helped better another person’s situation. My grandmothers were both loving and giving people, and they were able to instill that in their children. It’s like that Coke Commercial where one good deed inspires many.

 What drives/motivates you?
The fear of complacency is what motivates me. A good sales man told me that you need to stay uncomfortable to be successful. You can’t have a great week and rest the next. Consistency is the key to establishing your brand and building your business.

What else do you do?
I like to shoot pool every now and then. One of my favorite past times is feeding the ducks at Piedmont Park with my wife.

 What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?
There is no such thing as not having hope. You have to believe that God put you on this earth for a reason. If you’ve tried a couple of things and they didn’t pan out the way you like it take what good experiences and knowledge that you can, and apply them to your next endeavor. The key is to never give up in seeking what you are good at. Once you find your niche in life it’s not a job anymore it starts to become a passion for you.That’s when you know you’ve found what you love to do. It doesn’t feel like work, and you find out that you are actually quite good at it whatever it may be.

 

Friday, November 8, 2013

I Shall Live and Not Die

I was the happiest broke person ever today.
Something in me is superdeedooper encouraged.
Nothing could snag my joy.
I felt as if whatever I wanted to make happen for myself---
was close.

For anyone out there who is stressed out for lack of funds, don't put your trust in money. Don't stress out because you don't have a dollar to your name. Don't feel downtrodden because your pockets are flat and that you are bank accounts are empty...or your bills are behind. You are more than your account. You are an amazing human being. Your existence is VALUED. You are important. You have a purpose.

I had to get myself together a little while ago. I was way out of line. All I could think of bills. I nearly lost my mind with the bill collectors calling me and leaving voice messages. I shifted my mind to my life's purpose. I have talents...gifts...and abilities that have not been tapped into.

I shifted my thinking and thought about how blessed I am and began to feel better. Suddenly, I began to feel refreshed.

Lately, I have gotten back into meditation. I relax my brain and think of ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Seems like that would be difficult, huh? Not at all. I sat in my bedroom and cleared my head of all negativity. I cleared my brain of positive thinking. I thought of zilch...zero....nada.

My sleep patterns have been more wholesome (my pillows and sheets are not as raggedy...that always indicates rough sleep) and I have awakened more refreshed.

I've also got more into the Holy Bible. As a Christian, I have to stay in his word to keep myself uplifted in challenging times.

Not to be too longwinded, but shift the way you think. Stop thinking about money so much. Take time for yourself and think...about nothing. Read the Bible for spiritual rejuvenation. And simple...

LIVE.

>>> I am motivating aspiring authors all month. If you are working on a book and need someone to read the first few pages and offer feedback, email your entries to thebrownorange@gmail.com. Entries must be no longer than 5 pages.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

I Will Read Your Writing for FREE!

SOMETIMES YOU WANT A READER.

I am dedicated to assist aspiring writers to hone and improve their craft. All this month, I will be giving FREE READING REVIEWS!

Entries must not exceed 5 pages. You will receive my feedback, including necessary suggestions. I am interested in reading short stories, anecdotes, and essays. Send your entries to: thebrownorange@gmail.com.

 {Please share this opportunity with your #writer friends.}

Check out my website: www.thebrownorangebooks.com.


www.thebrownorangebooks.com


 

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

The COUNTRIES Viewing My Blog!

A HUUUUUGE shout-out to the amazing countries that are keeping up with my blog!!!
 
United States

 
Philippines

 
France

 
Ukraine

 
Brazil

 
Indonesia

 
Russia
 
"Thank youuuuu!"

Monday, October 28, 2013

Happy Birthday, Edith Head!

I am not a fashion mogul or anything like that, but I am definitely in love with autobiographies and biographies of amazing icons. Particularly, female icons. I love reading about their lives, successes, and accomplishments. Google is celebrating a special lady today and although I haven't read your life story just yet, I am astonished by her results in Google images.

I Googled Edith Head and got a whole bunch of pics!

I love them all.

There are a couple that caught my eye:


I would LOVE to have her drive and tenacity.

The visuals are very stimulating.

I love her creativity.

I love how she still lives on. 


Edith Head

Born: October 28, 1897, San Bernardino, CA
Died: October 24, 1981, Los Angeles, CA

<Images from Google Images>



Saturday, October 26, 2013

"Get off Your Lazy Buns!"

Okay...now that I have gotten your attention again, I wanted to give you this slice of motivation:
You can do anything you want to do. You are powerful. You are able. You are capable. Never let anyone tell you differently. Stop giving up because you "don't feel like it." You will push forth toward your dreams ANYWAY.

I keep my smile because that's the best I can do. Behind my smile is stress, overthinking, and more stress...but guess what? I refuse to let it get the best of me. I refuse to allow life to ruin my beauty or take all my teeth. I refuse to stop smiling. Smiling gets me through.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Bills...Bills...BILLS.

(sigh)

Can you relate to the tone of my blog title?

My head ain't spinning but it is definitely at a standstill.

Eh.