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Much appreciated. I'm a pretty laid back person. I can be persistent without being pushy. Slow and steady wins the race. I'll keep you posted. Hugs.

I'm pretty laid-bak too, and now that I re-read my comment I'm thankful you didn't misunderstand me. i didn't mean to say that you're having the troubles I wrote about. When I was writing I was remembering my first experiences in sales. Although I was in a professional sales role (like you) I feared that people would expect me to be like a used-car salesperson, or think of me that way. I also remember getting hit with objections that I didn't have an answer for. Each time as I drove to the following appointment I'd replay the exchange in my mind and almost always come up with a friendly and effective come back. I was proud of myself later to be able to use those come backs during meetings! Yes, slow and steady. That's often been tough for me! XXXOOOXXX Emma

Attagirl, Michelle! There is a lot to learn. But your approach and attitude will help you so much. Try emulating your manager and soon you’ll find your own style and voice. Handling objections is tough, especially the first time for each one. After, you may wish you’d countered with something and sure, the meeting might have gone better. But each time you learn more, and next time you’ll be better prepared. Many people think sales is easy, for those who speak quickly and able to convince people to buy. In fact, sales roles are hard and sleaziness doesn’t work. Stay patient with yourself, learn each day, and in a short time you’ll feel empowered and see how you’re offering a real and valuable service to your customers and your company. Emma

Dear MichelleLea, My heart and prayers are with you. I KNOW you can do it! Selling insurance is a challenge because you are selling PEACE OF MIND, and it is an abstract concept rather than a concrete object. Am cheering for you! Your friend, Monica

​Hahaha!

um, a live duck?

Thanks for the encouragement and advice. I was in training all day and will go out with the district manager tomorrow to start making calls. At first, all we are doing is getting an appointment. After that, we can sit down with the business owner and make our presentation. I'll let you know how it goes. I've just got to jump in and get my feet wet. Oh, btw, I did win a duck in training today.LOL

May I add my congratulations. I will be looking forward to reading it. You go, girl!

Good luck Michelle!!!

One more thing, please. Did you ever hear that when you’re selling a drill you’re not selling a tool that holds bits and twirls them around. What you’re actually selling are holes. The same thing is true for insurance. In this case you’re selling peace of mind. If something unfortunate happens (and we know it does, all too often and to each of us) your customers will be covered financially. Maybe not 100% and it’s true that insurance doesn’t cover emotional distress, at least the effects of monetary loss are reduced when we need it most. Good luck in your new career. I’m confident you’ll do well. Emma

That sounds awesome, Chrissy! Yes, please keep us informed.

Selling anything, especially something like insurance, is tough. I sold capital equipment for about five years and I was pretty good at. Why? Because what I was really selling was myself. Be friendly, respectful, and educational. If they don’t want to listen or hear your pitch: - Is there a better or more convenient time for me to come back to talk? - Would you mind if I follow up with you again in, say, six months? (Keep short notes so when you do return you can remind them about your previous visit.) Keep at it and make it fun. When you’re on the phone be sure to stand and smile while you’re speaking. Your voice will be warmer and your energy will come through. Emma

I didn't mean to publish that just yet. Anyway, I want to say that this has become like a second home on TG Guide. I have enjoyed getting to know Monica, Chrissy, and Emma and appreciate your comments. It will be comforting to have you all along for the ride as I start my new journey. Hugs.

Emma, Enjoy the talk! I have to admit I wasn't thrilled by her new book, but I loved the first one and have loved her every time I've heard her speak (never in person, just on TV). On the topic of community - I think for me it was important to (finally) realize that I could shift my social priorities away from the trans community without cutting myself off from the people and issues of the community. So I keep doing the support group, and I work with some trans identified clients at my internship and on a volunteer basis, etc. xoxo Chrissy

Michelle, I also have two sons that I have somewhat distant relationships with. The older (33) is kind of stand-offish, very sensitive to anything I might say, and invulnerable. The younger (29) vacillates between horribly depressed and fairly steady. He resists getting and holding onto a job because his mother (we divorced over 20 years ago) rescues him with money frequently although every single psychologist has advised that that is the exact opposite thing to do. These relationships have been painful for me especially as I know that I played my own negative role as I was so depressed and uncertain myself during their childhood. But I was also much closer to them that my father was to me and hey, I turned out all right - I think! I'm so happy for you to get your insurance license and wish you the best in finding a job that you enjoy. Take care, Emma

This topic came up in a recent post on Joanna Santos’ blog, "Musings From My Everyday Life" as well. I think Chrissy explained it much better than Joanna or me. I feel the same way as her and I’ve also wondered about it. I love it here at TGGuide but otherwise I just want to get on with my life. My main friends are cisgender women, some gay, some straight. I seem to fit right in with women as friends and I love that. All that said, tonight I’m going out to dinner with two cis women who have transgender daughters. After, we’re going to see Janet Mock give a talk! It’s getting more chilly in Seattle so I’m looking forward to wearing a new jacket I bought at Nordstrom Rack a couple of weeks ago. Emma P.S. I would also like to add how much I appreciate Chrissy, Monica, and Michelle, as well as all others here. It’s been three years for me at TGG and its helped me so much. BTW, My first name is Emma. I originally coined "Sweet" as an anonymous last name that also, I hoped, reflected my disposition. These days I'm often using my family name Gray. My full name is Emma Joy Gray!