We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Esther Zufelt a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Esther thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Everyone has crazy stuff happen to them, but often small business owners and creatives, artists and others who are doing something off the beaten path are hit with things (positive or negative) that are so out there, so unpredictable and unexpected. Can you share a crazy story from your journey?
One of my clients referred me to a family member, stating he needed a couple of my services. I called and texted him several times; however, I had difficulty reaching him. After several attempts, I contacted my client and informed her that it had been two months, and I had yet to get a hold of him. She asked me to keep trying. On one occasion, he happened to be with her. We were able to speak and get his life insurance application submitted, but he had to submit his first premium once approved, due to a personal issue. Once approved, I contacted him, and we were scheduled to meet a few days later. The day before our scheduled meeting, my client called and asked if her family member’s life insurance had been issued and paid for. I asked if everything was alright, due to the intensity in her voice that was out of the ordinary. I informed her that he and I were scheduled to take care of it all the following day. I could tell her countenance had fallen. I asked her once more if all was well, and she informed me that the family had been shot in front of an apartment complex, having been mistaken for someone else. Unfortunately, because no payment had been made, there was no payout. It was heart-wrenching, and it made me realize how much time is of the essence, especially when we have families or people who depend on us. We aren’t promised tomorrow, and it stinks to leave our families not only emotionally, but financially, devastated if and when we pass.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
By nature, I’m more of an observer than anything else. Writing has always been my g0-to, as an author of three books, several plays, and blogger. However, after several instances with family friends who had passed and left their families financially devastated, I knew there HAD to be a solution to this. I also looked around and saw many people my age in deep debt and knew very few people on track for retirement. I was hungry for financial knowledge, because I wanted to be financially empowered and help others as well, so when help came my way in the form of my cousin and a friend, I jumped on it!
In order to do the best job for people, I ensured I became well-educated so I could pass on the knowledge to others. The first step is ALWAYS an 8 – minute financial check-up, to find out where they stand and where they can improve on, or maximize, their finances. I have a life insurance license, so I can educate and help individuals/families become PROPERLY protected. I have my securities licenses, so I can assist individuals with their investments, new and old. For those looking to get out of debt, I have a system I plug their numbers into that helps them eliminate their debt the fastest, most prudent way possible, paying their minimums. I also help those interested in saving money on their auto and home insurance, as well as protecting their identity.
My crusade is based on making sure people are financially equipped, protected, debt free, and prepared for retirement.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
In my market, I’m known for my consistency. I’m also known for being available to answer questions my (potential) clients may have and being honest if I’m uncertain about a specific scenario but being willing to get them an answer or solution as soon as possible. I firmly believe in ensuring people understand what and why, versus selling them something. If they don’t understand the purpose of a thing, I am in no hurry to move forward. They also know I network with many people in various industries, so they tend to feel comfortable calling me to ask for referrals for just about anything. Due to those things and more, word-of-mouth is how I meet most of my clients.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Most of my clients have come to me by word-of-mouth. If a person has a great experience with me, whether they need any of my products or services or not, they often feel comfortable introducing me to people they know who may benefit from my services, or at least getting a financial check-up. Social media has been the second best source of new clients for me. I have met several people who have found me in groups or found me via posts of clients or individuals who have met or spoken to me. Being authentic has made it easy to connect with people, I’ve been introduced to or met on social media.
Contact Info:
- Website: http:estherzufelt.com
- Facebook: Esther Mfon Zufelt
- Other: TikTok – ezfitfinances