Are you Broker of the Year material?
Nominations for the 2024 Broker of the Year Award are currently open. But what makes someone Broker of the Year material? Hear from some of our past winners.
NIBA wants to recognise the next group of senior broking leaders who have paved the way for the profession's future through their commitment to professionalism and dedication to their clients. Thanks to award partners CGU, the national Broker of the Year award winner, unveiled at the 2024 NIBA Convention, will experience the trip of a lifetime.
They will undertake a life-changing 4-day executive education course at the NYU Stern Business School before returning and putting their newfound skills into practice. With such an envious opportunity up for grabs, the question is, what makes someone Broker of the Year material? And could this be you?
The award nominees will be judged across three main pillars, among other criteria.
These are:
1. Being an inspirational representative for the broking profession – this could be through your involvement in mentoring programs, broking events, or professional committees. You can also demonstrate this through how much of a team player you are in your day-to-day practice.
Barry Sonter, the 2023 Broker of the Year winner, says broking isn't an individual pursuit, and good broking is always a team effort. "Providing quality broking advice to clients is a team process," he says.
2. Demonstrated professionalism as a senior broker – this is all about how you go above and beyond for your clients and hold yourself up to the highest standards of professionalism. Part of this is also your commitment towards continued professional development.
"My clients tell me that you've always been that reliable source of information or that person that's been there for us," says Mr Sonter.
"There was a long-standing client lady that I dealt with in North Queensland who wrote me a significant email that went for a couple of pages. It was just to thank me."
3. Giving back to the community – whether it's bushfires or floods, brokers play a significant role in helping communities get back on their feet after a natural disaster, the occurrence of which has only been increasing in recent years.
"Compiling your submission is a fun way of reflecting on your career to date and your own personal achievements (some of which you may have forgotten). It is also an opportunity to share how you have had an impact outside of our industry," says Shelley Hymas, the 2020 Broker of the Year award winner.
The Broker of the Year Award is open to self-nominations for the first time. So, if you're an ambitious senior broker who has been a passionate advocate for the profession, goes the extra mile for your clients and has strong ties to the community, why not put your hand up to be recognised?