Originally published on seniorlevel.com
Who Are You, And What Do You Do?
My name is Matthew Bussard and I am a Medicare Broker.
What Has Been One Insight Or Lesson That Has Been Most Helpful In Your Career?
Try not to worry about what’s going on around you. It’s easy to get wrapped up in what another broker is doing or how they’re running their business. If you can focus on yourself, you’ll get to where you need to be.
What Has Been Your Favorite Mistake? A Mistake That In Retrospect Led To A Great Lesson And Progress.
I always think about delivering pizzas back in college and how I left 3 pizzas on top of my car and drove off in a rush. Of course, I was fired but it reminds me to slow down and go about my business at my own pace.
Project Forward Ten Years. How Will Your Industry Or Field Be Fundamentally Different Then? What Opportunities Do You See?
A lot more technology of course. People may prefer to do business strictly online rather than face-to-face in person. The industry will continue to grow over the next 10 years as baby boomers continue to retire.
What Are Some Bad Recommendations You Hear In Your Profession Or Area Of Expertise?
That you can delay your Medicare enrollment if you’re still working. I can’t stand that one! So often I find my clients save money on Medicare as opposed to keeping their expensive employer healthcare.
In The Last Two Years, What Have You Become Better At Saying No To?
The wrong friends. Being in your 20s, it’s quite easy to develop bad habits, go down the wrong path, etc.
What Is The One Book You Recommend Most Often And Why?
Instead of naming a boring finance book, I’ll say any of the 7 Harry Potter’s. They’re timeless and always bring me back to my childhood.
What Advice Would You Give A Smart And Ambitious Recent College Graduate? What Advice Should They Ignore?
Sometimes you have to show up and prove you’re equal. Especially in the business world, people will always be skeptical because of your young age. You have to impress them with your knowledge and talent. Ignore the ones who believe the actual college matters more than the degree. It’s really the degree that people care about, not the school itself.
What Is Your Favorite Quote, One You Aim To Live By?
Gandhi said you must be the change you wish to see in the world. Basically, instead of wishing something would happen, you need to take action and I think that’s perfect.