In today’s post we discuss Ireland’s national holiday, which is celebrated around the globe. We explain why your insurance agency needs to belong to a wider circle in order to grow.
It is that time of year again when everyone stocks up on their green clothes, shamrocks, leprechaun outfits and of course Guinness. St. Patrick’s Day is a highly anticipated event even for those who do not hold any Irish roots or any Christian beliefs. It not only celebrates the famous Welsh monk who brought Christianity to Ireland, but also brings together the millions of Irish diaspora who are scattered around the globe. This year is set to be even bigger than previous years as over sixty global landmarks have been signed up to go green on March 17th. This number could double by the time the lights are switched on. Rome’s Colosseum, the Sacré-Coeur in Paris, Dubai’s Burj al Arab and Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer are just a few of the iconic landmarks and buildings that will be bathed in green. This is a fantastic way for Irish people abroad to join in the celebrations. It is also very beneficial for Irish tourism which was demonstrated last year when the Global Greening generated positive international media coverage for Ireland worth at least 10 million euros.
It is clear that you do not need to be one of the estimated eight million visitors travelling to Ireland for its four-day St. Patrick’s Day festival to feel part of the celebration. There will be plenty of colorful parades, green rivers and Irish food specials to enjoy no matter where you are based. I am not one of the estimated 40 million people in the US who claim Irish ancestry. I am very proud of the strong union that exists between our two countries, which is evident in the annual tradition whereby the Irish Prime Minister spends St. Patrick’s Day at the White House instead of at home. Even though I only been to Ireland once, I can identify with its heritage and its people. As Niall Gibbons of Tourism Ireland explained, “The eagerness to take part underlines the strength of the deep spiritual connection that people everywhere feel to Ireland.”
The fact is that everyone wants to be part of something bigger. We want to be able to break borders and participate in global events. It is the same for insurance agencies. Everyone is proud to be part of the massive insurance industry and keen to connect with the other members. Running a company can be a very isolating experience and lack of new ideas hinders its growth. It can be very damaging for the business if you choose not to network with other insurance professionals. Fortunately, there are plenty of insurance industry events organized every year for insurers to exchange ideas.
There are many ways to continue to learn. Many insurance agency owners view a sale as the end. For many of these individuals, a sale is just the beginning. They meet new people and undertake new challenges. They enjoy becoming bigger and being able to attract larger account relationships. Change and new challenges are healthy for everyone, including owners of insurance agencies.
