Hayley Hall Colquitt
Vice President of Sales Recruiting
January offers a prime opportunity to cut through distractions and focus on what truly matters for your career in the upcoming year. Your objectives are likely set, and the slower pace may help you assess whether last year aligned with the kind of producer you aspire to be, or whether much of your time was spent addressing gaps in service, support, or resources.
From a producer’s standpoint, the first quarter is a valuable time to review your career trajectory and assess whether you’re positioned for growth. Making a move early in the year can provide a clearer, more strategic path, as your production targets align with a full business cycle and commissions from the previous year are typically settled.
If you’re considering a change this year, now is an ideal time to reflect on your current role and whether your goals and efforts need adjustment. No matter where you stand in your decision-making, here are some thoughtful ways to approach the first quarter:
Tune into how you feel as the year begins.
In my experience, sustaining momentum can be difficult if your platform isn’t fully supporting you. If you find yourself facing similar challenges to those from last year, it might be time to pause and reevaluate. Your initial feelings in January can provide important clues.
Define what you want more of this year.
Many producers I speak with aren’t seeking change just for the sake of change. Rather, they often desire increased support, opportunity, alignment, or control over the business they want to develop. Pinpointing the key areas where you need something different—whether that’s stronger service teams, a more collaborative culture, unique resources, or higher earning potential—can help steer your decisions.
Honestly review last year’s obstacles.
January can reveal recurring issues that may have held you back. Perhaps renewals were tougher than expected, or you spent too much time solving problems instead of selling. Maybe you’ve hit a ceiling in income, support, or the types of accounts you want to pursue. Recognizing these barriers can clarify what might need to change for you to advance.
Evaluate if your current platform aligns with your long-term ambitions.
From my perspective, a successful year involves both closing deals and building momentum. Consider whether your current environment is well-suited for the year ahead. Do you have:
- The tools to pursue your target accounts?
- A team to back your book of business?
- Leadership and culture that foster your growth?
Keep your clients at the heart of your decisions.
With 2025 behind you, many clients may be in a stable position as the new policy year begins. This stability can give you space to assess your career. Any transition should support both your goals and the service level your clients expect. If you choose to make a move in Q1, you’ll have time to communicate thoughtfully with clients about what the change means for them in the next renewal cycle.
If your self-assessment raises doubts about whether your current platform can support your goals and clients, it may be worthwhile to explore what a different platform could offer for your growth. Please reach out if you would like to discuss opportunities at MMA.
