“If you are struggling, it means you are doing your job. Be grateful for those struggles. You need it more than success.”
This is Chester Ma Ong’s unorthodox advice to other freshly minted financial advisors. Entering the industry during the pandemic, Chester didn’t expect to top the rookies’ list and join the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) early in his career.
“The award for me is just a bonus. It is a result of excellent service to my clients. This is a gift from God and I am so grateful,” says the 41-year-old father of two.
He shares that if someone works on his attitude, belief and character (the ABC), achieving success is not impossible. “I am just a simple person. If I can do it, you can also do it.”
Like in all industries, the pandemic became a game changer in the insurance industry. With everything dependent on the virtual platform especially in 2020, financial advisors “tested the waters” by applying new practices never before done in Sun Life, even in other companies.
Chester took advantage of the new strategies and studied the business before jumping into selling—which he suggests other financial advisors to follow, too.
Rookies should use their first six months to study. After that, they should apply the learnings immediately, he points out. “Good habits are crucial during first six months. Dream high but learn to discipline yourself.”
For Chester, looking for new clients is one of the challenges, as financial advisors are “faced with so many rejections daily.” Nevertheless, this career has provided him unlimited income, growth potential, and time freedom. “You are not boxed in,” he exclaims.
Sun Life financial advisors are trained not only to become insurance agents, but also advocates of something bigger than themselves. For Chester, his main purpose in life is to glorify God in everything he does.
“Sun Life has the same values and standards that I uphold,” he caps.