2014 is almost here, which means a flurry of New Year'sResolutions are upon us. The New Year provides a fresh start, andwhile many will strive to achieve personal goals such as gettingmore exercise, losing weight or breaking a bad habit, 2014 cangrant the opportunity to develop professionally as well.

It is too late to change what has happened in 2013, butagents can learn from their experiences to better serve clients inthe future. Six young agents have sharedtheir insights on how they plan to improve and achieve theirprofessional goals in the coming year.

Click through the following slides to see the resolutions ofyoung and successful agents in the industry.

Whitney Simonetti: Own theFuture

Pursuing a new role in the industry can be daunting, but withadequate preparation and determination, taking your career to thenext level can be extremely rewarding.

Whitney Simonetti, senior marketing specialistof AmericanSafety Insurance, plans on extending herself professionally,delving into new territory as she transitions from marketingmanager to underwriter within the next year:

“After marketing E&S insurance for more than 5 years, I'mfinally making the jump to underwriting. Everyone had alwayssuggested it, but I was always nervous, I loved the marketing side.Now that I've done it for over 5 years, I finally hit my 'ceiling,'and in order to continue to grow in E&S, the next logical stepwas to learn the technical side. I'm nervous, but excited to startmy new role in the beginning of 2014. Lots of changes lieahead!”

Embracing change, implementing a new strategy, or even gettingout of the comfort zone can help agents develop professionally,enabling them to better serve their clients and colleagues.

Ashley Hunter: Make Time toUnwind

Traditionally, New Year's Resolutions are something most peoplehave to continually work on. However, for some agents, notworking is critical in achieving their goals.

“I have actually spent a lot of time on this one,” says Ashley Hunter, president of HM Risk Group. “SinceI own the business, I find that I work even when I am on vacation!I plan on taking a two-week vacation during our slower time, and Iam going to force myself to take three 'work' days off.”

Hard work is important, but taking a break from it all can beequally valuable. Many agents struggle to step away from theoffice, yet studies show that a little rest and relaxation promotesboth health and job performance.

Taking a vacation can help agents avoid burnout. According tostress expert Sharon Melnick, 80% of employees feel stress on thejob, and 70% of healthcare visits are due to stress-relatedconditions. Employees are actually better equipped to perform theirduties at work, as well as maintaining physical health.

Jonathan Lohman: Network to YourAdvantage

Expanding the breadth of industry resources can be the ultimateasset for agents. Creating a knowledge-sharing network betweenbusinesses as well as within the office can help agents providebetter services to clients.

“I've helped develop a team-selling atmosphere here in theoffice with all lines. Our average agent has around 30 years ofindustry experience in each of their respective fields, includinggroup health, financial products, auto, home, life and allbusiness/personal lines of insurance. I've leveraged theirexpertise in building my book and have now opened up a referralsystem for other insurance agents in the area,” says insurance andbenefits producer and marketing specialist, Jonathan Lohman of Lohman Cos.

Lohman's resolution is to create $1 million in personal linesand commercial business premium, which he plans to achieve throughcontinued efforts in networking.

Most agencies or agents have an area of expertise, but using areferral network to expose the sales team to agents, bankers, orother resources can help to generate new business.

“My goal may seem lofty to small town agents or small to largecorporate based companies,” Lohman says. “But it's a realistic goalbased on hard work and determination to keep other young agents inthe business by growing their books as well giving them access toinformation and expert knowledge.”

Brent Kelly: Do it “Write”

A business is only as good as its writing, and whether an agentis composing a 140-character tweet for the company's Twitter feedor writing an email to a respected client, what we say (and how wesay it), is critical in maintaining positive relationships amongclients and coworkers.

When it comes to writing, practice makes perfect. Improvedcommunication skills and learning how to effectively transformthoughts into words can elevate an agency to a new level ofsuccess.

Brent Kelly, property casualty agentfor Clemens and Associates. proposes that writing everyday is a commitment that insurance professionals should make tostrengthen their careers.

“When you write, your thoughts become clearer, you are focused,you gain confidence and you are known as a leader,” Kelly says.

Effective communication, according to Kelley, will allow agentsto gain trust among clients and coworkers, and therefore, agentscan provide better service.

“I schedule my writing time no different than I do an importantappointment. It is marked in my calendar,” Kelly says.

Composing blog entries, writing newsletters or drafting emailsare just some of the ways that agents can practice writing, but amastery of writing skill can be applicable in almost any facet ofthe industry.

Bryan Fontenot: Implement Tech

We're in a technological age, and with all of the apps availableon the market, agents can use these tools to better connect withclients, coworkers and stay organized in the office. Becausetechnology is such an integral part of the office, though,excessive connectivity can be stressful to manage.

Bryan Fontenot, corporate sales executive atBrown &Brown Baton Rouge, plans on using technology to his advantagein the new year.

“With the advancement in technology, there can be a certaininefficiency that's a product of our 'hyperconnectivity.' We areconstantly bombarded with emails, phone calls, social mediaupdates, texts, calendar reminders, etc. In 2014, I want to cut theclutter,” says Fontenot, who plans on using technology to managehis time and workload.

“Recently, I documented my daily habits for an entire week, andI was shocked by the amount of distractions that disrupted myfocus. To combat this, I started unsubscribing to all email blaststhat I'm not reading daily for work. I've also removednotifications on my phone that cause distractions and that are notwork related.”

Removing some of the excess can help agents to stay focused onwhat is most important: the clients. Although Fontenot is workingto remove unnecessary technological distractions, availablity iscritical to success.

“I try and always answer phone calls immediately, andI have calls forwarded from my office to my cell so that I don'tspend valuable time listening to voicemails and returning callslater in the day. Plus, it's very important for me to be accessibleto my clients, as insurance never sleeps,” Fontenot says.

Rachael Rizzi: GetInvolved

Part of the fun of being in the insurance industry is workingwith organizations and groups that relate to your interests.Whether it is a national educational program or a local team,connecting with other professionals through organizations can be arewarding learning experience.

Many agents are already involved in various organizations, butfor those who have not, finding a program that caters to your needsand interests can be a valuable resource for agents. Icreasedinvovlement has becomea priority for many agents in the newyear.

“My goal for 2014 is to expand the reach of Nevada Young Agentsthrough my service as the Chairman for 2014 & 2015,” saysRachael Rizzi, commercial insurance broker forOrgill/Singer & Assocs. Inc.

Taking on the challenges posed by organizations can help growthe abilities of the agent and expand the footprint of theprogram.

“The amazing people on the NVYAC board have spent the last 5 or6 years resurrecting what was previously a defunct organization.Now that we have stable footing, I want to help launch us into thegreatness I know we are capable of.”