Sherri A Mitchell, CLU
Financial Representative
Region: Central

After college, I went to work in the operations side of the stock brokerage business.  I quickly learned that I wanted more than a 9 to 5 opportunity, so I sought out advice from one of the brokers. He said, "Go sell insurance for a few years, and Northwestern Mutual is who you should talk to."   

The next evening I went home to find my recently engaged roommates meeting with an Northwestern Mutual financial representative, and he introduced me to someone in his office. That was 19 years ago!

Worthy Rewards
What I value most each day is the ability to help people on an emotional level. The work I do is so important to their families and their employees. But the freedom to allow my own family to come first has certainly been the aspect of the career that is most unique.  

While changing my schedule every year to meet my children's schedule hasn't put me on top of the production numbers, it has allowed me to balance life as a working mom and someone who is making a difference in my clients' lives.

Overcoming the Challenges
For me, it has been most challenging to ignore the competitive nature of the industry. In the beginning I questioned being in an industry that didn't have a great reputation and esteemed status among the public.  

It has actually turned out to be a motivator. I have one of the best companies to represent in Northwestern Mutual, with world-class products and service.  

Everyone should at least have an opportunity to meet with a Northwestern Mutual financial representative, and I live by the golden rule.  

In the beginning of my career, it was also difficult to feel I was the best person for potential clients to meet. However, I realized by being honest and always recommending what you would do for your own family, it became easy to say I'm different and make the process fun. 

What I've Learned
In my career, I've learned that many women are very good at multitasking, and I think I do that well; however, I've also learned that I don't have to be the best at everything I do to consider myself successful. 

We all have a different definition of success, and it took me a long time to be comfortable with that. I thought Northwestern Mutual was defining my success.
  
Looking Forward
You know, I have never qualified for Million Dollar Round Table, and I think of all of the industry and company recognition areas, that's probably the one I want most. Now that all of my children are in school full-time, it's time for me to make that happen.

Some Career Advice
There's nothing more persuasive than a story to help someone absorb the conviction you need for our business.  

My father died three months after I started with Northwestern Mutual. He was 45 years old, a business owner and father of five.  

He died doing what he loved -- flying his own airplane. Fortunately for my mom, he had enough life insurance to provide for the sale of the business, help get my siblings through college, and allow my 42-year-old mom to adjust without him. 

The career demands hard work in the form of long hours developing personal relationships with clients, but bad things still happen and people have to plan for them.  

You have to envision yourself loving the type of discussions we have with people. Asking them personal, financial-related questions and then confidently recommending a solution that fits their needs is not something everyone can do.  

You can't really test-drive a career with Northwestern Mutual unless you are in our college internship, so make a commitment of three to five years, and if you don't love it, find something else that will be your passion. You will have helped everyone you met and learned a lot about yourself in the process.

I can't imagine what my life would be like had I not had the courage to try this business when I was 23 years old. The dues I paid of meeting with people at night or on the weekends is still paying off years later. Not only are they financial rewards, but the flexibility in my schedule to balance my life is another reward.  
 
The Northwestern Mutual Difference
There is no comparison to others in our ongoing service to clients. The network really encompasses specialists who can work jointly to meet any financial need a client develops in their life.   

Outside of Work
Currently, most of my time outside of work revolves around my kids' activities. I volunteer at their church and school, Hales Corners Lutheran. We also participate in the Sparta Area Cancer Support walk in honor of my mom.  

You will also find me at the YMCA on Fridays for a step aerobic class, but during the summer months, you will probably find me golfing in my back yard at Morningstar golf course or a golf outing for charity.

Sherri Mitchell has been a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network since 1986. Visit her website to learn more about her, or call Sherri at 414-615-1832.