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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025
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Fear Isn’t Just for Halloween One Step at a Time Toward Broker Bravery
Haunted houses, scary movies, and other frightening bumps in the night — Halloween is a time of year when people like to scare themselves on purpose. But for brokers, fear doesn’t wear a costume or wait for a holiday. It shows up when you’re staring at a deal you don’t quite understand or are worried you may not meet your client’s expectations. That fear of being in over your head is normal and a sign you care. Like everyone else, I have felt the fear of challenges, but you can take steps as a broker or individual to face those worries head-on and use the fear to help you grow. As a broker, you may have many common fears about the business, such as rejection, financial loss, missed opportunities, and making mistakes. We are all human and experience these emotions. With constant fluctuations in the market and your clients turning to you to guide them through their own concerns, it’s easy to feel the pressure build. You don’t have to know everything or have all the answers; just start where you’re solid. Fear is often about the unknown, so by tackling things you feel confident in first, you can use that as a foundation to keep your footing as you move forward. Assess and understand your strengths and weaknesses, then determine if a resource can help you in the areas where you don’t have as much expertise. Maybe your fear stems
work for you. Getting other perspectives allows you to see things from a new angle you may not have imagined. Brokers can lean on partners like CHB; it’s what we are here for. Take notes on every deal or transaction you make, jotting down what worked or didn’t so you can refine your approach. You can learn a lot from your own experiences and being intentional about how you frame them. If you fear particular areas of your work, research the topics, find books or podcasts, or even consider taking an online course. Get into the habit of sharing knowledge. The more you can teach someone, even if you just explain a process to a client, the better you understand it yourself. Again, fear is often the result of the unknown, so you chase that away by learning more. You have to face the monster if you want to escape a horror movie. So, go out there and put what you know or have learned to work. Think of your real-life experiences as exposure therapy. Even if a deal doesn’t go as planned, think of failure as feedback that can teach you something, as long as you pay attention. It’s okay to make mistakes, but don’t make them
twice. You’ll feel more comfortable and confident each time you expose yourself to something that makes you afraid.
from technical knowledge or a lack of time. Perhaps automation, a program, or a professional could help fill the gap so you feel more confident to take on those challenges.
If you are feeling stuck, start small. Make one call. Ask one question. Take one step. Forward momentum comes from trying, learning, and doing it over again. Help someone else get moving, too, because you build confidence in yourself when you support others. Fear might never entirely disappear, but it will lose its power every time you push through it.
Build upon what you know and learn more. As scary as asking for help can feel, one of the best ways to overcome fears is to be more vulnerable and seek support from a trusted colleague, friend, or mentor. The people in your circle may have experienced similar challenges and have solutions that could
–Kit West
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MESSAGE MASTERY Tips for Modernizing Your Email Marketing
Ho-ho-hold off on holiday promotions! Holiday-related email promotions can be tiresome for customers already bombarded by plenty of distractions, so consider being one of the few vendors that presents them with an opportunity for a breather. Before a major holiday, allow them to opt out of holiday-themed promotional emails. Learn from your leading customers. First, if you haven’t devised a loyalty or rewards program for your most loyal patrons, consider doing so immediately. If you’ve already segmented and targeted your marketing to appeal to the most active people within your consumer base, take it a step further by utilizing them to strengthen the effectiveness of your email communications. Pay particular attention to what your most enthusiastic supporters click on and respond to. Their reactions are a valuable template for what may attract new customers. Email marketing in 2025 isn’t the computerized version of chiseling an ad into a stone tablet; it’s a still-relevant tool that can attract and retain consumers in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Even in an age dominated by social media, many businesses still succeed by focusing on the more traditional model of reaching consumers through their inboxes. As with any marketing tactic, making your emails stand out and generate sales is the key to making your mailing list work for you. Here are three ways to sharpen your approach in 2025 and beyond. Don’t drown in the social media sea. Email marketing still has the advantage over showcasing your wares on TikTok, Facebook, X, or Instagram. For one thing, utilizing social media as your sole means of marketing is like sprinkling fish food in the ocean and hoping the right fish chows down. When you post on social media, you compete against political memes, duck-faced vacation photos, and all the other content users receive. By focusing on developing effective email marketing,
you avoid subjecting your company to the algorithmic whims of social media platforms and hone in on your customers’ specific interests, buying habits, and demographics.
Sunday Habits That Set You Up for the Week No More Manic Mondays
Declutter Decluttering and clearing your space will directly impact your mental state. This can be an overwhelming task at times, especially if you have a house full of kids, but you can make it manageable by keeping up with it every week. It might be easier once the kids go to bed, but take a few minutes every Sunday to walk through your house and pick up any items off the floor, on furniture, and anywhere else they may be lying. Plan Ahead Nothing will better prepare you for the week ahead than planning. Look through your work schedule and your kids’ calendars to make sure you’re aware of upcoming events,
After a long week of work, many Americans relax, participate in their hobbies, and try to avoid increased responsibilities during the weekend. While this can be beneficial for your mental health, have you ever felt like your week was off to a rough start as soon as Monday rolled around? There’s nothing wrong with relaxing on the weekend, but putting aside your responsibilities for a few days can put you behind the eight ball. You don’t need to set aside your Sunday to deep-clean the house from top to bottom, but adding beneficial habits to the final day of the weekend can ensure every week starts on the right foot.
games, or practices. You could also consider meal prepping if the upcoming week looks busier than usual. To take it a step further, prepack your kids’ lunches, lay out clothes for the workweek, and write down additional responsibilities you’ll have throughout the week. Light Cleaning As stated earlier, you don’t need to deep-clean every week, but your home will look much better if you establish weekly light cleaning behaviors. Wipe down the surfaces in your kitchen, clean the windows, and give your floor some love by mopping, vacuuming, or sweeping. If you have the time and energy, consider doing a load of laundry or two. These little tasks will add up, making your house consistently sparkle.
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As the year progresses, brokers have a golden opportunity to close strong and set the stage for a thriving next season. At CHB, success is about steady, intentional communication and understanding your clients’ evolving needs. By focusing on staying connected, uncovering pain points, and helping clients envision their future, you’re not just closing deals; you are planting seeds for growth now that will pay off for years to come. STAYING CONNECTED TO CLIENTS NOW WILL PAY OFF LATER FINISH THE YEAR STRONG
GRILLED TERIYAKI FLANK STEAK
Inspired by TheShortOrderCook.com
INGREDIENTS • 1 1/2 lbs flank steak Marinade • 2/3 cup red wine • 1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari • 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup sesame oil • 1 tbsp sesame seeds • 1 tsp minced garlic • 1/4 tsp black pepper • 1/4 tsp ginger powder • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. 2. Place the flank steak in a large, rimmed dish. Pour the marinade over the meat. 3. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for 15 minutes. Flip and let marinate for another 15 minutes. 4. Preheat grill to 400 F. 5. Add the meat to the grill and cook for 3–5 minutes on each side. Leave the grill lid open to avoid overcooking. 6. For a medium-rare steak, remove from grill at 130 F internally, and for medium, remove at 140 F. 7. Let the meat rest on a cutting board for 5–10 minutes. Then, slice against the grain into thin pieces and enjoy!
Stay connected year-round. Building and maintaining strong relationships with your clients is one of the most important aspects
of being a successful broker. Continue to keep in contact with them, checking in to see what they need, where their struggles are, and where they wish to go with their business. The more trust you can build with your clients, the more likely they will continue turning to you. A year-end check-in with them
Take a Break
shows you care and want to help them reach their business goals. You can also use this time to obtain referrals or renew contracts. Keep communicating your message. Focus on process, not the clock.
Ignore the time, and work on your processes. In the professional world, we often focus on deadlines and goals, and while both are essential elements of what you do, the process will keep you showing up as your best self every day. We can’t control the seasons — or the outcome. Ask yourself how you spend your time, how prepared you are, and if your systems and processes work effectively. You control how you operate, so check in regularly with yourself and your team to find where you can improve how you conduct business. Set SMART goals. This is a great time to think about what you want to accomplish for the rest of the year and to look ahead. Don’t just plot out metrics you want to hit; make goals around the person you want to be and the direct needs of your clients. You can break larger plans into monthly goals and strategies. The SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) effectively takes vague ideas and turns them into specific targets.
APPLES ASTER COFFEE CONSTITUTION
FOLIAGE GRANDPARENTS LABOR LUNCHBOX
PIRATE SAPPHIRE VIRGO WAFFLES
At CHB, we’re here to help you finish strong and stay strong year-round. Contact us today.
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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
C.H. Brown Co., LLC A PLATTE VALLEY COMPANY 20 W. Frontage Rd. • Wheatland, WY 82201 307-322-2545 • chbef.com
Inside
1 How to Use Fear as Fuel for Success 2 Secrets to Standout Sends
Turn Lazy Sundays Into Your Productivity Power Hour 3 Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak
Take a Break
The Power of Proactive Communication 4 Cast Early, Layer Up, and Fish Smart
Wade Into Autumn HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF WYOMING’S FALL FLY FISHING
Any day is a great day to go fly fishing, unless it’s raining, of course. Luckily, here in Wyoming, the skies tend to stay clear and the fish keep biting. Fall brings a special kind of magic to the water with crisp air, vibrant foliage, and trout on the move. But if you want to bring home your best catch, you should keep a few considerations in mind this time of year. From getting an early start to using the proper techniques, here’s how to make your autumn fishing trip a splash. Prime Fly Time Timing is everything out on the water this fall. If you want the best success, start the day early when the water temperature is at its coolest. Fish are cold-blooded and highly susceptible
to temperature shifts. If the water gets too hot, it can shock and even kill the fish. As the heat of the day hits its peak, fish are less likely to have the energy to eat. The morning is your best opportunity to reel something in, and you should opt for larger flies in warmer weather to entice sluggish fish. You should also time your trip around fall hatches. Check your local fishing shop or reports from Fish and Game for more information about it. Flies That Fit the Flow During this time of year, you may need to use multiple techniques and specific flies to bag the best catches throughout the day. Dead drifting is a powerful technique that catches the
attention of fish who may not be as naturally active in the fall. Dry and streamer fishing are also good options to draw fish to your flies. Aim for eddies, riffles, and seams where fish tend to hang out, thanks to the food supply, better oxygenation, and places to rest away safe from predators. Nymphs, dries, dry-dropper rigs, and streamers are good bets for flies. Gear Up for Anything At this time of year, the weather can fluctuate during the day, so make sure you pack the proper gear to be prepared for anything. Bring layers, waterproof clothes, and breathable waders. You’ll also want to have a variety of flies so you have options for different conditions.
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