A sales representative actively seeks out and engages customer prospects. A good sales rep provides complete and appropriate solutions for every customer to boost top-line revenue growth, customer acquisition levels, and profitability.
In this article, we will discuss why it’s so difficult to get a Long Term Disability claim approved as a sales representative and how to prepare a successful claim.
Why Is It Challenging For a Sales Representative to Get LTD Benefits?
Sales representatives have a lot of duties and responsibilities. Here is a shortlist of just some of the duties and responsibilities of a sales representative:
- Present, promote and sell products/services using solid arguments to existing and prospective customers
- Perform cost-benefit and needs analysis of existing/potential customers to meet their needs
- Establish, develop and maintain positive business and customer relationships
- Reach out to customer leads through cold calling
- Expedite the resolution of customer problems and complaints to maximize satisfaction
- Achieve agreed upon sales targets and outcomes within schedule
- Coordinate sales effort with team members and other departments
- Analyze the territory/market’s potential, track sales and status reports
- Supply management with reports on customer needs, problems, interests, competitive activities, and potential for new products and services.
- Keep abreast of best practices and promotional trends
- Continuously improve through feedback
Depending on the company, the requirements and qualifications for a sales representative may include:
- Proven work experience as a sales representative
- Excellent knowledge of MS Office
- Familiarity with BRM and CRM practices along with ability to build productive business professional relationships
- Highly motivated and target driven with a proven track record in sales
- Excellent selling, communication and negotiation skills
- Prioritizing, time management and organizational skills
- Ability to create and deliver presentations tailored to the audience needs
- Relationship management skills and openness to feedback
- BS/BA degree or equivalent
Similar Job Titles include:
- Account Coordinator
- Account Director
- Account Executive
- Account Manager
- Account Representative
- Account Supervisor
- Assistant Account Executive
- Business Development Manager
- Business Development Representative
- Client Relations Manager
- Commercial Director
- Engagement Manager
- Field Sales (Outside Sales) Representative
- Inside Sales Manager
- Inside Sales Representative
- Insurance Agent
- Insurance Sales Representative
- Junior Account Manager
- Key Account Manager
- National Account Manager
- National Sales Manager
- Regional Sales Manager
- Relationship Manager
- Sales Account Executive
- Sales Account Manager
- Sales Administrator
- Sales Assistant
- Sales Associate
- Sales Consultant
- Sales Coordinator
- Sales Director
- Sales Engineer
- Sales Executive
- Sales Manager
- Sales Support Specialist
- Sales Training Specialist
- Senior Account Executive
- Senior Account Manager
- Strategic Account Manager
- Telemarketer
- Telesales Representative
- Territory Manager
- Visual Merchandiser
In short, here is a list of the top 10 skills a sales representative may require in his or her job:
- Good verbal communication skills
- Be a good listener
- Critical thinking
- People management
- Coordinating with others
- Judgment and decision-making
- Cognitive flexibility
- Understanding objectives
- Excellent time management
- Complex problem solving
Sales representatives are well-compensated for the high level of skill it requires to do their job. If a Sales Representative becomes disabled and files a long-term disability claim, he or she will have a hard time getting approved.
Why? Because the insurance company is looking at the case from a financial standpoint. The insurance company is looking at how much money it will cost the company to provide a sales rep with benefits throughout the illness or disability. The longer it could potentially take the sales representative to return to work, the more scrutiny the sales representative will face in the claims process.
Tips for a Successful Disability Claim for Sales Representatives
Tip #1. Gather Compelling Sales Performance Evidence
When filing a long-term disability claim as a sales representative, assembling strong evidence of the decline in your sales performance is essential. Collect all relevant data, including sales reports, performance evaluations, and client testimonials that demonstrate your sales achievements and the impact of your disability on your ability to meet sales targets. Clear documentation highlighting the correlation between your disability and the decline in sales performance can help support your claim.
Tip #2. Be Aware of Potential Surveillance Activities
It’s important to recognize that insurance companies may conduct surveillance to assess your daily activities and the extent of your disability. During the claim period, be mindful of your actions and ensure they align with the limitations imposed by your disability. Avoid any strenuous activities or behaviors that could be misconstrued and used against your claim.
Tip #3. Exercise Caution with Social Media Presence
Maintaining a strong social media presence is often part of a sales representative’s professional image. However, during the claim process, it’s prudent to exercise caution regarding your social media activities. Insurance investigators may scrutinize your online presence, including platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook, to gather evidence to dispute your claim. Review your social media accounts, adjust privacy settings, and refrain from sharing any content that may contradict your disability claim.
Tip #4. Gradual Return to Sales Activities
Recovering from a disability can be challenging, particularly for sales representatives accustomed to a fast-paced and client-focused work environment. It’s crucial to resist the temptation to return to work too soon. Rushing back into sales activities before you are physically and mentally ready can hamper your recovery and potentially worsen your condition. Prioritize your well-being, consult with medical professionals, and follow their guidance on when it is safe to gradually reintegrate sales-related tasks into your routine.
Tip #5. Highlight Communication and Cognitive Challenges
Sales representatives heavily rely on effective communication and cognitive abilities to build relationships, negotiate deals, and meet sales targets. If your disability impacts these crucial skills, ensure that it is thoroughly documented by medical professionals. Highlight any difficulties you face in articulating ideas, maintaining focus, organizing information, or problem-solving. Emphasize how these challenges directly impede your ability to perform the essential functions of your sales role.
Note: The information provided is for general guidance and does not replace the advice of a qualified legal professional. Seek the assistance of an attorney or disability specialist for personalized advice regarding your specific disability claim as a sales representative.
Representation by an Experienced Long Term Disability Attorney
Sales representatives will find it challenging to get a long term disability claim approved. The insurance company will search for virtually any reason to deny the claim. By providing strong medical evidence, keeping a low profile, and not rushing back to work too soon, a sales representative can create a solid case for disability.
Using an experienced disability attorney will help you protect yourself against insurance investigators. The Ortiz Law Firm is based in Florida but represents claimants across the country. Receive a free consultation by calling (888) 321-8131 with no obligation. We can help you evaluate your claim to determine if you will be able to access Long-Term Disability Benefits and how to move forward with the process.