A sales representative actively seeks out and engages customer prospects. A good sales rep provides each customer with complete and appropriate solutions to increase revenue growth, customer acquisition, and profitability.
In this article, we’ll discuss why it’s so difficult for a sales representative to get a long-term disability claim approved and how to prepare a successful claim.
Why Is It Difficult For a Sales Representative to Get LTD Benefits?
Sales representatives have many duties and responsibilities. Here are just a few of the duties and responsibilities of a sales representative:
- Present, promote and sell products/services to existing and prospective customers using sound arguments.
- Perform cost-benefit and needs analysis of existing/potential customers to meet their needs
- Establish, develop and maintain positive business and customer relationships
- Follow up on customer leads through cold calling
- Promptly resolve customer issues and complaints to maximize customer satisfaction
- Achieve agreed upon sales goals and results on time
- Coordinate sales efforts with team members and other departments
- Analyze the territory/market’s potential, track sales and status reports
- Provide management with reports on customer needs, problems, interests, competitive activity, and potential for new products and services.
- Stay 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 sales experience
- Excellent MS Office skills
- Familiarity with BRM and CRM practices and the ability to build productive business professional relationships
- Highly motivated and goal-oriented with a proven track record in sales
- Excellent sales, communication, and negotiation skills
- Prioritization, time management and organizational skills
- Ability to create and deliver presentations tailored to the audience needs
- Relationship management skills and receptiveness 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 need in his or her job:
- Good verbal communication skills
- Good listener
- Critical thinking skills
- Managing people
- Coordinating with others
- Judgment and decision making
- Cognitive flexibility
- Understanding goals
- Excellent time management
- Complex problem solving
Sales representatives are well compensated for the high level of skill required to do their jobs. If a sales representative becomes disabled and applies for long-term disability, he or she will have a hard time getting approved.
And why is that? Because the insurance company looks at the case from a financial standpoint. The insurance company looks at how much money it will cost the company to provide benefits to a sales representative for the duration of the illness or disability. The longer it could potentially take the sales rep to return to work, the more scrutiny the sales representative will face in the claims process.
Tips for a Successful Sales Representatives Disability Claim
Tip #1. Gather Compelling Evidence of Sales Performance
When filing a long-term disability claim as a sales representative, it is important to gather compelling evidence of a decline in your sales performance is essential. Gather all relevant data, including sales reports, performance evaluations, and customer testimonials that demonstrate your sales performance and the impact of your disability on your ability to meet sales goals. Clear documentation showing the connection between your disability and the decline in sales performance can help support your claim.
Tip #2. Be Aware of the Potential for Surveillance
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 activities and make sure they are consistent 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 image. However, during the claims process, it’s wise to exercise caution regarding your social media activities. Insurance investigators may scrutinize your online presence, including platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook, to gather evidence to dispute your claim. Review your social media accounts, adjust your privacy settings, and refrain from sharing any content that may contradict your disability claim.
Tip #4. Gradually Return to Sales Activities
Recovering from a disability can be challenging, especially for sales professionals accustomed to a fast-paced, customer-focused work environment. It’s important to resist the temptation to return to work too soon. Rushing back into sales activities before you are physically and mentally ready can hinder 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 reintroduce sales-related tasks into your routine.
Tip #5. Identify Communication and Cognitive Challenges
Sales professionals rely heavily on effective communication and cognitive skills to build relationships, negotiate deals, and achieve sales goals. If your disability affects these critical skills, make sure it is thoroughly documented by medical professionals. Highlight any difficulties you have in articulating ideas, maintaining concentration, organizing information, or solving problems. Emphasize how these challenges directly affect your ability to perform the essential functions of your sales role.
Note: The information provided is for general guidance only and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified legal professional. You should 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
It is difficult for sales representatives to get a long-term disability claim approved. The insurance company will look 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 build a solid case for disability.
Using an experienced disability attorney will help you protect yourself from insurance investigators. The Ortiz Law Firm is based in Florida, but represents claimants across the country. Get a free, no obligation case evaluation by calling (888) 321-8131 with no obligation. We can help you evaluate your claim to determine how to move forward with the process.
