Erin Kragenbrink may possibly be the only man or woman you are going to meet up with whose eyes light-weight up when she talks about insurance coverage. And if her customers never have a “light bulb” instant on a every day basis, she feels she hasn’t performed her task.
The 44-12 months-outdated well being insurance and rewards broker hails from Neenah, Wisconsin, but moved to Knoxville in 1991 when her father was transferred from Kimberly-Clark’s company headquarters to the company’s downtown workplace. She began a occupation in the insurance sector above 20 yrs ago, and in 2015 launched 3to99 LLC, a entire-support advantages firm, with her spouse, Kevin.
Kragenbrink’s decades of sector knowledge shine whether she is talking about existence insurance plan with an individual or coaching compact business enterprise group customers on how to finest deal with their positive aspects offers. Recognized for creating an otherwise dry matter “fun,” the UT College or university of Business enterprise graduate also gains her clients’ trust with her head-to-toe polished impression. Just lately, I spoke with Kragenbrink about her skilled type.
Knox Information: Did an personal or particular daily life experience affect your sense of design?
Erin Kragenbrink: Remarkably, my young brother Adam experienced a robust impact above my model. I grew up as additional of a “tomboy” rather than examining model journals or posts on hair and makeup. But as my brother and I acquired older, we did more with each other, and he genuinely assisted me make fantastic selections when I was procuring, or he would glance by means of the things I owned and suggest items I would have never believed to pair collectively.
My mother was also a large influence from the time I was really younger — we generally went to church in our “Sunday best,” which meant a dress, stockings, gown shoes with heels and the whole is effective. It was unacceptable to dress in trousers and denims. My heaven, Mother would have been mortified!
What are some things of your signature seem? Did they materialize on purpose, or by accident?
I have never truly assumed of myself as acquiring a “signature” glance. On the other hand, I just about often use my hair up in a extremely sleek design and style. This wasn’t intentional. I’ll be straightforward, I believe as skilled gals, the stress to glance our really best when we phase out into the globe can be really substantial. I spend adequate time in entrance of the mirror doing work on makeup, garments, jewelry, etcetera. that I don’t have the added 20 minutes for hair anymore. If anything at all, with my hair up, I search (and come to feel) extra professional and put with each other.
I also consider the coloration palette you opt for for your wardrobe makes far more of a variation than the piece alone. Know your skin tones and if heat or cool colours seem much better on you. When the shades you are sporting make your skin, hair shade, and eyes pop, you’ll glance brighter, additional energetic, and self-confident, and you will right away garner interest and respect.
You are a female in a ordinarily male industry. How has acquiring a effectively-defined specialist impression helped your occupation?
For me, this has been big. I’m not guaranteed I would have risen in the ranks, experienced the chances that I have had, or been almost as revered in my business with no a strong specialist graphic. The reality is that people today make judgments about us in the initial 30 to 60 seconds that they see us. So, I costume the component and enable my appearance make the to start with impression right before I even open up my mouth to say a term.
You have been very productive in a aggressive subject. How has your professional impression contributed to your longevity?
From a youthful age, I understood I required to be a effective businesswoman. I wouldn’t play residence and college I’d go get my dad’s briefcase and match jacket and enjoy “business” [laughs].
I feel you develop a reputation of staying reliable and reputable as a result of the graphic you build and undertaking. That tends to make purchasers sense pretty relaxed, like they are partnered with anyone they can count on. It also would make it easier for them to give referrals.
What information would you give to a youthful man or girl on how to realize their very own specialist graphic and particular fashion?
Don’t forget that not all of us are certain for Wall Street or skilled sports activities, but we can continue to have a skilled picture and personalized fashion inside of our sphere of affect. When you see an individual and imagine, “I want their career,” or, “I want to be like them,” emulate their visual appearance. Never ever gown for the position you have, dress for the 1 you want.
Also, surround by yourself with individuals you belief, and listen to them. When they compliment you on a fashion or appear, don’t forget that, and make on it. You can never be overdressed for a problem if you are comfy and self-assured. It’s not about the apparel itself, but your angle while donning it.
Eventually, hold your head substantial, shoulders back, smile, and enable your visual appearance and system language tell the space you belong.
Freelance writer Carrie McConkey allows her purchasers pen memorable copy and written content by her Knoxville-based business enterprise, Carrie M. Inventive. She’s a 2013 Leadership Knoxville alumna and Bigger Knoxville Business enterprise Journal 40 Underneath 40 honoree. Ms. McConkey can be achieved by way of her web-site at carriemcconkey.com.
Erin Kragenbrink’s Skilled Picture Strategies
Imagine exce
llent around amount in your wardrobe.
Determine your ideal hues by visiting a makeup counter, or observe spouse and children associates who have very similar skin and hair tones.
Opt for classic pieces that will be in style for a long time.
Look for strong-coloration garments that can be adjusted with components.
Find out by demo and mistake what is flattering to your physique form, and adhere with it.
Make confident what you put on provides you a sensation of consolation and self-confidence. If it presents you a feeling of insecurity, choose it off. (Better but, get rid of it.)