BUSINESS BEST PRACTICES

For retirement service providers' staff, delivering education in a bootcamp structure is ideal for candidates who either take an online exam immediately following the session or for those who are taking a proctored exam after studying the material and attending the bootcamp. The best bootcamps provide an intensive learning environment with a focus on specific learning objectives and sample exam questions. Mass Mutual Retirement Services needed to educate their call center personnel, 401(k) compliance staff, and their sales and marketing group on 403(b) plans, which represented a growing market for their division. Here's what makes a successful bootcamp experience: 1. Keep it short. 2. Keep it small. 3. Set expectations. 4. Get a good teacher. 5. Aim high. Effective bootcamps will not only increase the number of credentialed and knowledgeable staff, but they can also lead to a retirement services provider with a significant competitive advantage in the marketplace.