Interview: Robert Arnoff, Author of The Three R’s of Employee Benefits: Recruiting, Retention and Rewards

Book Title:
The Three R’s of Employee Benefits: Recruiting, Retention and Rewards

Website URL:
http://ebn.benefitnews.com/3Rsbook

Social Media Links:
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Three-Rs-Employee-Benefits-Recruiting-2229826?mostPopular=&gid=2229826

What is your book about?
“The Three R’s of Employee Benefits” is a book targeted at corporate executives who are connected to the decision makers of employee benefits.  In this book we take an even closer look at the attitudes, needs, and experiences of top management, employee benefit advisers, as well as the employees of employers.

What inspired you to write your book?
For years I have been speaking at employee benefits conferences.  After one of my speeches I met Leah Shepherd.  At the time she was the managing editor of Employee Benefits News.  After hearing one of my speeches Leah wrote a follow-up article to my speech.  I really liked her writing style and the following year when I was giving another speech at another benefits conference, I approached her with the idea of writing an employee benefits book together.

How did you come to do what you’re doing today?
My employee benefits career began in the early 1980’s when I went to work at an employee benefits firm and later formed my company in 1984.  Along the way I went through a program called the Certified Employee Benefits Specialist Program, in which the curriculum was developed by the Wharton School of Business.

Can you describe a typical day in your life?
I typically start each day with exercise, breakfast, and then off to my office or a meeting.  Typically throughout the day I am dealing with different issues related to employee benefits to help out our clients and potential new clients.

What do you most enjoy about what you do?
Sharing new ideas to benefit decision makers, and seeing their expressions of joy when they learn something new that can help their company and their employees.

Are there any people and/or books that have inspired you along your journey?
I have had many people that have inspired me along the way.  From a writing perspective, the 3 biggest contributors of inspiration have been my wife, Dustin Klein of SBN Magazine, and of course Leah Shepherd!

Can you share some business tips for our readers?
1) If your employee benefit adviser got in the door asking to quote on your insurance, they are acting as a salesperson versus an adviser.  If the adviser performs a benefits diagnostic, your adviser is taking at least the 1st appropriate step. 2) Understand the difference between a broker and a pure consultant, and when it is appropriate to use one versus the other. 3) Of course get our book for more advice!

Can you share something that people might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m actually a good singer!

Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you for the opportunity to be interviewed.