Chris Fisher is the founder of BenefitsAlly, a company focused on simplifying employee benefits and making healthcare more accessible and understandable. With a background in technical sales, Chris is passionate about helping people navigate the complexities of the healthcare industry by promoting clarity and direct communication. Through his work, he aims to drive positive change in the healthcare system by supporting innovative solutions that make a real difference for employers, employees, and clinicians alike.
What's the connection between technical sales and what you're doing now?
Chris Fisher (BenefitsAlly): Both technical sales and employee benefits deal with complex terms and acronyms that can confuse people. My goal is to simplify this complexity. Many professionals mistakenly believe that sounding complex makes them seem smarter. This is why I love hosting the 3x3x3 Challenge; it encourages brevity and clarity. In both fields, if your buyer leaves a meeting confused, your chances of success diminish. Simplifying complex information is essential to ensure the buyer understands and values your offering.
What are the best and worst things about working in healthcare?
Chris Fisher (BenefitsAlly):
Best: There is significant innovation in healthcare. Many smart individuals are working to solve problems and improve the healthcare system for employers, employees, patients, and clinicians. Being part of this change is exciting. While I'm not on the front lines, the best aspect of this job is consistently learning about the myriad of companies and products working to improve healthcare in some way.
Worst: Despite the innovation, healthcare remains broken for millions of Americans. Some problems lack easy solutions, and powerful interests often resist change. This can be frustrating, especially when better solutions exist. However, it's crucial to focus on making a difference where possible. While we can't fix every issue immediately, our goal is to make incremental improvements. The challenges are significant, but so are the opportunities to make a real impact.
What misconceptions about sales would you like to clear up?
Chris Fisher (BenefitsAlly):
Negative View of Salespeople: Many believe that salespeople are only motivated by money or are untrustworthy. While some may deserve this reputation, many genuinely want to help people and solve problems. Sales can be a fulfilling career if you focus on problem-solving and building relationships.
Educational Aspect: Effective sales pitches involve teaching, not just selling. Educating your audience makes them more likely to return. I aim to leave every interaction having taught or learned something valuable. Those who can consistently do this will succeed in sales and foster long-term relationships.
Who else in healthcare inspires you and why?
Chris Fisher (BenefitsAlly): Clinicians inspire me the most. They work long hours in a challenging system filled with insurance issues and compliance burdens yet continue to care for patients despite higher rates of burnout. I have seen this dedication in my own life during recent health challenges. Clinicians work hard to provide care despite numerous obstacles. We need to support them by creating fulfilling and sustainable careers to retain skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals. Society must encourage talented individuals to pursue careers in healthcare.