First day cold calling a FLOP

[moonlightandmargaritas]

Paul, we were really discussing that you can cold call successfully, and you mentioned Matt and the other stuff he does, but what did he do before he was able to work referrals?

OK, let me be clear on this...

I've been watching agents come and go (mainly go) for the last 17.5 years.

While there are some variances due to product, market, geography, etc., there won't be more than 1 agent in 100 (if that) that can last longer than three months with a steady diet of cold calling - it's not sustainable. Will there be exceptions (like Matt)? Of course. They will be very rare though.

Ever consider it may be a big factor in the pathetic agent retention number?

There are so many things that are so much (especially for the long run) more effective than cold calling, their time is much better used creating and executing an intelligent marketing plan.

If they're so broke that they can't do it and have to cold call - they should think twice - maybe three times - before getting into the business!

Of course when you're objective, and tell them to re-think getting in this business, it make less potential clients for coaching, associations, etc.

My advice is objective. I'm not trying to sell anything to new agents.

 

[Guest]

I totally disagree. A burning desire and a need to succeed can do wonders, they should make the choice not based on your perspective or advice, especially if it's not very encouraging.

Why do you expect them to fail? And then project based on that?

If they're so broke that they can't do it and have to cold call - they should think twice - maybe three times - before getting into the business!

I'm being objective, you seem to be biased, as others have noticed.

Of course when you're objective, and tell them to re-think getting in this business, it make less potential clients for coaching, associations, etc.

My advice is objective. I'm not trying to sell anything to new agents.

 

[life911]

You're a busy agent on a mission to avoid living in the van down by the river.

LOL

 

[MikeLevy]

I need a pep talk ...

I have put everything on the line to be an insurance agent.

Got all my ducks in a row ... ready to take on the world ...

however, i got nowhere today during my first day of calling up Seniors to sell them med sups.

My family is depending on me to do well at this so I need a pick me up ... if you can offer one ...

Jody108,

Let me see if I understand this correctly? Your a new agent in Atlanta trying to make it on your own, full time, in the insurance business? It's been nearly 20 years, but I remember what that was like. Everybody told me not to try it. I did it anyway. It was hard, very hard, especially in Atlanta. But I eventually pulled it off.

Call my office, the local number is 404-531-9858 and ask for Caroline Sellers. Her extension is 112. She will set up an account for you. We will send you some medicare supplement leads, for free. Thirty should be enough. Just make sure your up to speed BEFORE you start taking them so they don't go to waste.

As you know, there is plenty of advice available on this board. We will turn on the switch when you tell us your ready. I think this is the best pick me up I can offer you.

 

[motoxxx]

Jody108,

Let me see if I understand this correctly? Your a new agent in Atlanta trying to make it on your own, full time, in the insurance business? It's been nearly 20 years, but I remember what that was like. Everybody told me not to try it. I did it anyway. It was hard, very hard, especially in Atlanta. But I eventually pulled it off.

Call my office, the local number is 404-531-9858 and ask for Caroline Sellers. Her extension is 112. She will set up an account for you. We will send you some medicare supplement leads, for free. Thirty should be enough. Just make sure your up to speed BEFORE you start taking them so they don't go to waste.

As you know, there is plenty of advice available on this board. We will turn on the switch when you tell us your ready. I think this is the best pick me up I can offer you.

Now I have no idea how you can beat that kind of an offer! That is like someone handing you not just a life raft but a speed boat! Get your phone approach down to a science before you take up Mike on his offer. Really, don't waste an offer like that.

Hats off to you Mike!

 

[MikeLevy]

Now I have no idea how you can beat that kind of an offer! That is like someone handing you not just a life raft but a speed boat! Get your phone approach down to a science before you take up Mike on his offer. Really, don't waste an offer like that.

Hats off to you Mike!

Thanks. She's still going to need a lot of sales training to make it. Somebody on this board needs to volunteer to role-play with her for as many hours as they can, acting like both the prospect and the agent.

I haven't actually sold insurance in years. The medicare system and medicare supplement policies are a lot different today than when I was selling, so I'd be of little use actually role-playing. I've still got the sales concepts down pat, they never change because professional salesmanship is universal, but someone who is in the trenches every day selling medicare supplement policies needs to train her one on one. Preferably someone here in Atlanta.

Any volunteers?

 

[HomeService]

Is jody still around? how did the second week work out? or the third?

 

[Frank Stastny]

Thanks. She's still going to need a lot of sales training to make it. Somebody on this board needs to volunteer to role-play with her for as many hours as they can, acting like both the prospect and the agent.

I haven't actually sold insurance in years. The medicare system and medicare supplement policies are a lot different today than when I was selling, so I'd be of little use actually role-playing. I've still got the sales concepts down pat, they never change because professional salesmanship is universal, but someone who is in the trenches every day selling medicare supplement policies needs to train her one on one. Preferably someone here in Atlanta.

Any volunteers?

"Her" is a he. And, he has the offer but he doesn't seem interested in following up on it.

 

[MikeLevy]

"Her" is a he. And, he has the offer but he doesn't seem interested in following up on it.

I totally forgot "Jody" can be a man's name. Hopefully, I didn't offend him. Regardless, my offer still stands.

 

[CHUMPS FROM OXFORD]

"We will send you some medicare supplement leads, for free"

Mike...are you willing to offer some individual health leads for free? It would be a great opportunity for you to clear your name from all of the bad press your company has recieved.

Make that same 30 lead offer to 3-5 brokers on this Forum and the results will be published. It is a risk. But the potential reward is substantial.