Go Independent or Go with an Established Agency?

NYL and NWM don't really allow their captive agents to contract with outside carriers. /quote]

Not true. I'm with NYL and I sell all the major/important long-term care and DI companies (not to mention life). I just have to sell a certian amount every year to keep a contract with them (very low).
 
Independent is the ONLY way to go in my opinion.

It is very hard to start out brand new independent. To attempt it is to greatly reduce the chances of success. Insurance Chick's post indicates to me that more than likely she is a neophyte and needs training and a mentor. That is why I suggest talking to the captives.
 
Do we have any stats that the success rate is better with these hiring mills where the training depends on your manager, low starting commissions and typically you're on the "friends and family" plan?
 
I would suggest that agent to go with existing agency first since there are a lot of things to learn besides obtaining the license. A mentor is a must.
 
I agree with some of the other members on this one - NYL or NorthWestern Mutual would be a great place to start. Neither agency holds you to selling just their products and you'll work with an MGA that offers 15 other carriers for the "competitive situation" cases. The worst place to go would be to State Farm, American Family, or another captive agency that wants you to sell auto to make a living.

If you have the appropriate resume, I believe one of the wirehouses (Wachovia, RW Baird, Morgan Stanley, etc.) would be the most beneficial to attach yourself to a mentor.

Or merely start networking and find a local agent that is successful. If you have to, go on joint appointments until you get your feet wet. There are a ton of agents/brokers everywhere that will be happy to help you get started.
 
I'm just thinking out loud . Maybe I should keep it to myself but:

If you have a building at your disposal,
I have to ask "are you willing to use a name in the real world as hip as the one you have here" (the Insurance Chick) ?

If so , then why not go a few steps further and...

Hang a sign out saying something like
"the Insurance Chick is in" or
"the Insurance Chick is out",
get a receptionist to field the calls ,
capture the contact info ,
tell them "sorry but chick is out in the field beating the duck" (or something else less cheesy and more creative)
"she will call you back or drop by to see you blah blah blah ... "

IF

you did passed your tests ...

This buys time,
generates leads,
and creates momentum
for you to decide if you will go captive or indie.

Of course, driving (foot or phone) traffic may be considered soliciting, so be sure to follow your own applicable State laws.

While you decide though, start marketing yourself . Have fun.

Plenty of mentors are here to tell you the pros and cons of both decisions , but in the end no one knows which works best for you until you go through it all and let us know.


 
I'm just thinking out loud . Maybe I should keep it to myself but:

If you have a building at your disposal,
I have to ask "are you willing to use a name in the real world as hip as the one you have here" (the Insurance Chick) ?

If so , then why not go a few steps further and...

Hang a sign out saying something like
"the Insurance Chick is in" or
"the Insurance Chick is out",
get a receptionist to field the calls ,
capture the contact info ,
tell them "sorry but chick is out in the field beating the duck" (or something else less cheesy and more creative)
"she will call you back or drop by to see you blah blah blah ... "

IF

you did passed your tests ...

This buys time,
generates leads,
and creates momentum
for you to decide if you will go captive or indie.

Of course, driving (foot or phone) traffic may be considered soliciting, so be sure to follow your own applicable State laws.

While you decide though, start marketing yourself . Have fun.

Plenty of mentors are here to tell you the pros and cons of both decisions , but in the end no one knows which works best for you until you go through it all and let us know.

Wow! Now that is an idea that would make you stand out in the crowd! Depends upon the market you target but it is thinking outside the box which we all need to do.
 
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There is value starting with a carrier that offers a great training program, even if you do not stay with them long-term. Voluntary carriers like Aflac, Allstate (American Heritage) or Colonial, are typically good places to start your career.

Good luck.
 
I was glad I started with a Company . They paid for my license , taught me the ropes and sent me on a trip or two.

After 4 years I decided to be self-employed .

If I had a building at my disposal when I started the business, I'm sure it would have helped. Every resource you have is for your benefit.
 
Thank you all for your input. I did pass my test, the first time:laugh:, and I decided to try AFLAC after much thought and consideration. You guys are great! I'm sure I'll be posting many more questions, but thanks again for all the advice!
 
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