Hello from Wilmington, NC

[frogman152]

Hello everyone. First day here. My sole purpose for starting this account is that I am lost when it comes to insurance. I recently lost my job working for a Fortune 500 company with whom I gave 8 yrs to. I went from 93K per year to NOTHING! I am 40 y/o, Military veteran, currently in the Naval Reserves with 2 yrs to go to retirment!

Anyhow, I have an extensive sales background, and excel in dealing with people via face to face or over the phone.

I was recently approached by Insphere Insurance Solution for a Sales job, but after combing the internet I don't think I will call them back.

I am sure I have misconceptions about the insurance industry. For starters, it seems like everyone and their brother is an insurance agent? Any merit to this? And, with so many agents out there, how can you stand out in this field?

Is this a rewarding field to pursue?

Would appreciate any guidance? With the economy being the way it is, I am trying to fully educate myself on all the options.

Respectfully,
Scott

 

[theinsuranceman]

Hi Scott, I'm in Raleigh. Call me anytime 252-292-3350.

 

[CHUMPS FROM OXFORD]

Welcome. One option is to work with a captive company for a little bit. Gain some experience, training and salary. Obviously, there are many options for you.

 

[medx]

Hello, and best of Luck

 

[WinoBlues]

Welcome.

I would second starting captive with a large company. Unless you have deep enough pockets to cover the learning curve.

It is a great career.

 

[frogman152]

Thanks all. Ok, I have no problem with starting with a large company. Who do you recommend? Can I choose between group or individual services?

If I have to start at the bottom I will. WinoBlues, I am currently living off of savings (family of 4) and have stocks that aren't worth a dime at the moment... So starting with a large company will probably be the smartest move for me.

Also, I don't have any insurance credentials. Would an employer provide me with what is needed?

Scott

 

[elitemind]

Hello, and Welcome!

 

[scrabble]

Welcome to the forum. I had a friend in team 3. Outstanding individuals.

Be careful who you trust and be sure you can obtain a release from whoever you are considering signing with. I didn't and it was a real pain trying to get released.

Good luck, there are a lot of reputable agents with a wealth of information on this forum.

 

[WinoBlues]

It has been a looong time since I started. 25 years ago, you were most likely a wog.

Starting off living on savings will be tough. You will need to hit the ground running. Warm market, friends and family. The downside of starting at a large company is they will start you at about 50% comp. The upside is, there is training. Or there should be. Really depends on the office you start with. Back when I started I was given $300. a week, as I remember. Your resume and interview maybe what determines your draw, if any.

Another school of thought is get licensed and sell your warm list first at a higher comp rate. The downside of that is you do not know what you are doing to start. Maybe find someone that does. Be their grunt and do a split on your leads. When I started, My mentor had me call to set the appointment, Map it, build the file, run any illustrations, Put the apps together, and drive my car. All I had to do was sit there listen and nod at the appropriate times.

Cash flow wise. Finale Expense can not be beat to start. But from what I understand, lead cost can be high. I do not do leads so I do not know. On FE You may want to read post from the FE guys like JDeasy and Newby.

I would post in the Getting Started forum.

Good Luck

OH Frogman, UDT? Thank you for your service.

Thanks all. Ok, I have no problem with starting with a large company. Who do you recommend? Can I choose between group or individual services?

If I have to start at the bottom I will. WinoBlues, I am currently living off of savings (family of 4) and have stocks that aren't worth a dime at the moment... So starting with a large company will probably be the smartest move for me.

Also, I don't have any insurance credentials. Would an employer provide me with what is needed?

Scott

 

[arnguy]

Wino, I think he means thay he is French. Anyway, welcome and good luck.