Hi, I'm Jeremy and interested in this industry

[Leaper_1]

Hi, I found this forum by clicking through policyshopper.com's website first and then finding out that it had been discussed on this forum in some detail.

I am interested in exploring the possibility of insurance sales as a career change. I'm in my late 40s, have been in inside sales for the past 20 years and am looking to make some real money while also having some amount of time flexibility.

I have read a few of the threads, particularly those focused on training, cold-calling and business startup.

What I'd really like to know is:

1. What are the estimated training and start-up costs if I want to be an independent agent?

2. Should I just go with a company as a captive agent to get my feet wet?

3. Do I have to behave like that asshole in "Glengarry Glen Ross" in order to succeed in this business? If so, I'm not interested. I recently stumbled across a sales trainer's site - his name is Ari Galper and his "system" is called "Unlock the Game". It focuses on treating prospects like human beings and not just numbers or prospects. It seems like a very sensible approach but the pricetag for his training courses seem exorbitant to me at this point.

I would welcome any comments, ideas, suggestions, etc.

Thanks,
Jeremy

 

[Crabcake Johnny]

If you want to focus on health insurance there's no option to go captive unless you want to sell lacking policies through Mega or UA.

If you want to go indie right off the bat you can figure 2 to 3 weeks to get your appoints - you can train while you wait.

After that you need to budget for leads - typically agents spend from $250 up per week depending on your goals.

 

[myinsurebiz]

Start out focusing on one product. Get good at it and produce some income - then explore other areas if you have to.

Good Luck & Welcome To The Dark Side . . .

Tom

 

[GreenSky]

Regardless of what you do, make certain that if you work with someone, even someone promising a partnership or prosperity, that the person understands insurance. In fact, some people will even promise that you can build a team if you'd like. Beware of offers that look too good.

There are some people who simply are in it for the commission. Before you join an organization you might want to ask people on this forum for their opinion. Could save you some grief.

Rick

 

[Delta76]

Do I have to behave like that asshole in "Glengarry Glen Ross" in order to succeed in this business? If so, I'm not interested.

No need to be like that, it doesn't work anyway. However, you will have to do things that will likely stretch your comfort zone in the beginning, but it doesn't include being an asshole. In fact, you'll usually find the prospects are the people being the assholes, not the salesperson.

 

[Frank Stastny]

Start out focusing on one product. Get good at it and produce some income - then explore other areas if you have to.

Good Luck & Welcome To The Dark Side . . .

Tom

That is the best advice anyone can give to a new agent.

Don't you agree that the biggest mistakes made by new agents and probably one of the biggest reasons for failure is to try to sell "everything" right out of the gate?

They end up knowing a little about several products but their "dog and pony show" sucks because they can't answer the "tough" questions.

 

[bill3173]

That is the best advice anyone can give to a new agent.

Don't you agree that the biggest mistakes made by new agents and probably one of the biggest reasons for failure is to try to sell "everything" right out of the gate?

They end up knowing a little about several products but their "dog and pony show" sucks because they can't answer the "tough" questions.

Hi Frank!


How long have you specialized in Med Supps and what lead you in that direction? Just curious, I know that its a good market, but I just haven't pursued it. I write maybe a dozen a year, all with United World and BX.

It would probably be necessary to cut out most of the ind. health to make a serious go at it.

 

[myinsurebiz]

That is the best advice anyone can give to a new agent.

Don't you agree that the biggest mistakes made by new agents and probably one of the biggest reasons for failure is to try to sell "everything" right out of the gate?

They end up knowing a little about several products but their "dog and pony show" sucks because they can't answer the "tough" questions.

Yes - I agree. Heck - I was a product of trying to be all to all. I learned quickly. I've been more successful focusing just on Simple Issue Whole Life than ever before.

Whatever one wishes to sell - Life, Health, MA's - whatever it is - focus and get it down . . .

Thanks Frank . . .

Tom

 

[Frank Stastny]

Hi Frank!


How long have you specialized in Med Supps and what lead you in that direction? Just curious, I know that its a good market, but I just haven't pursued it. I write maybe a dozen a year, all with United World and BX.

It would probably be necessary to cut out most of the ind. health to make a serious go at it.

I have been selling Med Supps since 1993.

When I decide to put me back in control of my life instead of corporate America I looked for something I could do that gave me the freedom and flexibility I was looking for. After exploring everything I could find insurance seemed like the option I was looking for. However, the only thing I knew about insurance was my agent's name and phone number.

What drew me to the Med Supp market was several things. I didn't have to create a need for a prospect to take a policy like Life, LTCi or many of the other products. If they are on Medicare they need something to pay what Medicare doesn't.

For the most part seniors are home during the day and go to bed early at night. Usually Saturdays and Sundays are reserved for family. All of this pointed to me being able to work "regular" hours as in M-F 9 to 5 or 6.

I have never regretted it. The Med Supp market has been extremely good to me. Once I got the phone down pat and a good "dog and pony show" that covers the major objections that seniors typically come up with it became very easy, fun even.

Like selling anything though, when it works it is like having a license to steal, when it doesn't it sucks out loud.