If I Had It All to Do Over Again?

[Rusty]

For all of you seasoned vets of this buisness I a claims adjuster looking for a career change. Does anyone have any advice for a newby???? I have already heard from (NAA) and that doesn't sound real good and few others I won't mention.
I know that someone out there has some decent advice.

Thanks.

 

[Full Throttle]

Somewhat vague, but find someone to teach you the business that has a system that works, don't try and reinvent the wheel. If you want to sell life, find a successful life producer (same with health, P&C, ect.). Make sure it's a system you can duplicate with the resources and skills you already have in your aresenal or can learn quickly. Then spend all your time working within the system.

Massive diffuision and drifting to find a business model that worked cost me two years and a lot of sleepless nights until I found a track to run on. There's no reason not to go with something proven from the starting line.

 

[liquidblue33]

Yes, it is very easy to just drift all over the place in this business. You really need a set plan and you have to stick with it. That has been my experience after spending a year in the biz.

 

[COInsguy]

I've only been in for 8 months now on the Health side, the first 5 months I spent trying to do things different than the successful agents, I got my P&C license so I could write everything under the sun. Then one day I stopped fighting it, focused on Health & Supplemental plans and followed the systems I was being taught. Wish I would have figured that out in January!

 

[stormtracker]

I've only been in for 8 months now on the Health side, the first 5 months I spent trying to do things different than the successful agents, I got my P&C license so I could write everything under the sun. Then one day I stopped fighting it, focused on Health & Supplemental plans and followed the systems I was being taught. Wish I would have figured that out in January!

For most of us, it was a long time in the fog. But, with some hard work and a lot of listening the light began to shine. I still remember my first health sale (Mega Life...) and how excited I was. The customer called that night and cancelled. I was humiliated. Then a wise mentor told me something that really stuck-- you just have to outsell your losses. Along the way, any sensible agent hones his qualifying abilities so the cancels decrease. It just takes time, and experience.

 

[Rusty]

Any ideas concerning which area? I have been in sales of all sorts and I feel as if I could sale water to a drowning man, but what is the most prominent/rewarding of the insurance business especially in these economic times?

 

[CHUMPS FROM OXFORD]

"prominent/rewarding"
Hmmm...

I guess that most of the time...your hard work is rewarded with good income.

But before you start working hard...make sure you are working smart. Find someone that successfully does what you want to do, and is not threatened by you. Then watch him, learn from him and pick his brain.

 

[rbrewer]

Chumps,
How do you recommend finding a successful agent for those that are Indi and work from home, and especially anyone who wants to be bothered with helping a new agent. What would be in it for them?
Thanks for your advice.

 

[cfs]

I agree with the last part of Full Throttle's first sentence. Don't try to reinvent the wheel. I say it all the time about this business. Also, don't be afraid to ask experienced agents, if they will train you. Here's actually more seasoned agents looking to transfer business and train young agents then you think. I'm currently looking for one or two to work with right now. Remember, don't reinvent the wheel.

CFS

 

[CHUMPS FROM OXFORD]

"How do you recommend finding a successful agent for those that are Indi and work from home, and especially anyone who wants to be bothered with helping a new agent. What would be in it for them?"

Tough question. And unfortunately, I don't have a good answer. Maybe someone who has been in your shoes can answer that.