Is Anyone Having "Beginners Luck"?

[TMcP84]

Have you decided what you want to sell? It appears that you are going "for everything". If that is your intent then that will be your first mistake.

One of the biggest reasons I have seen agents fail is they start out trying to be "all things to all people". It may sound logical but is very seldom successful. There is nothing wrong with getting licensed in everything, just don't start out trying to sell "everything".

I figured I would get all licenses, that way I could have the entire picture in front of me when I decide which area to focus on. Also, I wouldn't want not having a certain license to hinder me when I apply as an agent (before hopefully becoming an independent broker). Just going through beginners motions, ya know? All the advice is very much appreciated!

 

[emery011]

With a pretty face like that, it wont be difficult to find a mentor. Good luck to you.

 

[Franz Kafka]

I am scheduled to begin the process of getting my licenses this month (Health, Life, & Accident and P&C.) I have been combing this forum for about a month now, and most of what I've read is that people aren't having much luck starting out. I'm not someone that will let that deter me, but I'm curious if anyone is finding that they have a knack for insurance and it's all roses? I'd like to speak with THAT person. =) I'm also sure that as with any business it takes time to be learned, but my philosophy is: immediately locate all the problems and then find solutions to those problems rather than throw my hands up before I begin. Am I rightfully optimistic or just naive? Thanks Guys!

Having the 1st year success can also be a kiss of death. If I could start all over I would focus intensely on prospecting from scratch and making it a habit. I won agency awards in my first year but when all the family, friends and their referrals ran out I panicked hard with an empty appointment book. Make it a rule to do some kind of prospecting work every day even if it's just making 5 cold calls.

 

[TMcP84]

Having the 1st year success can also be a kiss of death. If I could start all over I would focus intensely on prospecting from scratch and making it a habit. I won agency awards in my first year but when all the family, friends and their referrals ran out I panicked hard with an empty appointment book. Make it a rule to do some kind of prospecting work every day even if it's just making 5 cold calls.

Very handy information. I will definitely keep that in mind. Thank you.

 

[Frank Stastny]

Having the 1st year success can also be a kiss of death. If I could start all over I would focus intensely on prospecting from scratch and making it a habit. I won agency awards in my first year but when all the family, friends and their referrals ran out I panicked hard with an empty appointment book. Make it a rule to do some kind of prospecting work every day even if it's just making 5 cold calls.

That is excellent advice.

I am also very impressed If I had only sold policies to my family and friends, both of them, when I started I might have made it for a week or two. Talk about knowing where all the skeletons are buried.

 

[TheKoenigGroup]

Agreed, prospecting is huge, the more truly interested people in front of you, the better. Obviously, ideal conditions are that they are generated personally and not by an outside source as many would argue there is no such thing as an exclusive leads. I tend to disagree with that as I find it nearly impossible to believe anything is 100% ALL IN or 100% ALL OUT. To many variables. However, there is a sticky that would help you out, hang door hangers, social networking, I go to college campuses and hang flyers with phone number, road signs, and lastly, a good website with good local results.

 

[ksigmtsu]

Agreed, prospecting is huge, the more truly interested people in front of you, the better. Obviously, ideal conditions are that they are generated personally and not by an outside source as many would argue there is no such thing as an exclusive leads. I tend to disagree with that as I find it nearly impossible to believe anything is 100% ALL IN or 100% ALL OUT. To many variables. However, there is a sticky that would help you out, hang door hangers, social networking, I go to college campuses and hang flyers with phone number, road signs, and lastly, a good website with good local results.

What kind of response rate do you get from college flyers? Do you find it works better near nursing school areas?

There are 2 nursing schools in my area that basically require the students to purchase health coverage for their 1 year worth of clinicals, I'm still trying to figure out how to capture that market.

 

[Success]

Hi,

I am finishing up college right now, and have been very eager to sell insurance for the past year. I got my l&h license on October 8th and have been busting my butt studying and planning. I got my first "break" from school this past week. Spring break actually... I didn't have a lot of money, so I needed a proven method that would work the first time. I couldn't afford one mistake.

I forgot to mention, I decided on selling Medicare supplement insurance. My first week selling (mon - fri) I sold 4 policies. That provided me with $1,382 in annualized commission.

I have been more than thrilled about my first weeks results. And my marketing cost me $90 for 1,000 numbers and an "unlimited" cell phone plan. In addition, I only dialed 550 out of those 1,000 numbers, and only around 300-350 answered. That's it... (I normally would not keep track of such details, but with my first list in excel, it was more than easy to calculate).

The "genius" who taught was Frank Stastny. He has taught me the most crucial things in selling med supps. Mind you, I had no idea about insurance before I got my license less than a year ago (while I was 19).

Frank has taught me how to prospect, get free leads, and most importantly make money. That's what it comes down to. If you are thinking about selling Medicare supplement Insurance, contact Frank. His number is below his posts (he posted above). Or you can visit Insurance Sales Management - Insurance Sales Contact Management Software.

My biggest advice is... don't waste any time or money buying leads, or trying to sell insurance to someone who does not want insurance. You will be wasting your time (which is money) with these people, when you could be selling to someone else who is interested.

Good luck!

Craig

 

[YouGotMyMoney]

Congratulations!

You aren't even out of college yet, and you earned $1,382 in one week.

I guarantee you that none of your classmates, will be making even half of that, when they graduate.

 

[arnguy]

Toni, is that really your picture in your avatar?