My First Day in the Field

[quackattack99]

After spending a lot of time (probably too much) on this forum, today was my first day in the field. Below are my results:

First thing this morning, my 2 pm appt. calls to cancel. The grandkids have the flu, and she doesn't want anyone coming into the house. I rescheduled for next week.

My 9:30 was a phone appointment. This lady was very nice, but would not agree to meet me at her home, or anywhere else for that matter. I was able to complete an app (Americo), and get it in the mail for her signiature. I even included a self addressed stamped envelope. She does have a checking acct., and says that is how she pays all bills, so probably no problem there. But, she did balk at the price, I think it was $30.57 per month for 5k face value. 68 F, smoker. So, we shall see what happens with that.

My 11am was interesting. 75 year old male. Met all of the stereotypes of the "typical" FE client that I have seen described on here. This guy was a big time hoarder. We would have sat at the kitchen table, if it wasn't covered with clothes, dishes, magazines, assorted papers, etc., etc. So, the kitchen table is out. Well, unfortunately, the rest of the house was in the same condition. I am not kidding you. This guy needed to be on an episode of Hoarders. Anyway, we had to stand, because there was literally no where to sit. Long story short, he has to check with his 95 year old mother, who is also looking into getting coverage for him. I didn't know about the mother. I did know about his 40ish girlfriend (who he is very proud of), who would probably be his benificiary. Problem is, I couldn't talk the old guy into waking her up. You see, she is in the process of applying for SSI, and with him only for his "money". And, the fine accomadations, I am sure.

So, with no appointments until 4:30, I decided to door knock some of the leads I was unable to contact by phone. I was able to schedule two appointments for next week. One, a 51 year old male..works full time, and in pretty good health. Not sure a FE policy is really the best option for him. The other was a 63 year old female. Problem is, during my prequalification, I discovered that she is bipolar, and has a caretaker. Also, found out that she has no checking account, and may or may not be able to get a money order, every month for payment. Not sure what I am going to do with this. Sounding like a loser to me.

I then went to my 4:30 appointment with great anticipation, as this is the one I felt the best about going into the day. Well, she was a no show. I called twice, and left a message. No response.

I concluded my day by trying one more lead that I had been unable to contact. Of course, she was not home. Well, being that it was a 55 and over complex, I decided "what the hell', I'm here, I may as well do some cold calling". So, I knocked on several doors. No success. But, I did speak with one lady that told me she has a policy through Allstate. She said she thought it was a term policy. I explained the differences between term and whole life. She says she wants a whole life policy. Going to check with her agent (didn't know where the policy was), and if it is indeed term, give me a call. I left her some fliers, and will check back with her. Oh ya, she tried to sell me some vitimans.

So, overall, not a very successful day. But, on the bright side, I did gain some experience in a lot of different areas. I actually liked the cold calling, even though I didn't get very far with it. I can definitely understand why JD, and others, say that it is tough, at best, to make any money at this on a part time basis. I have pretty much exhausted all my leads, and nothing to show for it so far. Anyway, I think I have no where to go but up

 

[digfesales105]

After spending a lot of time (probably too much) on this forum, today was my first day in the field. Below are my results:

First thing this morning, my 2 pm appt. calls to cancel. The grandkids have the flu, and she doesn't want anyone coming into the house. I rescheduled for next week.

My 9:30 was a phone appointment. This lady was very nice, but would not agree to meet me at her home, or anywhere else for that matter. I was able to complete an app (Americo), and get it in the mail for her signiature. I even included a self addressed stamped envelope. She does have a checking acct., and says that is how she pays all bills, so probably no problem there. But, she did balk at the price, I think it was $30.57 per month for 5k face value. 68 F, smoker. So, we shall see what happens with that.

My 11am was interesting. 75 year old male. Met all of the stereotypes of the "typical" FE client that I have seen described on here. This guy was a big time hoarder. We would have sat at the kitchen table, if it wasn't covered with clothes, dishes, magazines, assorted papers, etc., etc. So, the kitchen table is out. Well, unfortunately, the rest of the house was in the same condition. I am not kidding you. This guy needed to be on an episode of Hoarders. Anyway, we had to stand, because there was literally no where to sit. Long story short, he has to check with his 95 year old mother, who is also looking into getting coverage for him. I didn't know about the mother. I did know about his 40ish girlfriend (who he is very proud of), who would probably be his benificiary. Problem is, I couldn't talk the old guy into waking her up. You see, she is in the process of applying for SSI, and with him only for his "money". And, the fine accomadations, I am sure.

So, with no appointments until 4:30, I decided to door knock some of the leads I was unable to contact by phone. I was able to schedule two appointments for next week. One, a 51 year old male..works full time, and in pretty good health. Not sure a FE policy is really the best option for him. The other was a 63 year old female. Problem is, during my prequalification, I discovered that she is bipolar, and has a caretaker. Also, found out that she has no checking account, and may or may not be able to get a money order, every month for payment. Not sure what I am going to do with this. Sounding like a loser to me.

I then went to my 4:30 appointment with great anticipation, as this is the one I felt the best about going into the day. Well, she was a no show. I called twice, and left a message. No response.

I concluded my day by trying one more lead that I had been unable to contact. Of course, she was not home. Well, being that it was a 55 and over complex, I decided "what the hell', I'm here, I may as well do some cold calling". So, I knocked on several doors. No success. But, I did speak with one lady that told me she has a policy through Allstate. She said she thought it was a term policy. I explained the differences between term and whole life. She says she wants a whole life policy. Going to check with her agent (didn't know where the policy was), and if it is indeed term, give me a call. I left her some fliers, and will check back with her. Oh ya, she tried to sell me some vitimans.

So, overall, not a very successful day. But, on the bright side, I did gain some experience in a lot of different areas. I actually liked the cold calling, even though I didn't get very far with it. I can definitely understand why JD, and others, say that it is tough, at best, to make any money at this on a part time basis. I have pretty much exhausted all my leads, and nothing to show for it so far. Anyway, I think I have no where to go but up

Everything your saying here is fixable. And easy to fix at that. You're making basic rookie mistakes and I'm saying that with respect. You tried and stayed out there all day. But you're just making little misjudgment s.

If you want some help or pointers feel free to call me. I can promise you, 30 mins on the phone with me will help you and open your eyes to some of the mistake you were making.

888-863-2445. Ext 1.

Good luck. Stick with it.

 

[seeknulfind]

99,

Thank you for sharing your first day. How did you get your leads?

Andy

 

[Agentguy5]

Are you working brand new direct mail leads? Are you working in the city or in Rural areas?

 

[HoosierLife]

Keep it up man. I'm still working cold call leads and most days I come up empty. My first day there were 3 apps I could have closed if I had known what I was doing lol. With the help of the guys on the forum, I did close them though. I would take dig up on his offer!

 

[sidtig]

Just wanted to say thank you for sharing. Looked like a tough day, but you held it together. I am just starting out. Please keep up the updates and good luck!!

 

[jdeasy]

After spending a lot of time (probably too much) on this forum, today was my first day in the field. Below are my results:

First thing this morning, my 2 pm appt. calls to cancel. The grandkids have the flu, and she doesn't want anyone coming into the house. I rescheduled for next week.

My 9:30 was a phone appointment. This lady was very nice, but would not agree to meet me at her home, or anywhere else for that matter. I was able to complete an app (Americo), and get it in the mail for her signiature. I even included a self addressed stamped envelope. She does have a checking acct., and says that is how she pays all bills, so probably no problem there. But, she did balk at the price, I think it was $30.57 per month for 5k face value. 68 F, smoker. So, we shall see what happens with that.

My 11am was interesting. 75 year old male. Met all of the stereotypes of the "typical" FE client that I have seen described on here. This guy was a big time hoarder. We would have sat at the kitchen table, if it wasn't covered with clothes, dishes, magazines, assorted papers, etc., etc. So, the kitchen table is out. Well, unfortunately, the rest of the house was in the same condition. I am not kidding you. This guy needed to be on an episode of Hoarders. Anyway, we had to stand, because there was literally no where to sit. Long story short, he has to check with his 95 year old mother, who is also looking into getting coverage for him. I didn't know about the mother. I did know about his 40ish girlfriend (who he is very proud of), who would probably be his benificiary. Problem is, I couldn't talk the old guy into waking her up. You see, she is in the process of applying for SSI, and with him only for his "money". And, the fine accomadations, I am sure.

So, with no appointments until 4:30, I decided to door knock some of the leads I was unable to contact by phone. I was able to schedule two appointments for next week. One, a 51 year old male..works full time, and in pretty good health. Not sure a FE policy is really the best option for him. The other was a 63 year old female. Problem is, during my prequalification, I discovered that she is bipolar, and has a caretaker. Also, found out that she has no checking account, and may or may not be able to get a money order, every month for payment. Not sure what I am going to do with this. Sounding like a loser to me.

I then went to my 4:30 appointment with great anticipation, as this is the one I felt the best about going into the day. Well, she was a no show. I called twice, and left a message. No response.

I concluded my day by trying one more lead that I had been unable to contact. Of course, she was not home. Well, being that it was a 55 and over complex, I decided "what the hell', I'm here, I may as well do some cold calling". So, I knocked on several doors. No success. But, I did speak with one lady that told me she has a policy through Allstate. She said she thought it was a term policy. I explained the differences between term and whole life. She says she wants a whole life policy. Going to check with her agent (didn't know where the policy was), and if it is indeed term, give me a call. I left her some fliers, and will check back with her. Oh ya, she tried to sell me some vitimans.

So, overall, not a very successful day. But, on the bright side, I did gain some experience in a lot of different areas. I actually liked the cold calling, even though I didn't get very far with it. I can definitely understand why JD, and others, say that it is tough, at best, to make any money at this on a part time basis. I have pretty much exhausted all my leads, and nothing to show for it so far. Anyway, I think I have no where to go but up

Everyone has had days like that and some of the stuff won't happen again as you learn. How far out are you scheduling your appointments? I don't go out more than one day. I just ask because you said you rescheduled one for next week.

All in all it's too small a sample to get discouraged about although that's easier to say than to do.

As far as part time I'm not one of the naysayers on that. Nothing wrong with getting into this business on a part time basis. What I say is to not get on a lead program like EFES's as a part timer. Doing your own mail and then working them at your pace is fine.

This forum is a great resource for information but you must filter that information.

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[quackattack99]

I will take dig up on his offer sometime this week. This lead order was telemarketed leads in a somewhat rural area. But, by no means, a Mayberry. I think the quality of the leads was fine, as these leads go. Not blaming things on my leads. In fact, I got some good experience calling these people, and got better, and more comfortable, as time went on. A couple of the leads were set as far as a week out. I travel a couple of hours to the area I was working, and doing this part time. So, that is the reason for setting them so far out. Will not do that again. Will probably cold call, or do the DM drop, combo of both. Not too discouraged. Just wish I could get in front of more folks, as I do think I can have some success if I can just manage to sit down with some people for a real appointment.

 

[nfl72]

btw if your working with PHROne thing you might consider is after setting the appointment just before you let them go ask them to get a pencil and paper. Then tell them to write down the date of the appointment, your name and number. Then ask them again, is there any reason you can forsee in not making that scheduled appointment. AFter they say no , tell them your day is very busy and if they can not make it to give you a call in advance so you can schedule someone else for that time frame.

Then when your on your way to their appointment and your cell phone rings, do not answer it.


BTW if your buying leads from PHR make sure and go to the website and listen to the webinars on setting the appointments. They are very good. In fact listen to them several times and take notes. Learn how to say things in a very short and precise manner especially when going for the appointment.

 

[digfesales105]

btw if your working with PHROne thing you might consider is after setting the appointment just before you let them go ask them to get a pencil and paper. Then tell them to write down the date of the appointment, your name and number. Then ask them again, is there any reason you can forsee in not making that scheduled appointment. AFter they say no , tell them your day is very busy and if they can not make it to give you a call in advance so you can schedule someone else for that time frame.

Then when your on your way to their appointment and your cell phone rings, do not answer it.


BTW if your buying leads from PHR make sure and go to the website and listen to the webinars on setting the appointments. They are very good. In fact listen to them several times and take notes. Learn how to say things in a very short and precise manner especially when going for the appointment.

GREAT POINTS!!!! So many agents will answer their phone just so the client cancel on them. We never would give them our cell #'s 1. 2....even if they leave a vcm cancelling, you can still go to the house and play dumb. Amazing when they say they won't be there and TAH DAH....low and behold they're home.