New agent in Southern California

[BDC5]

After reading quite a few posts on how to get started in this business, training to build a sustainable prospecting system (without spending a lot of money) is tops on my priority list. For that, I'm going to pursue DHK's recommendation regarding the training at Insurance Pro Shop. I have been considering joining one of the major mutuals (Mass, Guardian, NYL) as a career agent to get started. However, I could be mistaken, but it seems that between all of the knowledge and experience available on the forums along with the Pro Shop Training and carrier support, that could be enough to get started provided I supply the necessary level of activity. If your were starting out indy today, what carriers do you recommend contracting with directly for WL (I'm already contracted direct with ON), IUL, (both products in most cases to be structured as a fixed income alternative in retirement planning) GUL, and DI. My target market is small business owners, professionals and skilled laborers with families 35-55? I plan on leading with Term w/conversion and DI as I get better at fact finding. I'm considering Levinson or 3Mark as my IMO to supplement direct carriers, If you have other recommendations I'm all ears. Finally, who should I reach out to learn how to properly structure these contracts appropriately?

I appreciate you all taking the time to respond.

 

[DHK]

Welcome to the forum!

You've done your homework! You know who you want to target, what you want to sell, where you'll get (in my opinion) best training and accounting for a learning curve!

As far as a career agency... I almost don't see the point anymore. They don't train people as they once did - and those that do, probably rely too heavily on "project 200/referrals, hope & pray".

This thread would be a good primer on independent carriers:
https://insurance-forums.com/community/threads/best-carriers.93809/

Don't forget Sandy Schussel's Mastering Client Referrals for $37. It fits VERY well with the fact-finding training you'll get from IPS.
www.sandyschussel.com/products

I'd also recommend Sid Walker's "Selling without Wrestling" low-key prospecting (currently FREE!):
www.sellingwithoutwrestling.com

In addition, if you decide to buy a system from Insurance Pro Shop, don't forget that you really need to be a member of their member's only site - primarily for their video training. It's only $30/month and without the video training, you only have half of a system.

 

[BDC5]

Thanks DHK!

 

[Sunil Shrestha]

Thanks for the information.