Salesman Considering Change

[Scats]

Hi all, I am looking for some recommendations on some companies that are looking to recruit me. I have read some of these boards and it seems some companies are a waste of time.

I am used to working on 100% commission, I prefer to be in the field, phone sales can be done by any clown, walk up and knock on a door and it is showtime.

I do not wish to cold call, in todays time, there is no reason for it unless the payout is huge ( I have made a living 100% cold calling but that was when I was young and stupid).

I also will not invest a single penny in any job, other then operating expenses for the week. (gas, tolls. phone, etc). My last job, these expenses where roughly $ 300 a week in road warrior mode . I cleared 150k until the state nailed them for violating the do not call list and shut them down.

I put a resume online last night and already today I have 4 companies looking to interview me. I know this is probably due to high turnovers, not many can stand the pressure of 100% commission jobs. I thrive on it. I thrive at in home sales as well.

So what I need from a company is complete training and licensing. I also do not wish to "pay" for leads or training. To be honest, if they can not supply the leads, I do not consider them a viable employer, because they are not screening new apps very well. (if done right, the cost of leads for a company is nile).

I also like a company that has weekly meetings, in which I expect sales methods/closes to be discussed. I love sales, I love work and I love the hunt very much. I feed on the competition.

I do not wish to be an independent agent, I simply do not have the knowledge to attempt a new field alone and to be brutally direct, I enjoy competing with other agents/employees and knocking down company records, when you are alone, you are the record

These companies have sent me emails

Allstate
Amerilife
Aflac
Full Circle Financial Group

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated on these companies and what they offer. I probably will interview with all of them, even if nothing else but to learn a little more on the process.


Thanks for any answers and comments you may provide

SCats

 

[Mark]

Hi all, I am looking for some recommendations on some companies that are looking to recruit me. I have read some of these boards and it seems some companies are a waste of time.

I am used to working on 100% commission, I prefer to be in the field, phone sales can be done by any clown, walk up and knock on a door and it is showtime.

I do not wish to cold call, in todays time, there is no reason for it unless the payout is huge ( I have made a living 100% cold calling but that was when I was young and stupid).

I also will not invest a single penny in any job, other then operating expenses for the week. (gas, tolls. phone, etc). My last job, these expenses where roughly $ 300 a week in road warrior mode . I cleared 150k until the state nailed them for violating the do not call list and shut them down.

I put a resume online last night and already today I have 4 companies looking to interview me. I know this is probably due to high turnovers, not many can stand the pressure of 100% commission jobs. I thrive on it. I thrive at in home sales as well.

So what I need from a company is complete training and licensing. I also do not wish to "pay" for leads or training. To be honest, if they can not supply the leads, I do not consider them a viable employer, because they are not screening new apps very well. (if done right, the cost of leads for a company is nile).

I also like a company that has weekly meetings, in which I expect sales methods/closes to be discussed. I love sales, I love work and I love the hunt very much. I feed on the competition.

I do not wish to be an independent agent, I simply do not have the knowledge to attempt a new field alone and to be brutally direct, I enjoy competing with other agents/employees and knocking down company records, when you are alone, you are the record

These companies have sent me emails

Allstate
Amerilife
Aflac
Full Circle Financial Group

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated on these companies and what they offer. I probably will interview with all of them, even if nothing else but to learn a little more on the process.


Thanks for any answers and comments you may provide

SCats

When you find all of that, please let me know.

This is a career and not a job to start with. The fact that you dont want to invest any money into the business besides gas and phone does not help you.

Looks like you want to be an order taker so to speak.

The market is flooded with insurance agents. They can pick someone that is willing to do all the things that you are not willing to do and there is enough people out there that knows what they are doing and have been doing it for years.


Good Luck in finding what you looking for.

 

[WinoBlues]

I assume you want above street comp also.

 

[Norwayguy]

So what I need from a company is complete training and licensing. I also do not wish to "pay" for leads or training. To be honest, if they can not supply the leads, I do not consider them a viable employer, because they are not screening new apps very well. (if done right, the cost of leads for a company is nile).

I do not wish to be an independent agent, I simply do not have the knowledge to attempt a new field alone and to be brutally direct, I enjoy competing with other agents/employees and knocking down company records,

Allstate
Amerilife
Aflac
Full Circle Financial Group

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated on these companies and what they offer. I probably will interview with all of them, even if nothing else but to learn a little more on the process.


Thanks for any answers and comments you may provide

SCats

First the good companies that provide training and are not a complete waste of your time typically DO NOT offer leads. The fact of the matter is that almost anyone can sell an insurance policy to someone who is interested in that policy... We really should be called Prospecting Agents because thats the biggest part of this job getting in front of people.

You didn't mention what type of insurance you want to sell Life & Health or Property & Casualty....Of the companies you mentioned I can think of Allstate providing referrals from agents to thier Financial Services guy however Allstate typically wants someone in that position that has experience and frankly you will still need to generate your own leads.

If your looking to sell Life & Health lines and want a captive company that will train you then look at some of the following

New York Life
Northwestern Mutual Life
Guardian

There are others the three I mentioned are relativily similar if you meet with them your first goal is to make sure your comfortable with that agency and office because thats the biggest thing.

Do they do joint work?
How are they going to help you get in front of people (watch out for the project 100 or 200) its the old friends and family approach nothing wrong but its what everyone does and the failure rate in this industry is huge.

 

[Scats]

An order taker you say....lol


That is the last thing I want, I want appointments, training and I will do the rest. An order taker does not close 50% of everything he touches.

Thousands of people want to be in sales, this does not mean they have any actual talent to sale. This is the part you miss, a good salesman is very hard to find.

The only reason a company charges you, is because they are a sales mill and have no confidence in who they hire, it is a very telling sign on that company of a nickle and dime operation.


You say a career, that is swell, I admit I am not looking for a career, I look to close deals, I look for payouts, I do not look for a crumb 5 years from now or unicorns;p I am a numbers man.

And if your market is so flooded and the talent so great, why do I have 4 apps in a matter of hours? I love working with guys like you, you forgot the most important thing to any sales manager, corporation or president.

Raw Numbers, it crosses all obstacles, it opens all doors, it paves the very road you walk on with gold.

Thanks for your comments on the 4 companies that I asked about, it was very constructive. Do insurance people actually read?...or is that why they turn help over so quick?


Anyways, sorry about the sharp tongue but negativity like yours is not conducive to sales.


Scats

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[WinoBlues]

You are going to be awesome.

 

[Scats]

Thanks Norwayguy


I am looking to sell life insurance mainly, I think I can do well with this product.

I have np with them paying less to cover the cost of leads, I realize leads cost money and not all will follow through.

As far as prospecting, I have np with this either provided it is a real sales job with an 80k base, a car, an expense account, etc. This is how a real sales job works btw, for those who have only sold insurance.

Most commission only jobs have some harsh rules, in 30 days if you are not producing, you are gone, by producing I mean about 2k in commissions a week. I have np with this, provided training and a script are provided.

To think that because a person fills out a card, it is an automatic sale, I would suggest that person has never been in the field. Heck, some will fill out a card just to get someone to visit and speak too. The card shows a possible interest, but by no means did you earn that persons business yet.

I suppose, some interviews are in order as I am not fully convinced that insurance can pay out what other products can. The only reason I was considering it, I already have belief in the product, that is the single most important thing for any salesman of any field.


Scats

 

[Norwayguy]

Thanks Norwayguy


I am looking to sell life insurance mainly, I think I can do well with this product.

I have np with them paying less to cover the cost of leads, I realize leads cost money and not all will follow through.

As far as prospecting, I have np with this either provided it is a real sales job with an 80k base, a car, an expense account, etc. This is how a real sales job works btw, for those who have only sold insurance.

Most commission only jobs have some harsh rules, in 30 days if you are not producing, you are gone, by producing I mean about 2k in commissions a week. I have np with this, provided training and a script are provided.

To think that because a person fills out a card, it is an automatic sale, I would suggest that person has never been in the field. Heck, some will fill out a card just to get someone to visit and speak too. The card shows a possible interest, but by no means did you earn that persons business yet.

I suppose, some interviews are in order as I am not fully convinced that insurance can pay out what other products can. The only reason I was considering it, I already have belief in the product, that is the single most important thing for any salesman of any field.


Scats

If you want to sell life insurance look at the list I gave you...Stay away from AFLAC...that duck doesn't sell a competitive life product....Allstate does have an EFS position that does sell Life insurance Mutual funds etc, that position would provide referrals from a group of Allstate agents but from talking with EFS guys its a lot of hand holding to get those referals you need to keep pushing the agency to ask about life (P&C guys only ask about life when forced based on comp grids).

The Full Circle company you listed I'[m not familiar with, its probably an agency so you will need to research that one.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

As far as prospecting, I have np with this either provided it is a real sales job with an 80k base, a car, an expense account, etc. This is how a real sales job works btw, for those who have only sold insurance.

If whats above is what your looking for you should really look at the P&C side commercial insurance maybe with a direct company position, thats the only way I can see you getting a large base pay, expense account car etc in the insurance business.

Also on the P&C side some agencies would provide a base (most likely small) if thats what your looking for.

 

[FL P&C Broker]

Come work for me. I will pay you $80k base, car, benefits, etc.

 

[Scats]

Again, thanks Norwayguy.


I had somewhat a bad feeling about Aflac because of the lack of information on their website. Gut feelings still hold true maybe^^.

I do not require a base or perks, provided I have leads, the base and perks comes from generating leads. I have sold B2B many years, it requires alot of patience as the sale is never on the spot. The yield however is substantial and provided a commission structure goes with that base, you can make some serious money. I would do this if required but it is not as laid back as home sales (suits vs slacks, lunches/golf vs sodas and conversation)

My fifth email in less then 12 hours arrived, seems most insurance companies throw mud at the wall to see's what sticks^^...Looks like some interviews are ahead.

Bankers Life and Casualty Company


FLP&CBroker....provided there is still some commission to move that figure up and provide inspiration, e-mail me

[email protected]


SCats