Small Sphere of Influence

[Billy Ray]

I'm new to the business, live in Oakland California, will probably go captive to start.
I have lived here about 5 years and just don't know that many people, my sphere is small, my ambition and work ethic are not. I have a part time job that pays $2600/month, my expenses are $4200.

Contrary to what you guys post here, the recruiter, manager, and trainer where I am interviewing says calling/buying leads, using a good dialer, door knocking, flyers, seminars, etc......all have a very low return and will probably result in failure for a new agent. These 3 senior guys have combined about 50-60 years experience, all SVP, all were successful in insurance sales and are now in management. Office is very well run and there are currently 20 or so MDRT people on the wall for 2008. Company is very well known, has excellent training, and is well spoken of on this forum for a captive company. I do not have a wedding list of 250 California contacts. I would like to sell life, LTC, and annuities.

Obviously it's much easier starting out to know alot of people.....but a very slim chance of success without that??????? What do people do after they have contacted the 250??? I guess wait for the checks to roll in.

 

[the mayor]

It is NOT about who you know.
It IS about who knows YOU.

I retired 5 years ago at age 45 to travel and have fun for a while. But with investments withering,etc...it was time to go back to work.

I personally have ever had much luck selling to friends...but...have had great luck selling to friends of friends...and their friends.

In the few short weeks in this industry, I did contact people that were friends and aquaintances....I didn't try to sell to them...just let them know what I'm doing. It has turned into a few good leads.

That's a long winded way of saying that inside "sphere" may be your limit...outside of that sphere is a vast open world.

 

[Crabcake Johnny]

You have some old school senior agents who are used to making contacts and likely getting around in the community.

I know an agency owner in my chamber of commerce like that. Never bought a lead and never cold called.

He'd deeply embedded in the community - president of "this and "that" counsel, member of every club you can imagine. Simply put, he's extremely active in the community and charity.

To him, that's what an insurance agent does. I told him I buy leads and his philosophy is similar to what you're being told.

 

[souldeux]

You have some old school senior agents who are used to making contacts and likely getting around in the community.

I know an agency owner in my chamber of commerce like that. Never bought a lead and never cold called.

He'd deeply embedded in the community - president of "this and "that" counsel, member of every club you can imagine. Simply put, he's extremely active in the community and charity.

To him, that's what an insurance agent does. I told him I buy leads and his philosophy is similar to what you're being told.

I need to get better at this. I really, really want to integrate myself into the community more, but being so young I'm having a hard time being taken seriously. Maybe if I start bringing cupcakes everywhere I go...

 

[somarco]

Maybe if I start bringing cupcakes everywhere I go...

Are those the strippers from the Cheatah?

 

[souldeux]

Are those the strippers from the Cheatah?

Hangout of yours, Bob? Nikki (her stage name when she worked there) is a good friend of mine - although I've never seen her perform

 

[somarco]

although I've never seen her perform

Tell yourself whatever . . .

 

[DJM]

I need to get better at this. I really, really want to integrate myself into the community more, but being so young I'm having a hard time being taken seriously. Maybe if I start bringing cupcakes everywhere I go...

how old are you? i am having the same problem, i am 20 years old, and i have had that problem since day 1. shoot me an email and we can chat about it. Since I joined a networking group called BNI it hasnt been as much of a problem, but it still comes up sometimes. I am trying to network with everyone and be everyones friend, and i am finding that to be working in overcoming the age barrier.

 

[souldeux]

how old are you? i am having the same problem, i am 20 years old, and i have had that problem since day 1. shoot me an email and we can chat about it. Since I joined a networking group called BNI it hasnt been as much of a problem, but it still comes up sometimes. I am trying to network with everyone and be everyones friend, and i am finding that to be working in overcoming the age barrier.

I'm 23 (which is still early twenties damnit), which makes me look like someone's kid got loose at Chamber meetings. I'll send an email your way - curious as to your thoughts on BNI.

 

[somarco]

I used to work with a guy who dyed his hair gray to look older than his 32 years.

Can't say if it worked or not, but he believed it did.

He also spent a fortune on custom tailored suits and German luxury cars. Big believer in "fake it until you make it".