Thoughts on My First Year As an Agent

[Josh]

I figured I was in the top 10% since 90% of all agents supposedly fail in their first year, now it appears I am in the bottom of the earning %. The good thing is all my bills are paid and I'm still selling!

You are in the top 10%.

The hard part is getting started and you've done well at that, it gets easier the more you do it.
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This might give u an idea of where u stand...


According to the BLS, the mean annual salary for insurance agents was $47,450 in 2011. The best-paid 10 percent made an average of $115,300, while the lowest-paid 10 percent were paid $25,910, on average. The highest salaries were paid by outpatient care centers, securities and commodities firms, and insurance and employee benefit funds.
Salary Range

75th Percentile$72,490 Median$47,450 25th Percentile$33,850

These are "salaries paid", it doesn't look like "commissions earned". As has already been pointed out, it also looks like it is looking at everyone, not just first year agents. If it was first year agents and commission only agents, I'd imagine $33k would be at the top.

 

[senior-advisor-indiana]

You are in the top 10%.

The hard part is getting started and you've done well at that, it gets easier the more you do it.
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These are "salaries paid", it doesn't look like "commissions earned". As has already been pointed out, it also looks like it is looking at everyone, not just first year agents. If it was first year agents and commission only agents, I'd imagine $33k would be at the top.

I thought these numbers were high also, if we are talking bottom line AGI, which I assume is how numbers would be reported..

 

[calmdown504]

To the OP... So do you think AGLA was a "waste of time"? Would you recommend starting there or do you recommend starting off somewhere else in particular?

 

[Lowcountry 42]

AGLA was a good introduction to the biz and some people do well there it just wasn't for me long term.

 

[Nelson C. Janney]

You are well on your way to an even bigger and better year. Very best of luck to you.

 

[Agentguy5]

We wrote a lot AGLA last year and had nothing but issues with them... One problem after another after another... Get use to holding on the phone for them for a long time, every day! lol

 

[draconian]

Good info to know, thanks for sharing.

 

[xrac]

Hello All,
First off thank you for all the good advice and comic relief that comes off this forum!

I am sitting here doing my PNL for 2012, I obtained my license in January of 2012, and was curious how good/bad my first year review would be if I worked in an office full of Agents. I would appreciate an honest opinion from y'all.

I started captive with AGLA for 6 months then jumped into final expense using direct mail leads,working out my home office. I have put all business and expenses from all my endeavors together, so here it is:

Lead Costs-$7000
Gas and misc expenses-$4500
Annual Premium-$58,300
Face Amount Insurance-$725,000
Commisson paid-$44,700

It appears I have made about $30k in my first year and the majority of that has been in the last 6 months, It has been a long strange trip to say the least. This month is starting of good so hopefully I will double my earnings this year.

Any input positive or not is appreciated!

Having changed horse in mid-race and having to master a new gig I think you did exceptional.
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AGLA was a good introduction to the biz and some people do well there it just wasn't for me long term.

I think AGLA is not a bad place to start.

 

[draconian]

As a new agent is it better to do everything as earned?

 

[wynne]

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I think you did pretty darn well in your first year. Look out for the Sophmore slump in your second year. Set meaningful goals,and always remember that you do not get paid until you find someone to serve. Prospect every day. Ask for referrals. Let the business get in you and have fun.