Working in the Inner City

[ims01]

I had an appointment in Miami fourteen years ago while training a new agent. As soon as we drove in, we were approached by 4-5 kids on bikes wanting to sell us drugs and/or girls. That was the day I decided to figure out how to sell over the phone.
Now I sell anywhere sitting in the comfort and safety of my desk wearing shorts and flip-flops. I eat lunch and dinner with my wife everyday and on nice days like today I go for a swim first. My car sits in the garage and I fill it up once every three - four weeks.
I hear agents say you cant sell Final Expense over the phone. The fact is you can sell FE or Term over the phone, make the same amount of money and have a much better quality of life.

 

[JimmyUt]

EFES had an agent that would work any area and he drove a Lexus SC430. I am not sure it matters, although I like the idea of driving a hearse as stated in a different thread.

 

[ChicagoProducer]

I work "inner city" Chicago for FE (as my screenname suggets), drive a Jag, and wear a blazer with no tie EVERYDAY.
Never had a problem in 4 years; as well as accompany my new agents on their appointments all over.

But, I worked in the largest Chicago bank for 6 years and was robbed twice.

The Brothers won't bother you. Act like you know what you're doing, keep your head up, and drive off.

 

[Tearmann]

I have worked Detroit for some time without any safety issues. The referrals are much easier to get and they do understand the importance of having life insurance. As mentioned bank accounts will be an issue...i would qualify that before setting the appointment.
The other issue is retention. It can be a problem because of the low income bracket, but for FE the retention is better.

 

[rousemark]

I have worked Detroit for some time without any safety issues. The referrals are much easier to get and they do understand the importance of having life insurance. As mentioned bank accounts will be an issue...i would qualify that before setting the appointment.
The other issue is retention. It can be a problem because of the low income bracket, but for FE the retention is better.

Settlers Life still accepts monthly direct bill.

 

[RonRoberts]

How much monthly direct business sticks? I may be wrong but I see that as business for the debit so IMO if you are going to take monthly business then be prepared for it to lapse or go by and pick the payment up yourself. But, quarterly, Semi or annually is different as I pay mine annually...I'm cheap and like the better deal.

 

[WinoBlues]

When I started I would work a couple other agents debits in Oakland and Richmond CA. These other agents were 24 year old recent grads and were scared to death to go into those area. I am still writing business off of some of that business. On there grandchildren and great grandchildren. I am The Insurance Man.

Treat them with respect and they will reward you with loyalty and referrals. When you are going in on appointment carry your self like you belong there. I am more afraid to go into the foothills around here where the crazy separatist live.

 

[RonRoberts]

When I started I would work a couple other agents debits in Oakland and Richmond CA. These other agents were 24 year old recent grads and were scared to death to go into those area. I am still writing business off of some of that business. On there grandchildren and great grandchildren. I am The Insurance Man.

Treat them with respect and they will reward you with loyalty and referrals. When you are going in on appointment carry your self like you belong there. I am more afraid to go into the foothills around here where the crazy separatist live.

We got some of those around here. But, they can be your best friends too...Swamp people.

 

[rousemark]

We got some of those around here. But, they can be your best friends too...Swamp people.

Yeah.. all of them are rich now.. They all have their own TV shows.

 

[lsalmans]

For your direct billing clients in inner city this is what I do. I carry 5-6 stamped and addressed envelopes to my PO box. If someone wants to pay me in money orders I never take the money during the actual sale. Write down how much the premium is and tell them to mail it to you (po box). If they actually get off the couch and get a money order later that day or the next and send first months premium to you, you probably have yourself a real buyer. I do this and I see about a 60% NBR on my direct billing clients.

Just find a direct billing company and put it all with them, its easier to track for yourself. And this business will fall off the books. So if you like taking company trips don't mix this business with your Autopay accounts.