Would a Career Change Be Wise?

[Pangaea]

Good point... I forgot to add that it may have been a little easier for me because I was in commissioned sales for 25 years before and was used to working 65-70 hours a week.

You're right about that. I've had two guys who claimed to be ambitious sharks literally fly down to work with me, get here and realize that life's a little different when you don't have the security of a paycheck. One gave up after only making one sale, took that money and flew back north, the other one gave up after one day of cold calling and door knocking B2B with me. He kept on saying he'll get back to work, but it's been nearly a month. Ha!

Some people just don't get used to the "pressure" of only eating what they kill.

They say they're good sales people until they feel it [the pressure of commission only sales] first hand. I've been 100% self-employed in some form since I was 18, but even for the first few years there was an anxiety that was hard to shake as it affected performance. Some people just can't sell when they're hungry.

 

[xrac]

You're right about that. I've had two guys who claimed to be ambitious sharks literally fly down to work with me, get here and realize that life's a little different when you don't have the security of a paycheck. One gave up after only making one sale, took that money and flew back north, the other one gave up after one day of cold calling and door knocking B2B with me. He kept on saying he'll get back to work, but it's been nearly a month. Ha!

Some people just don't get used to the "pressure" of only eating what they kill.

They say they're good sales people until they feel it [the pressure of commission only sales] first hand. I've been 100% self-employed in some form since I was 18, but even for the first few years there was an anxiety that was hard to shake as it affected performance. Some people just can't sell when they're hungry.

Selling life insurance is a total different gig than selling health or P&C. Most people going into this business underestimate what is required to get in front of enough of the right kind of people.

 

[VaDwayne]

Selling life insurance is a total different gig than selling health or P&C. Most people going into this business underestimate what is required to get in front of enough of the right kind of people.

AMEN!!! I was one of those. It takes work to get an appointment and a sale. Once the referrals start coming in that helps.
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You're right about that. I've had two guys who claimed to be ambitious sharks literally fly down to work with me, get here and realize that life's a little different when you don't have the security of a paycheck. One gave up after only making one sale, took that money and flew back north, the other one gave up after one day of cold calling and door knocking B2B with me. He kept on saying he'll get back to work, but it's been nearly a month. Ha!

Some people just don't get used to the "pressure" of only eating what they kill.

They say they're good sales people until they feel it [the pressure of commission only sales] first hand. I've been 100% self-employed in some form since I was 18, but even for the first few years there was an anxiety that was hard to shake as it affected performance. Some people just can't sell when they're hungry.

When I was in the car business, one manager I worked with used the term "debt motivation" meaning he wanted to hire people that were in debt because the were hungrier. That would have the opposite effect on me.

 

[Ann H]

Thanks for your advice, Ann!

You're quite welcome! In an earlier post you said, "I have bills to pay and mouths to feed". I always admire a person who puts priorities first, yet has extra time and energy to focus on a task that will better himself and his family in the future. I've been in the insurance business 30 years, and many times I've given away stacks of good leads to agents like yourself, who appear to be bright, willing to work, and focused on doing things the correct way. It warms my heart to see a young person do well. Good luck to you. As you set up your new career, you will have lots of questions. Please come back to this forum to ask those questions, so we can help you make profitable and secure choices.

 

[akarusso]

Hi there,

I've been weighing the pros and cons of entering the insurance business, mainly to sell insurance online (virtual agent?). I have 9+ years in retail banking experience where sales were a large factor of success, so I'm comfortable with that aspect of the job. I'm also comfortable with working my tail off to succeed. I currently make a little over $50k/annually working for a state agency. I have been at this job for 3 years and have not received a pay increase once. Needless to say, the state is having budget issues and I foresee no raise in the near future. So, my main question is, what are your thoughts on leaving my current job/PAY in order to begin a career in the insurance business? If I work hard enough during the first few years, do you think I could earn comparable pay?
Thanks in advance for your responses!

What is a virtual agent

 

[xrac]

What is a virtual agent

Not quite there!

 

[b61mack]

I think we have a few agents on here that would like to take over his job. Lets see 50k, full bennies, and live in Texas. Any takers?

 

[jonesmiyh2011]

So, when you're making calls and you're representing YOURSELF or an INSURANCE COMPANY (that they're not already doing business with), you'll have a tougher row to hoe there.

Now, if you're wanting to sell policies online, why can't you do that AND work your job at the same time? Insurance companies won't care and as long as you're not taking time away from your job, your current employer shouldn't care either.

When you're starting off, you need to assess this like a business:
- What problems will you help people solve?
- What immediate problems will you help people solve?
- Who has those problems?
- How will you approach them?
- What resources will you use to get their attention?
- What process will you use with a live prospect?
- How will you get people to go to your website?

 

[AgencyEquity]

Hi there,

I've been weighing the pros and cons of entering the insurance business, mainly to sell insurance online (virtual agent?).

Your "Sell Insurance Online" is where the red flag is, why online? Very few insurances can be sold online and it's truly for the big boys, managing and paying for web development is not child's play. If you have at least a million dollars along with some real good ideas on who you are going to be different and how your concept of insurnace will work online, you may have something, but your lack of insurance experience will eat this deal.