Insurance Forum http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum » Are you looking to get started selling insurance or related products?» Do you want to advise new agents on pitfalls that you faced?» Post your questions and discussions here. en Thu, 17 May 2012 07:02:15 GMT vBulletin 120 http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/images/misc/rss.jpg Insurance Forum http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum Interview with Farmers http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/interview-farmers-t5665.html Thu, 17 May 2012 06:13:06 GMT ---Quote (Originally by Red Blooded...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Red Blooded American (Post 540871)
Why did YOU comment on a nearly 2 year old thread???

Lol, damn those mods. They removed the post I commented on, making it look like I was the one bumping a 2 year old thread. Damn you all!!! :twitchy: ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance tins http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/interview-farmers-t5665.html Getting Started - Big Plans!! http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/getting-started-big-plans-t41804.html Thu, 17 May 2012 04:12:31 GMT Hi Danielle, welcome. And welcome to the... Hi Danielle, welcome. And welcome to the business. It is very rewarding, both personally and professionally, but requires hard work.

Like any other profession, it requires a skill set. Do you have any experience with health insurance (I too, assume that's what you're looking to sell based on the companies you named)? If not, as already suggested, consider a mentor to help you in the learning experience. Assuming Florida is the same as Ohio, getting the insurance license is just basic competency. Their goal is to teach you to know what you don't know, in addition to the basic laws of your state. Everything else is up to you.

As far as one stop shopping, my partner and I have that setup for Medicare supplements and Medicare advantage. Not every company works with independents, and you **might** want to consider starting off with a marketing organization to take some of the load of appointing and getting properly set up off your shoulders. They may even help with some training. But tread carefully. There are some really great marketing outfits out there, and some very bad ones. Ask around before you commit to any. We recently dumped ours for new business because we could handle what they were doing for us better ourselves, and we think those guys were actually one of the good ones.

My partner and I came from a captive agent situation in 2007 and went independent. In our opinion, you can't beat it! But that's our experience. Every day, we wake up loving our job and our clients (most of them). The insurance professional organizations were the ones that really helped us out as independents. Primarily NAIFA, who reached out to us within a week of us severing ties with our former employer (captor?). Later, we were sought out by NAHU because word got around our main focus was health insurance. These groups are around to help advocate agents, regardless of whether or not they work as independents or companies. They may be helpful to you as well. ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance eharriett http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/getting-started-big-plans-t41804.html Health insurance in New Jersey http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/health-insurance-new-jersey-t6116.html Thu, 17 May 2012 04:03:04 GMT OMG is there some way to prevent these ancient... OMG is there some way to prevent these ancient threads from being bumped.....unless they are regarding "zero premium life insurance"? ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance arnguy http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/health-insurance-new-jersey-t6116.html Health Insurance Marketing http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/health-insurance-marketing-t2921.html Thu, 17 May 2012 04:00:13 GMT ---Quote (Originally by TRK3031962)--- Excellent...
Quote:
Originally Posted by TRK3031962 (Post 508181)
Excellent translation! Did you have to attend school for that or did you just pick it up from the local Ukarainian community? ;)
I agree. STI did a great job with the translation.:yes: ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance arnguy http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/health-insurance-marketing-t2921.html From Call-center to Indy http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/call-center-indy-t41801.html Thu, 17 May 2012 01:48:03 GMT ---Quote (Originally by insurance...
Quote:
Originally Posted by insurance enthusiast (Post 540954)
Greetings esteemed insurance masters -

I seek your advice on finding the right IMO for H&L

I do not want 4 or 5 girlfriend IMO's each with her own finer points - I want a wife IMO that does her job and does it well!

Currently I am a noncaptive agent at a call center brokerage and hold 20+ non res licenses Most biz conducted in AK, CA, NV, TX, CO, FL, PA, MI, TN

At the end of the day, who would you recommend as a reliable and efficient IMO/FMO? - opinions and experiences welcome!
What are you wanting to sell? Term life, final expense, med supps, med advantage, individual health? ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance dubya4472 http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/call-center-indy-t41801.html Farm Bureau - Agent Opportunities http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/farm-bureau-agent-opportunities-t9134.html Wed, 16 May 2012 22:42:48 GMT ---Quote (Originally by hireme)--- I have farm...
Quote:
Originally Posted by hireme (Post 540877)
I have farm bureau auto insurance. I want to be a FB Auto Insurance agent. I have a marketing business degree. . One evening I went in my young agents (about 30y/o) office and asked him if he makes about 50K a year. He showed me a check of last years income that was about 200K.... He is an independent agent and shares his office with another guy... overhead cost would be two admin salaries. , office rent, fixed cost so calculation would be he paying out about 100K and take home is about 120K... not bad for a young lad. I am ready to sale auto ins... I have great body of population I know and have excellent sales and customer service skills. Yes, I want to join you guys.... where do I start... how do I start and I am 51 y/o female... lot of admin, acct, teaching, CSR experience.... I live in Ann Arbor, Michigan area. please help!!!!

SPAM.............................................. ....... ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance Red Blooded American http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/farm-bureau-agent-opportunities-t9134.html Getting Started in Texas http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/getting-started-texas-t41452.html Wed, 16 May 2012 20:57:00 GMT If you are in a hurry try an IMO like Pacific... If you are in a hurry try an IMO like Pacific Crest. They cover E&O and training. ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance oneinsurance4u http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/getting-started-texas-t41452.html Attention New Agents: Get Trained! http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/attention-new-agents-get-trained-t41542.html Wed, 16 May 2012 19:06:48 GMT Awesome Information!!!!! Awesome Information!!!!! ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance hireme http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/attention-new-agents-get-trained-t41542.html Ninety-Two Percent of All Agents Fail - Why? http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/ninety-two-percent-all-agents-fail-why-t11796.html Wed, 16 May 2012 16:03:55 GMT My advice would be to go to a different company -... My advice would be to go to a different company - it sounds like any success you achieve there will be in spite of your managers/trainers, not because of them. I assume you're a 1099? If so just quit and interview with other companies - there are plenty good, reputable companies out there that will provide the support you're looking for. Just remember - it will always be up to you to make this career work. Like I posted earlier, you need to start setting 10 appointments every week. Once you do so you WILL make sales. This is a numbers game, plain and simple.

Here's a piece of good advice - don't wait till you are good at this to start doing it. Start doing it to get good at it! ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance Kenno http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/ninety-two-percent-all-agents-fail-why-t11796.html Compensation http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/compensation-t41163.html Wed, 16 May 2012 15:40:09 GMT ---Quote (Originally by Glad2bHere)--- Sorry,...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Glad2bHere (Post 540711)
Sorry, R-M, but thats inco9rrect. Infact I finally had a sit-down with one of the Managing Partners and he was struck by how many things had gone awry. We at least came to under standing about investigating where the problem is.

BTW: I finally got my GRYPHON code so I could use my phone this morning. I have no dial tone and the phone line seems to be out. Now....tell me this is my fault. Is this a function of my lack of initiative? Thoughts?

Best Wishes,

Bruce
The phone issue is a 10 minute issue that you delegate to someone else.

More importantly what did you do about it? Did it derail you? Who were you going to call? Why were you going to call them? Did you call them? How many calls have you made? How many presentations or fact finds have you done? How many calls did you make last night? This morning? What are you doing to advance your business today?

Some of us started before the internet, laptops and cell phones. It was phone books, reverse directories, Thomas guides, and rolls of quarter. Quit your whining and get to work. This board is full of threats from newbies that have asked for help and have thrived. Become one of them.

Optimum word is _you_.

Your manager must not be very good at weeding his garden. ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance WinoBlues http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/compensation-t41163.html New Agent Contract/Bankruptcy http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/new-agent-contract-bankruptcy-t41503.html Wed, 16 May 2012 08:16:31 GMT were you speaking with a bankruptcy attorney? if... were you speaking with a bankruptcy attorney? if so, of course he would tell you to file. thats how he gets paid. imho, you should consult a debt counseling agency which is a non-profit and get their opinion or speak with an attorney that does nothing by debt consolidation and negotiation and get their opinion.

as far as if they can fire you or not, why not have someone call anonymously and flat out ask what their policy on bk is?

post #13. almost there ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance HarryDaBroker http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/new-agent-contract-bankruptcy-t41503.html How To Sell 30 Or More Insurance Policies Every Month http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/how-sell-30-more-insurance-policies-every-month-t40640.html Wed, 16 May 2012 03:31:55 GMT I attended this terrible webinar and it was... I attended this terrible webinar and it was nothing but a waste of time. The guy who ran the thing, probably a nice guy, had nothing but tired old hackneyed salesy types of quips. It was an utter waste of time.

Could it work? Sure, so does throwing spaghetti at the wall, some of it is bound to stick. ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance 2112Greg http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/how-sell-30-more-insurance-policies-every-month-t40640.html Looking for a Job http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/looking-job-t41718.html Wed, 16 May 2012 00:24:45 GMT ---Quote (Originally by medsuptage)--- yeah watch...
Quote:
Originally Posted by medsuptage (Post 540312)
yeah watch out for arnguy... see those 8,600 posts...
8,000 of them were simply correcting peoples english mistakes... 100% serious. I'd like to say I'm exaggerating but It's probably not that far off :D.
Watch him get one more correcting all my errors.

Anyway, Westksbowhunter if you choose to over look Josh's posts you are really shooting yourself in the foot.


Good luck to you.
Thank you for acknowledging my passion!:yes::yes::yes::yes: ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance arnguy http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/looking-job-t41718.html Superior Access is a Joke.. http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/superior-access-joke-t41648.html Wed, 16 May 2012 00:23:25 GMT I am not sticking up for them but I do know that... I am not sticking up for them but I do know that their head sales whatever her title is was out of the office for a few days. I called Friday with some questions about how they operate and they guy I spoke with couldnt answer my questions. I have a friend that is using them and he is happy with their service.
. ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance oneinsurance4u http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/superior-access-joke-t41648.html Asurea, Securus, Monumental Life or Premier Finance http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/asurea-securus-monumental-life-premier-finance-t35715.html Tue, 15 May 2012 23:11:04 GMT What kind of training do you need? Learning... What kind of training do you need? Learning insurance plans is as simple as reading a brochure or summary of benefits. Selling is easy to learn, plenty of books at the library. I worked with about 6 agencies and they weren't able to give me assistance or be honest with me so I went home and made my own marketing program. I tried to get with Asurea and Securus but couldn't even get started due to severe ego trips on their part, something I don't tolerate. To start in this business requires working capital. The more capital, the more you'll earn. I do all my business by phone with internet leads. PM me with contact info and we can chat.

Joel Gardberg
www.gardberginsurance.com
joelgardberg@bellsouth.net ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance The Rabbi http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/asurea-securus-monumental-life-premier-finance-t35715.html Colonial Life - Need Feedback from These Agents http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/colonial-life-need-feedback-these-agents-t38510.html Tue, 15 May 2012 22:50:31 GMT ---Quote (Originally by Montana Insurance...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Montana Insurance Kingpin (Post 494450)
Michigan,
Take a look at the MedBridge and ask yourself if you were an employer are you doing yourself any favors by buying this product for your worker to offset a high deductible health plan.If you were a worker would you contribute you hard earned to enroll in this plan.

It is not that great and Colonial--Unum are not that ethical in their worksite presentations.
Use common sense brother
This is about the most ignorant post I have ever read on this forum. The Medical Bridge policy allows the ER to get a higher deductible Major Med plan for less cash. They then buy the MB policy for a lot less $ than they save to make up the difference. It can be less than $5 PER WEEK. Not sure where you got your info. I sell this policy a lot and make HR reps look like hero's... ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance Jessebjobe http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/colonial-life-need-feedback-these-agents-t38510.html Interviewing at Metlife, Advice? http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/interviewing-metlife-advice-t41622.html Tue, 15 May 2012 13:53:26 GMT ---Quote (Originally by Newby)--- If a company...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Newby (Post 540001)
If a company does NOT cover acts of war...how does that work?

If a policy is non-contestable but the insured is in a building that is bombed by people from a country that we are at war with, would the policy not pay? Or is it only in the contestable period?
It is in the contract that has been approved by the DOI. So I guess they would investigate it just as if it was contestable period.

Remember 9/11. I believe most if not all companies went ahead and paid versus contest it as an act of war and deal with the PR nightmare. ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance VolAgent http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/interviewing-metlife-advice-t41622.html Webinar: Telesales Strategies For Insurance Agents http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/webinar-telesales-strategies-insurance-agents-t41712.html Mon, 14 May 2012 20:37:13 GMT Be sure to attend the next StellarProspects.com...
Be sure to attend the next StellarProspects.com online webinar on Tuesday, May 22nd at 1:00 PM (Eastern Time) where our presenter will be Cory Prado of SalesDialers.com. Cory will sharing the knowledge he gained working as a licensed insurance agent concerning:

Telesales Strategies For Insurance Agents
  • Telemarketing – Making the calls yourself or hiring a telemarketer
  • Criteria For Selecting An Insurance Lead Vendor
  • Criteria For Selecting A Data List Vendor
  • How Using An Auto Dialer To Improve Efficiency
  • Do Not Call Guidelines/SAN Information
  • List Management Scrubbing and Formatting
  • List Management Formatting After Your Calling Session(s)
  • When to Call
  • How You Say It is Just As Important as What You Say
  • Tips for the Phone
  • Reasons Not To Leave a Message
  • Tips for Sending Emails
  • Appointment Setting Tips
  • Tips for Leaving Voice Mail Messages
  • Script Ideas for the Phone, Voice Mail and Emails
Reserve your spot for this Tuesday May 22nd 1:00 PM (Eastern Time) webinar at:

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/416322730
 ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance Tampa Bay Rep http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/webinar-telesales-strategies-insurance-agents-t41712.html I Feel Like a Kid in a Candy Store! (Mutual of Omaha Career Agent Resources) http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/i-feel-like-kid-candy-store-mutual-omaha-career-agent-resources-t41669.html Mon, 14 May 2012 19:04:11 GMT The mutual of Omaha Career agent/office agent in... The mutual of Omaha Career agent/office agent in my town makes it sound brutal.

Well, kind of, he likes his job and he's a great guy!

As a career agent he told me he makes 5% commission on his med supp business. He also told me he has over 400 clients...

Poor guy makes 36k in renewals with 400 clients... I couldn't believe that.

Washington is totally screwed up for commission so it may not be that bad where you are but if it were me... I'd go work construction or drive a forklift for 36k a year. :D

Not to mention, MOO just totally screwed him. They did their close their book and raise the rates trick on him. WA is year around open enrollment, no health questions. So all of his clients got a 20% rate increase. He has to switch all 400 clients to their new book... United of Omaha, just to keep his measly 36k in renewals....

He has his wife and daughter helping him do applications to switch all his clients over.


I felt sooooo bad for him. O well... ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance medsuptage http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/i-feel-like-kid-candy-store-mutual-omaha-career-agent-resources-t41669.html Life Insurance http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/life-insurance-t41027.html Mon, 14 May 2012 14:45:55 GMT ---Quote (Originally by tripletmom)--- My...
Quote:
Originally Posted by tripletmom (Post 531023)
My question is....can you direct me to a good company to sell life with that will allow me to work from home and be an independent agent with minimal out of pocket start-up?
with EZlife you get set up with everyone and a one page online application....

Health Analyzer





. ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance STIBROKER http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/life-insurance-t41027.html Security Insurance? http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/security-insurance-t41671.html Sun, 13 May 2012 10:54:28 GMT Does anybody have experience with using security... Does anybody have experience with using security insurance as their GA, secins(com) ? If possible I would like to know their commission splits and any initiation/monthly/yearly fees. Any information would be helpful! ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance Dvo http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/security-insurance-t41671.html Need Advice on Which Online Training to Choose. http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/need-advice-online-training-choose-t41309.html Sun, 13 May 2012 09:52:17 GMT I liked prelicense training, but make sure to buy... I liked prelicense training, but make sure to buy the book ! they also offer a mobile app now. ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance Dvo http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/need-advice-online-training-choose-t41309.html Big Thanks to Frank Stastny http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/big-thanks-frank-stastny-t14069.html Sat, 12 May 2012 15:32:51 GMT This is a great thread. It makes you laugh even... This is a great thread. It makes you laugh even when you have something in your eye. ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance Nimos http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/big-thanks-frank-stastny-t14069.html 1st Three Weeks W/ AGLA http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/1st-three-weeks-w-agla-t38628.html Sat, 12 May 2012 12:50:53 GMT ---Quote (Originally by Lowcountry 42)--- This is...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lowcountry 42 (Post 539045)
This is hard work! It's official I validated with AGLA so now the real work begins. I can say the last few months have been a lot of work, a fair amount of frustration and a huge learning curve. I do have some good things working in my pipeline that I'll discuss later but for now I'd just like to say thanks for the good advice I've gleaned of this site!
Congrats on your validation.. The "problems" you describe apply to any form of sales. If you will produce enough to stay in the bonus box, the AGLA commission rate can equal what most of the Independent contracts offer. Plus, you will become eligible for the most frustrating job in the business, AGLA AM. :yes: ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance rousemark http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/1st-three-weeks-w-agla-t38628.html This is how Mark Rosenthal Sells Ins. http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/how-mark-rosenthal-sells-ins-t8368.html Fri, 11 May 2012 19:46:18 GMT This thread is very helpful. A quick summary... This thread is very helpful. A quick summary would be

1. Using a free, state issued "living will" is a way to help out prospects and possibly turn them into clients.

2. A "living will" is not a "will" (Last will and Testament)

3. A "living will" is the same as a "Advanced Directive" or a "Not F*cking dead yet will". :laugh:

4. I do not have the legal ability to tell you that you can call a "living will" a "Not F*cking dead yet will" because I am not a lawyer.

5. Internet threads are a much more sanitary way of having a real "pissing contest"

Thanks for the info Mr. Rosenthal ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance saleen297 http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/how-mark-rosenthal-sells-ins-t8368.html Marketing.......on a Budget..... http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/marketing-budget-t41263.html Fri, 11 May 2012 15:35:56 GMT ---Quote (Originally by Bawse)--- Just enough to...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bawse (Post 538646)
Just enough to cover the cost of my business expenses ....even if its just breaking even

But... your business expenses should = your marketing expenses so... don't spend money on marketing.

Talk to people you get one sell a month and that should more than cover any expenses. ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance Shalom http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/marketing-budget-t41263.html Getting Started in the Insurance industry http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/getting-started-insurance-industry-t7447.html Thu, 10 May 2012 15:48:14 GMT ---Quote (Originally by mangroveman)--- The...
Quote:
Originally Posted by mangroveman (Post 537043)
The forums won't let me post urls yet, otherwise I'd post it for you.
Showing no respect for the Forum's rules, and trying to circumvent them, is not going to endear you to many. I have to question your lack of integrity. ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance moonlightandmargaritas http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/getting-started-insurance-industry-t7447.html Marker life program http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/marker-life-program-t15165.html Wed, 09 May 2012 19:38:59 GMT I knew Mark (Marker77) when he was promoting this... I knew Mark (Marker77) when he was promoting this . Nice guy. Not sure what he's doing now.

He was promoting eFinancial's ALISS and lead systems. Much better alternatives out there. ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance JRoot http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/marker-life-program-t15165.html Shorter Learning Curve. Mass, Agla, Insphere and Asurea http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/shorter-learning-curve-mass-agla-insphere-asurea-t41456.html Wed, 09 May 2012 06:30:28 GMT ---Quote (Originally by DHK)--- Just my own...
Quote:
Originally Posted by DHK (Post 537624)
Just my own (probably bitter) observation. :)
Two points for admitting a possible bias. ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance Josh http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/shorter-learning-curve-mass-agla-insphere-asurea-t41456.html Health Choice One? http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/health-choice-one-t5632.html Tue, 08 May 2012 21:14:11 GMT I am a newbie to the forum and had a question. It... I am a newbie to the forum and had a question. It may be dumb but I will ask any way. Do I have to have my own agency to write products through Health Choice One? I write P and C insurance and have my life/accident/health license as well. ]]> Getting Started Selling Insurance sooners4life98 http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/getting-started-selling-insurance/health-choice-one-t5632.html