Frustrated by Owner

NJ-Producer-to-be · 10-14-2009, 06:16 PM

I have been writing consumer advisor and client education articles on LTCi in order to get my name out in the community as a specialist. I took these articles to my agency's owner for approval. He told me that he loves the articles, content and message but would have to be listed as the author if I went to publish. When I questioned him on this with respect to getting MY name in front of other advisors and prospects and building credibility for myself in the industry he just said "that's the way it is". Is that the norm? Seems each time I try to market myself, I'm told "we don't do that here" or "we only deal with trusted advisors" or "we don't want middle-class business" or "we don't want to utilize the internet" etc.
Other than the obvious of getting out on my own which is going to be a real challenge as I haven't been able to build up my presence other than with my usual community work, is there anywhere else I can go here?

Norwayguy · 10-14-2009, 06:21 PM

It doesn't sound like the manager you are working for cares for you to build your own name recognition, and why would he, there is nothing good in that for him. You mention going out on your own would be difficult now but I'm guessing it would be easier if you've built a referral team of other advisors.

NJ-Producer-to-be · 10-14-2009, 06:32 PM

Well, I would think he would be gaining by my bringing business into the agency. Any idea how other producers get around these issues? Seems anything I want to put in writing, even if it's an invitation to a seminar that I might be giving, needs to have his name on it as the agency contact. So, the folks who would be attending the seminar would get MY business card but all the marketing material would have his name on it.

Norwayguy · 10-14-2009, 06:35 PM

I noticed your name is producer to be, are you licensed? If so it sounds like he does not have a problem building his brand ie agency but it is not going to be helping you....Have you looked at other opportunities?

NJ-Producer-to-be · 10-14-2009, 08:21 PM

I have over 20 years experience as a company UW and then P&C, Grp Hlth, LTCi, etc, acct mgr/inside sales/cross-selling. I've been licensed over 15 years. This agency wanted to "groom" me for outside sales. I was up for it and really still am as I, like many others, lost a bundle over the last year, as well as my prior position. I haven't looked for other opportunities yet as I've only been here for several months but I seem to be talking myself into moving on.

Norwayguy · 10-14-2009, 11:29 PM

It just sounds like the agency only wants to brand the owner...And if your putting out the effort and developing everything you should get some benefit from it.

Winter · 10-15-2009, 12:31 AM

Originally Posted by NJ-Producer-to-be

I have been writing consumer advisor and client education articles on LTCi in order to get my name out in the community as a specialist. I took these articles to my agency's owner for approval. He told me that he loves the articles, content and message but would have to be listed as the author if I went to publish. When I questioned him on this with respect to getting MY name in front of other advisors and prospects and building credibility for myself in the industry he just said "that's the way it is". Is that the norm? Seems each time I try to market myself, I'm told "we don't do that here" or "we only deal with trusted advisors" or "we don't want middle-class business" or "we don't want to utilize the internet" etc.
Other than the obvious of getting out on my own which is going to be a real challenge as I haven't been able to build up my presence other than with my usual community work, is there anywhere else I can go here?

If this were the only issue you were going to have with this guy you could probably resolve it somehow. However he has given you a gift by letting you know early on that he is a shmuck and that you are there to support him and not the other way around. Other issues will follow as surely as night follows day.

Of course you are mostly dealing with independents here on the forum so there is a bias. How about when you leave- your book stays with him I am going to guess. Nevermind.

I could meet him halfway for sure by agreeing that the agency name needs to be on all material so that you are not just freelancing in his shop but making it appear that he wrote it is a crock. If, just by chance and for shoots and giggles, you published something that was not compliant and the DOI got on your case it would be fun to be fly on the wall when they came after him even though you wrote it. Hmmm.........need to behave myself here.

Best wishes to you though. Keep your chin up.

briko3 · 10-15-2009, 01:54 AM

Sounds like he's afraid it will be successful and you'll leave.