Getting Started in the Insurance industry

[Mark]

I passed the GA Life/Health test today so I plan to spend some time reading the forum to figure out what to do next! I am open to suggestions too. Thanks!

Congrads on passing the test.

 

[Guest]

Hello everyone, I first want to start off by saying that this forum is amazing with all of the collective information shared here and thank you to all who have contributed. I am looking at getting into insurance, still undecided as to which particular type but I am leaning towards Life and Health.

Here is my situation; I would greatly appreciate any advice or feedback. I am currently in mortgage (own a branch, which I will be closing) and need to "hit the ground running" due to low funds. I can get by with a low income for the first few months, but would like to make at least 50K my first year. I realize this all depends on me, but I'm looking for advice as to what insurance would alot me the highest probability of doing so.

I have interviewed with MetLife, but I don't know if I will take the position. I want to go independent, but desire good training because I want to have a good foundation.
So I have a few questions.

1. Are there any good independent insurance agencies that offer good training to a newbie? I am near Kansas City.

2. Would you recommend going independent for someone who needs to make 2-3k starting by their second month?

3. How would one go about finding these companies?

4. Is Life and Health a good choice to try and make a good living through hard work on your first year?

5. Anyone know about the market in Kansas/Missouri for L&H?

Thank you guys for reading my post and any information.

what did you end up doing?

 

[ryeates1]

It is my experience that the captive companies have the better training program. I have been on the independent side and unless they write a lot of business with one or two companies, those companies wont give much support to the independents.
I have been in the health insurance industry for a lot of years and if his health bill comes through like it is now, i think the agent is going to be on the losing ground. I am starting to get letters from carriers about lowering commissions and increasing production requirements, never a good sign for an agent

 

[latunle1]

hey guys this is one of the best sites for us insurance minded people i've ever seen. meanwhile, Im trying to get my license here in the texarkana tx area, anyone know a good company to work for and will pay for my license?

 

[Guest]

anyone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure the only places that might pay for your license are going to be the captive companies. If that's what you're looking for, great. Otherwise, I'd just pay the couple hundred bucks and be on your own!

 

[stan.luke]

Just wanted to say hello, and thank you to everyone for posting their thoughts. As a "fledgling" insurance salesman, I believe this site will be of infinite value to me. I look forward to getting to know some of the more "seasoned" veterans in the insurance business.

 

[hiswill1133]

I also wanted to thank everyone for sharing your wisdom, and help. This has been a great section to gather info from.

 

[pecosins]

I am looking for agents in CA and NV. I have been in IA business for 10 years and want to expand. I have tried different compensation packages. 3 yrs ago, someone asked for $30K a yr plus 100% first year commission. it shocked me. Is anyone can share their experience how to hire good producers? I do not mind to provide good pay if they earn it.

 

[peopleperson]

I'd say if you're new, go work captive for a while and make your mistakes there on their dime. And get some great experience. There you can take your time and learn at a slow pace with a mentor. I make more money off of newbies (fixing their mistakes) who try to go out on their own or work 1099 with a shop that wants a certain amount of production.

Then again, wait... I like it better when you guys try to go fast..

 

[3blindmice]

Hey all,
I was wondering if anyone had any tips for a new comer in the business. I have been out of work for two years and in the process got my life and health licenses. so im a newbee Im starting out and was wondering what are some good tips on networking, lead services etc...
thanks
3bm, NYC