How to start as an independent agent in Florida?

FL INSURANCE · 09-11-2008, 11:28 AM

Hello people, I have read several of the post on this site and there is plenty of great information...I've just passed my insurance test and am looking to start off as an independant, my questions are what are the essentials needed to begin?

I see that someone has asked this about California but I would figure that Florida would be diifferent.
All of your input is very much appreciated, thanx

moonlightandmargaritas · 09-11-2008, 12:04 PM

What line(s) of insurance are we talking about?

FL INSURANCE · 09-11-2008, 12:09 PM

Im interested in starting out in the individual health and senior supp market, then expanding from there..but from what i have read in the forum is that you must learn one first

moonlightandmargaritas · 09-11-2008, 12:13 PM

Originally Posted by FL INSURANCE

Im interested in starting out in the individual health and senior supp market, then expanding from there..but from what i have read in the forum is that you must learn one first

Something you want to do locally (where?) or all over Florida?

It looks like you are newly licensed...tough to start independent with no experience. What's your background and capital position?

FL INSURANCE · 09-11-2008, 12:21 PM

All over florida...i come from a sales background and have some money to invest, i have also been sitting in a boilerroom type atmosphere for about 3 weeks and have learned a few things (leads, phone talk, underwriting) but havent really sold anything there...but i have the drive to do whatever it takes to make this happen...i really dont want to work there because they are getting commish cut huge and i can afford to buy the leads myself

FL INSURANCE · 09-11-2008, 12:27 PM

All over florida, ive also been sitting in a boilerroom type office for 3 weeks and pretty much see that they just buy leads and thats it...i can do that myself and keep all commish...i come from sales atmosphere and i believe i can do this..thanx for your input

moonlightandmargaritas · 09-11-2008, 12:31 PM

Here's my honest advice:

Drive alone won't do it. Everybody wants to do well.

Stay in the call center for six months to a year. Make mistakes and learn on their nickel. Save your money.

Start to formulate a plan. Quantify it.

healthagent · 09-11-2008, 12:53 PM

Bunk - get out of the call center immediately and contact me if you want: admin@ihiaa.com

moonlightandmargaritas · 09-11-2008, 12:59 PM

Originally Posted by healthagent

Bunk - get out of the call center immediately and contact me if you want:

Here's the difference: my advice is unbiased, I'm not trying to sell him anything.

Can you say the same thing?

healthagent · 09-11-2008, 01:04 PM

No - but I honestly can help in ways you can't.

moonlightandmargaritas · 09-11-2008, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by FL INSURANCE

ive also been sitting in a boilerroom type office for 2 weeks and pretty much see that they just buy leads and thats it...i can do that myself and keep all commish

Ahh, if it was that simple and easy...

Good luck.

myinsurebiz · 09-11-2008, 02:21 PM

Why not do both?

Work the Call Center 2 days a week and work for yourself the rest of the week?

Many people here can get you decent contracts with Life and Health companies - just ask . . .

Tom

FL INSURANCE · 09-11-2008, 04:05 PM

Call center wants 40hours a week, and from what ive noticed people are usually burned out after making 200 calls a day...

FL INSURANCE · 09-11-2008, 09:53 PM

Alright, so far from reading I see that goldenrule, aetna, assurant and humana are the big players for individual health..what are the big differences in all of them? Also is there anyway to sell BCBS?

FL INSURANCE · 09-16-2008, 01:22 PM

Any other agents want to chime in?

moonlightandmargaritas · 09-16-2008, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by FL INSURANCE

Any other agents want to chime in?

You can hire me on a consulting basis...think of it like "piano lessons" for health insurance - but I only take on one pupil at a time. Send me a PM if you're interested.

PS - Blue Cross - no. But there is one important thing to know about their coverage when selling against it...

healthagent · 09-16-2008, 02:05 PM

....and we guarantee that Paul is fully clothed during training.

moonlightandmargaritas · 09-16-2008, 02:12 PM

Originally Posted by healthagent

....and we guarantee that Paul is fully clothed during training.

Definitely...I don't want anybody getting nauseated...

myinsurebiz · 09-16-2008, 02:23 PM

Focus on one product line, get with a mentor, become a sponge and be teachable and willing to learn. God gave us 2 ears and just one mouth for a reason 'eh . . .

Good Luck!

Tom

FL INSURANCE · 09-16-2008, 04:32 PM

Thanx, just signed up with Health Choice One and I guees 19.95 for Johns association wont hurt if I can at least get one thing out of it...right now I'll be focusing on health and senior supplament since I've been told that "season" is coming up..If anyone has any suggestions on where I can get more info on these two products it would be very much appreciated!