I do not believe you are being underhanded at all. I believe you are being completely above board. However, I think you failed to grasp the point I made. Being in insurance is having your own business, but the agency system is the franchise method. So, I'll use another analogy to illustrate what I mean.
Imagine you just purchased a new McDonald's franchise in your town. In exchange for the name, support, marketing, etc. the regional manager stipulates that you must actively manage the restaurant for at least 5 years. That way you'll learn the business, McDonald's processes, etc. Now, imagine two months after opening the franchise you go to the regional manager and tell him you are going to open and help run an independent dry cleaner in your town. These two business are even farther from competing than your agency and your idea.
Now, you've agreed as part of the franchise contract to actively manage the McDonald's franchise. But here you are two months later telling McDonald's that you're going to open a new business. What do you think McDonald's is going to think about this?
I don't care how much or how little energy and time you devote to your website. Every minute you spend on it is a minute you could have spent on the agency's goals. You have limited time and energy, and now you are competing against the agency for your effort. That is the issue.
Now, that said, no one knows what the agency's reaction to this might be. Assuming you properly limit your time on the website, they may be ok with it. There is only one way to find out what their reaction will be, ask them. However, I would suggest waiting at least a year before you embark on the website idea. Also, you need to be prepared to walk away from website or the agency. There is a good chance the agency will make you choose. Don't forget, at will employment goes both ways. They can let you go for any reason, or no reason at all. They just cannot do it for an illegal reason.
Originally Posted by NJ-Producer-to-be
Thank you. I understand what you're saying. My intention isn't to underhand the current agency or compete w/them for their niche business. I just wanted to have an outlet for being able to help my current, long-time circle of influence. No securities are involved.
With respect to the website idea to generate my own leads, has it been your experience that independent agency producers are not allowed by their agencies to have this kind of lead generation system? It just seems an effective and efficient way to help me along the path. This issue isn't addressed in the employment at will contract.
Thank you again.
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