Just licensed ... (Have a question)

JS Horne

for Life ,Health and VA in Florida. I have been trying to do some general research before making a decision on which direction I want to go in as an agent. I received several "opportunities" after posting my resume' on monster. I attended a few presentations which is how I decided to pursue a career in L&H.

I have not committed to anyone, but I am planning to work with an independent agency that primarily sells US Health Group and targets small businesses. I met them on a fluke and rather than give me a dog and pony show he invited me to his business meeting and had me speak to his agents directly to make sure this was for me. It just seemed a lot more above board than the captive agent positions I was presented.

I have a background in management, sales and business ownership primarily in construction. I am ok with commission only compensation, and my family is not going to starve or miss any bills if I don't earn a certain amount for the next few months. I am in this as a long term career. So my questions are ...

If you were in my position, knowing what you know now, what would you do as your next step?

What type of compensation would you expect?

What questions should I be asking agencies?

Thanks in advance,

JS

Guest · Posted: Fri May 02, 2008 1:18 am Post subject:

Hello JS

From what I have been able to find out it sounds to me like USHealthgroup primarily markets through its captive agencies so this might be the case at the agency you are looking at. I took a look at their policies and they seem to have HSAs and catastrophic plans, both with add on benefits like preventative, life and cancer plans. These are the way to go in the health insurance market, I would advise you to stay away from companies pushing limited benefit plans or discount plans.

They might be a captive but for a new agent this is not a bad thing as long as the insurance carrier is reputable. Captive agencies tend to have training provided, supply leads for you to prospect, a lot of times will co-op with you for advertising, and your manager/GA usually gets a little bigger percentage on overides for policies you sell so they should have a bigger interest in you doing well. As long as this is the feeling you get from them and experienced agents there have told you this is the case you should be fine.

To find out if this is also a captive agency just ask if they allow you to be appointed with anyone else for similar products.

If it is a captive situation ask what kinds of leads you could expect, (quantity and quality}. Also ask if they will provide you with a mentor for a few weeks to help you get started right and to help you get your sales presentation down.

As far as compensation that all depends on your determination and ability.

It sounds like you have planned ahead financially to get this off the ground, just make sure to budget for gas and any type of lead generation you want to do above and beyond what the agency is doing for you.

If I can help you any way or need advice about any other company out there dont hesitate to ask or PM me.

Mac

beatuplunchbox · Posted: Fri May 02, 2008 1:22 am Post subject:

Sorry, I wasnt logged in when I wrote the post above.

Let me know how things go.

Mac

BillyMcDowell · Posted: Fri May 02, 2008 12:03 pm Post subject:

Insurance Maze · Posted: Fri May 02, 2008 6:27 pm Post subject:

Hi JS Horne and Welcome!

JS Horne · Posted: Fri May 02, 2008 11:45 pm Post subject:

Well I applied as an independent with three companies today through one agency. I considered the option of being captive one more time, but I like the idea of being able to offer other products if I am not comfortable selling these. For me, believing in the product I am selling is imperative to my effectiveness.

They do allow me access to "b" leads and provide "a" leads based on performance after an initial allowance. More leads are purchasable, but the GA said it really isn't a good idea until I get more experience.

They do offer training/mentoring which is definately a must at this point. It's pretty obvious passing the licensing test and selling insurance have very little to do with one another.

Unfortunately, I didn't get an opportunity to read all of the replies before my meeting today. I did not inquire about office access. I do have access to a full office that will work out on a temporary basis. Once things get moving I will be looking for a suite though. I am not a big fan of working from home. I like to go to work, personally I find it hard to focus at home.

I believe where and how I start will be less important in the long run. Even if I learn what not to do, I will learn something with this agency. But so far it seems like a good place to get my feet wet.

I appreciate the responses and look forward to learning more from this site and its members.

Thanks,
JS

GarySpicuzza · Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 10:39 am Post subject:

JS Horne wrote:

lisar1208 · Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 12:57 am Post subject:

Well said...
js horne when you mentioin "b" leads and "a" leads what do you mean exactly it is with NAA?

JS Horne · Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 1:59 pm Post subject:

The B's are books with past contacts I believe, where as the A's are provided by the GA either through his own marketing or the primary healthcare providers services. Again, I am not positive it was only briefly explained. I hope to learn more this afternoon when I meet with the agency. I will make sure and ask now though.

Thanks,
JS

lisar1208 · Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 11:08 pm Post subject:

Good luck and keep us posted

Insurance Maze · Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 9:47 pm Post subject:

I'm just a little confused here, and sometimes that's very easily accomplished.

If you are going to be working with an established independent agent, will this agent not let you work with the established customers?

Why are you being offered "B" leads or "A" leads. Will you have to pay for these leads.

Hope you haven't made a final decision yet.

Maze

lisar1208 · Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 11:33 pm Post subject:

That is why I was asking if it was NAA. When I first became liscensed I responded to one of their adds and they told me I would get "b" leads and would have to pay for "A" leads

Insurance Maze · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 1:10 pm Post subject:

lisar1208 · Posted: Fri May 16, 2008 11:16 am Post subject:

NAA was where I started. I too received leads that were 1-3 years old and previously worked. I was not happy with them. Im sure some people had great experiences with them. I was not given the support I needed and was under the impression that the leads would be fresher.

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