New Agent! Need Help

[sunshine8653]

Hello, I am a new p&c agent in Florida. I have been licensed since December. I am looking to open my own independent agency to sell home and auto insurance. I am running into an issue getting appointments since I don't currently have any. Can someone help me to figure out where I need to go from here??

 

[lrobertson]

I have to say first I would figure out where my target audience is and what ages they vary from.

Then you might want to build a contact list...talk to family and friends to get a list built. After that you should contact them in a conversational way asking them what current insurance they are with and what issues they are faceing with them and determine if your insurance plans will help them more. If so you could casually speak with them about your product.

The key with cold calling is to make sure that the prospect is interested and needs your services. Let them know you are ok with them saying "No" but if you feel it is better for them let them know why.

Most people are understanding when it comes to conversation. However if you turn it into a sales pitch they will feel pressure and back away.

Good luck, I hope this helps.

Smiles,
Lisa

 

[MAPDJim]

I'm thinking he means he's having trouble getting appointed with insurance companies. There are some discussions on here about this topic. Try the P & C category.

 

[SpaceCoastAgent]

I am running into the same issue. I called the Independent Contractor's group of Florida and the guy basically told me I am at a dead end road and that I'll never make it from here!.. Great words to hear since I just spent about a thousand dollars and 200 hours passing the state exam! I'm not going to stop trying, though. Please continue to post if you have any success...

 

[insureitnow]

See the below link from another thread. More or less same problems. To sum it up your best chance is to work with another agent or possibly a managing general agent.

To Push On...Or Not - Insurance Agent Forum

 

[SpaceCoastAgent]

OK--I see you are a central florida agent as well. Thank you for your reply to my previous post and for your suggestion.

Can you advise the best way to approach an Independent Agent? I don't have a lot of contacts (friends) who run their own agency. I tried to cold call a couple of people, who weren't interested. I'm sure it is because I could have used a little more preparation..and should have known more benefits about bringing a new agent on board.

Do you have some quick, bullet point suggestions that would interest you if a new (aggressive, experienced in sales, and with an advanced degree, I might add) agent walked in trying to get you to hire them?

Again, thank you so much for your time and your help!

-Christi

 

[insureitnow]

OK--I see you are a central florida agent as well. Thank you for your reply to my previous post and for your suggestion.

Can you advise the best way to approach an Independent Agent? I don't have a lot of contacts (friends) who run their own agency. I tried to cold call a couple of people, who weren't interested. I'm sure it is because I could have used a little more preparation..and should have known more benefits about bringing a new agent on board.

Do you have some quick, bullet point suggestions that would interest you if a new (aggressive, experienced in sales, and with an advanced degree, I might add) agent walked in trying to get you to hire them?

Again, thank you so much for your time and your help!

-Christi

I admire your tenacity, but first let me ask what type of insurance do you want to market?

Keep in mind that other agents, just like companies are looking for experience as it’s their company contracts, agency license, and E&O insurance on the line. But do not despair.....every agent broke into this business some how and you can too.

Do you want to work in an agency as hourly employee or outside producer?

 

[SpaceCoastAgent]

In a perfect world, I would love to sign on and be on my way to sell (as an Independent Contractor). However, if it was a good agency that was going to teach me a lot and I needed to start out hourly, I would do so as long as it was mutually agreed that it was a stepping stone.

That being said, any advice?

 

[insureitnow]

In a perfect world, I would love to sign on and be on my way to sell (as an Independent Contractor). However, if it was a good agency that was going to teach me a lot and I needed to start out hourly, I would do so as long as it was mutually agreed that it was a stepping stone.

That being said, any advice?

My best advise would be for you to go to work in an independent agency in whatever capacity they will hire you for at least 12-18 months in order to gain experience. Maybe even longer. Pound the phones until someone hires you. I would not worry about whether the agency owner agrees to a "stepping stone" arrangement. Once you establish yourself as a hard working knowledge agent that knows how to sell insurance you should have little problem convincing other agency owners of your worth. If they or your current employer doesn't "get it" then look into an arrangement to work for an agent with the expectation that you will become its new owner in the future. There are always plenty of agency owners who are fed up with running their agency and looking for just such an arrangement. If he finances you he/she will want to know that you know what you are doing.

I am considering starting a sub producer arrangement in my P&C agency but I'm not going to do it until I feel like I have a program that is fair to myself and agent and can ensure that producer is properly trained and supported so I don't spin my wheels on 3 month drop outs. You are educated and motivated but there is a learning curve to independent, P&C agency operations