I have been researching for a long time trying to figure out how to get started as a new Independent Insurance Agent. Originally, I was most interested in Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage sales specifically because of the residual income and I still am but what I have been learning is that while MS and MA provide a very good stream of residual income, the upfront money isn't as good as FE sales which I have to have in order to pay my bills. Is this true and how would I overcome this and make enough to pay my bills?
As of late, I have been considering starting with FE because of the upfront money and then as soon as possible after getting started and getting established in FE, I would like to get the training needed to get up and going in MS (buying leads, etc) and in MA, which I understand is a natural market to go along with FE sales. I live in Cleveland, TN and have found a couple agencies locally to me. One is a very good, reputable agency for FE only who provides extensive training, field training, access to buy exclusive fixed leads, help with doing Senior Seminar sales but that can also get me hooked up with a company that can train me for selling medicare products, get me the carriers and DM leads. The other Agency is a smaller agency GMA who does it all and wants me to get signed up with all FE carriers MS and MA Carriers and begin selling them all upfront, but starting with FE for a few weeks while waiting till July to do the AHIP testing. But jumping into it all at almost the same time seems overwhelming to me and I have gotten over a dozen invitations from carriers to sign up for all under him right off the bat. Plus he believes primarily in Telemarketing Leads for FE and DM for MS and working Senior Seminars which he would train me to do. Not crazy about working TM leads for FE. I need some guidance and input from experienced agents PLEASE.
As of late, I have been considering starting with FE because of the upfront money and then as soon as possible after getting started and getting established in FE, I would like to get the training needed to get up and going in MS (buying leads, etc) and in MA, which I understand is a natural market to go along with FE sales. I live in Cleveland, TN and have found a couple agencies locally to me. One is a very good, reputable agency for FE only who provides extensive training, field training, access to buy exclusive fixed leads, help with doing Senior Seminar sales but that can also get me hooked up with a company that can train me for selling medicare products, get me the carriers and DM leads. The other Agency is a smaller agency GMA who does it all and wants me to get signed up with all FE carriers MS and MA Carriers and begin selling them all upfront, but starting with FE for a few weeks while waiting till July to do the AHIP testing. But jumping into it all at almost the same time seems overwhelming to me and I have gotten over a dozen invitations from carriers to sign up for all under him right off the bat. Plus he believes primarily in Telemarketing Leads for FE and DM for MS and working Senior Seminars which he would train me to do. Not crazy about working TM leads for FE. I need some guidance and input from experienced agents PLEASE.