Thinking of joining the ranks of the successful by deciding to become an insurance agent?
You’re not alone. Many are lured by the promise of hefty commissions and the freedom to control their income and time.
However, the path to success in the insurance industry isn’t just about getting your license; it’s about understanding the game and playing it right.
In this blog, I’ll guide you through the essential first steps to not just enter the field but to excel in it.
From finding a mentor who embodies the success you aim for, to simplifying your approach and focusing on what really moves the needle – activity.
Let’s dive into the nuts and bolts of what it takes to make it big in the insurance world.
Step 1 – Find a Mentor
Set a clear income goal for yourself, whether it’s $100k, $500k, or even $1 million. But here’s the kicker: learn from someone who’s already hitting these numbers.
You wouldn’t take swimming lessons from someone who can’t swim, right? So, find a mentor who’s walking the walk, not just talking the talk.
Avoid those Facebook insurance groups like the plague. They’re a breeding ground for negativity and time-wasting debates.
I once got dragged into one of these groups, and let me tell you, it was the most negative content I’ve seen in years.
Stick to learning from the pros who are actually making serious money in the industry.
Step 2 – Do Not Overcomplicate Things
This industry ain’t rocket science. People were making money in insurance long before all these fancy CRMs and tech came along.
Prior to 20 years ago, there was literally no technology, period, and they didn’t need fancy stuff. You need to learn the business in the most simple way.
One lady asked me if there are 450 CRM systems, which one is the best one? If you ask 100 people, you will get 100 different answers, but there is no best one.
I made half a million bucks by writing down people’s names on a scrap piece of paper without any “system.”
Sure, technology can help, but it’s no substitute for genuine sales skills. Don’t get lost in the tech sauce; focus on the activities that bring in real money.
Sell insurance, help people, and the rest will follow. Remember, you can’t teach success if you haven’t tasted it yourself. So, sell a ton of insurance first, then think about scaling and teaching others.
Step 3 – Focus on Doing More Activity
Now, let’s get real here, folks. You want to make big bucks? It’s all about the activity, not just sitting around dreaming about the fancy tools or the perfect system.
Let me tell you about the time I turned a simple trip into a goldmine. I was eyeing up these counties in Utah, right?
They were ripe with about 120 mortgage leads a month. I’m thinking, “Hell, that’s like 40k a month waiting for me.”
So, what do I do? I pack up and fly out from Atlanta to Utah. Sounds crazy, but hear me out.
Now, I wasn’t just there to sell; I was there to expand, to build. Every night, after a day of selling, I’m sitting in my hotel room, hitting up Craigslist, posting ads, and looking for folks who might want to join the ride.
I’m talking about those cold market strategies, right? But here’s the kicker: I’m also reaching out on LinkedIn, targeting folks in Utah, saying, “Hey, I’m making bank in your backyard, selling insurance. You in or what?”
One night, I met this guy, Jesse, over dinner. We’re talking steak dinner, folks, paid for by the day’s sales.
I lay it all out for him, showing him the checks attached to applications I just closed. I’m like, “Look, man, I flew across the country and made a few grand today right here in Utah. Imagine what you could do living here.”
But here’s the twist – Jesse never even gets contracted, never sells a policy.
But does the story end there? Hell no! Jesse introduces me to Jackie in Dallas, Texas. And Jackie, she’s got this little team, right?
They’re not making much, kind of lost in the sauce. I jump on a call, hire her, and bam! We’re off to the races. Jackie’s team starts cranking out like 200k a month. All from a guy who never sold a policy under me.
So, it’s clear: focus on the activity. For a more detailed insight, visit my blog, “Why Activity Matters More Than Talent in Insurance Sales – The Ultimate Action Plan for Sales.”
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the first step of becoming a successful insurance agent boils down to three key actions: find a mentor who’s where you want to be, keep it simple and don’t get lost in the tech maze, and prioritize activity above all else.
Remember, success in insurance isn’t about having the fanciest tools or a complex strategy; it’s about hard work, learning from the best, and staying active in your approach.
Embrace these steps, and you’re well on your way to building a lucrative career in the insurance industry.
For further guidance, swing by my article,”3 Steps to Scale from Agent to Agency Owner – Starting an Insurance Agency.”
FAQ
Is it hard to make money as an insurance agent?
Let me lay it out for you straight. It’s not about whether it’s hard or easy; it’s about how you play the game.
Look, I’ve been in the trenches, and I’ve seen folks make a boatload of money in this industry by keeping it simple and focusing on activity.
It’s like I always say: if you want to make a ton of money, help a lot of people, and get paid, then you’ve got to put in the work.
So, if you’re wondering about the dough you can rake in as an insurance agent, you might want to check out “How Much Does an Insurance Agent Make? [2024 Updated].”
What is the hardest insurance license to get?
Certainly. When considering the difficulty of obtaining insurance licenses, it’s important to recognize that each type of license has its own set of challenges.
Based on common feedback from students, the Health insurance exam tends to be more difficult than the Life insurance exam.
This is often attributed to the complexity of Health insurance policies, which generally involve more intricate details and regulations compared to Life insurance policies.
On the other hand, when comparing the Property and Casualty insurance exams, the Casualty insurance exam is often perceived as more challenging.
This perception is due to the broader range of concepts and scenarios that Casualty insurance covers.
