I was offered a job at Liberty National Life today as a sales rep. I would like any advice/info that any of you may have, especially those of you who are or was a insurance salesman. To provide some information about me, I am 19 years old with no experience in sales or insurance, however, I am very determined to succeed at this job. I went for an interview today and feel like I will like the job very much. I am just a little hesitant about taking the job because of the requirements. I have to make atleast 4 sales a week. It seems like it shouldn't be that hard to do, thats less than 1 sale a day. However, like I said, I have no experience and therefore am not sure exactly how hard selling insurance is. Of course they told me this was very attainable but I would like to hear it from of you salesmen personally. Is 4 sales a week fairly easy to do? I know this will vary from city to city but I just need some reassurance that I'm making the right decision in taking the job, if I were to do so. Thank you in advance for all of your advice/info/comments.

If you would like to read up about the company visit their website

 

It's a tough job. Remember, these guys are salesmen and they're trying to recruit you or others like you. They're going to sell the job like it's easy and the best in the world. From what I hear, there is a high failure rate. The company I work for sells leads to insurance agents for $16 a pop.

 

Shane as you are about to enter the workforce here is a movie for you to rent. It isn't insurance but it addresses your concerns.

http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0104348/

 

Glengarry Glen Ross, nice suggestion.

 

Sales is a tuff job. Not for the weak. Cold calling clients it the worst but thats how you generate leads. It takes some getting used to. A few things you need to remember don't lie to get a sale! (that can get you in serious trouble, I've seen it happen), be direct with people, people like honestly. And don't get down on your self if you don't make a sale! theres always next time.

Sales can be very rewarding once you find your grove. And one last piece of advice net work with people!! get invloved in events and get your name out there! advertise in local papers.

 

Congrats on the offer, but I will tell you from experience that is is VERY difficult for a young guy to gain enough respect and trust to sell in the financial services industry. It has been done obviously, but take a look at who your clients will be: Middle age, white men and women, who have dependants, careers, life experience, and obviously enough intelligence to know to plan for the future. You can be the smartest kid on the planet, but they still have the attitude of 'what does this kid know that I don't already know?' When it comes to managing money, you are unworthy until you prove otherwise. If you are a very mature, charismatic, and motivated person you can do very well at it, but at 19, most do not fit this description. At least I know I sure as hell didn't : )

 

I have been in sales many many years. (That is a must see movie listed above)

I have also interviewed with a bunch of "Insurance" companies. Most of them are legit and you can be very successful at them.

HOWEVER, make sure you are asking the right questions!!

Why are they ALWAYS recruiting/hiring??

What is the percentage of success stories to new hires? I bet it realistically is less than 1%!!

What is the average time on the job for the whole company/sales force? Again I will bet it is around a year or less.

Ask how long each person has been with the company. (In the office where you will be working)

Remeber if they keep telling you how great it is and how rich you can get make sure you ask them why then, don't they give you say a 65-70k salary and an addtional 40-50k commission draw for the first 3-6months like most legit companies do?

Now I don't mean to sound so hard I just want you to make sure they are on the up and up. There are truly success stories in the "Insurance" business but they are few.

You are young enough go for it you can always change!!