I just hired an assistant

Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 05:40 pm Post Subject:

Does she have an INS lic?
Becareful she does not act like an LIc Insurance Agent.
She can do certain things for you, but there is a fine line there.
Just something to think about. I had a friend who got into a lot of trouble, because his assistant was doing cold calling for him, trying to sell insurance and didn't have a lic.

Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 05:46 pm Post Subject:

no, not licensed yet. When she is making the cold calls she is just asking if they are interested in a quote then transfering them to me if they are.

Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 06:18 pm Post Subject:

Then that sounds okay to do.

I bet you are paying her so much an hour. But also give her bonus on everyone that you sell. It will make her do a better job.

Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 01:53 am Post Subject:

I have an assistant...and she is AMAZING! I think it's important to remember that depending on the paperwork she is helping you with, it could be placing you in a potential legal situation. Anything that has to do with the applications does ultimately come back to you and your license.

An assistant is great for fielding customer service calls and inquiries. They are a great tool for time management, and if she is used properly it will definitely make your job easier.

You said she's not licensed yet, so that makes me believe she is planning on it. Make sure you have her sign a non-compete and a non-disclosure agreement. The last thing you want is for her to get to know all of your clietns...get licensed...and take them!

Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 02:27 pm Post Subject:

Hi..

Make sure you have her sign a non-compete and a non-disclosure agreement.

Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 03:14 pm Post Subject:

I had an assistant now not...(recession!!)

I used to delegate some of the work like this..

1.Collect the documents from the customers immediately once one is ready with my illustration.

2.Remind (call) all the existing customers when their policy is due for the payment well in advance.(Generally company does remind them but if one does on personal level then it helps to have a great personal relations and business as well)

3.Should handle the stall whenever their is local exhibition.(This is really a good tactic in order to increase the sale.

4.Last when you have nothing to offer any work to him just engage him any service which is related to financial service but not menial one so your assistant will also feel change in work. :wink:

Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 05:28 am Post Subject:

Great question from lisar1208 on assistants.

Surprisingly, assistant can do more than what most agents think without a license. Of course it's always better to have a licensed assistant, but you have to pay them more! :?

First of all, what an assistant can actually do absolutely varies by state, so you need to check your rules and statutes. If you give me the state you're in, I'll point you in the right direction via pm!

For example, in many of the states we work in, assistants can:

* quote policies "apples-to-apples." They cannot suggest coverage, period. So, an asst. could quote 25/50/25 if the customer already had the same limits, but could NOT say "do you think that's enough coverage? Going to 50/100/50 wouldn't cost much." That's analyzing and suggesting coverage which requires a license.

* countersign applications. The agent is normally required to review and sign-off on the office copy of the paperwork for this to be legal.

* Collect premiums, have trust account authority (don't suggest this one) and write checks on behalf of the agency. Consider all of these carefully before allowing them in your agency.

The common denominator in the above allowances must be done on the agency premises. The unlicensed person cannot go outside of the office to conduct these activities.

Please remember that these laws will vary state by state, and should not be relied upon as any license or legal advice. I don't want to be responsible for you getting your license whacked. You can easily check your state's rules by visiting their website and combing through the insurance code and associated rules.

Finally, good assistant are invaluable. Treat them like kings/queens, pay them well and they will make you a fortune. We had a few CSRs that made in excess of $60k and had no desire to get licensed in the least. We tied their annual bonuses to performance in retention of existing business, seeking out new business through prepared referral-based marketing and customer-driven best practices. They saw the results of their work tied to higher compensation, recognition and chance for advancement.

Surprisingly, or maybe not, you'd be amazed at how many companies think that compensation is the only incentive any employee needs. Baloney. Just about everyone needs a little recognition here and there. So again, make sure your asst. feels valuable and is rewarded for their efforts. :)

Sorry, I'll stop now...

InsTeacher 8)

Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 04:03 am Post Subject:

you'd be amazed at how many companies think that compensation is the only incentive any employee needs.

Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2009 01:51 pm Post Subject: Hiring an assistant

I checked with the state (Ohio) and an un-licensed assistant, cannot give quotes, sell or solicit insurance. I asked if cold calling was considered soliciting and was referred to the insurance laws, which still doesn't spell out exactly what they mean by soliciting. Handing out a businees card or giving a referrel, might be considered soliciting.

Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2009 02:59 pm Post Subject:

Posted: 07 Apr 2009 14:27 Post subject:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi..

Quote:
Make sure you have her sign a non-compete and a non-disclosure agreement.

I agree that every business has to lay it's own code of ethics in order to run successfully. But, what term should such an agreement serve initially? Again, I'm asking this since the lady is not that experienced, so even 3 years agreement term wouldn't mean much for her.

Fatman