by atlantamonart » Thu Nov 29, 2007 04:29 pm
Hello every one and thank you for all the information and support that you have given me. There is a culture on this site that I really like.
I just got my license, and I am examining my motives. Please advise me. First how did I get here? About a year ago I read the book “ Rich Dad, Poor Dad “. It opened up my eyes on finance. This book should be taught at schools. I got very interested in the subject and kept reading more books. I realized more than half of Americans are not ready for their retirement, and that saving in this country is below zero. It means we all have more debt than saving. I soon realized that there is a bizarre situation out there. I developed a passion to be part of the missing information out there in public. I wanted to bring awareness to the public for the issue. We all attend urgent matters and procrastinate on important matters. Now I love teaching, and public speaking. So I thought this is something that I love to do.
Then I thought well I need to become knowledgeable in this field and know some vehicles that people can use to become financially independent. Then I started to look around for financial institute. I realized I need first to get my Life & Health license. By then I saw I have become an agent .The financial institute now tell me I need to bring prospect every week to the company. They actually say there is no point in talking to a group of people about these things, and I need to talk to individuals and bring them in. I must say I find that pushy.
Now when I examine my motives that I wanted to teach and do public speaking to bring awareness for the matter and then if somebody wanted and only then I will have the knowledge and choices for them. You see I do not want to intrude, this way they have choices to come to me or not.
Sorry, My story is getting long, but I did not wanted to intrude people. I wanted to bring awareness. What is happening, am I dreaming of a perfect situation or that I am not being practical? Is there any way I can do it my way? Can you please relate to my story and advice me?
Thank you for your time,
May-Atlanta
I just got my license, and I am examining my motives. Please advise me. First how did I get here? About a year ago I read the book “ Rich Dad, Poor Dad “. It opened up my eyes on finance. This book should be taught at schools. I got very interested in the subject and kept reading more books. I realized more than half of Americans are not ready for their retirement, and that saving in this country is below zero. It means we all have more debt than saving. I soon realized that there is a bizarre situation out there. I developed a passion to be part of the missing information out there in public. I wanted to bring awareness to the public for the issue. We all attend urgent matters and procrastinate on important matters. Now I love teaching, and public speaking. So I thought this is something that I love to do.
Then I thought well I need to become knowledgeable in this field and know some vehicles that people can use to become financially independent. Then I started to look around for financial institute. I realized I need first to get my Life & Health license. By then I saw I have become an agent .The financial institute now tell me I need to bring prospect every week to the company. They actually say there is no point in talking to a group of people about these things, and I need to talk to individuals and bring them in. I must say I find that pushy.
Now when I examine my motives that I wanted to teach and do public speaking to bring awareness for the matter and then if somebody wanted and only then I will have the knowledge and choices for them. You see I do not want to intrude, this way they have choices to come to me or not.
Sorry, My story is getting long, but I did not wanted to intrude people. I wanted to bring awareness. What is happening, am I dreaming of a perfect situation or that I am not being practical? Is there any way I can do it my way? Can you please relate to my story and advice me?
Thank you for your time,
May-Atlanta
Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2007 09:14 pm Post Subject:
So you are looking to help people improve their finances through investing?? Thats what I got out of what you wrote. I see you read "Rich Dad Poor Dad" and a few other inspirational books.
About a year ago I read the book “ Rich Dad, Poor Dad “. It opened up my eyes on finance. This book should be taught at schools. I got very interested in the subject and kept reading more books
All of this is really great and i believe that you have taken the appropriate first steps in trying to educate other people about finances. This financial institution that you mentioned, have you contracted with them?? Who are they? Is it Primeamerica or someone similar? Have you obtained your series 6 or 63 yet?
They may be just telling you in so many words to crawl before you walk. Or they may just be telling you to "leave the affininty marketing to us"
My suggestion is, If you have something that you are really passionate about. And you really feel like you have something to offer these groups of people, move forward with it. If you dont have a clue where to start, start with them and get your feet wet.
When I started in the insurance industry, I had all these visions about running my own agency, being my own boss, counseling people about their coverages. But it all began with that first telemarketing call and the first knock on someones door. So if they are giving you the requirement of bringing prospects to the office, that doesnt sound too bad. If anything, it will further enhance your people skills and give you more confidence about what you are trying to do.
I wouldnt suggest doing it for such a long time that you lose sight of your ultimate goal, but I think that it will be a good training ground for you.
Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2007 02:08 am Post Subject:
Thank you Knig for your sensible advice. Now your questions. I checked couple of these companies, and so far I have liked John Hancock. I do not have Series 6 or 63 yet, but I am planing to get them ASAP. I do not have a clue, and that makes it hard .
How can I be sure that John Hancocks agent is doing the right thing for my prospect? I am not commision driven , I want the right thing for my prospect. But what if the agent who right now is handling the case is commision driven? And since I have no clue I would not know that either.
By the way Thank you so much for leting me know about Fingerprinting clinics. That was a very interesting information. I checked the internet I could not find a way to do it. Is there any way you can tell me how to do it? Since I work at different pre school that sounds like a right move for me to get to know my community and help them to protect their children.
Warm regards,
May-Atlanta
Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2007 05:51 am Post Subject: Welcome!
Hi May-Atlanta,
Its nice to see that you are participating at forums & sharing your invaluable experiences with the community!
At the same time I'd request you to log-in using your user-id (even though it consumes a bit of your valuable time), as this would help the other commuters avail all your valuable posts through your home page.
Thanks so much!
Para-M
Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2007 10:50 am Post Subject:
atlantamonart, welcome....
This is definately not my 'area' but just wanted to say congratulations, and your passion is infectious, I'm getting a great 'vibe' from you, that you truly will 'care' about your clients, and know you will do well. Knig has given you some great advise. And am sure some other seasoned agents will weigh in with equally good advise.
There is no sustitue for experience (no matter what the subject/career), I think practical experience is the first place to start as knig said,
But it all began with that first telemarketing call and the first knock on someones door
...I wish you luck and great success!
Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2007 01:59 pm Post Subject: Hello every one and thank you for all the information and su
Hi atlantamonart,
There is a culture on this site that I really like.
I agree. I have been in the insurance business for several years and I don't believe I have ever seen such a vast insurance knowledge base in any one place before.
I realized more than half of Americans are not ready for their retirement, and that saving in this country is below zero.
Research studies have shown that the biggest worry for most Americans is having enough money to retire. They worry more about surviving in retirement than they do about becoming ill. But even though they are worried, most only talk about it and never really do anything about it.
That's where we come in.
We all attend urgent matters and procrastinate on important matters.
My friend, there is nothing more urgent than making the proper plans to guarantee that those we love can continue living in the lifestyle that we have created should we die prematurely. People are just procrastinators by nature.
They actually say there is no point in talking to a group of people about these things, and I need to talk to individuals and bring them in.
All I can say is that this is very poor advice. In every community around you, there are social clubs, men's clubs, women's clubs - all looking for someone to speak at their meetings or other functions. With your public speaking expertise, you are a natural. I have conducted insurance seminars in hotel meeting rooms, club functions, assisted living facilities, community organizations and in other situations. You can get more people to talk to about insurance in one meeting of 50 or 100 or 500 people than you can get in six months knocking doors. Many insurance companies have pre-planned insurance seminars. They furnish all the materials and all you have to do is present it. Go for it !
You see I do not want to intrude, this way they have choices to come to me or not.
I understand your view because I once felt that way myself, but let me ask you a question - If you looked out your window and saw flames coming from the top of your neighbor's house, what would you do?
Most people would let them know that they have a problem.
That's our job as insurance agents, we have to let people know that there is a problem. Once we show them the problem and offer the best solution to the problem, we have done all that we can do. If they don't take any action to fix the problem, that's their mistake, not ours.
You asked about the fingerprinting. A lot of life insurance companies have the fingerprinting kits already produced. Some companies will actually send someone to help you with it. Call some life insurance company marketing departments and ask.
There is a fine line between being, as you say "pushy" and just doing a good job. It is our job to deliver the message and we cannot take rejection personally.
Good Luck!
Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2007 02:31 pm Post Subject:
Have you heard of Primerica? You can join their company and get a license to sale life insurance (you'll get tempory within 30days) on top of that you can get your Mortgage License by taking a class that cost $75. In most states a Mortgate license cost in the hundreds. Go to their website. Good luck and I love your passion to help people!
Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2007 05:27 pm Post Subject:
Hello again,
Insurance maze has given you some very good advice and information. I was actually writing to respond about the fingerprint kits. We implement them through the company that I work for, but insurance maze was correct, several different companies are doing it now. just ask.
Good luck to you
Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 02:40 pm Post Subject:
It is awesome to have you here, I am fairly new and like reading the threads that have some meat in them, they give me more information and I don't have to jump around as much, I look forward to reading more of your posts and hope that you will continue to be a great help in this community, goodluck.
Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 02:02 am Post Subject:
atlantamonart, welcome and congratulations on your discovery. I'm originally from Europe and when I came to the US for the first time I was amazed by the spending frenzies Americans have and their lack of savings. I hope you can educate enough people and get them in the right way. It's very bad that lots of people live paycheck to paycheck to paycheck in the biggest economy in the world.
Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 06:18 am Post Subject:
"Passion is what defines successful people".
Thats the only word that differentiates the successful from the failures. With passion comes courage and courage motivates you to take the first step.
Let the passion drive you!!!
Welcome!!!
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