When do y'all like buying insurance?

TheJON · Post by **TheJON** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 10:54 pm

Okay, so I have a potential problem on my hands. Here's the deal....

I've recently started up an insurance agency and really been just working off referrals from friends/families early as I'm basically just trying to get adjusted to being a business owner (not trying to get in over my head right now). BUT, with football season right around the corner I can foresee a potential problem of having to meet with clients on Saturday's especially as I begin to build my clientele. I've never missed at least watching an Iowa game on TV. Not for anything.

So, how do I avoid this? The good thing is by the time I schedule an appointment, I will know when gametime is.

But I'm curious......would you guys buy insurance on a Sunday? I am fine just Tivoing a Chiefs game. No big deal. But Hawkeye football is an event around my family/friends. Sure, I could Tivo it, but I'd miss out on the rest of the event and it just wouldn't be the same. Besides, my cell phone lights up like crazy after a big touchdown or an epic meltdown and so it would be difficult to avoid. I can't even ignore my phone because I can tell by who calls if something good or bad just happened. It's either my negative Iowa fan buddies that like to call me to vent when the Hawks are playing shitty (and never call when things are going good) or an ISU buddy who likes to call me to laugh at how bad the Hawks are playing (even though the Clones lost by 30 earlier in the day!).

So what do you peeps that might have other things going on Saturday's do? Road games won't be a terrible problem because I can probably schedule a 9:00 AM appointment and then one in the early evening. Just avoid the 11-3 time frame and I should be good. But home games will be tough. If I have to miss a single effing play of an Iowa game I'm going to be one cranky SOB this football season, which means countless Bobby Bowden sucks and USC cheats posts could be on the horizon!

MgoBlue-LightSpecial · Mon Aug 18, 2008 11:04 pm

1. If you're the owner, what's the problem? Don't work/take appointments during game time.

2. Tell your friends what the deal is and to not call your cell during the game.

3. Are you sure you're competent enough to run a business?

PSUFAN · Post by **PSUFAN** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 11:09 pm

On Saturdays, just put on a red cardigan and tennis shoes until the discomfort goes away.

TheJON · Post by **TheJON** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 1:45 am

Shit, what do you think you're going to do when one of your insureds has a claim on a Friday night? Just say "fuck it, Iowa's getting blown out tomorrow, too bad about your rig-we'll deal with it on Monday."

Just doing Life and Health right now. So no worry about that. No, I am not a captive agent. I considered the State Farm option, then decided it was not only best for a new independent agent to go the Life and Health route but to also not sell exclusively for one company. I have had plenty of training where I am fine on my own.

I can tell you right now that if you're writing personal lines and you're not open on Saturday, you're going to lose business. Commercial lines, not so much. If you're a personal lines broker, you shouldn't even think about days off for the next couple of years.
The answer is so far I've stuck mostly with individuals, but like I said I've only been working off referrals (but you can only do that for so long). But we're looking at hitting up a lot of new small business owners as I think that will be our best moneymaker in the long run.

1. If you're the owner, what's the problem? Don't work/take appointments during game time.

2. Tell your friends what the deal is and to not call your cell during the game.

3. Are you sure you're competent enough to run a business?

I'm and owner, but I have a partner and that's it. I don't have a ton of people handling my business if I'm gone. Yeah, I can probably tell people not to call during the game, but if I were to miss the game live it just wouldn't be the same. No, I don't think I'm competent enough to run a business, which is why I'm pretty sure my business will be successful. I've seen a lot of fuckups become successful agents. I've been advised to play a lot of golf and I'll make it. Sounds easy enough, right!!??

I'm hopeful Sunday's will be a good day for appointments. Just the thought of missing an Iowa game live sucks!!

TheJON · Post by **TheJON** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 1:47 am

PSUFAN wrote:On Saturdays, just put on a red cardigan and tennis shoes until the discomfort goes away.

Ah, yes that reminds me, PSUFAN.....

My Pick 6 league this year, I chose the moniker of "mrrogerswasapedophile". I chose that over "2girls1cup.com". Was a tough decision.

.m2 · Post by **.m2** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 1:54 am

TheJON wrote:I'm and owner,

This isn't gonna go well.

TheJON · Post by **TheJON** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 2:01 am

No securities license though that's something I'll consider getting. Only thing it prevents me from selling is Variable annuities, which isn't a big deal considering I don't think annuities is going to be one of my big sellers. Studying for a securities license is a lot more difficult and time consuming than Life, Accident, and Health license. If I had the time I probably would. Maybe 2-3 years down the road I will, but my guess is I'll get the P&C license before I do that. My brother is considering joining us and he has a securities license, so if need be I will refer a variable annuity to him. I see no reason anyone would want to buy a variable annuity anyways. It's too risky. If you've got a ton of money, just invest in the stock market or do what my rich uncle did and put 100% of your salary into his 401K (his wife is rich, not him, he makes jack squat). Too expensive, too risky. You have to find some old sucker that's got some coin to burn, but doesn't know any better. No thanks!

TheJON · Post by **TheJON** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 2:03 am

.m2 wrote:
TheJON wrote:I'm and owner,

This isn't gonna go well.

War Wagon · Post by **War Wagon** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 3:59 am

Check into the CFB forum and what do I see?

When do y'all like buying insurance?

What. The. Fuck.

I never buy insurance at the blackjack table, if that's any help.

TheJON · Post by **TheJON** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 4:15 am

War Wagon wrote:Check into the CFB forum and what do I see?

When do y'all like buying insurance?
What. The. Fuck.

I never buy insurance at the blackjack table, if that's any help.

Smart, because it's a sucker bet. But would you insure an Ace if you had 50% of your entire net worth on that single hand?

War Wagon · Post by **War Wagon** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 4:38 am

Jon, Jon, Jon... I'm trying to politely tell you to fuck off with this insurance business in the CFB forum.

Looks like I'm going to need a bigger sledgehammer.

M Club · Post by **M Club** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 5:06 am

the last time you asked this forum for advice i went to mcdonalds for a big mac.

TheJON · Post by **TheJON** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 6:33 am

Believe the Heupel wrote:
TheJON wrote:It's too risky. If you've got a ton of money, just invest in the stock market or do what my rich uncle did and put 100% of your salary into his 401K (his wife is rich, not him, he makes jack squat).
Based on this quote, you need to stay the fuck away from anything in the finance field.

Unless, of course, your rich uncle was making less than $20,500 per year.

I think he BARELY made more, but I could be wrong. Like I said, annuities ain't my bag. At least not yet. Fixed annuities, I can tell you the ins and outs of it but I'm not going to try and act like I know much more than what was required to pass the test on variable.

Anyways, back to the original topic....

Is it best to suck it up, Tivo the Iowa games and set appointments during the game or bust my balls on Sunday and Tivo the Chiefs games? Like I said, Iowa games are like an event but Chiefs football it's more about just the game than everything else. However, Sundays may not be as good for business as Saturday's are which is why I was curious when everyone here would be receptive to meeting with their local agent. I'm going to try everything in my power to avoid having to miss watching Hawkeye football live. Just won't be the same.....

Left Seater · Post by **Left Seater** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 2:39 pm

Jon, as a business owner myself, you need to listen to what Frozen said. You had better plan on working 24/7 for the next couple of years. Forget any kind of life, and if you don't have an appointment during an Iowa game, you damn well should be on the phones trying to set some for Monday.

Further, this business of yours, are you a captive agent to something like the MONY group or NY Life, etc? Or are you really going to start your own business and be an independent agent? If you are working under the umbrella of one of these companies then the series 7 and 63 are very important. You can then sell stocks and mutual funds to your clients along with insurance. If the home office wont allow you to sell these products, then walk away today. On the other hand if you are a truely independent agent, then the series 7 and 63 are what is going to make you all the money. Making MDRT would make for a nice living, but selling under the series 7 and 63 will allow you to have a staff in a decade or so that works for you.

Good luck,

TheJON · Post by **TheJON** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 3:49 pm

My main focus thus far has been medical, though like I said since we're inexperienced we're simply just trying to ease ourself into the business (we both have tons of years of insurance backgrounds, just no agency experience). Gotten a lot of advice from a lot of people including my dad who ran an independent agency for 15+ years on how to devise our business plan. And what I've learned is 1.It's better to sell L&H for a new independent agent than P&C and 2.you're better off being independent than captive people have become more price savvy than in the past especially with the way the economy is and so you need to offer choices. I don't see the point of being a captive agent except for the training and cheaper E&O insurance. But I've had plenty of training- for free! And I'm willing to pay the extra $400 or so per year for E&O insurance if it means I have possibly double the earnings potential.

Would a series 7/63 really be all that beneficial to a new agent though? Like I said, we've been advised on what to do and the more products we offer early on the greater chance we'll have at getting in over or heads. Besides, wouldn't clients be less willing to discuss stocks/mutual funds with an inexperienced agent? I'd think they'd really want to do their research on who they buy they use as an investment broker, but I could be wrong.

You had better plan on working 24/7 for the next couple of years. Forget any kind of life, and if you don't have an appointment during an Iowa game, you damn well should be on the phones trying to set some for Monday.

Typically, Iowa games are at 11:00 am. Average time of an appointment is an hour (though I suppose I've never really timed it). So I can still probably get by with a 9:00 or a 9:30 appointment and either fill my schedule up on Sunday or maybe get another one on Saturday evening. I think soon we'll start calling on Seniors and they're great because you can meet with them during the days Monday-Friday. Same goes for small business owners. Especially the new ones like myself.

I think I can work around the Iowa games. I know the first couple of years is more difficult because that's when you really need to build your BOB, but it's more important to work smart than work longer hours than necessary.

Dinsdale · Post by **Dinsdale** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 4:42 pm

MgoBlue-LightSpecial wrote:1. If you're the owner, what's the problem? Don't work/take appointments during game time.

BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!

Sin,
Anyone Who Has Ever Run a Small Business

Adelpiero · Post by **Adelpiero** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 4:58 pm

this company is going big places

MgoBlue-LightSpecial · Tue Aug 19, 2008 5:08 pm

Dinsdale wrote: Sin,
Anyone Who Has Ever Run a Small Business

So, like, one of your bestest buddy's, right?

Dinsdale · Post by **Dinsdale** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 5:21 pm

I guess I am my bestest buddy.

You've never run a small business, obviously.

The word "no" doesn't exist in the fledgling small business owners' vocabulary. Not if he wants to eat, anyway.

MgoBlue-LightSpecial · Tue Aug 19, 2008 6:10 pm

The man asked how he can watch the games. I'm trying to help out here. I'm pretty sure had the question been, "How can I run a successful business?" that I wouldn't have responded with, "Start by closing up shop on Saturdays so you can watch college football."

SunCoastSooner · Post by **SunCoastSooner** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 7:45 pm

Dinsdale wrote:I guess I am my bestest buddy.

You've never run a small business, obviously.

The word "no" doesn't exist in the fledgling small business owners' vocabulary. Not if he wants to eat, anyway.

When you're starting out this is :bode:

Goober McTuber · Post by **Goober McTuber** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 7:50 pm

Whatever you do, JON, don’t ever talk sports with a prospective client. Nobody wants to buy insurance from a complete idiot.

Left Seater · Post by **Left Seater** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 7:56 pm

Couple of things here Jon. First off you ask the question about when do we like to buy insurance. The answer is never. That said it is a necessary evil and we all have it. But you asked it in a college football message room, so you knew the answer going in. Third if you listen to any of our advice over an agent of 15+ years, then you are really messed up.

I think you are smarter than that and this thread is your way of letting us know you have started your own business. Congrats. But serious question, why not buy out your dad over time? You get an established book of business and he gets income while not working.

Finally, many brokers have insurance people on staff and if your clients go to a broker for investment advice you can bet they are going to try to sell insurance to them too. Why risk having your clients cancel their policies when they go to a broker? I would think you would want to be the one stop shop for all of their needs.

TheJON · Post by **TheJON** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 8:05 pm

Goober McTuber wrote:Whatever you do, JON, don’t ever talk sports with a prospective client. Nobody wants to buy insurance from a complete idiot.

Goober calling someone else a complete idiot?? BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Holy piss fuck, now I've heard it all!

Rack you!!

Goober McTuber · Post by **Goober McTuber** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 8:07 pm

TheJON wrote:
Goober McTuber wrote:Whatever you do, JON, don’t ever talk sports with a prospective client. Nobody wants to buy insurance from a complete idiot.

Goober calling someone else a complete idiot?? BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Holy piss fuck, now I've heard it all!

Rack you!!

You did move to Kansas City, didn't you? Fucking priceless.

TheJON · Post by **TheJON** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 8:20 pm

Left Seater wrote:Couple of things here Jon. First off you ask the question about when do we like to buy insurance. The answer is never. That said it is a necessary evil and we all have it. But you asked it in a college football message room, so you knew the answer going in. Third if you listen to any of our advice over an agent of 15+ years, then you are really messed up.

I think you are smarter than that and this thread is your way of letting us know you have started your own business. Congrats. But serious question, why not buy out your dad over time? You get an established book of business and he gets income while not working.

Finally, many brokers have insurance people on staff and if your clients go to a broker for investment advice you can bet they are going to try to sell insurance to them too. Why risk having your clients cancel their policies when they go to a broker? I would think you would want to be the one stop shop for all of their needs.

I should have clarified, my dad's been out of the business for about 10 years. I'd love to have his old book of business though.....

In time I will offer more lines of coverage and financial services, but you can't just jump right into the business cold without limiting the amount of coverages you specialize in. Why get in over my head when I currently have the financial means to work through the small business growing pains? If I lose a client here or there because of it, so be it. I'm not building a get rich quick business. We have a step by step 5-year plan we are sticking to that we're confident is the right way to go about building the business and this is from advice from countless current and former agents that have many years of experience along with extensive research.

But the one thing I just have not worked out is finding ways around missing Iowa games. It sounds silly to think that should be a priority, but hey.....Hawkeye football and Royals baseball have been the one constant things in my life throughout. Saturday's are spent with friends and family cheering on the Hawks. I've figured out how I'm going to go about running my business, I just haven't figured out how I'm going to avoid missing Iowa games. I'll figure it out......hopefully!

TheJON · Post by **TheJON** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 8:26 pm

Goober McTuber wrote:
TheJON wrote:
Goober McTuber wrote:Whatever you do, JON, don’t ever talk sports with a prospective client. Nobody wants to buy insurance from a complete idiot.

Goober calling someone else a complete idiot?? BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Holy piss fuck, now I've heard it all!

Rack you!!
You did move to Kansas City, didn't you? Fucking priceless.

How old are you? 13? Seriously, do you ever have a take or is your whole schtick just to run smack that you wouldn't dare run to people face to face because you can get away with being a "tough guy" on the web. Seriously, you can't possibly be above the age of 19. No way in hell. Too immature.

By the way, I lived in KC for 4 months and am back in Iowa. I never technically moved there as I never sold my home back in Iowa. I was simply "living" down there but never established residency. I loved the 4 months down there. Fun town, good nightlife, good BBQ, good folks, etc... Most people I met down there have scoreboard on you in every facet of life.

Goober McTuber · Post by **Goober McTuber** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 8:47 pm

TheJON wrote:How old are you? 13? Seriously, do you ever have a take or is your whole schtick just to run smack that you wouldn't dare run to people face to face because you can get away with being a "tough guy" on the web. Seriously, you can't possibly be above the age of 19. No way in hell. Too immature.

By the way, I lived in KC for 4 months and am back in Iowa. I never technically moved there as I never sold my home back in Iowa. I was simply "living" down there but never established residency. I loved the 4 months down there. Fun town, good nightlife, good BBQ, good folks, etc... Most people I met down there have scoreboard on you in every facet of life.

And why is it that I would be afraid to tell you to your face that you’re an idiot? Is it because...you’re such a “tough guy”?

And really, how can you make that scoreboard statement when you know nothing about my life?

War Wagon · Post by **War Wagon** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:29 pm

Goober McTuber wrote: You did move to Kansas City, didn't you?

So?

SunCoastSooner · Post by **SunCoastSooner** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 10:37 pm

Left Seater wrote:Finally, many brokers have insurance people on staff and if your clients go to a broker for investment advice you can bet they are going to try to sell insurance to them too. Why risk having your clients cancel their policies when they go to a broker? I would think you would want to be the one stop shop for all of their needs.

Not in some states. It is considered a conflict on interest for some screwed up reason. The conflict in interest would be appraisers and brokers but they let that shit happen in some states while not in others as well.

The regulation of the real estate industry across the country is pretty screwed up...

TheJON · Post by **TheJON** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 1:45 am

Goober McTuber wrote:
TheJON wrote:How old are you? 13? Seriously, do you ever have a take or is your whole schtick just to run smack that you wouldn't dare run to people face to face because you can get away with being a "tough guy" on the web. Seriously, you can't possibly be above the age of 19. No way in hell. Too immature.

By the way, I lived in KC for 4 months and am back in Iowa. I never technically moved there as I never sold my home back in Iowa. I was simply "living" down there but never established residency. I loved the 4 months down there. Fun town, good nightlife, good BBQ, good folks, etc... Most people I met down there have scoreboard on you in every facet of life.
And why is it that I would be afraid to tell you to your face that you’re an idiot? Is it because...you’re such a “tough guy”?

And really, how can you make that scoreboard statement when you know nothing about my life?

No, I'm not a tough guy. Don't say anything on this board I wouldn't say to someone's face. I just know your type, that's all. People like you come to the internet to talk shit because they know it's the only place they can get away with it. You're just like m2. You woldn't say it to my face, not because I'm a tough guy, but because you haven't the balls. That goes for anyone. You wouldn't say anything like this to ANYONE's face. Every internet tough guy like yourself are the same.

I can claim KC residents have scoreboard on you because I do know plenty about your type and your type doesn't have scoreboard over anyone. Just the fact that you grouped Kansas Citians like you do is proof of that. But your childish posts are even more proof. You haven't got scoreboard on anyone, bra.....

Goober McTuber · Post by **Goober McTuber** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 1:59 am

War Wagon wrote:
Goober McTuber wrote: You did move to Kansas City, didn't you?
So?

Just noting how NOJ was adopting basic KC smack tactics. Should I draw you a picture?

Hey, NOJ, I know plenty about your type. They're called halfwits. This thread is all the proof you need. If you're truly serious about starting a small business, watching a college football game, especially one involving Iowa, should be way down your list of priorities. You'll probably find that out the hard way.

War Wagon · Post by **War Wagon** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 3:34 am

Goober McTuber wrote: Just noting how NOJ was adopting basic KC smack tactics.

That's a bad rap, Goobs, and you know it.

Adelpiero · Post by **Adelpiero** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 3:37 am

wow

when i started my Real Estate appraisal company almost 5+ years ago, the last thing on my mind was whether i would miss MU,Cards,Blues and sporting events. My biggest concern was bringing in $$ to pay the bills, and building a base, so that eventually, down the road, i would be able to keep my appointments to weekdays,keeping my weekends free. i must of went about it wrong, i should of told the lenders i refuse to work Saturdays and Sundays, and all the days that end in Y, cause i might miss something sports related

this jonsense company will go very far in the next few months. I can see it

TheJON · Post by **TheJON** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 3:40 am

Goober McTuber wrote:
War Wagon wrote:
Goober McTuber wrote: You did move to Kansas City, didn't you?
So?
Just noting how NOJ was adopting basic KC smack tactics. Should I draw you a picture?

Hey, NOJ, I know plenty about your type. They're called halfwits. This thread is all the proof you need. If you're truly serious about starting a small business, watching a college football game, especially one involving Iowa, should be way down your list of priorities. You'll probably find that out the hard way.

Hey Goober, serious question here, no joke....

How old are you? I got a buddy who likes to frequent this board and we both guessed your age based on your posts. I said 22. He says 20. You better not be 21. I lose on a push.

TheJON · Post by **TheJON** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 3:42 am

Adelpiero wrote:wow

when i started my Real Estate appraisal company almost 5+ years ago, the last thing on my mind was whether i would miss MU,Cards,Blues and sporting events. My biggest concern was bringing in $$ to pay the bills, and building a base, so that eventually, down the road, i would be able to keep my appointments to weekdays,keeping my weekends free. i must of went about it wrong, i should of told the lenders i refuse to work Saturdays and Sundays, and all the days that end in Y, cause i might miss something sports related

this jonsense company will go very far in the next few months. I can see it

Work smart, work hard, manage your time well. If you're good at time management, which I am, it shouldn't be a problem.

War Wagon · Post by **War Wagon** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 3:49 am

TheJON wrote: Hey Goober, serious question here, no joke....

Seriously?

Quit while you're behind.

Age smack with Goobs isn't going to work.

TheJON · Post by **TheJON** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 4:42 am

Did you read what I said.....

I have a bet and I want to know if I just won myself a beer on Friday night or if the 1st round is on me. That is all.

I was taking an honest guess as to his age. Maybe I'm off by 20 years, I don't know. God I hope I'm not off. I still would win, but for the sake of society I hope he isn't older than 21 or 22.

It wasn't age smack, just a simple question and I'm interested to hear his answer.

.m2 · Post by **.m2** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 5:27 am

TheJON wrote:I got a buddy who likes to frequent this board

Does he look like this.....

... and does he post in the NFL forum ?