Why do you call this a career instead of a job? This is a career, like being a lawyer or independent accountant, because the training and development phase requires more time than it takes to learn a job. In our fully paid Broker development program, you would be learning and supported for two to three years.
What are some of the intangibles of the career? After the extensive Broker development program (that is unapproachable by any other company), you are given the autonomy to build your career in the direction you want to take it. Specialize in a niche insurance market or industry… entertain clients on the golf course or at fine dining venues… continue your professional education. This is a professional career that allows you to use your personality, drive, and business acumen to go further than you ever thought possible.
What does it take to succeed in this career? Successful brokers are driven to succeed; they set high standards for their personal performance and accomplishments and work hard to achieve them. They also relate well to others, are outgoing, friendly, and sociable. They like to have as much control over their own destiny as possible, are self-directed and entrepreneurial. And successful brokers learn new material rapidly, and can apply the learning in analytical, problem solving situations.
Why do you say this is a very secure career? There are two compelling reasons why this career is very secure. First, the demand for business insurance is not affected by the economy or stock market. Businesses always need to cover their risks and exposures with insurance. Second, successful brokers are as scarce — and in demand — as star professional athletes.
What is the turnover in this program? We have been helping member firms hire and develop broker trainees for five years. To date, approx. 70% of the trainees hired have either graduated from the program and are very successful brokers or are succeeding now in the development program.
What potential for advancement would I have? You can “advance” as far as you want to; you are in control unlike in corporations where others decide how much money you make and if/when you are promoted. But “advancement” in the broking business is measured by how many satisfied clients you have and by your income.
Would I do a lot of cold calling? Yes and no. As you start to build your client base you would need to call prospects to set up an initial meeting. But as your base builds, you would gain more and more new clients from referrals, and do less and less cold calling. And, before you would make your first call, you would complete our course in cold calling and start with a comfort level that would build with experience.
What are the toughest challenges I would face? The toughest challenge is getting started, your first two years. That’s because there is so much to learn before you can “graduate” from our program with confidence that you are well on your way to success. The learning curve is long, and a challenge is dealing with impatience. The good news is that we coach, mentor, and support you throughout your development, because we know how difficult it is to get started.
Can I relocate after training? Not unless your employer has another office location to which you want to move (most of our members have only one office). Our member firms would invest significant time and money supporting you as you grow into a successful producer. They want you to select a location where you can put down roots, be an active member of the community, and build your business into a thriving success.
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Fully paid. You are paid a competitive salary plus expenses throughout the development program, which can last up to three years.
