Steps to Becoming an Insurance Agent: Beginning the Process

April 13, 2018

Are you looking to become an insurance agent but curious about the process to get started? Just like any new professional opportunity, it’s important to understand every step of the process and to know that you’ll have the support you need to be successful. At Farm Bureau, we set our new agents up for success with a comprehensive onboarding program to make sure we’re a great fit for each other. Check out our step-by-step process to becoming an insurance agent at Farm Bureau.

Getting Started as an Insurance Agent

Becoming an insurance agent is about so much more than just sales - it’s about building relationships and helping people protect what’s most important to them. If you want to run your own business and impact the members of your community, Farm Bureau Financial Services might be a good fit for you!

When you choose to start your insurance journey, we want to make the transition to becoming an insurance agent as simple as possible. While you’re getting started, we’ll provide plenty of assistance and give you materials to help you accomplish your goals. Your Agency Manager will be your primary contact for helpful resources and tips, and even after you’ve become a contracted insurance agent, Farm Bureau still provides plenty of educational information and training classes.

The Process of Becoming a Farm Bureau Agent

Training In the Agent Development Program

Starting your own insurance business is not a decision that should be taken lightly. That’s why Farm Bureau offers the Agent Development Program so you can test your skills before you fully commit. We let you dip your toes in the insurance industry up to a four-month development period where we determine together if it’s the right step for you. You don’t even have to quit your current job. You’ll set your own work schedule while you learn the ins and outs of running your own insurance business.

If you think you’d like to get started in the Agent Development Program, your first step is to complete our online candidate information form. Next, you’ll take part in a series of interviews to start planning how you will succeed as an insurance agent.

First Meeting: A Strategic Focus

During your first interview, we will review your resume together and talk about your previous experiences that have prepared you to be a business owner. No matter what your previous profession was, we think you’ll find that you have skills that can easily transfer to being an insurance agent! We’ll also learn what Farm Bureau means to you and why you think Farm Bureau is the right fit.

You’ll leave the meeting with informational materials that will help you as you decide whether you’d like to continue through the process of becoming an agent. Potential new agents will also be asked to complete an online sales profile and background check after receiving an email asking:

Why Me?
Why Farm Bureau?
Why Now?

Second Meeting: Behavior Based Interview

The next time we see you, we’ll review your past experiences in more detail. This will help you predict your abilities to build your business and be a successful Farm Bureau agent. We’ll discuss the importance of a contact and lead list and your business plans with your Agency Manager.

Third Meeting: Meet the Regional Vice President

During the third meeting, you’ll be introduced to the Regional Vice President (RVP).

Fourth Meeting: Key Person and Commitment

To complete the interview process, you will develop a timeline that sets a target contract date to commit to Farm Bureau. Your Agency Manager will meet with you and your key person, such as a family member, to answer any additional questions and get you registered for the required courses:

Property/Casualty
Life/Accident/Health
Series 6 and 63 (Optional)

While the Series 6 and 63 licenses are optional, with these licenses, you could earn a $5,000 sign on bonus from Farm Bureau when you become a contracted agent. That’s $5,000 to hit the ground running as you build your business!

Next Steps to Becoming a Farm Bureau Insurance Agent

After going through the interview process and earning your licenses, you’ll begin the Agent Development Program in which you’ll get to continue your educational courses and apply what you’ve learned to real potential client meetings. Farm Bureau wants to make sure you’re following an effective sales approach, so we’ll be by your side every step of the way! Your Agency Manager will be your best resource for information and assistance with potential clients.

During the Agent Development Program, you’ll work toward sales goals for various insurance products, and meeting these expectations will help set the foundation for a thriving insurance business for years to come.

Once you’ve successfully completed the Agent Development program, you’ll take the final steps to becoming a contracted agent! Your Agency Manager will continue to work with you to further your professional development and set up a customized transition plan. This should be a smooth change since you’ve gotten some valuable, on-the-job practice during the last four months.

When you become an insurance agent, you’ll develop a business marketing plan, set up an office space and handle all of the details a new business owner does. You’ll become part of the New Agent Assistance Program, strive to achieve professional goals and start earning commission.

We Want You to Join Our Team!

If you’re ready to take the leap toward a new, rewarding professional opportunity and to be a part of a team that supports you, Farm Bureau wants to help you to join us! Through our Agent Development Program, you’ll learn the skills you need to build a prosperous business before getting started, with the flexibility to keep your current job.

Click “Get Started” below to take the first steps to see what you can achieve as a Farm Bureau insurance agent.