Are you thinking about becoming an insurance agent, but you’re not sure how to get started? As with any new professional opportunity, it’s important to understand every step of the process. That way, you’ll know you’ll have the support you need to succeed.
At Farm Bureau, we set our new agents up for success with a comprehensive insurance agent onboarding process that makes sure we’re a great fit for each other. Check out our step-by-step process to becoming an insurance agent at Farm Bureau.
What’s Your ‘Why?’
To start, it’s important to understand what it means to be a Farm Bureau agent so you can be sure it’s the right path for you. Becoming an agent is about much more than selling insurance. It’s about building relationships and helping people protect what’s most important to them — their families, livelihoods and futures.
If you want to run your own business and positively impact your community, Farm Bureau Financial Services can help you achieve that goal.
We make the transition to becoming an insurance agent as simple as possible by giving you plenty of assistance and providing materials that help you accomplish your goals. Your district manager will be your primary contact for helpful resources and tips. Even after contracting as an agent, Farm Bureau provides educational information and training classes.
Complete the Online Candidate Opportunity Form
If you think you’d like to start the process of becoming a Farm Bureau agent, the first step is to complete our online candidate opportunity form. There, you’ll share information about your educational, professional and sales background, and why you’re interested in joining Farm Bureau as an agent.
You don’t need to have insurance or sales experience to thrive in this field. People in professions from banking to teaching to the military have used their skills to successfully make the switch to insurance.
A Strategic Focus
Next, you’ll take part in a series of interviews to start planning how you will succeed as an insurance agent.
During your first interview, we will review your resume and talk about your previous experiences that have prepared you to be a business owner. No matter what your previous profession was, you’ll find that you may have skills that can easily transfer to being an insurance agent. We’ll also talk about 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 the process of becoming an agent. You will also be asked to complete an online sales profile and background check after receiving an email that asks the following questions:
- Why me? What qualifications, experiences and personality traits do you think you can use and build on to be a successful insurance agent?
- Why Farm Bureau? What about the culture at Farm Bureau Financial Services makes it the right fit for you?
- Why now? What about your life situation and experiences makes it a good time to make this transition?
Spending time thinking deeply about answering these questions and putting your thoughts into words can help you solidify your plans. And, in turn, the information can help us evaluate whether you’re a solid candidate for Farm Bureau.
Key Person and Commitment
To complete the interview process, you will develop a timeline that sets a target contract date to commit as a Farm Bureau agent. Your district manager will meet with you and your key person, such as a family member, to answer your questions and help you get registered for the required courses.
To become an insurance agent, you will need to be licensed in these areas:
- Property/Casualty
- Life/Accident/Health
- SIE, Series 6 and 63 (optional financial industry licenses)
Next Steps
Starting your own insurance business is not a decision that you should take lightly. That’s why, after going through the interview process and earning your licenses, you can test your skills with the Developing Agent Program before you commit.
We let you dip your toes in the insurance industry for up to four months while we determine together if it’s the right step for you. During this period, you don’t have to quit your current job. You’ll set your work schedule while you learn the ins and outs of running your own insurance business.
In the Developing Agent Program, you’ll 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. At this stage, your district manager will be your best resource for information and assistance with potential clients.
During the Developing Agent Program, you’ll work toward sales goals for various insurance products. Meeting these expectations will help set the foundation for a thriving insurance business for years to come.
Final Steps
Once you’ve successfully completed the Developing Agent Program, you’ll take the final steps to becoming a contracted agent. Your district 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 of a new business. You’ll strive to achieve professional goals and start earning commission. Here’s what you can expect in the first 90 days.
Take the First Step
If you’re ready to explore a new, rewarding professional opportunity and to be a part of a team that supports you, Farm Bureau wants to help. Through our training program, you’ll learn the skills you need to build a prosperous business before getting started, with the flexibility to keep your current job. Learn more about what a future as an insurance agent at Farm Bureau might look like.