What does a Farm Bureau insurance agent look like? An agent could look a lot like you. Our agents come from a lot of different professional backgrounds and have a wide range of experiences. They follow many different educational and professional paths and as they grow and develop; they gain skills that serve them well when they become an agent.
Not sure whether you’re cut out to be a Farm Bureau agent? Check out these common backgrounds that naturally transition well to working in insurance. Even if your work history doesn’t match exactly with these 12 positions, having similar experiences can prepare you for success as an insurance agent.
1. Teachers
Many Farm Bureau agents have a background in education. Teachers are supportive members of their communities who take a leadership role in their classrooms and communities. Great teachers are accessible, enthusiastic and caring, which is what our agents strive to be.
Teachers’ high energy and love of learning help them transition well into roles as Farm Bureau agents, where they can learn the ins and outs of different types of insurance and explain those products to their current and potential clients.
2. Pharmaceutical Salespeople
People who transition into working in insurance after starting out in pharmaceutical sales are often successful. They’re positive, ambitious and believe in their abilities.
They don’t let rejection get them down, because they learn why people say “no” and use that information to get more “yeses” in the future. They have business acumen and a competitive nature that helps them accomplish their goals as insurance agents.
3. Military Personnel
The structured lifestyle and dedication of military personnel translates well to being a Farm Bureau agent — that’s why we offer a bonus for veterans who contract as agents and meet certain requirements.
Members of the armed forces are self-motivated and can learn new things quickly. Many have leadership experience. They’re used to assisting others and making a difference in the communities they serve. As Farm Bureau agents, they’re there for you when you need them.
4. Agricultural Salespeople
People with a background in selling agricultural products have the entrepreneurial spirit and high energy needed to succeed in insurance. They’re problem solvers, and they have the desire to help satisfy the needs of the customer.
Plus, their experience in the agriculture industry also serves them well when working with farmers, ranchers and people who live in rural communities. Because we value their knowledge, we offer a bonus for agents with ag experience who meet certain requirements.
5. Hotel Managers
People who manage businesses like hotels have great leadership and interpersonal skills. They’ve developed business knowledge, computer acumen and customer service skills. The experience they gained in the hospitality industry equips them for new roles working in insurance.
6. Bankers
Managing finances is an important skill to have if you want to run your own business as a Farm Bureau agent. Bankers’ strong proficiency in mathematics and finances helps them succeed as insurance agents. This skill set also helps you understand your clients’ financial challenges and find solutions that work for them.
Bankers are great at building relationships with those in their communities and understanding their needs. They can use their community connections to reach out to potential clients as insurance agents.
7. Coaches
Like teachers, coaches transition well to insurance agents. Someone who coaches also has experience being coached. Coaches are high-energy learners that know how to communicate well with a group. As Farm Bureau agents, they have a sincere interest in helping others. They can use their coaching skills to help their current and potential clients understand the value of their insurance products.
8. Farmers
Farmers know the ins and outs of managing a business. They understand finances, and they have an entrepreneurial spirit. They can use their hard-working, caring attitudes to become successful working in insurance.
As the #1 Ag insurer in our eight-state footprint, we understand the value of a farm background, which is why we offer a bonus to agents with ag experience who meet certain requirements.
9. Real Estate Agents
Real estate agents and Farm Bureau agents have a lot in common, which could explain why real estate agents do so well working in insurance. Real estate agents have the go-getter energy that makes them competitive in their field.
They’re self-motivated professionals who like to control their own journeys. They’re accustomed to working with people from all walks of life and explaining unfamiliar concepts to them, which are skills that transfer well to the insurance industry.
10. Construction Workers
Construction workers aren’t afraid of hard work, and that’s why their transition to insurance is so successful. They’re dependable and always willing to continue learning. They often have deep roots in their communities, so they understand the people who live there.
A switch to insurance could be a good option for construction workers who are ready to move to jobs that aren’t as physically demanding and don’t require as much outdoor work.
11. Restaurant Managers or Owners
The restaurant industry is constantly changing, and that day-to-day fluctuation is what makes these professionals so skilled at working in insurance. They have a sense of when to keep trying something, and when to pivot and try something new.
People who come from this industry already have a good grasp on how to run a business, multi-task and interact with people – skills that will serve them well as insurance agents.
12. IT Professionals
Information technology professionals are used to translating complicated concepts into more understandable language. They can use that ability to help their clients understand their insurance needs and the policies that can protect them best.
IT pros also have a willingness to help others and excitement about the latest tools that could help a client. They aren’t intimidated by new technology, so they can explore cutting-edge solutions.
Could You Be a Farm Bureau Agent?
There are endless possibilities when you decide to become a Farm Bureau agent. Plus, with our Developing Agent program, you don’t have to immediately leave your day job when you start. Find out if being a Farm Bureau agent could be the right change for you.