When you’re starting out as a Farm Bureau insurance agent, it’s a big life change. Luckily, when you’re making the switch to insurance, your Farm Bureau colleagues are ready and willing to provide the helpful advice and support you need. Experienced agents will be there for you every step of the way. Start on the right foot with these insights from current agents.
Grow Your Team
1. “This is a marathon, not a sprint, and it takes a team to succeed. Hire people when you are ready — staff does not cost you money, they build your business.” – Shawn Nielsen, UT agent
As a Farm Bureau agent, you own your business and can make it what you want it to be. And the best part is that while you’re making your own business decisions, Farm Bureau is by your side with the tools and resources to help you succeed.
Join Community Groups
2. “Get involved in an organization that you enjoy and branch out. There are quality prospects in many organizations, and you’ll get the most from it if you’re active and truly enjoy it.” – Russ Otte, KS agent
As you start your new role in insurance, it’s important to put yourself out there and spread your wings. Get active in your community because these are the people whose lives you’ll be protecting.
Set Up Your Days for Success
3. “Show up each day employed, meaning you have plenty of people to see every day.” – Matt Machin, KS agent
Successful Farm Bureau agents wake up each day with the motivation they need to help protect the livelihoods and futures of their community members. They are passionate people who are driven by their values and who will stop at nothing to be there when the unexpected strikes.
Foster Strong Connections
4. “Work on building relationships. A stereotypical thing in this industry is to be really transactional and sell as many new accounts as you possibly can. I would rather sell 50 new accounts a year and have a good relationship with those 50 people than sell 200 new accounts and not have a relationship with those clients.” – Hunter Nathan, NE agent
Farm Bureau agents know that solid businesses are built on strong relationships. They get to know their clients and build trust. In turn, their clients know they can turn to them for all their insurance needs.
Reach Out for Help
5. “You’ll have an amazing group of support staff — trainers, managers and underwriters. Don’t be afraid to reach out with an email or a phone call. Don’t feel as though you’re bothering someone or you have to figure it out yourself. Call somebody — that’s what they’re there for.” – Kelly Stephens, KS agent
When you work for Farm Bureau, you run your own business, and you have the benefit of a team of people you can turn to for support and advice. You’re never expected to know everything. From marketing to technology to underwriting and more, you can lean on people who will help you succeed.
Believe in Yourself
6. “Believe that there's nothing you can't accomplish. I was 54 years old when I started with Farm Bureau. I had zero insurance experience, and the tests were not easy. But if you believe you can do it and keep a positive attitude, nothing can stop you.” – Christina Gardom, AZ agent
Confidence is key every step of the way with Farm Bureau. You’ll need that confidence so you can pass tests and build industry experience, and so you can go into every meeting believing that you’ll make the sale. Believing in yourself is central to success.
Learn from Other Agents
7. “Be open to using the resources that are available to you. Do the joint work with fellow agents because you can learn from them and you can see different selling techniques.” – Mary Winter, KS agent
Farm Bureau agents know insurance inside and out, but they also know they can always learn from their fellow agents. They reach out to their district manager, fellow agents, sales support and many others to make sure they’re providing the best service possible.
Talk to People to Get Results
8. “It’s a hard thing to feel that you’re truly going to be able to make ends meet and succeed when you don’t have a quantifiable salary to pay your bills. But as long as you can talk to people, you’re going to get the results. Just keep plugging along. It’s a unique opportunity to make as much money as you want to, and to have the flexibility to do your own thing.” – Steve Jansen, MN agent
Successful Farm Bureau agents believe in themselves, the company and the process. It can be unsettling to give up a regular salary, but when you work for Farm Bureau, there’s no limit to the income you can earn and the financial security you can provide to your loved ones.
Listen to Your Clients
9. “Spend the majority of your time in front of people and listen to their needs and wants. Run your agency like the business it is. Remember to have patience and perseverance.” – Larry Marshall, NM agent
Agents take time to listen to their clients’ wants and needs to make sure they’re properly covered at the right time. By having the patience to listen closely, Farm Bureau agents can help identify gaps in coverage and potentially find discounts.
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Is a Future With Farm Bureau Right for You?
This insurance agent advice from those who have been in the business can help you decide if Farm Bureau is a good match for you. Connect with us and find out more.