What Advice is Crucial for New Insurance Agents Or Brokers?
InsuranceExperts.io
What Advice is Crucial for New Insurance Agents Or Brokers?
Starting a career in insurance can be both thrilling and daunting, but the right advice can make all the difference. In this article, insights from an experienced Insurance Agent and a seasoned Agency Owner will guide you. Discover why building genuine client relationships is crucial, and conclude with the importance of staying ethical and being yourself. With four expert insights, prepare to embark on a journey towards a successful insurance career.
- Build Genuine Client Relationships
- Prioritize Clients Over Profit
- Understand Clients' Industries Deeply
- Stay Ethical and Be Yourself
Build Genuine Client Relationships
If I were to give one piece of advice to someone starting as an insurance agent or broker, it would be this: Focus on building genuine relationships with your clients. Insurance is all about trust and understanding people's needs. Take the time to listen, educate, and truly care about your clients' well-being. This approach will lead to more satisfied customers and long-term success and referrals in your career.
Prioritize Clients Over Profit
I've been in the insurance industry in one capacity or another for almost two decades, and my advice for someone just starting is to not do it only for the money.
Working in insurance means working with people—helping them protect their assets, health, and even their lives. Unfortunately, I've seen too many people enter this field as a "side gig" or because a friend suggested they try it out. These agents are only in it for the money. Don't get me wrong, we all have mortgages and bills to pay, but if your sole motivation is profit, you won't succeed in the long run.
In our industry, we have a saying: "commission breath." If you're focused on making a quick buck, people will sense it. Sure, you might make a sale or two, but over time, it will be difficult to retain clients and grow your business.
The most successful agents put their clients' needs first. They understand their role is to guide the customer, not just to sell the most products.
Building trust takes time, but once you do, it's incredibly rewarding—not just financially, but also emotionally, knowing you've genuinely helped someone.
Understand Clients' Industries Deeply
One piece of advice I don't hear enough is to really dig into your clients' industries, just as much as you dig into insurance itself. Early in my career, I was focused on insurance products, but quickly learned that understanding the client's business—whether it's construction, retail, or even tech—gives you the edge. Every industry has unique risks and opportunities, and knowing them allows you to customize your approach. It's about showing that you get their world, not just the policy they need. That's how you build real trust and loyalty with your clients.
Stay Ethical and Be Yourself
My advice is… hang in there and never compromise yourself!
I say this from my own personal experience. Back when I started in 2018, I really didn't think this was the career path for me. I'm not a "sharky" seller. I refuse to push people into things they don't want or need. But unfortunately, insurance is a huge necessity in America.
It's a tough gig. With constant regulation changes, there's lots to keep up on. Not to mention the unhappy customers that can, and will, result from these changes. It can often be a very rewarding career, though. Helping senior citizens save money on their medications. Helping a high-income family save thousands on their health insurance costs every year. Or even helping a low-income individual obtain $0 health coverage, which they didn't think was possible.
Be ethical, be honest, and most importantly… be yourself! You'll sleep great at night knowing you genuinely help people on a daily basis.
