A Career In Insurance Is a Smart Move—Start Here

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​If you are looking for a career that can truly impact people’s lives, becoming an independent insurance agent may be for you. But, there are a few steps you should take before launching a new endeavor, whether you plan to own and operate your own agency or want to work for one of the big guys. Real Life With Heather explains a few things you should keep in the back of your mind as you make your decision.

Invest in a quality resume

​If you’ve never worked in insurance before, it makes sense to try your hand as a commissioned agent before starting your own business. Even if you don’t have experience in the industry, your resume can help you land a job. Crafting a quality resume is especially important if you are starting your career, such as if you’ve just graduated from college. Give yourself a head start by using a free resume builder to craft a great looking resume. But don’t overshare!
 
As Monster explains, there are many things that you should not include on your resume. A resume writer will avoid redundant and unnecessary bits of information so that only the most impressive and relevant aspects of your professional career stand out.

Pass your state exam

​No matter where you live, you must pass an exam to become an insurance agent. According to America’s Professor, you might also be required to take an approved course before being allowed to take the exam. Your pre-licensing courses depend on the type of insurance you wish to sell but may include everything from a general overview to ethics considerations.

Establish yourself as a business

​Once you get a feel for the industry, you might want to start your own business as an independent agent. If you need to build your business skills beforehand, earning an MBA can boost your expertise in decision making, leadership, and communication. Online degrees allow you to learn on your own time so you can continue concentrating on establishing your business.
 
When you’re ready to get started, choose a name for your organization. To establish an LLC—a step that has many tax benefits—you will need a unique business name. You should also appoint a statutory agent to handle legal documents and notification of time-sensitive events on your behalf. Search online for the steps to starting an LLC so that you can quickly and easily complete this task.
 
Of course, owning a business comes with its fair share of responsibilities, so know your limitations and be prepared to outsource certain tasks that free up your time. This is essential as you get settled into your new career. For example, hiring a bookkeeper or accounting service ensures your ledgers are up to date, and that your taxes are handled by a pro. You may also need to connect with a temp agency or an attorney.
 
Marketing yourself will also be necessary, but you can handle some of this DIY when you first start out. You can accomplish this through cost-effective measures like designing your own logo, building your website, and tapping into social media platforms for your digital marketing efforts. Sites like Squarespace or Wix will allow you to build an elegant website all on your own. Instagram, TikTok and FaceBook are some of the best places to begin your social media marketing, so tap into the free options, or look to their low-cost advertising packages. 

Know the benefits.

While the job outlook for an independent insurance agency is fantastic, there are many other perks to keep in mind. Insurance is an excellent industry if you want to help improve people’s lives. You can help them find a policy that matches their needs and budget. You’ll get to meet lots of new, local people each day and will stay up-to-date on the technology that drives the industry. Combined with flexible hours and unlimited commission potential, a job in insurance is great for someone with a people-oriented personality.
 
When you’re ready to make a change, consider insurance sales. Whether you want to help people protect their homes and cars or ensure they have enough life and health insurance for their family’s needs, you will make a difference. It is a high-paying and always-interesting career option in an industry that’s always in-demand. And if you choose to launch your own agency, you might just get to know the people in your community, too.
 
This article is brought to you by Real Life With Heather, where I hope to inspire people to take charge of their lives and make them as amazing as they can be. I love my life and you can love yours too. For more information, please visit my site today