The son was correct that working for a company is far different than the retail side. Someone in the underwriting ranks or a rep to agents really don’t have much of a clue on how to sell to a customer. I have seen in my time agents who brought a son or daughter into the business and they were pretty much useless and thought they had it made, but didn’t.
Your statement “don’t have much of a clue” is too broad. The son may have learned some valuable skills from his company experience. For example: working with a team, managing employees, embracing & implementing technological advancements. This Father is fortunate that his son can become a willing and capable partner.
This father may have been fortunate, but for every one that adjusts to retail agency business, there are several who think they are entitled and were born with the silver spoon. I know quite a few of them.
for every person born with a silver spoon there are 15 who are born below the poverty line and are under 5’08”.
i can make up things and pass them off as facts too! who cares if there’s no evidence to support the statement – let’s just keep making stuff up, it’s a lot more fun!
I hope you did report me, Agent as I have not posted using your name EVEN ONCE, EVER. I hope IJ looks into your complaint and gets back to you saying you are a liar.
for every person born with a silver spoon there are 15 who are born below the poverty line and are under 5’08”.
i can make up things and pass them off as facts too! who cares if there’s no evidence to support the statement – let’s just keep making stuff up, it’s a lot more fun!
I’ve been on both sides as a retail broker and agency owner for over 20 years and now as an insurance company exec and there are so many valuable things each can learn from the other. I have learned numerous, invaluable things by being on both sides that without being on one or the other I would never have had the opportunity to learn or truly appreciate about the other. But there are two absolutes. One – there is nothing on the carrier side like selling to a retail customer. Two – if I had the level of carrier experience before I owned my brokerage that I have had since I sold it I would have been an even better agency owner than I was.
I have known and currently know a number of marketing reps for companies who remind me that they have been on the agency side before and sold their interest or agency and went to the company ranks. It has always puzzled me why someone would do that since the potential for earnings is almost unlimited and owning a business is far more preferable to just being an employee for a company. Perhaps they just didn’t want to work so hard and have that responsibility of owning a business, sell to the public, make payroll and pay bills. It is challenging to say the least.
Or maybe, just maybe, not everybody is as driven by money as you. They may enjoy working on the company side. I would guess that working a standard 40 hour week and spending more time with family and friends could also be a driving force for many people. Success is not just defined in terms of finances for most people.
I find it hysterical that you point out how non-business owners who post on IJ are wasting time and question how any of them get any work done. Yet you claim to be working so hard while posting more than anyone else.
Ron, we know how successful you were selling since you gave that up for sitting in a cubicle all day spouting off how smart you are. You don’t even make enough to pay Federal Income Tax. Is that your definition of being a success? By the way, I have time to spend with family and friends just like a company rep does. I also know a lot of reps who job hop all the time because they wear out their welcome with their employers. About the time you think you know who your rep is, they are gone to usually be replaced by a snot nosed Millenial that knows nothing about the business.
My success at selling insurance did not equate to happiness, period.
Unlike you, I do not define success solely based on $$.
My definition of success is having happy and healthy family and friends, enjoying life, spending lots of time with my family and friends, and making just enough money to pay for it all.
You said, “By the way, I have time to spend with family and friends just like a company rep does.” Was it always this way or did it take you years to build up your business working 60-70 hours a week?
My success at selling insurance did not equate to happiness, period.
Unlike you, I do not define success solely based on $$.
My definition of success is having happy and healthy family and friends, enjoying life, spending lots of time with my family and friends, and making just enough money to pay for it all.
You said, “By the way, I have time to spend with family and friends just like a company rep does.” Was it always this way or did it take you years to build up your business working 60-70 hours a week?
August 21, 2015 at 11:48 am
Agent says:
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
37
0
Ron, my success is not based on just $$. I received excellent training as a young man in this business at the company level on insurance theory, coverage on Personal, Commercial, Life & Health, Inland Marine, Agency Management, Insurance Accounting, Sales Training on everything from how to make a call to closing a sale. Yes, I busted my butt for success and was happy doing it. I also did not sacrifice my families happiness along the way. The Insurance business is full of ups and downs since it is cyclical in nature, but the highs have far overshadowed the lows. I get a lot of joy out of closing an account and making them a happy customer. They tend to refer other accounts to me and that is the best kind since they are 2/3 sold when you first make contact with them. I am glad you are happy with your station in life. You can look forward to a gold watch some day when you retire.
August 21, 2015 at 12:11 pm
Ron says:
Like or Dislike:
1
1
Agent,
I am glad you are happy in your chosen field. Good for you.
Your post was fine until you ended with, “You can look forward to a gold watch some day when you retire.”
Why did feel the need to make that condescending statement?
August 21, 2015 at 12:53 pm
bob says:
Hot debate. What do you think?
15
7
Ron,
Anytime I have ever heard this from someone, they are lying to themselves.
How often do you argue about how much more disposable income you would have in certain scenarios? I believe you recently argued about either the health law or tax law changes that would affect your disposable income.
Now suddenly doesn’t matter? Unless, of course, you’re getting someone else to give you money that you deserve because you’re just as capable and hard working as that wealthy man.
But when questioned you will say that you just wanted more time with your family.
But the rich guy didn’t spend 60-70 hours a week away from his family. Those guys had it fall into their lap right?
Does it bother you that I am happy with my life without being financially rich?
Who are you to decide who is lying to themselves? That is quite arrogant of you. Maybe you hang around only wealthy people or those who are only driven by $$. The reality, most people are not. However, they do not want to be taken advantage of by the wealthy either. That may be the confusion.
You asked, “How often do you argue about how much more disposable income you would have in certain scenarios?” Never. If I have, please provide my exact words.
You said, “I believe you recently argued about either the health law or tax law changes that would affect your disposable income.” If you recall, I also stated that it did not bother me. I only discussed how taking money out of the private sector and handing it over to the government would have a negative impact on the economy. Do you disagree?
At what point have I ever made any disparaging comment about someone who busted their butt to become financially successful? Do you believe that every wealthy person has earned what they have? Do you believe that no one who is lower or middle class is at least as hard working as some wealthy people?
Could I have more money if I worked more hours, of course. But at what cost? I am happy and that is all that matters.
August 21, 2015 at 1:54 pm
Ron says:
Like or Dislike:
1
6
Welcome back bob,
Does it bother you that I am happy with my life without being financially rich?
Who are you to decide who is lying to themselves? That is quite arrogant of you. Maybe you hang around only wealthy people or those who are only driven by $$. The reality is, most people are not. However, they do not want to be taken advantage of by the wealthy either. That may be the confusion.
You asked, “How often do you argue about how much more disposable income you would have in certain scenarios?” Never. If I have, please provide my exact words.
You said, “I believe you recently argued about either the health law or tax law changes that would affect your disposable income.” If you recall, I also stated that it did not bother me. I only discussed how taking money out of the private sector and handing it over to the government would have a negative impact on the economy. Do you disagree?
At what point have I ever made any disparaging comment about someone who busted their butt to become financially successful? Do you believe that every wealthy person has earned what they have? Do you believe that no one who is lower or middle class is at least as hard working as some wealthy people?
Could I have more money if I worked more hours, of course. But at what cost? I am happy and that is all that matters.
August 21, 2015 at 3:13 pm
Agent says:
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
25
1
Nice double post Ron. Having trouble with that computer again?
“Owning a business is far more preferable to just being an employee for a company”. Agent, your losing sight of the big picture. Just think how successful you would be on the company side when you introduced your pricing model: lower rates & higher commissions. Everyone wins and you’d finally set these companies straight!
Nice sarcasm SW. Unfortunately, marketing reps visits are frequently not about lower rates and higher commissions. It is quite the opposite. Companies seem to be into taking more rate on products and they have been reducing commissions for years. By the way, are you Independent or Captive? Those captive guys have had it rough for some time now. Allstate agents had to form a guild/union to deal with their management.
Ron, why did you feel the need to make the first condescending statement that I am only interested in money without knowing my training or background? You have often disparaged my knowledge of this business. Keep it up Big Boy and I will throw it right back in your face.
I will stop with the condescending statements if you also stop.
August 21, 2015 at 3:20 pm
Agent says:
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
65
1
Ron, I will be watching your posts carefully and will not be the one to fire the first shot, but when you tell me I don’t know my business or arrogantly say my reading comprehension is first grade, I am going to let you have it between the eyes. Personally, I couldn’t care less what you believe in, but if you want to believe it, feel free. I am comfortable that I know right from wrong.
August 21, 2015 at 3:55 pm
Ron says:
Like or Dislike:
2
0
Agent,
Fair enough. But, if you comprehend one of my posts incorrectly I will correct you.
Also, I am also comfortable that I know right from wrong, so do not ever tell me again that I do not.
Are we good now?
August 21, 2015 at 4:08 pm
Agent says:
Like or Dislike:
0
0
Comment removed for impersonation.
August 25, 2015 at 2:58 pm
DarNovak says:
Like or Dislike:
0
1
Was that what used to referred to as a flame war? Personal attacks instead of communication which escalate into nothingness?
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Your statement “don’t have much of a clue” is too broad. The son may have learned some valuable skills from his company experience. For example: working with a team, managing employees, embracing & implementing technological advancements. This Father is fortunate that his son can become a willing and capable partner.
This father may have been fortunate, but for every one that adjusts to retail agency business, there are several who think they are entitled and were born with the silver spoon. I know quite a few of them.
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Comment removed for impersonation.
You have been reported Confused for moniker theft. If I were you, I would knock it off.
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
I hope you did report me, Agent as I have not posted using your name EVEN ONCE, EVER. I hope IJ looks into your complaint and gets back to you saying you are a liar.
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
I’ve been on both sides as a retail broker and agency owner for over 20 years and now as an insurance company exec and there are so many valuable things each can learn from the other. I have learned numerous, invaluable things by being on both sides that without being on one or the other I would never have had the opportunity to learn or truly appreciate about the other. But there are two absolutes. One – there is nothing on the carrier side like selling to a retail customer. Two – if I had the level of carrier experience before I owned my brokerage that I have had since I sold it I would have been an even better agency owner than I was.
I have known and currently know a number of marketing reps for companies who remind me that they have been on the agency side before and sold their interest or agency and went to the company ranks. It has always puzzled me why someone would do that since the potential for earnings is almost unlimited and owning a business is far more preferable to just being an employee for a company. Perhaps they just didn’t want to work so hard and have that responsibility of owning a business, sell to the public, make payroll and pay bills. It is challenging to say the least.
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Ron, we know how successful you were selling since you gave that up for sitting in a cubicle all day spouting off how smart you are. You don’t even make enough to pay Federal Income Tax. Is that your definition of being a success? By the way, I have time to spend with family and friends just like a company rep does. I also know a lot of reps who job hop all the time because they wear out their welcome with their employers. About the time you think you know who your rep is, they are gone to usually be replaced by a snot nosed Millenial that knows nothing about the business.
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Ron, my success is not based on just $$. I received excellent training as a young man in this business at the company level on insurance theory, coverage on Personal, Commercial, Life & Health, Inland Marine, Agency Management, Insurance Accounting, Sales Training on everything from how to make a call to closing a sale. Yes, I busted my butt for success and was happy doing it. I also did not sacrifice my families happiness along the way. The Insurance business is full of ups and downs since it is cyclical in nature, but the highs have far overshadowed the lows. I get a lot of joy out of closing an account and making them a happy customer. They tend to refer other accounts to me and that is the best kind since they are 2/3 sold when you first make contact with them. I am glad you are happy with your station in life. You can look forward to a gold watch some day when you retire.
Agent,
I am glad you are happy in your chosen field. Good for you.
Your post was fine until you ended with, “You can look forward to a gold watch some day when you retire.”
Why did feel the need to make that condescending statement?
Ron,
Anytime I have ever heard this from someone, they are lying to themselves.
How often do you argue about how much more disposable income you would have in certain scenarios? I believe you recently argued about either the health law or tax law changes that would affect your disposable income.
Now suddenly doesn’t matter? Unless, of course, you’re getting someone else to give you money that you deserve because you’re just as capable and hard working as that wealthy man.
But when questioned you will say that you just wanted more time with your family.
But the rich guy didn’t spend 60-70 hours a week away from his family. Those guys had it fall into their lap right?
Welcome back bob,
Does it bother you that I am happy with my life without being financially rich?
Who are you to decide who is lying to themselves? That is quite arrogant of you. Maybe you hang around only wealthy people or those who are only driven by $$. The reality, most people are not. However, they do not want to be taken advantage of by the wealthy either. That may be the confusion.
You asked, “How often do you argue about how much more disposable income you would have in certain scenarios?” Never. If I have, please provide my exact words.
You said, “I believe you recently argued about either the health law or tax law changes that would affect your disposable income.” If you recall, I also stated that it did not bother me. I only discussed how taking money out of the private sector and handing it over to the government would have a negative impact on the economy. Do you disagree?
At what point have I ever made any disparaging comment about someone who busted their butt to become financially successful? Do you believe that every wealthy person has earned what they have? Do you believe that no one who is lower or middle class is at least as hard working as some wealthy people?
Could I have more money if I worked more hours, of course. But at what cost? I am happy and that is all that matters.
Welcome back bob,
Does it bother you that I am happy with my life without being financially rich?
Who are you to decide who is lying to themselves? That is quite arrogant of you. Maybe you hang around only wealthy people or those who are only driven by $$. The reality is, most people are not. However, they do not want to be taken advantage of by the wealthy either. That may be the confusion.
You asked, “How often do you argue about how much more disposable income you would have in certain scenarios?” Never. If I have, please provide my exact words.
You said, “I believe you recently argued about either the health law or tax law changes that would affect your disposable income.” If you recall, I also stated that it did not bother me. I only discussed how taking money out of the private sector and handing it over to the government would have a negative impact on the economy. Do you disagree?
At what point have I ever made any disparaging comment about someone who busted their butt to become financially successful? Do you believe that every wealthy person has earned what they have? Do you believe that no one who is lower or middle class is at least as hard working as some wealthy people?
Could I have more money if I worked more hours, of course. But at what cost? I am happy and that is all that matters.
Nice double post Ron. Having trouble with that computer again?
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Nice sarcasm SW. Unfortunately, marketing reps visits are frequently not about lower rates and higher commissions. It is quite the opposite. Companies seem to be into taking more rate on products and they have been reducing commissions for years. By the way, are you Independent or Captive? Those captive guys have had it rough for some time now. Allstate agents had to form a guild/union to deal with their management.
Ron, why did you feel the need to make the first condescending statement that I am only interested in money without knowing my training or background? You have often disparaged my knowledge of this business. Keep it up Big Boy and I will throw it right back in your face.
Agent,
I will stop with the condescending statements if you also stop.
Ron, I will be watching your posts carefully and will not be the one to fire the first shot, but when you tell me I don’t know my business or arrogantly say my reading comprehension is first grade, I am going to let you have it between the eyes. Personally, I couldn’t care less what you believe in, but if you want to believe it, feel free. I am comfortable that I know right from wrong.
Agent,
Fair enough. But, if you comprehend one of my posts incorrectly I will correct you.
Also, I am also comfortable that I know right from wrong, so do not ever tell me again that I do not.
Are we good now?
Comment removed for impersonation.
Was that what used to referred to as a flame war? Personal attacks instead of communication which escalate into nothingness?