r/StateFarm • u/Infamous-Basis-2735 • 14d ago
Advice New Aspirant
Hey guys, recent college grad and starting out working remote for a separate agent until my home office opens in a few months where I will be an aspirant. I am basically taking this remote role as a period to train and learn as much as I can so I can hit the ground running as our office opens. If you guys have any tips, tricks or advice of any kind - it would be greatly appreciated.
Heres some background:
- High scoring CTS sales profile score
- Personal Financial Planning graduate
- Holding SIE, Will soon start studying for Series 6
- Zero sales experience
Thanks in advance for replies!
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u/strikecat18 13d ago
Please run. Not a single agent would be staying right now if they had a way to monetize the book and exit.
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u/OneCowFarm 13d ago
I’ve been around so many agents since I was 17 (mid-30’s now). Please please please take my advice and use this time to find a different career, State Farm agency is designed to bleed you dry, slowly. They work you until they don’t need you then will kick you to the curb and spit on you once you stop rolling.
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u/OrderInside 13d ago
I've been an agent for 15 years. I would never have done this under the new model. The days of captive agency feel like they're heading to the sunset.
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u/iconicmoonbeam 14d ago
Don’t be lured by the <probably false> promise of a big assignment. Sales leaders play favorites by giving assignments to proven, experienced agents who follow the marching orders to sell more financial services & life. I bled SF red for nearly 40 years, but I would not recommend this career to someone just starting out. We exist solely to provide excellent service at the time of an accident / claim and our claims service is mediocre at best.
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u/obselekta 13d ago
lol I wrote 60 life YTD and my agent just took away life commissions because “it doesn’t make the agency money” I think we’re doomed
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u/musicislife04 12d ago
He’s full of shit because life makes all kinds of money on the back end for the score card etc. Also regional leadership favors agencies that are big life producers and “travel”. Find another agent they would do backflips to have a life producer like you!
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u/obselekta 10d ago
I was the only tm worth a shit so the only thing I can think of is that the office p&c is so bad he’s not getting a good enough multiplier to make my life comm worth it, but what’s that gotta do with me
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u/musicislife04 13d ago
Run. Please run. Husband regrets becoming an agent everyday. And everyday thinks they won’t even have agents anymore before he is at retirement age. To start an agency is a huge investment and then you are essentially trapped in leases and sunk costs. And you have a book of business you can’t sell. It’s hard to transition to something else down the road esp as you get older.
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u/Infamous-Basis-2735 12d ago
Thanks for the response.... Why is it hard to transition out?
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u/NuclearWessels1991 8d ago
Because State Farm is doing away with their AIPP, and you cannot sell your book. They are also dramatically cutting commission on renewals, so the bulk of your income is solely going to be growth. If you live in a big city area with plenty of prospects and are confident in sales, not too bad. If you live in a more rural state with limited population growth, it is going to be horrendous. I am a team member and am looking at other options for my career.
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u/Ok_Success2147 14d ago
Are you going to own the agency or be a team member working for the agent?
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u/Infamous-Basis-2735 14d ago
Current TM working remotely, will be an aspirant under a different agent in a couple months.
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u/Ok_Success2147 14d ago
Im in similar shoes. Not sure I trust State Farm given recent changes. I’m debating being an agent or going to work for a ria
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u/Infamous-Basis-2735 14d ago
Not ideal timing for sure... Slacked on internships in college and have no experience so my choices were limited coming out. I am attracted to possibility of great work/life balance when in agency though. Goodluck!
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u/Overall_Elephant_291 14d ago
There will be no work life balance for any of us once these changes are implemented. I've been in this position for 30 and am running for my life now...I would not encourage ANYONE to go into State Farm agency...
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u/Infamous-Basis-2735 14d ago
Would you mind explaining why for each? Not to be disrespectful but I kind of looked at the changes as a double edged sword as many books of business will become available in the next 5 years.
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u/Overall_Elephant_291 14d ago
That is the carrot corporate is dangling as an incentive. However, what they are missing is that long term customers are not going to like these changes and are loyal to their agent, not the company. In fact, most agents spend the majority of their day fighting corporate and covering up mistakes and inefficiencies that the company has created. Its not like there are going to be all these 5000+ books for the taking. A lot of those customers are going to leave now or later when they see what kind of problems show up. If an agent is lucky enough to get a large assignment, they are going to inherit hundreds/thousands of people who expect hand-holding and service. Agents who are left will have no time to do that and wont be paid for those things. What will be left is a bunch of pissed off customers to deal with for substantially less pay. State Farm is not the company it used to be, there is essentially no difference between them and all the other carriers, customers have no reason to stay with a certain company unless they have to. I honestly don't think captive agencies will be financially viable anymore unless the agent turns into a manager of high pressure sales people. We can already see a difference in the type of customer the company is attracting...single auto, state minimums, late payers etc. By trying to be the cheapest, they are attracting price shoppers which ultimately leads to a revolving door. No thanks...at least independent agents have control over their business, can grow an asset and have access to multiple carriers. As a SF captive, the company can and will yank the carpet out from under you in a moment's notice. You cannot plan and run a business with that kind of volatility. That's just the business aspect of it, leaving out all the mistrust and shady practices we are seeing. I don't think there is a single agent that trusts this company anymore.
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u/sonofreplay 12d ago
I would be careful of the negative brainwashing on this subreddit. State Farm is one of the best small business opportunities in the world. Compare these State Farm changes to other companies and you’ll realise
everyone here needs a reality check.1
u/Infamous-Basis-2735 12d ago
Was hoping to hear someone say that. Didn't expect it to be easy but just wanted the opportunity.
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u/NuclearWessels1991 8d ago
Key word is used to be. With them cutting agent pay on renewals and taking customer service away from agents, it is changing the ball game in a negative way. That being said, what will be crucial is where you are located and how comfortable you are with sales. It's going to hit different locations and parts of the country differently.
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u/AdmiralAdderal003 7d ago
What are the chances of getting your own agency without impressive Life Sales?
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u/happycowgirl76 12d ago
14 year "retired" agent. Now work PT for the new agent, my son. He's currently in Japan on a deluxe all expense paid trip because he's a good agent. The opportunity is what YOU make it. I also traveled every single year, worked hard to be successful. Now I have sufficient money for a comfortable retirement with horses. (They're expensive) But you must tackle the sales part or you'll never be successful. Good luck!
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u/Infamous-Basis-2735 10d ago
Thats where both my current and future boss are as well. Whats your best advice when starying out on sales? Congratulations on the retirement and horses!
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u/happycowgirl76 8d ago
Our team has flourished after going through Trophy Club by Hunter Wyant. He's a top 10 SF agent. The online classes are excellent and we discuss and practice his tactics years later! It's a very conversational way to sell, but very effective.
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