If you have ever dreamed of owning your own business, you will want to view this presentation. We have an outstanding career opportunity waiting for you!
Thank you for coming. Introductions. Why we’re here today? Let’s talk about why we’re here today. We think you have what it takes to operate a successful business. Because of the skills and characteristics you possess, we want you to explore the opportunity of becoming an insurance agent with Farm Bureau Financial Services. • What we’re going to talk about. Don’t let the term “insurance agent” influence your decision. A lot of people have a misconception about the role of an insurance agent, but you may be surprised to find that the insurance business is much more than a sales career. We’ll discuss all that our business opportunity offers and answer any questions you may have about becoming an agent with us. First, let’s hear from some of our agents about why they decided to become Farm Bureau agents … [ Show agent testimonial video ]
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For more than 70 years, Farm Bureau Financial Services has been offering a broad range of insurance and investment products. Although we began in the rural market, over the years we have expanded into suburban and metropolitan areas and now operate in 15 states throughout the Midwest and southwest. We have regional offices in all 15 states and our corporate headquarters is located in West Des Moines, Iowa. While a lot has changed in the past 70 years, our promise to customers has remained the same. We'll help take care of their insurance and investment needs so they can spend time focusing on the important things in their lives.
Farm Bureau Financial Services is comprised of a number of different companies, which operated under our parent company FBL Financial Group, Inc. These include: Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company Western Agricultural Insurance Company In 2006, our parent company FBL Financial Group, Inc., celebrated 10 years on the New York Stock exchange under the ticker symbol FFG. The structure of our organization makes it possible for our agents to offer a full range of products to meet clients’ changing needs.
Today our success is reflected in strong industry ratings and our consistent growth in the industry. Our life insurance company has received an A- (excellent) rating from a respected, third-party rating source, while our property-casualty companies received an A (excellent) rating. These ratings indicate the companies’ sound financial strength and ability to meet our customers’ insurance and financial services needs. In addition, Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company was among 55 insurers recognized by A.M. Best Review in 2009 for consistently maintaining a Best's Financial Strength Rating of A or higher for the past 50 years, despite catastrophic storms and challenging economic times. Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company has maintained an A or higher rating since 1946.
Now that you know a little bit more about us, we’d like to tell you more about our business opportunity. As an agent with Farm Bureau Financial Services, you will operate a business that is centered on selling insurance and investment products that help customers protect what’s important to them. Whether it’s auto insurance, life insurance, retirement funding, business insurance or a variety of other products and services … you’ll be responsible for helping clients determine the kind of coverage that best fits their family or business needs. In addition to building relationships with people in your community, you’ll also employ and manage staff, develop an operating budget and create a business plan.
The best salesperson is not necessarily the best candidate for this opportunity. We’re looking for people who are interested in providing products that can make a difference in the lives of their customers. We want people interested in running a business and managing others; individuals who value independence and the ability to control their destiny.
As with any business opportunity, there are some requirements and risks associated with getting started. You’ll be required to earn your insurance licenses and complete training to learn our products and selling system. Our 60-day paid training program allows you to earn while you learn. We’ll discuss that in greater detail in just a moment. There are start-up costs and expenses associated with any new business but the start-up costs involved with Farm Bureau Financial Services are minimal compared to most business ventures. You will not be subject to franchise fees, or charges related to the use of the Farm Bureau Financial Services name. In fact, most of the expenses you will incur are typical of any business operation. You’ll be financially responsible for the costs of earning your insurance licenses as well as office rent, basic business supplies/equipment and payroll for employees. In some cases, you may have additional expenses for activities such as marketing or travel, but these are optional.
This is not an opportunity for everybody. It takes commitment. But, if you’re willing to put forth the effort, we are committed to helping you succeed. We offer a 60-day training program that allows you to earn an attractive salary while learning the proven sales methodologies and techniques that can help you build a successful operation. We understand that most people can’t afford to go 60 days between paychecks, thats why we offer paid training to help you meet financial obligations while learning the business. Support continues once you’ve become an agent. You’ll have access to product specialists, dedicated to helping agents with products questions, sales scenarios and advance cases. Agents can call an 800 number during business hours and receive expert input on their questions and cases. You’ll have access to our comprehensive agent Web site that gives you constant and convenient access to information, tools and materials. You'll also receive marketing support, aimed at helping you tell more people about the products and services you provide. Approved marketing materials and programs are available. [ Show HomeField video ]
Once you’ve completed the requirements of becoming an agent with Farm Bureau Financial Services, there is no limit to the level of success you can achieve. Because our agents earn commission, not a fixed salary, you determine your income based on effort, not hours. It is not uncommon for our top agents to earn a six-figure income after only a few years in the business. The chart on the screen compares the average yearly commissions for agents with five or more years of experience with the average salary for similar careers. It’s clear that our opportunity offers the potential for significantly higher income than a typical nine-to-five job.
On top of that, agents can earn fantastic incentives throughout the year based on performance. These sales incentives include cash prizes and trips to exciting destinations. Past trips have traveled to such dream destinations as Hawaii, Italy, Spain, Monte Carlo, Mexico and Australia. As an independent business person, you’ll control your destiny and your time. The ability to set your own schedule allows you to balance business needs with family commitments. You’ll also become a valued member of the community and make a difference in people’s lives. Imagine being able to help a family fund their child’s education, replace a home destroyed in a storm or meet financial obligations following the death of a loved one. There aren’t a lot of other business opportunities that match the personal and professional rewards like those offered by us.
There are a number of other advantages to joining Farm Bureau, such as affiliation with a secure, stable and growing organization. Our status as a multiline provider means agents sell property-casualty insurance, life insurance and investment products. Agents are able to serve the needs of individuals, families, and businesses through auto, home and life insurance as well as annuities, mutual funds, estate preservation and other advanced insurance and investment products and services. In addition to our solid history and competitive offering, we also provide the support you need to succeed in this business. You’ll have access to insurance specialists, fellow agents, education services and a home office staff dedicated to helping you achieve business success. We also offer agents a competitive commission package for property-casualty production, life insurance and investment sales, plus renewal of existing policies.
Because our success depends on the success of our agents, we want to make sure this opportunity is the right fit for everyone – you and us. We’ll administer aptitude tests to determine if you are well-suited to the agent role. The tests only take minutes and can be done online. You’ll also be asked to complete a program that offers a sample of the type of activities you’ll participate in as an agent with us. This experience will help you determine if this is an opportunity you will enjoy long-term. The final step is 60-day paid training and licensing prior to starting as an agent.
Let’s open up discussion now for questions about our business opportunity or Farm Bureau Financial Services in general. If you think you’d like to explore this opportunity more thoroughly we’d like to take 10 minutes to visit with you individually. There is no obligation and representatives around the room are happy to visit with you. You can also visit our Web site or Become a fan of our Facebook page to learn more about Farm Bureau Financial Services and the business opportunity. That information in up on the screen and is also available in our brochure. Please help yourselves to the refreshments in the back and if you have your resume on hand we’d like to get a copy. Thank you so much for attending and we look forward to helping you explore your future with Farm Bureau Financial Services.