Pros
You have your upline that you can call and can help you get through the first few months as a new agent. If you want to sell insurance for a living and enjoy doing in home appointments with customers, then this could be a good company for you.
Cons
Where do I start? Lots of time on phone, cold calls, old and expensive leads, waste of time interviewing applicants to “build your own team of agents” (aka downline), lots of hype on income potential that did not translate into reality, lots of time driving on the road to get to insurance appointments, being stood up for appointments, lack of training about insurance products, CHARGE backs, you are financially responsible for any agent direct to you who owes SFG for leads or who owes the carriers for charge backs (but your upline is not financially on the hook!), recruitment process was terrible due to outdated onboarding system that required lengthy paperwork process to be filled out by hand and then re done several times in most cases to make corrections, no CMA, old outdated and slow software to manage leads and customers and upload business, way too many expenses (gas, leads, conferences), leads are way too expensive and recycled over and over, only the ones at the top of the pyramid make any real money!
Pros
Working remotely has been a game-changer for my schedule and overall quality of life. The flexibility lets me run my business on my terms, which I believe directly contributed to becoming a national top producer in under six months. (at least $20,000 in sales per month consecutively gets you the "top producer" title) The culture here is genuinely family-oriented. My mentors were experienced, accessible, and invested in my success from day one, not just when it was convenient. That kind of support is rare in commission-based sales. The product portfolio is a major competitive advantage. Having access to dozens of carriers means I can actually shop for my clients and find the best fit, rather than forcing a product that doesn't serve them. The incentive structure is real. The travel rewards and bonuses are achievable. If you put in the work, this company will recognize it.
Cons
I don't believe this is a con, but for some the fact that it's a 100% commission role may be a "con". So if you come in without discipline or a strong work ethic, you will struggle. You pay for your own marketing, but the tools and partnerships are there to keep it affordable so you can realistically grow as long as you're willing to grind. Also, there is a lot to learn in the beginning, so being willing to work hard and make mistakes. Massive action WITH constant correction you'll be fine. If you're the type of person that needs to do everything on their own, this may not work, you will need help and you will have the resources, mentorship and systems to help you. The training is solid, but there is a lot to absorb quickly across carriers and products. Be prepared to invest real time in the beginning.
Pros
Work your own hours. Stay at home job 60% of the time. Very positive environment. Great conventions to travel and meet people. Potential to recruit everyone you know. When your up - feels amazing to be there. And once you take a turn, well then, see below...
Cons
Let me explain to you - that - it pains me to write this. This company took me a long way. But what I never realized, is if you compaire them to other brokers, they are low on the compensation scale. Start at 60% - I have had offers to start at 70% and even 85%. If you don't like running a team and recruiting, then don't bother. If you manage to write enough business to make a living, you need to get help - you would need to hire people to set appointments. Your really running your entire business and your upline will give you the moral boost. The Con is the debt - you will end up going bankrupt, owe the IRS - and probably be reported to Vector and go bust. They pressure you into taking out more lead orders, it gets expensive. Ah - you best hope nobody charges back a deal. The business is a doggy dog world. The guys who recruit are at the top of the chain. The sad truth is I made my upline thousands, when I was going broke, he wouldn't loan me a dime to save my life. I was selling everything I own, and taking out more debt to pay for leads. I was a great agent, above average - in fact I made it much farther then 80% of the new hires. No benefits, No 401k, No insurance, once you pay for leads and benefits, you best hope your buying the $30 dollar leads to get some good clients. It is really hard, I think if you make it, you probably know how to run a business - not for an average Joe in my opinion.
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