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August 15, 2020

Insider Advice for New American Income Agents

ail agent advice

Why do people choose a career selling life insurance?

When considering career options, selling life insurance may not be an obvious choice; in fact, it may not make your list at all. It should! There are compelling reasons why a career as a licensed insurance agent could be the dream job you’ve always hoped for.

For one thing, life insurance is an essential product that you buy through agents, who are licensed by the states in which they sell insurance. You would be correct in thinking that selling life insurance can be considered an essential career. The need for licensed insurance sales agents is projected to grow 10 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations.1 Many people research their options online, but agents will still be needed to help clients understand their options and choose life insurance coverage that is right for them.

Another aspect of life insurance sales that some may find surprising is the earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, the median annual pay for an insurance sales agent in 2019 was $50,940.1 Life insurance agents earn income from several revenue streams. It is quite common for their compensation to be 100 percent commission-based, which means their income is determined by their own efforts. People may not realize that agents may also receive residual income from sales generated in the past. Based on the company’s vesting requirements, the agent continues to be paid in addition to receiving commissions for any new sales that agent makes.

Why do people choose a career with Globe Life American Income Division (AIL) and National Income Division (NIL)?

  • No experience needed —

    No special education beyond a high school diploma (or equivalent) and meeting your state’s licensing requirements is necessary. No prior sales experience is necessary to achieve success at AIL.
  • Help protect working families —

    Our agents have one purpose: help protect working families from financial devastation when an income earner is no longer there.
  • Give back to the community —

    We strive to Make Tomorrow Better in the places where we live, work, and visit.
  • Earn what you’re worth —

    In addition to commissions and renewals, multiple bonus and incentive programs can add significantly to your income.
  • Advancement from within —

    You are in charge of your career trajectory.
  • Recognition and incentives —

    Trips to exciting destinations (post COVID-19)

All this and more in a culture where coworkers evolve to become friends and lifetime family.

Your success is in your hands — what does it take?

We asked members of our elite Top Producers Council and Leadership Council for their best advice for those who are new to AIL-NIL, or those who might be considering a career with us. Here’s what they had to say.

ail sales careerGet comfortable being uncomfortable; you have to have: a “why” that’ll make you cry (meaning the reason you are doing it is so important to you, failure is not an option); you have to be a student (stay coachable); keep things simple (don’t overcomplicate or overthink it); and outwork everyone else (relentless work ethic beats skill and talent). Lastly and most importantly, don’t quit! — Brent Bowling (since 2012)

ail sales careerGo ALL IN. Have no other options but to succeed and to never give up. Invest in yourself daily (mind, body, spirit) and surround yourself with those that you look up to. Ask advice from those who are doing it and doing it well. — Josh D. (since 2012)

ail sales careerFollow your agency’s systems and listen to those who have been there. Don’t get bogged down with what others are doing. Laser focus on your dreams and with this company it will come faster than you could ever imagine. It’s amazing how much life changes when you exit your comfort zone. — Kimberly H. (since 2014)

ail sales careerAsk a ton of questions of the RIGHT people. Get advice from those consistently getting results. When they give you advice, study it well enough that you can teach it to someone else then role play with that person so you know you have done it at least once. Stay humble and coachable, be a sponge for good information. — Bryan J. (since 2013)

ail sales careerBe coachable, do the system as you are taught, and don’t give up on yourself too soon. Keep going even when the days are hard. The more you do it the easier it becomes. It’s like learning to shoot a basketball; nobody learned how to do that and do it well overnight. It takes a lot of practice ‒ years! Keep that in mind as you master the craft of becoming a good agent. It takes time and not giving up! — Ashley R. (since 2015)

ail sales careerBe the best agent your clients can ever ask for so that you are the only one they need to work with. Love what you do, and find ways to fall in love with it over and over again, because when you love what you do, you will be happy, and happiness is the key to your success. While your peers will drive you forward, ultimately, you are your biggest competition so always strive to become the best version of yourself. — Lily S. (since 2003)

ail sales careerNever stop learning. They say “the more you learn, the more you earn.” That means you should learn to work all lead types. Use the ones you are really good at to make a living while supplementing with other lead sources you need to get better at working. Once you master all lead types, especially referrals, you will be unstoppable! — Michael V. (since 2006)

When we say there’s Opportunity Unlimited at AIL-NIL, we mean it! Find out for yourself! People from all walks of life are finding success at AIL/NIL. Do think you have what it takes? If so, click here.

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, (August 7, 2020)

Categories: Careers in Insurance, Insurance Agents, American Income Division

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