I just found this website yesterday and I've been reading the posts. I'm amazed at all the negativity. Does anyone enjoy being a Farmers agent or even like Farmers? If you all would take all your energy and effort and turn it into being positive, you could perform miracles.

Dear Happy Meal,
Since the recent gutting of the core book of business to pay for more unneeded management layers Guido has obtained his PHD in fortune telling and lie detection.
Let me guess you have been a happy agent for at least 10 years or maybe 30 years. You enjoy those company sponsored easy to qualify for trips. You sell lots of life insurance. You have a very nice, polite, honest, and helpful district manager. You don't sell outside products from evil companies for less. You find Farmers prices competetive. You sell lots of life insurance. You are the FFS King of your district. Your DM invites you to sleep overs. You remind Guido of other posts.
Did I peg your profile or NOT!

I am a Happy Agent too. For over 20 years I was a Farmers agent, worked my butt off and the most I grossed in one year was $ 272,634.00. This figure includes the bonus from Farmers from profitabilty and for meeting production goals. I left Farmers about 4 years ago. Last year I grossed $ 768,241.00 and this year it will be around $ 892,000.00. I have less stress and personally feel much better.

KY-

You are either a new agent, naive, or have your head in the sand as to what is occurring in the company. I honestly don't mean that to be sarcastic or combatative, please don't take offense.

Time was that Farmers cared about its agents, policyholders, and corporate image. Over the last several years, maybe 10-12, all of that has seemed to change. Long term,profitable agents are being treated like the anti-christ because they have chosen to start reaping the benefits of a long carreer. While still giving superior service to their existing book, they simply aren't producing as much anymore and the company is trying to phase them out. It costs them NOTHING to keep that agent on, but they would rather take the book, give it to a newbie and pay 50% commission on it. Where do you think that other 50% goes?

Policyholders that have shown loyalty to their agent and to the company are rewarded with ever increasing premiums and reduction of coverages in "new" policy forms. The majority of loyal clients would be appalled if they shopped their policies and found what other companies have to offer in both premiums and coverage.

I can't speak for everyone on this board - but I believe the prevailing thought is that Farmers corporate philosophy seems to be bite the hand that feeds them. You cannot alienate the agents AND clients and be a top tier company. This business is just to damned competitive and market share will suffer. Which is what the majority of Farmers agents are experiencing - a loss of clients/policies.

The agents are given very little input into how things are run and/or decided. This forum allows the sharing of ideas and opinions and is really the only way to be heard by the home office, since everyone knows that they monitor this board.
Most of the agents here are trying to save their business and livelyhood. You may call it negativity, and it may be, but is comes from a sense of frustration and helplessness in an effort to help improve the company, not as a mode to bash it.

Farmers has a very audacious goal of being the market leader in auto insurance by 2010. The folks running this company are very intelligent, and they understand that the measure of "market leader" is not in PIF, it is in gross written premium. Since my state (Oregon) has had 3 rate hikes this year, I am sure that even with the runoff of PIF, the GWP is growing! I cannot complain. I get to make more money, while servicing less customers. And as a side benefit, Farmers actually creates a larger pool of former or non-Farmers clients to market with their "highly successful automated super-duper marketing programs".

I, personally, couldn't be happier. I figure before long I will have lost so many policies and not lost any premium, I will be able to cut loose one of my staff and put even MORE money in my pocket.

I'm with you KY! Why would an agent want to go anywhere else!

FYI Only - I was in a Progressive meeting earlier in the month and was told that GEICO would overtake Progressive as the # 3 auto insurance carrier in the US this year. Progressive was going from #3 to #4. Progressive said GEICO had largest marketing program of any carrier. Progressive said they would be lowering their rates in December 2007 and Progressive would be trying to figure out how to keep good business from going off the books. Progressive said they have NO problem getting new business but have a problem keeping it on the books once it is about 3 years old. Progressive will start new renewal mailing program to see if it helps.

KY I am with you..things were rough a few years ago with Marty at the helm. I have met Hoppy a few times now and he knows me by name. I honestly feel that he cares about this company. he has proved it by showing up at the San Diego fires and helping out..Most of the people that post on this board are losers. thats right, losers. If you dont like what you are doing, quit..its so simple but its easier for them to complain. I made PC last year for the first time and was amazed at the people i met. Do you think they complain about everything like people here. Hell no, they earn 2,3, 4 times what other agents earn and deal with the same problems. I can assure you if something happened that warranted me to leave this company I would pick up as an independent and be successful there also. Why? Im a winner. I love the fact that some people have gone independent and then still come to this board to say what they now earn. Who gives a rats ass what you now earn. Get a life and enjoy a cigar and glass of vino and get on with your life. winners are winners in any game. Guido, give your agency back so I can take it over..im due to get all my transfers to 300..actually, i dont want your lousy book. You clients are probably tired of your whining also.

Farm City

It appears that you are not only happy, but arrogant as well.
A true winner at any cost no doubt.
Who gives a rats ass that you can do business without regard to ethics, injustice, stupidity etc., on the part of the company? And if you are so above all of this then why are you taking time out of your happy, positive, winning lifestyle to address us losers? Is it because you lurk often and covet our ways?

I think you secretly crave to be a part of UFAA!
A closet believer, so to speak.

Remember this, Our country was founded by people who questioned authority.
People who bucked the system status quo, and took a stand for what was right.
They were true patriots! And they formed the greatest alliance this planet has ever known!

You need to come out of the closet and join UFAA now! and become a true patriot,
whose winning power can be used for good instead of evil and personal gain at any cost!

You know it's what you really want!
Become part of the greatest alliance of Farmers agents on this planet!
Oh, and remember to contribute to the DRA!

Farmcity,

Congrats on PC!! Wow, I'm impressed. I like Hopkins too. The first time I met him, he called me by name before I could introduce myself. It floored me.

Guido,
My DM is a clueless idiot but it doesn't bother me. He thinks I walk on water.

Happy & City,
You two have lots of things in common. It is almost like you are writing yourself, isn't it? Have a nice day! By the way niether of you could handle a real agent's book of business. Just keep taking the 50 cent business your friend Hoppy gives you. When they cancel the 50 cent wonders what will happen to that business? Maybe they will have a new program where they give it out to the life heros at 25 cents? Think about having 5000 PIF soon. Most of it at 50 cents or less. If Hoppy knoes you by name before you even meet him then you must be really important. maybe they will let you drive the float in the Rose Parade.
Happy Halloween,
Guido

You are hilarious...seriously I am rolling! Now I'm a Happy Agent!

KYWildcat:

After reading your post, I knew you were going to take a real pounding.

It seems many of the posters to this bulletin board are long time agents, some of them are really hurting. Rather than a true entrepreneurial venture their agencies have become an extension of themselves. Right or wrong they feel trapped and betrayed. When conditions are less than they hope for they take it personally. I don’t know about you but I’ve been there so I know what I’m talking about.

In his book, “The E-Myth” Michael Gerber nails it when he says, “People who own small businesses in this country work far more than they should for the return they’re getting. Wow, is that a typical Farmers Agency or not? Mr. Gerber goes on to say, “The problem is not that the owners of small businesses in this country don’t work; the problem is that they’re doing the wrong work.”

I read that and thought to myself, Whoa, dude!! I’ve worked my butt off for 20 years. What do you mean I’m doing the wrong work??? It ticked me off but I kept reading and realized that Gerber was on to something. Gerber caused me to realize in order to be successful here at Farmers or any other business venture I must develop a true entrepreneurial spirit and make some changes to the way I do business.

Your suggestion to direct energy towards something positive is valid. So with that in mind I’m asking you to share your most successful business move this past year. You are anonymous here so why not post your 2008 Business Plan. Perhaps your strategies will motivate others.

Respectfully,
Tim

I won't bore you with my entire business plan--or give you any more reason to mock me. I will make some major changes to my business in the next few months. For the most part, my business is like any Farmers agency. My staff consists of 2 CSRs and 2 APs. For 2008, I'm going to return to my roots and telemarket. You guys might already be doing that but I haven't in a long time. Leads from lead center are 90 cents and they are scrubbed and get a nice little postcard warm up. My telemarketer has agreed to work for $5 for each hot lead he produces. He's young and entrepreneurial. His responsibility is to keep the APs booked. One CSR is responsible for alerts, submitted apps, etc. The other one processes policies. Both answer phones and pivot. The policy processor has expressed interest in becoming an AP and the structure will change if that happens. I've also stepped up my advertising with the love your agent commercials, 2 additional print ads and if I get the big life case I'm chasing, a billboard or 2.

Wildcat,

Thanks for not boring us with your business plan. I am sure it would have been full of hot air like your posts. You are either full of s___ or a Farmers employee. One, your so called agency is nothing like the average Farmers agency. Most agents don’t have staff because of lack of quality products, the fact the market if flooded with Farmers agents already etc etc. Second, someone as naive as you would not be able to achieve the amount of PIF to support a four person staff. Third, your marketing plan is a joke. Anyone who has built up a decent size agency knows you don’t get their through lame advertizing gimmicks and company branding co-ops. That is why advertizing agencies don’t advertize. Insurance agencies are built from relationships, getting referrals, selling value, and providing the best possible service.

Please no more posts from phonies!

I would like to see this forum retain some integrity so if management does look at it, they will see some of the problems REAL agents are facing.

Bashing each others ideas has no value to anyone. We are in this thing together. I am hoping management will take some of the constructive criticism to heart and turn this thing around.

Let's show some professionalism. It's not hard to see why some are failing with the attitudes shown on this board.

Signed,

Was a happy agent (with hope)

KYWildcat:

I've resisted the temptation to return to telemarketing/cold calling. My former office partner and I ran a successful program "back in the day" but I just can't bring myself to go back to that. Perhaps, the lead center route will provide a good ROI for you. I'm always looking for new ideas so please keep me posted.

What is an AP? How do their daily acitivites differ from your CSR's. My Personal Lines CSR's are responsible for the entire process from quoting to writing and then service.

Reinvesting the commission from that life policy you are going to get is a good idea. If you get a bonus then spend it on your family doing something fun.

The last line of GGR's post is right on. That's why I have a 5 week system I use to begin the process of building a long term relationship with new customers. I've seen a sharp increase in the number of referrals and cross sell opportunities with a higher close ratio than ever before. Maybe this sort of thing will work for you as well.

In 2008 we will improve our client referral appreciation program. I hope to double the number of qualified referrals in 2008. I am hopeful this will be a cost effective way to bring new customers to my agency.

This month we are in the process of segmenting my book of business. Nurturing closer relationships with our very best "Triple A" clients is a top priority in 2008.

I look forward to reading more posts from you. Good Luck!!

Respectfully,
Tim




GGR:

I agree with the last line of your post.

I am an agent and not a company employee. I'm not sure why is it so hard to believe that agents can be successful with Farmers. In fact the agents who I consider friends have more staff than I do and the only agents in my district who don't have staff are the few who are in danger of being "DARG"ed. If I felt I could contribute and was offered the right opportunity, I would gladly become a company employee.

The funny thing about all of the company recognition awards is that they actually have nothing to do with a well run business. I can almost guarantee you, Wildcat, that your actual take home is less than mine. Your production numbers may be better then when I was with Farmers but I believe you are way past the point of diminishing return.

I was told for years that I need to increase my staff and advertising budget to get me to the "next level". I never cared about company awards and new that the additional expenses would NOT pay for themselves in terms of realized income, only company production levels. Funny thing is, I now am doing the EXACT same thing as an IA and I am rolling in new business. For the first time in years, my production is made up of primarly new households as opposed to adding additional policies into existing households. My closing ratio has SOARED and my expense to profit has dropped substantially. When I can offer a similar if not better product at a substatial price break, it makes life much easier.

Example: 16 year old male as part of family package,g/s, yes disc, clean record, a/h disc. paying $775/6 with MCA. Now paying $275/6 plus has 1st accident forgiveness. At 15% commis I'm making about $10 less than the MCA policy, BUT I am actually getting the business, including the parents business. That kid tells his friend,whose parents make him pay the premium; the parents tell their friends and just like that the referrals line up like ducks. I don't need two additional print ads, billboards or pay a telemarketer $5 per for a hot lead. Of course my part-timer and I provide timely, friendly service and there is more to the business than having the lowest rate, but if you are an experience, dedicated, concientious agent, this is like shooting fish in a barrell.

For the last few years at FIG I was content. The last year I was disgruntled but not bitter. For the first time in years I actually happy in my job. I KNOW that if someone ask me if I can save them money, the answer is yes. How many times have you hemmed and hawed at a gathering as to whether you can offer someone a better alternative because you know your uncompetitive. How many days a week do you feel the disapointment of receiving a call or email from an existing client cancelling their policies. My filing cabinet has five out of force file in it. FIVE. And of those, one died and one moved out of state.

Bring in new business as inexpensively and effectivley as possible and keep it going out the back door. That's how you build a successful agency. But you go ahead and keep your payroll growing.

Tim Blackwell Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
That's
> why I have a 5 week system I use to begin the
> process of building a long term relationship with
> new customers. I've seen a sharp increase in the
> number of referrals and cross sell opportunities
> with a higher close ratio than ever before. Maybe
> this sort of thing will work for you as well.


Tim,

Can you please share your 5 week system with us, preferably in a new thread?

Brush Hog

Sad,

Ex-dating is not my only source for NB. Of course referrals are our biggest source. I'm not interested in having a pissing contest with you to see who the better agent is. My agency is in a growth phase right now, the rates are low in my state, and I'm taking advantage of ad aid. I don't measure success in how much I take home. Although I can't complain about how much I take home. I like to share ideas and I like being supportive of other agents.

Tim,

My APs can bind business outside of the office. They get a smaller base pay and a bigger split of the commissions. Their only responsibility is selling but end up servicing their customers. They have quotas and if they are not met, they don't have a job. If you send out the First Marketing newsletter, you can write an article and add a photo. I give out some good prizes quarterly to whomever gives me the most referrals and make that my article and picture. It's fun and my clients say they look forward to seeing who won and what the prize is.