My first sale and so much more!

I began this journey at the beginning of the year. Todd Budde of ONYX financial indicated he needed help in his brokerage. He invited me to a BBB mixer, and though I didn’t meet many people, I saw business transacting all around me. So, I signed up for the prelicense training online courses. 52 hours total, I studied 4 – 5 days per week for nearly 8 hours each day. The videos were incredible and the information was very intuitive. I realized at some point that there is an infinite knowledge one can gain about personal and commercial insurance; I was thrilled! This stuff is practical – who knew car insurance could cover your medical bills if you are hit by a car walking down the street or that if you are in France and your wedding ring mysteriously disappears, your homeowners insurance can cover it? Not me! After I got the certificate, I scheduled a test date 2 days later. Nervously, I finished the exam in less than half the time, and made 80%! 

I passed, but now how to transition from studying to practicing? I was appointed with Todd. I am an independent field underwriter, and while I can generate leads, he also supplies many for me. The first day, we did some calls and I was acclimating, though with his 8 years experience in this business, he made it look easy. He is literally dedicated to each and every customer and he seems to never think about them as clients: they are his friends, and he will break his back for them and works 10 hours every day for them, even at over 50 years old. 

His dedication to ONYX is enthusiastic and hugely inspiring; I found myself matching his enthusiasm and using some of his same colloquialisms; I am his biggest fan. My first sale came on my 2^nd day; Mark Taylor of San Diego. When I spoke with him, all he wanted was a bond, as a small contractor. Bonds are inexpensive and do not typically generate commission. So I waived the commission to beat a competitor by $5 at $460. I called Mark 3 times, and I emailed him. He laughed on the third call and joked about my persistence and persuasiveness. When I sent him the invoice, I got this email (today):

James!   you are one persistent dude!   You remind me of me when I was 24 years old!     As I told you today, this is good that you are this way!   Visualize your goal and think about it every day!   Then pray also to God daily and He will deliver what ever it is you desire!   Don't give up!

I am starting a 3 day job tomorrow (finish on Sat.) so I should have the full amount on Monday to send to you!

GO JAMES GO!!!!!

Your friend,

Mark Taylor

Even though I made $0 on the sale, I realized that these are the people I want to work for, not bosses breathing down my neck like I have been dealing with for 9 years in restaurants. It’s more than a job, it’s a career; and they are more than customers, they are friends!