The first step you need to take to become an insurance broker, is to take a state examination where you plan to do business. The easiest thing to do is to determine what kind of insurance you want to sell. You can sell; Life Insurance, Workman's Compensation, Accident Insurance, Nursing Home Insurance, Annuities (insurance), Auto Insurance, Home Insurance, and other kinds of insurance. Make a decision and then look for companies that you could possibly work in that field.

Some companies will hire and train you for the product that they are selling. In the State of Illinois I was licensed for 12 years. In the State of Georgia, 4 years. I took the examination in the State of California, and won't have to take it again. The area of testing in California was for all of the various kinds of insurance, and it was very difficult. However, the license is good forever! In the other states you have to keep taking refresher courses and exams.

My area was for Life Insurance, Nursing Home Insurance, and Accidental Insurance. Why did I select these kinds of insurance was simply, I wanted to sell them on investing their money in Mutual Funds and secure their family's future. I also had a securities license. This can be quite profitable, during the past year not profitable at all. It's like a gamble, and not a real gamble. The safety in investments would be bonds. They are stable and do not pay as much returns.

If you get a company to hire you as an insurance salesman, they will provide classes and good trainers. You would then take the exams. The exams are given in most states on the computer. If not they are multible choices.

In order to be successful you need to either purchase a list of potential clients from a source that sells them per 100's. You can also use a telephone book and sit and call people who might want to purchase insurance. Giving seminars is a good tool. You can link up with Real Estate Agents and give partner open houses, and do a sales pitch. I and friends would have our business cards to pass, and call the people who viewed the open house later.

Cold calling can take up to 4 - 5 hours. You need to be prepared to spend time in the evenings, when most people are home. The commissions are rewarding and will depend on the amount of the insurance policy. Allow time for traveling and driving a lot of miles. You need to have an outgoing personality. Meet people at churches, your children's schools, and other places that will draw a crowd. You can also advertise in newspapers, hand out flyers, etc.

I have made some good commissions in the area of Chicago, IL. However it meant a lot of calling on clients. It can easily use up your evening, unless they come to your office. It is difficult to be on your own and rent office space or out of your home. Choose a reputable company, one that has name recognition.

You will need a lot of patience and stick-to-it, in Some clients don't have time to come to your office. In order to be successful, your need to have up front money, until you start making commissions. That is the reason to select a good company, some of the companies will give you a weekly salary instead of commission. Selling insurance is demanding, and takes time and money!