Before she launched an impressive sales career, Amelia Dobson (pictured below) worked as a receptionist and in service for one of the top State Farm agents in the country. This diversity of roles has given her a broad view of an industry that she has grown to love for its opportunity, its potential to help others and its flexibility. Here, she shares about her personal mission as an advisor, what millennials want from agents and how to stick it out if your sales funnel is slow to start.
LHP: Why did you choose a career in insurance or financial services?
AD: I was offered a full-time receptionist position right out of college, and felt that was a superior alternative to the three part-time jobs I held at the time. I soon found out the agent that hired me was ranked top 20 out of 14,000 or so State Farm agents in the country. He paid for me to get my license, transitioned me into service and then sales shortly after. The impact I made on people's lives by being someone who was knowledgeable, friendly, trustworthy and dedicated hooked me instantly. I'm a natural people person. My clients became loyal to me because I was loyal to them. They say once you start in insurance, you'll never get out. So far, I've found that to be true.
LHP: Describe what you do.
AD: My job is to help people navigate the world of personal insurance. I listen to them and learn about their lives and with that information I build an insurance package to fit their specific needs and budget.
As an independent agent, I work with multiple carriers, which allows me to bring many options to the table. I am all about education. I don't sell you things you don't need; I don't cut coverage to beat your current rate. I tell you what's available, how it covers you, how much it costs, but most importantly, I listen. I give people the tools necessary to build the levels of protection they want. My job is to change people's perception of the insurance industry, one client at a time.
LHP: Share an achievement you are especially proud of.
AD: A lot of people in our community hear the word "insurance" and think of me. I've proven, over time, that I can be relied upon and trusted. This has allowed me to write a relatively high volume and it continues to increase. The first couple of years definitely were slower. I wasn't struggling, but I chose to invest my time into activities that would pay off in the long run, not the short run. It was hard to stick it out at times, but the last year or two, it has really paid off.
The greatest thing that comes from this isn't the numbers; it's my community. Success in sales depends on what type of professional you are, and this directly relates to who you are as a person. I've learned so much about people, about life and about myself. I can honestly say my career in insurance has made me a better me. That is something I am not only proud of, I'm extremely thankful for.
LHP: What is the biggest challenge that you see in the industry or what is the one thing you would change?
AD: The biggest challenge I see in our industry goes back to what I'm actively trying to change: the perception. Too many agents out there don't take the time to really explain how policies do and don't work. People are busy, and learning about their coverage doesn't take high priority, especially when they think their agent is taking proper care of them.
