As you’re looking for a new opportunity to advance your career as an insurance producer, finding the right agency for your future can be the hardest challenge because the process is about more than finding a job that fits your skills – it is about finding a culture that fits you.

A recent PwC study found 86% of employees “agree that they have a strong desire to work independently…because independent work is perceived to allow greater flexibility in schedule and control over work environment, the opportunity to earn more money, and a better work-life balance.” If you have a similar desire, the questions you ask during the interview stage are critical in helping you determine if an agency is a cultural and professional fit for you.

How to Find the Right Agency for You

To ensure you find the best opportunity for your future, consider the following questions. But before you get started, ask yourself what the ideal answers to these questions would be so that you can compare them to those given by the agencies you meet with.

1. Does your agency require producers to sign noncompete agreements?
2. What stock options and equity interest in my book of business does your agency offer?
3. Does your agency offer schedule flexibility, or do producers need always to be “on”?
4. What are your commission rates for new and renewing business? Are they equal?
5. Does your agency provide resources for producers to continue their professional development?
6. Does your agency provide tools that set producers apart from competitors?

Consider a Better Option

While looking for a new opportunity can be stressful, it’s important to consider what your needs are. An option other than the traditional corporate agency exists for top producers, however. Entrepreneurial or lifestyle agencies give producers financial, vocational, and personal freedoms that help them thrive in the workplace. They enable producers to achieve greatness by empowering them to succeed through:

• Stock options in the agency.
• Equity interest in their book of business.
• Flexible schedules.
• Equal commission rates for both new and renewing business.
• Resources and mentorship opportunities.
• Freedom to move.