Having your own business is a lot of work.

For you to do well as an insurance agent, marketing, trainingand technology are critical. Because it can be challenging foragents to manage everything on their own, good agencies providetheir field teams with tools to maximize opportunities forsuccess.

Of course, you see news stories every day about problems in someparts of the insurance industry. Some companies are pulling backfrom some product lines. But insurance companies still needexperienced, energetic people like you to distribute insuranceproducts.

Here are a few items to look for when you’re choosing aninsurance agency to work with:

1. Compensation to keep you motivated

It’s important to look at the total compensation and supportpackage when choosing which agency or brokerage to go with.Certainly most agencies offer commissions, but that’s kind of likea hotel that offers four walls, a roof and a bed: the minimum. Thebest hotels offer perks to their best guests like room upgrades,global concierge services and invitations to special events andexperiences. Likewise, a world-class agency should offer to itsbest brokers things like cash bonuses, trips, and even stock equityin the company.

2. National and local marketing support

An agent’s ultimate objective is to sell, sell, sell. But to beable to focus on clients and the coverage they need, it helps ifthe agency has your back through national and local marketing efforts across arange of channels. When interviewing, ask about TV, radio andonline advertising campaigns; social media; email and direct mail;local search listings with outlets like Yellow Pages, Google,Yahoo, Bing, Facebook and Yelp; signage and print collateral forclient meetings.

A professional agent web page that can be personalized and usedto gain leads through both agency and individual marketing effortsis a big plus, too.

3. Lead-generation program

Even tenured agents can hit a roadblock when it comes to findingnew clients. A supportive agency will help take you to the finishline by generating leads through national and localadvertising campaigns and — unlike the fictional real estateagency in the movie — sharing the best of them while arrangingpreset appointments and live call transfers.

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For an insurance agent, access to the right technology iscritical. (Image: Thinkstock)

4. Work online or at a storefront location

Agents don’t work on a 9-to-5 schedule, nor do they work in justone place. Obviously the flexibility to work online in a virtualoffice is appealing for these and other reasons. But there’s valuein local brick-and-mortar offices as well. Ask 10 agents and all 10will tell tales of client meetings in crowded, noisy coffee shopsand speaking in hushed tones to avoid eavesdropping fromneighboring patrons. The availability of local storefront officemakes sharing sensitive information that much more confidential andclients that much more comfortable in sharing it.

5. Technology tools: There’s an app for that!

We’re living in a digital age and it’s imperative that agencieskeep with the times. For example, an easy-to-use mobile app that functions as adigital assistant to keep track of your appointments could be justwhat you need to stay organized. This kind of app also offers realtime notification for new leads, policy information for yourcustomers, appointment setting capabilities and much more.

Additionally, a mobile-friendly online quoting tool with anintuitive interface featuring a multi-carrier and multi-lineselling platform makes it easy to compare policies across carriersand get your clients enrolled in the plan that suits them best.

6. Strong social media presence to support your business

Are you Twitter famous? Have your YouTube videos gone viral? WhileI can’t guarantee A-list celebrity status, social media is a great tool to market yourbusiness. Agency social media content can be shared by agents viatheir own professional social media accounts. Social media contentcan inform the public about an array of products across platformslike Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, just to name a few.

A robust social media presence allows the agent to quickly andeasily share credibility-building videos, graphics and articleswith clients without having to spend time creating their own.

Related: 3 must-have digital technologies for today'sinsurance agents

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To maximize sales, you'll need good products, and, in mostcases, advice about how to sell those products. (Photo:Thinkstock)

7. Products from recognized companies

Just like any retail category, there are benefits to offering bothbrand-name and off-brand products. But selling insurance is hardenough without having to convince clients their carrier will bethere when it’s needed. Working with a comprehensive collection ofrecognized brands enables agents to sell with confidence knowingthey can enroll their customers in an insurance plan.

Also, an expansive line of insurance products gives agents thelatitude to sell supplemental nsurance products.

8. Agent development and training

Customer service techniques and product information is alwaysevolving. It’s important that agents evolve, too. Agencies thatoffer development and training programs and free online classeswill always have agents best prepared to handle customer relationsand expand their business. Appointment setting and effective clientpresentations are vital tools you’ll need to be an effective agentfor your clients.

Some agencies even have personal field training and mentoringavailable until you are confident enough in your training to engagewith customers on your own. From role playing with an experiencedagent to observing the sales process in person, training will haveyou covered when it comes to phone techniques and overcomingcustomer objections. What if you need some guidance in the middleof a client meeting? An agency with a dedicated agent hotline canhelp to answer your questions right away.

9. A resource center, for when you need a refresher

When considering an agency to work with, ask if it has a dedicatedagent resource center.

Resource centers may provide policy information, carrier news,industry news, contests and events, marketing tools and tips, andadditional training opportunities. Some offer video tutorials,featuring advice from top-selling agents on topics such as how toapproach unsure customers.

The tools are out there. It’s up to you to be aware of what’savailable and be sure the one on your business card is providingeverything you need to be successful.

Related: NAPSLO education program: Learning for alllevels