General |
Before Boot Camp
| During | After Boot Camp
General
Q&A (Except otherwise specified, these are Q&A related to
Licensed Agent)
Q. Why we need new
agents?
A. We are greatly in need of professionals to join our team of
Advisors to help us build up the corporate infrastructure we have designed. In order to accomplish this task we need individuals to commit to learning to be experts in the financial industry and gain product knowledge of all the details of the programs and policies that we market. We need you to learn our EQ process to help homeowners and close sales. Only then can we train others efficiently. We are in the creation phase of the plan - it is like being a pioneer: you will know where to go and how to get there, but there are no paved roads to follow. As we complete the infrastructure of the company it will become progressively easier for new agents to join in and get right to work. Those who come in now on the ground floor to help us build will see the greatest benefits. Now is really the best time for anyone wanting to work with us during this building stage.
We are looking for good people to learn the ropes, then quickly move up into higher-end management within the company. As the company develops and the trainers/managers become established, the road to management levels will become increasingly difficult for new-comers. **Note: A resume and background check is required to be eligible to become a registered representative with Equidigm prior to submission of any paperwork. Equidigm does not guarantee and/or promise any performance and success as individual results may vary.
Q. Why you need us?
A. Equidigm was created with the elements in mind: the
clients, and the agents. In order to ensure EQ can count of
some of the best people in the industry, we feel we provide
services rarely put together by other financial services
marketing companies. We use a simple but thorough
step-by-step training process, followed by continuing
education/training, to match an unequal ease of generating
new business. As a matter of fact, Equidigm is one of VERY
FEW companies that provide leads to its agents. And, due to
the nature of our specific business and the packaging of
well-known financial products, agents can easily earn much
more commission that with any other company.
Q. What is EQ's
Step-by-step training process?
A. To start earning a tremendous income and begin working with our exciting Equidigm team, EQ will help you meet the following
requirements:
FOR FULLY
LICENSED AGENT
• Step One – Commitment to full integrity in assisting others first.
• Step Two – Complete all EQ paperwork, i.e. resume and background investigation authorization.
• Step Three – Attend EQ Boot Camp and receive Advisor
Certification.
• Step Four – Attend required insurance training and pass State Insurance Exam for a Life Insurance License.
• Step Five – Once licensed, fill out applications to become ‘appointed’ by Insurance companies, through EQ.
• Step Six – Complete Annuities Certificate or equivalent as required by State law (for example, 8-hour Continuing Education in CA).
• Step Seven – Obtain 1st year Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance coverage.
• Step Eight – In some states (in Utah, for example) you must receive a Broker certification or license.
• Step Nine – Once compliant, you will train with your trainer to complete and close 3 contracts.
• Step Ten – Maintain active Life License and participate in required continuing education.
FOR
REFERRING AGENT
• Step One – Commitment to full integrity in assisting others first.
• Step Two – Complete all EQ paperwork, i.e. resume and background investigation authorization.
• Step Three – Attend EQ Boot Camp and receive
EQ Team Certification.
• Step Four - Start referring people to EQ
Q. Do I need a
securities and/or real estate license to work with EQ?
A. No securities or real estate license is required at this point. EQ provides you with training, support and leads that you need to be successful in this complicated and heavily regulated, but financially rewarding industry. You become your own boss, an executive in a major corporation that is there to support you.
*Note:* To obtain a State Insurance License and to be appointed with Equidigm, you must be legally compliant. If you have had any prior convictions, felony, misdemeanors, judgments, bankruptcy, and/or any offense that may preclude you from completing any of the steps mentioned above, please disclose it to EQ compliance division. If you have additional questions relating to the foregoing please consult with your legal and/or tax advisor.
Q. How much is this going to cost
me? What fees should I expect?
A. There are many fees and costs involved with several of the steps that need to be completed. We have provided the following process to help guide you through to success:
• Total estimated cost should be between $2,000 to $2,500 per new agent.
• 2 1/2 to 5-day Boot Camp basic training. Tuition is $1,000/person, minimum $500
(of which $200 is non-refundable) deposit due at registration and balance
is due before completing the EQ Boot Camp basic training. This tuition
fee includes:
- Training on EQ software and spreadsheets
- Training supplies, location, snacks, and administration fees
- Equidigm Advisor Marketing Certification
- Special EQ Training DVD (containing several recorded
training sessions)
• The estimated balance of $1,000 to $1,500 is paid on your own as you complete each step
including (optional):
- Life Insurance class Fee (ex. 52 hour course in CA) est. $185.00
- State Insurance license exam and finger prints – est. $200.00
- Annuities Certification (8 hour online course) – est. $35.00
- 1st year of required E&O insurance – est. minimum $635.00
**Note: The mandatory State Insurance classes and exams can be taken either before or after EQ’s Boot Camp training. After you pay the initial
$1,000
to EQ, you will pay any additional amount directly to the
various entities providing the tests and license training
services. Furthermore, a financing plan may become available to help you take advantage of the training sooner rather than later.
Q. What do I get out of the Boot
Camp?
A. Our boot camp is designed to enroll you in the Equidigm philosophy and guide you through the doorway to the exciting and rewarding world of Home Loans, Insurance, Annuities and other Financial Services. We initially focus on three main products to get you started on your way to being an expert in these areas; Home loans, Life Insurance, and Annuities. You will meet expert representatives and learn from companies such as
Strategic Lending, Fidelity and Guarantee, Life Settlements Group,
Novus Promotions, Money Technology Approach, and others. You will engage in roll-playing to present our products, learn how to use our software and spreadsheets, absorb important facts and myths about the financial industry, etc… When the basic training is completed, that's when you really start and then continue to study, absorb and implement a wider scope of products and services that will expand your abilities to help people increase their wealth. To begin to generate leads for you, we will also ask you for your top 10 zip code priorities for the areas you desire to work within.
Q.
What about the MTA Certification portion of the training?
The Money Technology Approach Certification takes
place on the last 2 days of the training. Click
here for details.
Before Your
Boot Camp Training
Registration and Confirmation
Q: How soon before the training starts can I register?
A: Although we strongly recommend advance
reservations because of very limited space (otherwise you
might need to attend training in another city, or at a much
later date), you can actually register online
until the day before your training begins. In special
circumstances, we may accept
walk-in registrations.
Q: How do I register more than one
person?
A: The easiest way to register multiple people is to call
1-888-200-8866. If you register three or more people for
the same training session, you will receive a team discount
of up to 20%. A spouse or business partner (must be real,
and in business related to financial services) can attend the whole boot camp for
only $100.
Q: How will I know when my registration is confirmed?
A: You will receive an email confirmation within 48 hours.
Attendance,
Cancellation and Substitution
Q: What if I register for a training, but then can’t
attend?
A: If you cannot attend a training you can contact
Equidigm in
advance to transfer to a future session, or you can send
someone to take your place. If you need to cancel your attendance,
Equidigm will give you a complete refund if you cancel more than
three weeks before your training begins and you have not
received any material or training (in person, by phone or by other
means) - otherwise, there is a non-refundable fee of $200. To cancel, simply
email info@equidigm.com. If you cancel
with less than three weeks’ advance notice, you will
be liable for the non-refundable amount of $200. Once your payment
has been received, you may request a courtesy transfer to
use at a future Equidigm training.
The courtesy transfer must be used within one year of the
date of your originally scheduled training. In fairness to
all attendees, if you do not attend a training session for
which you are confirmed and do not contact Equidigm to cancel
in advance, you will be charged the entire prepaid training
fee up to $500.
Q: How do I use a courtesy transfer?
A: Equidigm grants courtesy transfers to people who cannot attend
their scheduled sessions. You can use a courtesy transfer
for any training of equal or lesser length than the original
training. You must use your courtesy transfer within one
year of the date of your originally scheduled training.
Q: What can I do if I’m unsatisfied with a training
that I attended?
A: At Equidigm, we guarantee the quality of our training.
If, for any
reason, you are not satisfied with the training for which you
have paid, Equidigm will:
-
After the first
day: The full amount reimbursed, less $250
-
After the
second full day: the full fee reimbursed, less $600
-
After the full
training: the full fee reimbursed, less $800
Note: if you used the
"Promissory Note" approach (not always available), you will still be liable for
the total amount of the note, less the amount to be credited as
described above.
Payments
and Discounts
Q: How do I pay for a training?
A: For your convenience, you can pay in one of three ways.
Online: We
accept MasterCard, Visa, and
American Express Cards.
By check: Make your check payable to
“Equidigm Financial Solutions, LLC” Then mail
it to:
Equidigm
Financial Solutions, LLC
1568 S. 500 W., SUite 101
Bountiful, UT 84010
Q:
Does Equidigm offer a team discount if I register multiple people?
A: Yes, If you register 3 or more people for the same
training
session, you will receive a discount of up to 20%. Please
call 1-888-200-8866 for details and to register.
Training
Leaders
Q: Who will be my training leader?
A: Equidigm trainings are led by senior executives, managers,
trainers, consultants, course developers and other professionals. To make each
training class as practical, relevant and
hands-on as possible, Equidigm training leaders are selected from
a pool of industry experts who have been successful in their
field. Each presenter is evaluated at each training session by the
participants, and by the training team. All this ensures that you will have a course leader
who is not only a skilled platform speaker, but also a top
business practitioner.
Training
Hours and Attire
Q: What time does my training begin and end?
A: Normally, the training consist of one evening and
two full days. As actual times differ from time to time, please review the
schedule on the Training Fact Sheet. Please make sure to arrive at least
30 minutes before the start of each day to ensure proper setup, thus
allowing the training to start and finish on time.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Casual business attire is appropriate. Note: room temperatures
may vary so you may want to dress in layers.
Travel
and Accommodations
Q: Can Equidigm help me make travel arrangements?
A. While you are responsible to make your own traveling
and accommodation arrangements, Equidigm can recommend certain hotels,
including the hotel where the training takes place, often at a special
discounted price to attendees.
Locations,
Facilities and Amenities
Q: How can I find the exact location of my training?
A: Once you register, you will receive a registration confirmation
by email, with the instructions and directions. To find an exact location prior to registration,
check the Training Fact Sheet. Q: What restaurants, post offices and
ATMs are near the training location?
A: We recommend you go
to www.mapquest.com and type in
the address of the training location. You will then be showed links to
different facilities and points of interest in the area.
Meals and Parking
Q: Do you offer food?
A: We ask that you make your own arrangements for eating.
For your convenience, our on-site customer service staff will be happy
to give you recommendations for places to eat. Lunch breaks
are usually an hour, but may vary.
Q: Do you provide parking?
A: Unless otherwise specified, Equidigm does not provide parking for
training attendees; however, most training locations have free parking.
Q: How
do I best prepare for the boot camp?
A: There are many things you should do:
1. Read the
book "A New Era of Financial Freedom" (click
here for free download).
2. Read the
book Missed Fortune 101 by Douglas Andrew (click
here for details and to order) at least once.
3. Follow the Step-by-step process.
4. Go over the forms and material on this website - click
here to access (User ID and Password to access that part of the
website will be provided to you upon receipt of your deposit)
5. Follow the instruction you will receive via email upon registration
(ex. logistics details and others).
6. Contact Equidigm if you have any question.
Training
Materials and Additional
Resources
Q: Will I receive any materials at the training?
A: Yes! You’ll receive a training notebook that outlines
course topics and includes supplemental handouts, when appropriate.
Q: Where can I get further information about my
training topics?
A: To continue learning about your training topic, explore
these Equidigm educational resources on our website,
especially the part called Knowledge Database.
Checking
in with Home and the Office
Q: How can I stay in touch with family and colleagues?
How can people reach me?
A: Phones are readily available and you’ll have time
during periodic breaks to make calls. In addition, most of
our training locations are equipped with Web access so you can receive your
e-mail. Finally, our training team will be happy
to take messages or hold faxes for you.
Q. Will
there be a test/evaluation?
A. Yes, there will be a test at the end of the boot camp to confirm you
understand what you have learned.
Q. How do I get my Life Insurance
License? (Have a Life License? Skip to the next section.)
- NOTE: Insurance License is optional.
A. As soon as you successfully graduate from EQ’s Boot Camp training,
the normal process would be to immediately enroll in the Licensing class of your State of choice. For your information, we use Mike Russ Training School in Southern California (52 hours of class time), or Dearborn for the rest of the country.
In California, as an example of all the process works, when using the Mike Russ School you will pay them directly when you show up; they will give you the text book and go through all the things you will need to know for the test. Then you will have a crash study and there is a study hall where you can take a practice test. We recommend you register online as soon as you begin the class to set a State test date for the final day of your class so you can take the test while the information is still fresh in your mind. If you plan on working in multiple States, once you receive your license in your own State and get appointed, you can also apply online for a non-resident license in each of those other States. It is generally a one page application and can range from $35 to $150 per State (this fee is extra and is not included as part of the main tuition).
The licensing test varies from state to state. Again, taking California as an example, the actual test is 150 questions and you have three hours to take it. You must get 70% (105 questions) correct to pass. No scores are given. It is strictly a pass/fail test. They don’t even tell you your exam score, unless you fail it. You are able to take the test over again as many times as may be needed (about $41 -your cost- for each retake). Once you take and pass the State Life Insurance exam, it will take a couple weeks to process before you actually receive your license.
Please note that the aforementioned may vary by State and change without notice.
Q.
After I have attended the Boot Camp and obtained my License,
then what do I do?
A.
Once your license is received you will need to become a Loan Originator in order to assist with the loan process. You are required to be ‘Appointed’ by an insurance company prior to conducting any type of insurance business. Once you notify EQ that you have received your license, unless you filled out all the forms at the EQ Boot Camp, we will send you all the necessary documents and applications by email. You will be required to fax us a photocopy of your State License, your driver’s license, your social security card, a W9 tax form, and your application for appointment. You will also submit the
application(s) to be a loan originator. The appointment process may take up to fourteen (14) business days. Then you will be notified of approval and receive your assigned agent number.
Q.
How do I attain the ‘Active’ Advisor Status?
A.
Once you receive your appointment confirmation and agent number, you are considered an ‘Active’ Equidigm
Advisor fully compliant to conduct business for
EQ. As an Active Advisor you will start to practice live presentations on friends and family to get familiar with presenting a live presentation (the focus is not to sell them, but to practice the presentation). Although you can set these appointments yourself if you prefer, you are welcome to exercise the option to send us a list of your acquaintances and we will contact them on your behalf in order to prepare an appointment for you. As you perform your presentation on those people you trust, they will have an opportunity to evaluate you.
When EQ determines that you are ready, you will be provided up to five (5) leads to start work on. EQ will then provide an appointment setting script for you. You must close at least one of these leads or one that you self-generate in order to be eligible for further leads at no cost. Otherwise, leads may be purchased or self generated.
How do I get trained enough to go out on my own?
If a Trainer is available in your area you will be assigned to one upon completion of the boot camp. The Trainer will make sure you complete the steps mentioned above to help you become an Active
Advisor and start you on your on-the-job training. You will be paid 25% of the commission just for watching your trainer on any closed contracts that come from the leads we gave you. Some Agents choose to save their leads until they are on their own and use self generated leads for the on-the-job training period. We suggest you use the leads we give you as soon as possible to generate income for yourself sooner. However, if the lead is self generated, you will receive 50% of the commission even though your Trainer is writing the business for you. After the first or second time, YOU will make the presentation to the leads under your Trainer’s supervision until the Trainer determines that you are ready to work completely on your own.
If there is not a trainer in your area yet (as may be the case during our building phase) and you are one of the first, then we still expect you to work with us to fully understand the products and compliance issues and follow the scripts we provide for you and just get out there, close some contracts, make some people wealthy, and learn by doing. EQ will be there to help you determine the best product for each home. Once you successfully close three (3) full contracts, you will have the experience needed so that if you are interested you could then be considered for a Trainer position, begin to help us train other
Advisors as they join in your area, and get paid extra for doing so.
Q.
How do I get more leads? How do I upgrade my status to become a ‘Producing’
Advisor?
A.
Once you are an Active Advisor working on your own, you are eligible to receive another 5 leads at a time at no cost, and as long as you continue to sell/close one of those 5 leads (either from the first leads given or a self generated lead), you will continue to receive blocks of 5 leads at a time for as long as you continue to close one contract from each block of 5 leads. We also always recommend that you continue to self generate leads. You can earn an additional 10% bonus on your commissions for any self generated leads (i.e. $5,000 commission gets you a $500 bonus.)
Once you reach and maintain our minimum monthly sales quota of one (1) closed contract per week (4 per month), your status will be upgraded to a ‘Producing’ Equidigm
Advisor. Although some agents may prefer to continue making the appointments themselves, a Producing
Advisor is eligible for additional ongoing leads at no cost, and the optional bonus privilege of receiving Pre-Set appointments for those leads. Also, it is important to note that only Producing Agents are considered for promotion into the management positions in the company.
Q.
I am a builder, what kind of continual growth opportunity is there with Equidigm?
A.
The sky is the limit with the growth potential in Equidigm. As the corporation continues to grow we will need Trainers/Supervisors, General Managers, Regional Managers, and National Managers to support that growth. Each position includes additional responsibilities, bonuses, stock options, and promotions that can be attained based on production and performance.
Q.
How soon can/will I get paid?
A.
Earning money does not happen overnight. Time frame varies depending on each
Advisors’ determination to ‘show up’ and follow through. We have really developed a system that makes it simple to earn money and we will continue to streamline the process and provide tools to make this career more enjoyable and more lucrative, but we can not show up for you. This is a real business and real work must be done before you can be compensated with real money. We referred to closing ‘contracts’ several times in the information above. A contract consists of the combination of a mortgage/refinance and an Equity Indexed Universal Life
(EIUL) Policy, other life policy, or an Annuity. In California right now, as an example, the average commission per contract is about $5,000.(1) This amount may vary from location to location. If you closed one per week at this rate, you would bring in $20,000 per month.(1) We also have other products like Living Trusts that bring in much smaller commissions, but that add up with time.
(1) Results may vary from Agent to Agent and location to location.
Each homeowner will take a different amount of time to close, but generally speaking you should plan on 2 to 3 visits per home and each visit will range between 15 minutes and 2 hours. Once the homeowner has filled out all the applications, the credit report has been run and comps (comparative analysis) of the home values in that area have been evaluated to determine the estimated home value, the homeowner is initially approved. It then normally takes at least 30 days for the loan and policy to come through. This time frame allows for the appraisal, a free medical examination, the underwriting and processing of disclosure documents that all have to be completed; then, the final documents are signed, notarized and the
Advisor gets paid within a week after final closing.
So the fastest way to get paid is to start the process right now. Get the proper training as soon as possible, get compliant and start to fill the pipeline with contracts; once your initial contract has gone through, your longest wait is over and you could start getting paid every week.
Professional Accreditation
and Continuing Education Units
Q: Can I Earn Professional Accreditation
Credits from Equidigm Trainings?
A: Yes, Equidigm trainings qualify for Continuing Education Units.
Q: What are Continuing Education Units
(CEUs)?
A: Through the Equidigm Continuing Education Unit (CEU) system, you
receive formal recognition for improving your
skills by completing different Equidigm-approved training.
Details will be provided at the boot camp.
When you earn
CEUs, you receive immediate
recognition for your career development efforts. A CEU Certificate
suitable for framing will be presented to you upon satisfactory
completion of the Equidigm training you have attended. You will
also have a permanent, confidential record of accomplishments
kept by Equidigm.
The CEU System:
-
Allows you to build a permanent record of achievement
as you take part in education or training to further your
career.
-
Provides a means for showing supervisors, personnel
officers and others an official summary of trainings you
have completed as part of your preparation for wider responsibilities
and higher level positions, if you want to take that
route.
-
Offers a means for giving official confirmation of
your completion of continuing professional education courses
and training to certification bodies, licensing boards
and professional societies.
Q: How many CEUs do I earn for my
training?
A: The number of CEU credits for the initial boot camp is
presently 25. Generally speaking, you earn one credit
for every hours of training.
Q: Where
do I continue my education & training?
A: Equidigm offers regular Continuing Education &
Training - you will receive details on a regular basis.
Q. Other
considerations?
A. We suggest that you study this financial industry and the products for at least 1 hour per day to continually develop your expertise so you can be the most effective in educating people and finding the best products for their needs. We strongly recommend you read and study the book “Missed Fortune 101” at your earliest convenience.
As mentioned above, it is also each agent’s responsibility to keep your Insurance License from lapsing and to complete the State required continuing education credits that are needed to keep up in the industry. Equidigm will also be arranging various events and activities to help our
Advisors meet those requirements and help make this continuing education (CE) more enjoyable.
Integrity comes first in our organization. Our customers are the most important part of what we do. We will not attract every kind of person to join us as an agent,
but we hope that you are like-minded in our passion to make America wealthy
– One Home at a Time!
For more information or question(s), please email
us!
|
