Look for providers of annuity leads

Some professional telemarketing companies have lead generation as part of their services. You can companies that provide you with an annuity lead list you can access as easily as your phone messages. Be sure to look for companies that screen against the national Do Not Call List.

I recommend: AMTel Technologies offers an automated call system with many options (an interactive prospect prequalifier system, for instance) and also sells demographically sorted phone number lists. 

Generate leads for annuities with direct mail campaigns

A postcard in the mail doesn't interrupt anyone's day. The disinterested will simply discard it, but the cards that you get back are solid annuity leads. The trick is to make your mailer both attention- grabbing and authoritative. Unless you're a marketing writer, leave design and copy to the experts. You can find companies that mail customized cards to generate annuity lead lists. Alternatively, you can create your own annuity leads - simply think about your target market (people with the average age and income of your current annuity clients, for example), buy a list that matches it, and mail your own postcard.

I recommend: Premier Annuity Prospects designs and mails postcards that comply with regulations regarding selling to seniors. You can call prospects from the returned cards yourself, or have the company's telemarketers make appointments for you. DirectMail.com sells targeted mailing lists you specify, and has staff that can help you design an effective mailer.

Run a seminar that actually yields annuity leads

Agents continue to scout leads for annuities with seminars because they work, if your keep a few things in mind. The goal is to get attendees to both like you and respect your knowledge. Humor, entertainment and time spent talking from the heart is at least as important as explaining the specifics of annuities. Unless you're a naturally comfortable presenter, it pays to get some professional pointers. You many also want to look into companies that handle all the details surrounding the seminar including venue, food, atmosphere and invitations.

I recommend: Insurance Pro Shop's Annuity Sales Excellence Lead, Seminar and Sales System includes a comprehensive guide to effective seminars. Seminar Innovations specializes in turnkey seminar packages for financial professionals.