Timing plays a part. If you’re in the training program or new-new and somebody washes out, you might get an offer to take over that office. … I’ve heard there can be nepotism or the good old boy network in play, too. … The best way to help your chances would be to network in your region from the day you begin Series 7 study. … You might also look for a GoodKnight opportunity, in which a veteran advisor gives you some assets and a seat in his office for a year.

It is mostly timing unless you are in a town where a vet wants to give you some of his smaller housholds to work with (via a goodknight of partner program). If you know a vet in your area I’d at least ask if he would be willing to share any with you.

It’s pure luck. You might get a $40 million office, you might get a Goodknight, or you might get diddly. If you get diddly you’re still in luck! Oh yes! You’ll get to listen to the wild success stories of the FAs who were handed the keys to the kingdom and how they’re knocking it out of the park! They’ll collect all the awards at regionals, post commissions you can’t fathom and quickly earn those div trips. In the meantime you’ll be pounding on doors 8 hours a day 6 days a week, working the phones until 8 PM and barely eking out an existence and wondering what the hell is going on. Then an established Jones FA in your region will have the tumerity to suggest, “You know, you should talk to so-and-so. You could really learn from his example.” If you get a nice book, remember how you started your business and don’t pretend to be what you’re not. If you get diddly, work like there’s no tomorrow toward your escape. Grind it out for three or more years until you have enough assets to leave the Jones cult, then go indy and truly work for yourself. Hey! You earned it. Either way, rock, I wish you … well, luck!