Should I go to work for a company with brand recognition or one with no name and matches my values.?

As an investment professional name recognition is important. Mass Mutual or Foresters? Is the question. Foresters is a not for profit that pours their money back into childrens charities which is in line with my beliefs and yet know one has heard of them despite thier 130 year history. On the other hand, Mass Mutual has a 150 year history and everyone has heard of them.

I've been a financial planner for 9 years. For the first 8 years I worked for the big insurance/financial services conglomerates. I learned very quickly that your clients are not doing business with the logo on your business card, they are doing business with you.

While the big name may help a little if you are mass marketing or cold calling, it will mean very little to your clients as long as you are providing trustworthy, accurate and insightful advice.

More importantly, does Foresters have the same level of support and resources for you practice as Mass does? If you are new to the business go where you will get the most training and support. Like I said, I spent 8 years between two different "massmutuals" and I learned alot of valuable lessons. I have since gone independent and I have never been happier. Good luck.

The one that matches your values. definitely... positively.

Go with the values.

I'd go for the one with the same values

Irrespective of the field and the company names, this is what I believe in - We need to have our priority ratios straight. Money / exposure / fame / job satisfaction...? Once that is clear, map it with the company [ies] in question. It will then be easy to decide. Hope this helps you!

I would go with the cheaper one.

Check out access marketing where all your profits can go to charity .

Access marketing was introduced by TNI a company who are research driven company in the field of animal nutrituion and human supplements .

They are the 4th fastest growing company globally in the last 10 years with excellent tarck record .

I agree with the above - you should integrate yourself with a company that holds the same values and beliefs that you do.
I also feel that choosing between brand vs. values depends on where you are with your career and how serious you are in climbing the ladder. If you just received your degree and have the opportunity to work with a brand name, the value, knowledge and information introduced to you will be a huge takeaway and a major stepping stone to take you to the next level of your career. This is where you will add value and corporate expertise to the non-profit that is more aligned with your personal career goals.
Good luck!

I actually work for MassMutual right now. What I recommend is look beyond the broad company and look to the local agency. How is the general agent/General manager and what do they beleive in? My GA is awesome. And I have learned quite a bit. When starting out brand is great and will help.... but in the end it means very little. People will be your clients because of YOU not the logo on you business card.