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Prospect Like a Pro

By the end of this section you will be able to build a list of local employers, including third-party administered districts, municipalities, and church networks and reach out to schedule appointments

Gaining access to 403(b) and 457(b) plans involves getting in front of the right people. Some employers offer open access, allowing presentations and enrollment meetings on-site. Others are restricted access, requiring more creative off-campus strategies like appreciation events, targeted mailings, or community volunteering.

Working with school districts, municipalities, and plan sponsors

Partnering with Third Party Administrators (TPAs)

Navigating vendor approval processes

National Life Rules of Engagement

Approach Influencers and Decision Makers

  1. Use Third-Party Administrator (TPA) directories and National Life Group’s tools to identify districts where NLG is not yet approved
  2. Request access or propose vendor approval through Retirement Services
  3. Set up meetings with:
    • School superintendents
    • Union reps
    • Church boards
    • HR or benefits managers

You can stand out by aligning with the employer’s mission, respecting access rules, and participating in the community. Programs like LifeChanger of the Year, the Do Good Tour, and the Prizes for Pages literacy campaign foster authentic relationships while reinforcing your presence.

403(b)(9) Prospecting

For church organizations, outreach should be relational and trust-driven. Attend community events, volunteer, and partner with pastoral networks to earn trust. Engage with leadership councils, denominational boards, or local church administrators to build long-term connections.

How TPAs Can Factor in Your Strategy:

NLG works very closely with many independent Third Party Administrators (TPAs). Local governments or districts choose TPAs carefully to assure complete coordination among approved vendors. So, it’s important that you get to know the TPA serving your target school district and any special rules or solicitation restrictions they have.

Search for NLG “not vendor-approved” employers in your region
Identify your top opportunities there
Complete the required forms to become vendor-approved

Previous Section: Answer Compliance and Administration Considerations

Next Section: Engage Clients with Confidence

Additional Tools & Resources are available on the Agent Portal.

To go there directly:

  1. Log in to the portal
  2. Come back and Click on this link to go to 403(b)/457 Retirement Business Overview

Don’t know who to contact?

Send an email to the team at RetirementServices1@NationalLife.com
or call 866-243-7174

Source: IRS 2025

* This hypothetical example is used for illustrative purposes only. Actual results will vary.

** Please ensure you follow state and National Life Group rules regarding client testimonials and how/where they may be used.

  1. The index strategies of fixed indexed annuities credit interest based in part on the change in a market index such as this one. Indexed annuities do not directly participate in any stock or equity investments. When discussing this or other index strategies with your client, explain that this is not an investment in the market and that this is a method for crediting interest and disclose any cap, participation rate or threshold that will apply. For an Index with volatility control and the additional costs deducted from the Index value, the positive Index value change may be less than that of similar indices that do not include volatility control and do not deduct these costs. When included in a fixed indexed annuity with the protection of a 0% or 1% floor, the benefit of reduced downside will not be realized for index returns below 0% or 1%. Indexed annuities do not directly participate in any stock or equity investments. This is not a solicitation of any specific annuity contract. Guarantees are dependent upon the claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Assuming no withdrawals made during the surrender charge period and no rider charges.
  2. Guaranteed Lifetime Income Riders (GLIRs) are only available to purchase on Life Insurance Company of the Southwest (LSW) fixed indexed annuities. Riders are an optional benefit for which premium is charged, are available at issue only, and may not be available in all states.

Registered Representatives and Investment Adviser Representatives of, and securities and investment advisory services are offered solely by Equity Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Equity Services, Inc. is a Broker/Dealer and Registered Investment Adviser affiliate of National Life Insurance Company (NLIC). National Life Group® (NLG) is a trade name of NLIC, Montpelier VT, Life Insurance Company of the Southwest (LSW), Addison TX and its affiliates. Each company is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. LSW is not an authorized insurer in NY and does not conduct insurance business in NY. In CO, MO, NH and WI, Equity Services, Inc. operates as Vermont Equity Services, Inc

The companies of National Life Group® and their representatives do not offer tax or legal advice. Please encourage your clients to seek tax or legal advice from their appropriate professional advisor.

FOR AGENT USE ONLY – NOT FOR USE WITH THE PUBLIC

TC8049010(0625)3  |  Cat No 108134(0625)