TEL Staffing & HR Blog

What is a PEO Broker? And How Can You Become One?

Written by TEL | July 2024

Are you a working professional looking for a lucrative side income? Or perhaps you're interested in expanding your service offerings to clients without significantly increasing your workload.

Either way, becoming a PEO broker might be the perfect opportunity for you. Working as a PEO broker is an excellent opportunity to help super-serve your clients and make extra money while doing so.

In this post, we'll explore what a PEO broker is, what they do, and how you can become one.

What is a PEO Broker?

PEO brokers are professionals who connect businesses with Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs). PEOs provide comprehensive HR solutions, including payroll, benefits, and compliance assistance, allowing companies to outsource these essential functions. PEO brokers play a crucial role in this process by helping businesses find the right PEO to meet their specific needs.

They act as intermediaries between businesses and PEOs, facilitating connections and ensuring a smooth transition. They typically work on a commission basis, earning a fee for each successful referral. This means brokers are incentivized to provide high-quality matches and maintain strong relationships with clients and PEOs.

By connecting businesses with PEOs, brokers help companies access better HR resources and support. This can improve employee satisfaction, increase compliance, and reduce administrative burdens. In turn, businesses can focus on their core operations and growth, making the role of a PEO broker invaluable.

What Do PEO Brokers Do?

PEO brokers wear many hats, acting as freelance salespeople, consultants, and relationship managers. Let's break down their responsibilities:

Recognizing Client Needs

The first step for a PEO broker is to identify the specific needs of their clients. This involves understanding each business's unique challenges and requirements, such as payroll management, benefits administration, or compliance support. By recognizing these needs, brokers can make informed recommendations and provide tailored solutions.

Consulting and Educating Clients

PEO brokers play a vital role in educating clients about the benefits of working with a PEO. This includes explaining the range of services offered, the potential cost savings, and the advantages of outsourcing HR functions. By providing valuable information, brokers help clients make informed decisions and feel confident in their choices.

Connecting Clients with PEOs

Once clients' needs have been identified and they understand the benefits of working with a PEO, the broker's next responsibility is to connect them with the right PEO. This involves connecting them to potential PEO partners, ensuring they meet the client's requirements and have a proven track record of success. By facilitating these connections, brokers help businesses access the support they need to thrive.

Continual Follow-Up

A PEO broker's job doesn't end once a connection has been made. To ensure a successful partnership, brokers must maintain ongoing communication with both clients and PEOs. This involves addressing any concerns, providing additional support, and ensuring both parties are satisfied with the arrangement. By continually following up, brokers help build lasting relationships and drive long-term success.

Who Can Become a Broker?

One of the most appealing aspects of becoming a PEO broker is that virtually anyone can do it – as long as they care about helping their customers. While there are no strict qualifications or prerequisites, certain professionals may find the transition remarkably seamless.

PEO brokers often come from professions that work closely with HR or business services. Some common examples include:

  • Certified Public Accountants (CPAs): CPAs have a deep understanding of business operations and financial management, making them well-suited to identify client needs and recommend appropriate PEO solutions.
  • B2B Sales Professionals: Those experienced in business-to-business sales are skilled at building relationships and understanding client requirements, which are essential traits for a successful PEO broker.
  • HR Consultants: HR professionals already have a strong foundation in human resources and can easily transition into the role of a PEO broker, leveraging their existing knowledge and connections.

While anyone can become a PEO broker, certain skills and traits can help you succeed in this role:

  • Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial for understanding client needs, educating them about PEOs, and maintaining relationships.
  • Sales Acumen: A background in sales can be beneficial, as brokers must persuade clients to adopt PEO solutions and negotiate favorable terms.
  • Problem-Solving Abilities: Brokers must identify and address potential issues, ensuring a smooth transition and successful partnership between clients and PEOs.
  • Networking Skills: Building and maintaining a network of contacts within the industry can help brokers find new clients and PEO partners, driving business growth.

Work as a PEO Broker with TEL

If you want to become a PEO broker, TEL can help you get started. TEL offers a range of resources and support to help you succeed in your new role, including access to quality PEOs and expert guidance. They coach you with comprehensive resources to help you become a successful PEO broker. This includes training materials, industry insights, and access to a network of professionals who can offer advice and support.

Becoming a PEO broker offers a unique opportunity to expand your service offerings, increase your income, and help businesses access essential HR support. By understanding what a PEO broker does and how to succeed in this role, you can confidently take the first steps toward a rewarding new career.

If you're interested in learning more about becoming a PEO broker or need additional resources, reach out to TEL to learn more!