Subject: Re: Re: Re: AFLAC - to be or not to be an agent, that is the ?

Comments:
: : Let's see if I can help you out. I've just hit my one year anniversary w/AFLAC so I do have some experience & insight to share. Here goes... : : : 1. What are the major skills you need to get started? People skills, people skills, & more people skills; highly motivated (aka hungry), self starter, charming personality, excellent listener - you get the picture. : : : 2. What up-front costs are there? Getting your state insurance license (Here in FL I spent just under $400) : : : 3. How many months should you plan on for living expenses be before you make money? For me it was (1) but I recommend no less than (2). : : : 4. In your experience, what is the best way to market the products? Face to face -- it's too easy for people to hang up the phone. : : : 5. I noticed you offer other companies besides AFLAC, would you recommend this for someone getting started? I started out w/AFLAC & have just recently signed on w/group & individual health & life & annuities. But if you like to work ALOT you can certainly make a handsome living doing just AFLAC. : : : 6. How does AFLACs commissions compare to others in the industry? That I can't answer. But you also need to know whether or not your "capped" (AFLAC doesn't); how are charge backs handled (AFLAC doesn't take them back from your advanced commissions, only on your "as earned" commissions so you can always depend on a check coming in if you're writing business); renewals, etc., : : : 7. On average, what percentage of leads are provided by AFLAC? Leads?! This is cold calling territory. You have to be a brave soul to handle this business. Leads are only given out to producers & truthfully, I've had more success on my own. : : : 8. What is the length of a typical sales cycle when selling to a small (1-10 employees), medium (10-50), or large (50 ) company? I've closed groups in one week & some have taken 6 months. It's a numbers game so you have to get out there & hit it. : : : 9. What type of obstacle does a lack of insurance background offer? I believe it can actually be a blessing. You don't come into this w/any preconceived notions about how you think it ought to be done. AFLAC knows what it's doing & they will train you -- if it ain't broke, don't fix it. : : : 10. What level of support do you receive from district/regional sales coordinators? I've been very forunate but I have heard nightmares. I encourage you to invterview 2 or 3 local districts as they will be your main source for training. And I encourage all new agents to stay on top of them. They may be training several agents at a time -- the squeaky wheel gets the oil. But no whining! : : : 11. Describe a typical day. There is no typical day. If you're looking for a 9 to 5 then you're in the wrong businesss. Today I stayed home plowing through paper work; tomorrow I'll be on the road by 9; others 7. I spent three Friday evenings at one business (a total of 6 hrs) & earned $1500 in advances. : : : 12. How has the current economy impacted AFLAC's products? People are more worried than ever about how their going to pay their bills if something goes wrong. Their employer is cutting back on group health & disability to save costs so employees are left w/gapping holes in their coverage -- there's never been a better time. : : : 13. Any other help you can offer would help me tremendously. There are a lot of nay sayers out there. But you have to ask yourself "what am I made of?" If you're really interested in selling insurance check out several companies. Just about any of them will bring you on if you're breathing & can pass your exam. Also remember that w/AFLAC your independednt so there's no reason you can't start there, learn all you can & then add other plans to your portfolio. : : My personal experience has been good in this past year. I earn between $3000 & $4000 per month but also only put in around 25hrs a week -- I'm kind of lazy. I've also earned several little bonuses & two trips (I'm off to Jamaica on the 15th). : : Hope this helps.

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