Aflac is a SCAM you pay them to work!

God point - reach out to your RSC and SSC and if that doesnt go anywhere contact your Territory Director they work directly for AFLAC they are not independant.

I do not know you and i am taking your comments at face value - but as a DSC I ahve seen many people that say they are working, say they aren't getting training - when in reality they aren't doing what they need to. You own your won business - in fact you can sell other lines if you want.

But if you are doing everything and not getting support the previous person was right - get moved and get the support you deserve.

Hello I recently was recruited as a sales agent for aflac and I was wanting to know if anyone had advice for gaining leads or some advice for someone just starting in this type of sales environment?

do what they tell you - work very very hard, make 20 or more cold calls a day, work your warm network, don't expect anything to be handed to you - sales is hard.

Don't be discauraged - expect a lot of no's. Its all worth it though.q

What does the term work with a warm network mean

People you know, or do business with, your Doctor, your dentist, your Vet, your car repair company, friends who have businesses et.

deaner in Dayton, Ohio said: Margaret, what other questions did you ask? I go in for my interview on Thurs and could use some additional questions that will give me an indication on how many folks in my area are selling Aflac products.

The bottom line folks is you have to work at anything! I have been with Aflac since December of last year and have promoted to DSC. Any one in insurnace will tell you that the first two years are very difficult. That is very true! You have to get out and knock on doors that other agents have also knocked on. The more you knock on, the more chances you have of gettting in. You will not be successful working a few hours a day. If you are use to working a fourty hour week then you should work at least that at Aflac. New York life and other seasoned agent in the business told me to not expect more than $20,000 the first year in the industry. You can make more if you work hard. Aflac is a great company that treats people fairly. You have to get a license to drive a truck; nothing is free. Put the time in and you will find success. I have seen plenty of it.

The reason you have 3 or 4 people a month come in is a 2fold reason.
#1 - They have to hire 10 agents a week to keep up with the agents needing to go get a real job due to repossessions, bankruptcies and foreclosures

#2 - Management will not give out company listings. So every "new" agent has no idea which businesses already have Aflac. Management wants (and encourages) new agents to "get out there and knock on doors"

How is that different from any other sales position, the attrition rate for ALL sales people is extremely high. We tell people in the interview, if they need to replace an income on day one - this is not the business for you. It takes about 2 years to get to where most people want to be. Sales is where the money is - it is not for everyone.

Of course they won't give out company listings - that is bad business in any business. That is Marketing and Sales 101. We will however, clean your list if you send it to your DSC beofre going out - or you can call if you have a question, I have the customer list for businesses in my area as a coordinator

It is not bad business to give a client list - without it, the new agent looks like a fool. I was told AT LEAST 20 times, "I have Aflac, Dont you guys talk to each other"?

Of course we don't (didn't) they were all back stabbing!

No Company gives out their customer list, that would poor judgement.

It comes down to salesmanship - I have walked in to many AFLAC clients over the years - they are always happy - sometimes surprised becuase they dont know me but always friendly. I say - I am sorry we are all independant - who is your agent..... then "oh they are really great"

If they are unhappy I am sure to contact my RSC or SSC or the agent since we are all in it together.

AFLAC is a great company, great products, ethical, and the compensation package is great!

People who like to whine will find something wrong with any company.

I'm not whining, i tried for over 14 months - Simply telling it like it is

Nothing ventured nothing gained. AFLAC has made rich people out of many individuals, including my brother. I didn't mean to sound attacking of you. Sales isn't for everyone, it is definetly not easy.

people you know

Richard in Springfield, Missouri said: I am about to begin working for a friend of mine from church that has became the local AFLAC regional sales manager. He has walked me through his entire career path and I like what I have seen and heard....As far as the last person who posted about the "job description", shouldn't you somewhat know what you're applying for before you even go to the company for a job..Ummm it's sales of supplemental insurance. As far as a "pyramid scheme job", I've never seen a "pyramid scheme job" make it as high on the Forbes 500 list as they have.....

i worked for aflac for about 6mths. i go to church too just like you and your friend.i was doing arther well until i started stepping on peoples toes by going into what they felt was their territory.They then harrased me. to make a long story short my manager concocted a scheme that i wasn't doing my job in the manner they wanted me to.so i was forced to resign. i now work for a better, more ethical company, more highly rated than aflac. i can tell the difference. the present company's management actually tries to help everyone, not just the ones they like for what ever reason, not related to ability or seniority.the company i work for now has not lied to me at every turn, has not discriminated against me, has not sold me a bill of goods and in short has treated me fairly to this point. This company has shown me something that aflac never did. INTEGRITY!!! ps: i am a minority.
What do you think of that church boy????

Jeff Sock in Cranston, Rhode Island said: Hi,

I am a District Sales Coordinator with AFLAC. My brother is a Regional Sales Coordinator with AFLAC. I never write on "blogs" like this and will probably never read responses after mine.

I train my Associates as best I can - I will not tell them what I make or made in any of my years with AFLAC (3 plus now) - it is none of their business. When I started, I had a side business. When we interview we tell them exactly how difficult it is, as well as how much you can make. My brother made almost $100,000 his first year - he had sold his business and devoted himself fulltime to selling AFLAC - I had to deal with my side business to make it through. I own my business and I have no loans - just my own hard work.

I explain to them that they are business owners, they do not work for AFLAC.

Sales is hard, insurance sales is probably harder than your average sales, but where else are there renewals, stock bonuses and the opportunity to see new employees to offer our very valuable products on a regular basis.

I am sorry for the people on this message board who whined - they never should have been contracted with AFLAC - but how would we know you couldn't make it unless we gave you the opportunity to try.

AFLAC is truely an accessible opportunity to grab the American Dream - I have purchased my first home, own my own boat, and make my own schedule all due to the opportunity and hard work I brought to AFLAC. And yes I am biased - I am biased to people who work hard and make it - or try it and find out a 40 hour job with a paycheck is for them - either is fine just be honest.

I am sorry for anyone who worked in a bad District or Region - that is not how we operate in my State.

Thanks

Jeff Sock

not in my stae said the white boy in america.

AFLAC isn't a job. Its owning your own business.

And every company, franchise, or business entity helps you based on your ability.

What church espouses rudeness? I am glad I don't belong to that one. AFLAC is the most ethical company I have ever encountered.

Yes A white Jewish biy. I have asians, women, and Black men and women in my district. I train and promote based on ability - not any other criteria.

I make my living by other people being sucessful.

I do live in the Northeast - I admit we are much more liberal than other parts of the country. My answer to people who have that issue - MOVE>

Jeff, I just passed one of the two tests to sell for Aflac. My only concern I am a single Mother and was planning to keep my day sales job which is flexable in hours until I build my buisness with Aflac. I have lots of people I know and have already set up appointments to meet with them (which is usually before 9am or after at 4pm durning the week. It's Saturday and I am currently adding to my call list which I do before 9am/1-2pm (lunch)and after 4pm. I'm currently working in sales cold calling all day long so I don't mind the extra calls at all. I have a nice base with the first job. Do you think I can be sucessful doing this to start? From what I have read it takes a good 2 years to get to my goal salary...what are your recommendations?

Thks Elle

Ellie,

It is difficult to represent AFLAC part time - all of our business for the most part is conducted 9-5 - what do you do about employee presentations and enrolments that conflict with the job you are doing full-time?

If you have a supportive DSC and you are willing to take a smaller split perhaps she/he would be willing to help - of course it will take longer than the usual 2 years to get to a good income flow.

As a DSC I would be wary of working with a part time associate - I have done it and it didn't work out that well.
Good luck Jeff

Well the "church boy" would simply like to point out that didn't you state that you yourself are a "church boy"? No wonder you see yourself as a "minority" when you are insulting those of your own interests. On a more positive, christ-like note, I wish you the best of luck at your new business venture and am glad to see people with a drive to succeed make it in life. Best of wishes to you Mike.

thanks and blessings

you're probably an all right guy.

Bruce in Fresno, California said: The bottom line folks is you have to work at anything! I have been with Aflac since December of last year and have promoted to DSC. Any one in insurnace will tell you that the first two years are very difficult. That is very true! You have to get out and knock on doors that other agents have also knocked on. The more you knock on, the more chances you have of gettting in. You will not be successful working a few hours a day. If you are use to working a fourty hour week then you should work at least that at Aflac. New York life and other seasoned agent in the business told me to not expect more than $20,000 the first year in the industry. You can make more if you work hard. Aflac is a great company that treats people fairly. You have to get a license to drive a truck; nothing is free. Put the time in and you will find success. I have seen plenty of it.

I am considering taking a DSC position, I would really like to talk with you.

I would recommend being very cautious before going to work as an independent sales agent representing Aflac.

To the people on this board saying that sales is hard I would say right on. BUT Sales with no protected territory is even harder. The goal of agents who sell Aflac is to open payroll accounts. The main problem here in Atlanta anyway is finding an employer who, has enough employees(not independent contractors) that hasn't been contacted by Aflac a hundred times. I understand being persistent but even if I charmed my way to get the appointment, getting the decision maker to let me coordinate the presentation and enrollment is another mountain to climb. At this point you still haven't sold anything. Then you have sell the employees. I think there are more efficient ways to make money. I'd stay away unless you know or are connected to very influential people in decision making positions at various companies.

To be honest, I think this is what Aflac aims to do. By their heavy recruiting they can assure that a few of the new sales agents will be able to write at least some AP due to their immediate network. Few make it because few areas are not saturated. If you are in a big city you better be have limitless drive and determination

What can you tell me about the DSC position?

The DSC is there to help new agents close accounts as they receive an over ride on all Annual Premium in their line. Some are good some are not. They are opening new accounts just like you. They share in some of the new agents commission in the beginning as they help them to close deals. I found this odd because they already receive an over ride.

My first DSC was worthless. The second was not so bad but I was moving on to other things. It is funny to me to hear about how flexible the schedule is. I notice that they are never in the work your but off 60 hours a week posts.914

whats the income of a dsc?

That totally depends on moany variable, how much you write personally, how well you train your associates, how many people you recruit. I know from personal experience many people making in the high 6 figures. I am a DSC and I am not at that point yet.

Lynn in Mount Airy, Maryland said: Thanks Greg for your post. I applaud you for posting a "true" response. I am new to AFLAC and have personal issues that have prevented me to get started as fast as I would have liked. I completed the AFLAC Fast Start training in mid-July and am in the process of taking my insurance exam for licensing.

If anyone else reads this and has a positive post please reply. There needs to be more.

i started in june and am doing very well 45k in ap already the busy months are ahead keep you attitude positive work hard and you will make money.

I've been approached to enter into the Aflac career as a DSC. I have never sold insurance. I have a 15 year back ground in Medical Device sales (spine and ortho) the medical industry is not what it used to be so I am getting out. The Aflac individual is not an agent, she has more of a management role. I would be brought in to the DSC position with aprox. 6-8 agents under me, there is aprx 1 mill of business written with the quota at 1.2 mill. I would love to hear back from someone, any comments, on their opinion on the opportunity I am being asked to fill. I was told it is because of my connection to business owners and my ability to manage and assist sales individual create new accounts. Any comments welcome.

Those of you wondering about how hard this is, should look at the city of the people commenting. Those from larger cities have had replies complaining of market saturation. Those from more rural areas usually have positive comments.

I couldn't help but respond to this post... although I don't know if it's still an active thread.

I've been with Aflac for 7 years now. If you are considering a career with Aflac, you have 2 options as far as looking for advice:

Option 1) talk to people who tried Aflac and didn't make it, for one reason or another.

Option 2) talk to successful Aflac associates.

Now I don't know about you, but if I'm wanting to start a business - let's say I want to open up a CPA firm. Let's say my neighbor is a CPA and is very successful... a millionaire. Also, I have a brother-in-law who is a CPA who is barely staying afloat. Who am I going to talk to? My brother-in-law that can give me advice on how to be broke? Or my neighbor who can show me how to be successful?

Aflac is an opportunity. The best I've ever seen. I've been an associate, a District Sales Coordinator, and now a State Training Coordinator. There are certain types of people who'll take an opportunity and run with it. Then there are those people who want an entitlement program. They've been programmed to believe that they are worth $30,000/yr no matter how hard they work. They would rather be guaranteed $30,000/yr than have an opportunity to earn an income that can make them financially independent for life.

With that said, I will concede that there are some places in the country where the training is just atrocious. The DSC's become "managers" instead of "leaders." The difference is: managers tell you want to do, leaders SHOW you what to do. They lead by example.

If you are looking into a career with Aflac I can tell you this: there is not a company out there like it. It may not be for everyone. But just because it wasn't for you, doesn't mean it's not for someone else.

Encourage, don't discourage. If you encourage someone and they don't make it, they will be glad they had your support. If you discourage someone, and they do make it - they will question your motives and tend not to trust

I read your responce and I agree 100%. the reason for my questioning the DSC position is that I have a medical sales background and have done so for over 12 yrs. successfully earning an income of over 200K for the past 8yrs. I am considering Aflac for not only the income but for the quality of life issue. As a ortho and spine trauma rep, your life is not your own, you are on call 24/7. Also, you build zero residual income. When I am on vacation for a week, that is one week I make zero. Imagine what retirement looks like with only investments. The other reason I am considering Aflac is the business owner connections I have. I understand how to deal with business owners and how to motivate a sales force as well as close very detailed sales presentations. I offer the "leadership", I was complimented, that this area of independent agents needs. So my question is, what is the position like? What is the income potential? If the current policy revenues are close to 1mil, what is the income? What would be the income if the area produced 2mil? Plus, I really wanted to talk to a DSM or someone who had been a DSM. If you are interested in talking with me privately, please email me at MMarko67@aol.com. We can exchange #'s and discuss the "Aflac Advantage" Thanks.

I just completed my first month at Aflac I worked hard did what my DCS told me to do and I had 17,000 in sales this month and closed 3 groups. Of that 4500 was my pay day. You can do this and make a nice living if you are willing to put in the work like the one before you.

I can tell you from personal experience that you need to tread lightly and not trust your DSC/RSC/SSC. I know of a person who worked for 6 years trying to land a 4800 man account. The SSC asked on a weekly basis who the agent was talking to and how it was progressing and the agent gave up this info willingly hoping it would help. Then he took his buddy from the otherside of the state and backed doored himself into the account. The account was very close to being closed and all the SSC had to do was get the signed Auth. This is a big money business and greed will get the best of people. When promoted to DSC/RSC/SSC these people have to hit quoted or they will lose thier position, and some will do anything to keep it. As in this case the SSC took his buddy from over 3 hours away from the account. The person who had been working hard at building the relationship was backdoored by the very person they trusted. It's tough to go to work knowing you can't trust the person above you. Now I'm saying all AFLAC DSC/RSC/SSC are this way, I'm just saying don't trust them nor anyone in this business. I can't tell you how many times an account will be lost that you will be working on becasue some other agent from another distict will come in and say "Oh but we all work together" Unfortunatly there are those in the DSC/RSC/SSC position who promote this type behavior.

It's been quite a morning reading this blog. I am very new to Aflac. I took my course, but have yet to take the state exam and receive my license. I just don't know what to make of all this. I, like everyone else, don't want to waste my time. I'm a single mother and am used to working hard, but I don't respect backstabbing or favortism. I don't want to be one of those people who, six months down the road, write something about the losses and the undermining that seems to be prevalent. When you're new, you have no choice but to trust people as you're learning your job. Too bad there are those who would slither under you to get what you've been working for. I look forward to reading more from those who have actually been there. I'd love to be one of the positive people who can report that it is a wonderful life for me. yourstrulytia@aol.com for personal replies, good or bad. Have a wonderful day, no matter who you are and how you pay your bills!

Think about it....if your son was that great at sales and knew what he was doing it would never have happened. His lack of business skills should be what you blame, not the fact that they were out to get him and stole his business.

mike in Kansas City, Missouri said: if your white

That's the poorest excuse i've ever heard. Top 5 people in my old area were of a "minority" and 15 in the top 25. That attitude will always make you unsuccessful.

Jane Sanders in New York said: Think about it....if your son was that great at sales and knew what he was doing it would never have happened. His lack of business skills should be what you blame, not the fact that they were out to get him and stole his business.

LOLOLOLOLOL
You mean great as in he should of known that his upper level management team that is supposed to support him would steal his sale.

To the guy that keeps makeing the raceist comments..you need to grow up..that is rediculous. not everything,everybody,or every company is about racsisum. thats whats wrong with over half the people in this world thats all they think about.this blog or whatever you want to call it,isnt about being raceist..its about a job!

AFLAC is a huge scam to be involved with. They hipe it all up at the 3 interviews you get before accepting the job, but all they are doing is hiring or i mean enslaving are telemarketing / sales associates that basically work for free, and they never stop hiring. Their business methodology is "the who do you know" method. Basically start by trying to get the businesses you know into AFLACs door, and when that fails you are stuck cold calling on phone and in person. Sure its your own business, but its kinda hard to live off of negative numbers when you have a family with no benefits. They do not even pay for contest winners. I was jipped twice for being a contest winner and never got paid for it. For someone that is just graduating H.S., that still lives at home, with no bills or a retiree that is in search of just something to do and has their bills all paid for, I highly suggest working for AFLAC, otherwise, DON'T DO IT!!!! It's just not worth it, believe me, I know.

If you work WITH afthrax aka aflac
keep to your self dont trust anyone
they will rip you off. The un-knowing beware
they will s.. you dry and spit you out
when the juice runs out..

I started my initial "sales training" with Aflac less than two weeks ago. I already have two groups and will be signing on a third tomorrow. It takes work! But it does work. Do you really think they would have the staff they do worldwide if the recruiters and DSC's were liars and cheats?

Mario in Tracy, California said: I apologize for any possible misunderstanding of the company, but it's just that Ive almost joined a pyramid job before, and the way they describe everything, the way they try to make you join is 'exactly' the same so I thought it was just funny. I will swear to you though that one of my friend introduced me to this one company called E***, it was totally a pyramid job, and the words they use, is just exactly the same..

"own your own business", "residual income", "dress professional" etc.

they use the term "your own business" as an excuse for making you pay for expenses, and call it an "investment".

and I believe they won't provide any aid for selling insurance policy, you just have to randomly search people to buy your policy, it will be hard and they will just say "it's never easy to own your own business", when in fact they just don't give a **.

and one thing.. "owning a business" by yourself is 100 times harder than what they think, there must be a business plan, along with good amount of capital money, and lots of hard work.
the only one that actually owns the business is the very top person of this company.. he came up with all the system structures and everything else to run the company. Im seriously telling you.. the job is not "owning a business" nor "entrepreneurs" job.. they tell u all those crap to make you feel falsely proud.

final decision is yours to make.

Last time I checked you don't need a state license to sell Noni, Mary Kay or Amway...you get out of life what you put in. Same way with Aflac. Three guys started the same week as me. Two have quit. I planned my work, worked my plan and I'm succeeding. Yeah, it's hard, but there's a lot worse out there!

corp America bs in Riverview, Florida said: AFLAC IS A CROOKED COMPANY! I WORKED THERE, I KNOW!

I'm sorry you had a bad experience, but honestly, you are ignoring the facts. Either that or you're just an idiot.

Anonymous in Rutherford, New Jersey said: It's way harder than they make it out to be! There is no assigned territory and no "leads" as promised. Definitely money to be made, but not the most professional organization that I have worked for. I am sorry that I made the investment in the time, training, and laptop computer. That doesn't mean it's not for everyone, it just was not for me -- cold, hard, knocking on doors, SALES.

Cold calling is not the only method. Any of you who quit ever walk into a Chamber of Commerce or networking meeting? I picked up six leads last week just as a guest!

PDN in Rowlett, Texas said: If it is your ONLY source of income, dont do it. I lost $60,000. There are more agents than fleas, saturation is an understatement.

most saturation is a smokescreen. A lot of Agents just aren't working. Just re-read some of these comments for proof of that. There is business out there. It just takes time, work and a little forethought.

LC in New Orleans, Louisiana said: AFLAC has a good product. They just need to get organized and stop hiring anyone that has a pulse. I own a business and have AFLAC, but I still have 3 or 4 different people come in a month to try an schedule an appointment.

These morons are not using the software Aflac has to prequalify businesses. Every once in a while you have some overlap but only in the first few months.

Leo in De Witt, Iowa said: I sold AFLAC for about 6 months. Two problems:
PROBLEM #1, You have to find your own prospects, and so many people have tried to sell AFLAC that employers are hounded continually by AFLAC. I had employers beg me to quit calling them, they get several calls a week from AFLAC representatives, and would like to get them to stop, but cannot stop the calls. So, problem number 1 is the market is SATURATED with AFLAC sales people.
PROBLEM #2,No one ever told me the chances of succeeding are right at 2 people out of 100 succeed in AFLAC insurance sales.

Stop whining and be one of the two.

mike in Kansas City, Missouri said: there are some nice people who work for the duck. unfortunately i ended up working with some unsavory people in kc. some of them even slithered into management.so i left. since i am a minority, i got tired of being treated second class. i am sure you will not understand. i won't have to explain to my brothers and sisters of color.

It's to bad you had to flee from the situation, rather than use it as a motivating factor to write more business than the rest of them, and by default become the largest wage earner in the office. As an Independent Agent you don't HAVE to report to anyone. Write business, collect checks. If you are not willing to go out and get the work for yourself and are waiting on hand outs from Management, sales is not for you. However unfortunate and unsavory the situation was with potential racism in your office, the choice to cut and run is yours. You will always have the chance to rise to that adversity and use it as fuel for your success. Stop pointing the finger and put your nose to the grind stone.