1. (NU) - On average, over
533,000 new businesses were
started each month in 2014.
Clearly, the entrepreneurial spirit
is alive and well, but manyAmer-
icans are still hesitant to become
their own boss. While there are
many avenues Americans can
take to pursue passions and gain
control of their career, one often
overlooked possibility is being an
independent sales agent.
Independent sales agents have
the benefit of being able to work
autonomously while still being a
part of an established organization.
Not to mention, these positions
usually offer growth potential for
income and career advancement.
Though there are benefits to this
type of work, it is still important
for those considering this path to
do their own due diligence to en-
sure that they find the right orga-
nization to support.
According to Aflac, the lead-
ing provider of voluntary insur-
ance at the work site with more
than 74,000 independent sales
agents in the U.S., here are some
things to look for as you conduct
your job search:
1. Financially strong com-
panies and industry leaders:
Just as a house needs a strong
foundation, it is helpful to build
a career with a strong, stable or-
ganization. Working for a com-
pany that offers positive brand
recognition and trust provides
credibility that could otherwise
take a lot of time to develop.
2. Hands-on training and
mentorship opportunities: Hav-
ing the right support and resources
is essential for success. When
companies offer training and men-
torship programs, it means they
are invested in their employees.
3. Recognition awards and
bonus programs: There is noth-
ing better than working for a
company that celebrates indi-
vidual achievements. Recogni-
tion and bonus programs are two
ways to know that hard work
will be appreciated and con-
tribute to career advancement.
4. Future market potential:
Selling a product or service peo-
ple want and need is a must for ca-
reer advancement, but so is the fu-
ture market potential. According
to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Sta-
tistics (BLS), the job outlook for
Insurance Sales Agents is grow-
ing at a 10-percent rate from
2012-2022.Amarket that is grow-
ing, or has growth potential, can
help ensure your lasting success.
With these tips in mind, en-
trepreneurial job seekers should
be on their way to having the free-
dom to balance work and per-
sonal life and set individual goals.
For an independent sales agent,
there is virtually no limit to what
can be achieved.
Learn more about Aflac’s in-
dependent sales agent opportuni-
ties at www.aflac.com/agents.
Career in Sales Can Satisfy
an Entrepreneurial Spirit
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