Aflac 2007 Annual Report Download - page 22

98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07
5.9
7.3
8.2 8.1 8.6
9.9
11.3
12.0 12.3
$13.0
Japan U.S.
average weekly producers, which measures
producers who make solid, consistent
contributions to sales. To that end, we
were very encouraged that the number
of average weekly producers rose 6.0%
to more than 10,900 in 2007.
For Aflac to effectively increase the number
of producers, training is critical. We con-
tinued to implement the New Associate
Training Cycle for our new sales associates,
which combines classroom instruction and
online learning through Aflac University®
with field training. The New Associate
Training Cycle also includes LEASE training
(Larger Earnings by Acquiring Smaller
Employers). LEASE training helps new sales
associates jumpstart their sales careers
with an easily transferable guide for
approaching smaller businesses.
In addition to training sales associates,
we extended our training of both new
and veteran sales force management.
Sales associates who exhibit leadership
potential are invited to participate in our
national Coordinator in Training (CIT)
program. The CIT program concentrates
on developing potential leaders’ skills so
they have a better chance to succeed as
district sales coordinators, the first level of
Aflac’s sales force management. For district
and regional sales coordinators, we refined
and expanded the use of coordinator
accreditation programs. And we also began
developing an accreditation curriculum that
will be rolled out in 2008 for state sales
coordinators, our highest level of sales
management. Like the accreditation for
regional sales coordinators, this new
program will emphasize the management
of managers. We believe our efforts to
increase the size and capability of our field
force will translate into a higher proportion
of successful producing sales associates in
the future.
One Clear Message –
Brand Definition
For more than seven years, Aflac
commercials have placed our rambunctious
feathered friend in situation after hilarious
situation, propelling Aflac’s consumer
awareness to new heights. Thanks to the
Aflac Duck, nine out of ten people in the
United States know the Aflac name. In
2007, the Aflac Duck was featured in new
commercials that focused viewers on how
Aflac and its products can help consumers.
The Aflac Duck even became part of the
NASCAR nation through our sponsorship
18
Premium Income
(In billions)
Benefiting from strong
persistency in Japan and
strong sales in the United
States, premium income rose
5.4% in 2007.
As medical director of the Aflac Cancer
Center and Blood Disorders Service of
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Dr.
William G. Woods leads his specialized
staff in treating pediatric hematology
and oncology patients. Six-year-old
Mack Ballard, left, and seven-year-old
Jonathan Magee, Jr., share a few laughs
with Dr. Woods. For the second year in a
row, Child magazine recognized the
Aflac Cancer Center as one of the top
five childhood cancer centers in the
country in 2007. Since the 1960s, the
overall cure rate for childhood cancer
has improved from 20% to over 75%.
The team at the Aflac Cancer Center
knows that one child with cancer is one
child too many, and they will continue
with their goal of improving the cure
rate. But the fight against childhood
cancer takes resources. That’s why the
Aflac family has given more than $40
million since 1995 to fund research,
programs and state-of-the-art facilities
in a truly nurturing atmosphere.
There’s Only One Aflac