Spotlight on … Teri Whelan of Aflac
by Joy JordanPlease describe your position/business.
I am an independent insurance agent and district sales coordinator for Aflac on Cape Cod and the Islands. Aflac (American Family Life Assurance Company) is a Fortune 500 company that provides voluntary benefits and cafeteria plan services to businesses and individuals. In addition to servicing the needs of my own customers and policyholders, I also recruit, hire and train sales agents to promote Aflac’s growth and development in this region.
What services and/or products do you provide to your customers that sets you apart?
Aflac is unique in that we provide individual, affordable policies through payroll deduction at the workplace and at no cost to the employer. Working primarily with small business, our policies focus on insuring the income of an individual, so if they are hurt or sick, and out of work, they still have money to pay bills and expenses not covered by health insurance.
For employers, Aflac provides Section 125 cafeteria plan services. The new Massachusetts Healthcare Reform Law requires employers with more than 10 employees to maintain a cafeteria plan, and Aflac can set up these plans free of charge as a service to our customers.
How do you market your business?
Nationally, Aflac’s “Duck” campaign has been hugely successful in getting the word out about Aflac. Locally, I have participated in business expos such as Business Connect and Biz Wiz, and many job fairs. Other activities have included sponsorship of a golf tournament supporting the Aflac Children’s Cancer Center, and having a “Duck” float in the Hyannis Fourth of July parade.
What professional and community organizations do you belong to?
American Business Women’s Association; Rotary Club of Hyannis; Cape & Island Workforce Investment Board; Kings Way Trust; Cape Cod Chamber Workforce Education and Training Committee; Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce; Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce; and the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce.
Is networking important in a place like Cape Cod?
Yes! I think as a business owner, or for anyone who cares about their community, networking is vital. It’s part of being a good citizen to learn what is going on. When my husband and I moved to the Cape five years ago, I did not know many people at all. I joined several organizations to reach out and get to know the people, culture, issues and environment. It also helped people to know me, too!
Is there a difference between being a businessperson and a businesswoman?
No, I don’t think so. I am a businessperson who happens to be a woman. Being a business owner means I deal with all the things businesspeople deal with, including achievements, success and disappointment. All of us have experienced advantages and challenges; it is what we make of these experiences that tell the story. As businesspeople we must learn and grow from these experiences, and hopefully be better people, managers and leaders as a result.
What are the greatest challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs and businesswomen on Cape Cod?
The greatest challenge is to yourself – to be the best at what you do, work hard, and have fun doing it. I think Cape Cod and the Islands provides is a melting pot for ideas – just look at all the small businesses we have! We live in an environment that encourages creative thinking and imagination. The opportunities are endless.
What does it take to be a successful businesswoman on the Cape?
Believe in yourself and what you are doing. Be confident and positive; don’t give up on your dreams and aspirations. Surround yourself with supportive and positive people. Work hard and learn from your experiences. Be flexible, smart and inspired. Be responsive and follow through. Treat people the way you would like to be treated. Smile and have fun.
What advice do you have for other women trying to be successful businesspeople and entrepreneurs on the Cape?
If you find what you love to do, the rest is easy! Get out there and get to know people so they can know you. Join organizations that are important to you or your business to help you network. Volunteer your time in a community service. It’s so rewarding and can lead to other things.
Woman Entrepreneur of the Year nominations
Cape Business and the American Business Women’s Association have again joined forces to sponsor the second annual Woman Entrepreneur of the Year award. We will profile the nominees in our pages, and a panel of judges will select the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year.
Judging will be based on the following criteria, as determined by the ABWA Cape Cod chapter: promotion of professional endeavors through education and community participation; support for workplace and community advancement; support for professional development through networking; demonstration of leadership and community participation; and demonstration of the ability and willingness to help others.
We encourage you to nominate candidates for the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year award by submitting them to joy@capebusiness.net. Please include the nominee’s name, business, accomplishments and contributions to the Cape Cod community, as well as your name and contact information.
For more information, visit www.capebusiness.net or www.abwacapecod.org.
Originally published in the Jan/Feb 2007 issue of Cape Business.
Joy Jordan is managing editor of Cape Business magazine. She has worked in the technology and publishing industries and was chief copy editor for Cape Cod Community Newspapers. 
Cape Business Newsletters
Keep up with the latest issues affecting your business and your life! To sign up for any of the Cape Business newsletters, click here.