Akalain mong part-time lang ako, pero grabe na yung na-provide ni AIA sa akin. Kung nakikita niyo yung picture sa taas—puno ng AIA merchandise like bag, jacket, sunglasses, cap, plus my travel incentive to Vietnam for next year—ito yung physical representation ng efforts ko.
If you are looking to start a part-time business, searching for extra income, or wanting to explore the limitless potential of variable income, let me share my story.
From Introverted Chef to Finding a New Business
Sa totoo lang, introvert akong tao. I really hated sales, and I hated talking to people.
By profession, chef talaga ako. I graduated with a B.S. in Hotel and Restaurant Management and took a diploma course in Culinary, Baking, and Pastry Arts. I have land-based experience working in the US and Australia, and I also worked for some of the best luxury cruise ship brands.
Eventually, I managed a cafe with some business partners. Unfortunately, after 5 years, I had to let it go. Wala pa ring ROI, and I was completely exhausted—drained mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially. After some bad financial decisions due to that failed business, plus trusting the wrong person who used my name, I reached my lowest point. Yung tipong every morning may palpitation ako sa stress. I couldn't think right.
The Search for Additional Income
To get back on my feet, I looked for a virtual job. By God's grace, nabigyan naman ako ng weekly paying gig, which was a huge help in settling the debts I incurred from my previous business. But I was still actively looking for more ways to generate extra income.
One random day, my financial advisor invited me for a small talk to become a "health ambassador." Wala akong idea nung una, but it turned out to be an opportunity to become an insurance agent with AIA. I attended their Business Opportunity Presentation because I was desperately looking for a side hustle to help me settle my payables faster.
Ngayon, I can't stress how thankful I am na nag-"YES" ako.
Thriving in a Variable Income Model
I doubted myself sa sales. But then again, risk-taker talaga ako and open akong matuto. I learned that if you fully embrace an opportunity, talagang mag-thrive ka. Of course, nandun yung "hiya" to approach my friends—may mga nagsabi pa nga na lumayo daw muna sila sa akin, which is totally fine.
At the end of the day, my intention is simply to educate people on the importance of insurance. Nasa kanila na yun if they will accept the invitation to listen. Kaya funny enough, 70% of my clients came purely from social media.
Para sa mga nagsasabi na "ang hirap mag-offer," ganito lang kasi yan: I came from a traditional business. Kung nagbebenta ako ng coffee o milk tea, hindi ko naman ia-approach isa-isa yung Facebook friends ko para pilitin silang bumili, di ba? Insurance is a commitment. Ayokong mamilit ng tao. If ayaw nila, it just means it's not their time yet, and that's okay. If you are creative, makakahanap at makakahanap ka ng clients.
The Perks of this Part-Time Business
Saying "yes" to this variable income opportunity unlocked rewards that go beyond a regular paycheck:
- Global Travel Incentives: I already secured my travel incentive to Vietnam for next year!
- Quarterly Bonuses: Yes, hindi mo na kailangan maghintay ng Pasko para magka-bonus. In a variable income setup, your hard work translates directly into higher earnings.
- Performance-Based Retirement Plan: AIA offers a retirement program that is directly proportionate to the effort and sales you bring in. Sa negosyong ito, you dictate your future—the harder you work on your business today, the bigger the retirement fund you secure for yourself tomorrow.
- Premium Health Coverage: I have extensive medical coverage through MediCard (na pwedeng mag-cover up to age 99, unlike standard corporate HMO benefits).
- Exclusive Merchandise: Yung tipong pwede na ako mag-live selling ng AIA products sa dami ng nakuha ko! Haha.
Employee Discipline with a Business Mindset
Gusto kong i-share yung sinabi ng agency manager ko: "Kailangan mo ng employee discipline BUT with a business mindset when you enter this business."
Tulad ng kahit anong negosyo, kung wala ka talagang ginagawa at hindi mo bibigyan ng effort, walang mangyayari. But if you put in the work, the financial rewards are life-changing.
If you want to take control of your time, maximize a variable income, or just want a solid source of extra income, let's connect.
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