The Symposium Group

An excellent information resource provided by a semi-annual symposium in Salt Lake City.  Not a "vendor-fest", this symposium is packed with training topics for new startup companies, executives new to direct selling / network marketing, and entrepreneurs contemplating launching a company into this unique market.  Inexpensively priced at $195 per attendee.  Includes meals.

Click here for details and schedule.  Next Symposium is scheduled for April 27-28, '09

Consultants

LaunchSmart:  Dave Taylor & Terrel Transtrum (ServiceQuest):  they provide outstanding assistance for new startup companies from business plan development, concept validation, selling approach development, etc.  If you are a new startup, you have to check them out.

A-1 Source / Jerry & Daryl Johnson - specialize in working with sales leaders & field training

Eagle Cap Consulting / Bob Hipple - focuses on field training, executive training, recruiting training, leadership training, public speaking

Results Oriented Innovation / Denise Needham - focuses on field training, online training systems, sales development, leader coaching

Pat Pearson - a psychologist who specializes in the direct selling industry.  Works with many top leaders and does corporate executive training in the psychology of direct selling.  There are psychological cycles your new recruits will all experience.  Pat teaches how you can help them through the cycles and stay happily engaged in your business opportunity.  Pat is a very sought-after industry speaker and trainer.  Her web site has several books she has published on direct selling as well as audio CD's.  (Note: I subscribe to her monthly audio program and find I learn something valuable with each CD).

Hispanic Market Strategy Group:   Beatriz Aguirre-Gutai and Melba Rios are experts in the Hispanic market and can help you develop an effective strategy to tap into this very significant segment.

Miscellaneous

DSA Suppliers List - a comprehensive list of supplier members who, in many cases, specialize in the direct selling industry

DSA Members List - a complete list of other companies who belong to the DSA

ProPay - A full service / full featured payment network service for companies and their sales force

Attorneys Who Specialize in Direct Selling

Grimes & Reese:  www.mlmlaw.com

Jeffrey Babener:  www.babener.com

Gerry Nehra:  www.mlmatty.com

Kevin Thompson:  www.theadvocategroup.net

Industry Associations

Direct Selling Association  (DSA membership application) (Membership Benefits)

Direct Selling Women's Alliance

MLM Symposium Group (twice a year training events)

Multi-Level Marking International Association