Hear from Jerry Leth, Director of Membership, how MANA can help you with starting an agency (click the play button to watch video).
Attend our FREE 45-minute online program and find out about:
Starting A Rep AgencyMANA recorded this webinar in 2007. While some of the numbers we reference have changed, the concepts we present on starting a rep agency still apply. |
Read our Starting a Rep Agency special report and learn what’s involved in running and operating your own manufacturers’ agent business so you can make an informed decision as to whether this is the correct career choice for you or not. |
“Pathway to Rep Success”Five years ago we created a program that helped over 600 start-ups get off on the right foot. The new enhanced program takes the existing program to a significantly higher level. |
There are just a few ways left to participate in the American Dream.
Becoming a manufacturers’ representative (we like to call them outsourced field sales professionals) is one of them.
Yes, you can open a small business with very little capital and retire in style in 15–20 years. But it’s not through buying real estate with “no money down” or similar get rich quick schemes.
Becoming a professional sales agency owner is hard work and requires that you have a healthy respect for, but not fear of, risk.
If you are qualified, and many who visit this page will be, due to 10-plus years of corporate business to business sales experience, you will want to explore this section of our MANA web site in detail and then give us a call for a free consultation. No, we won’t try to sell you a timeshare or a stake in an oil and gas drilling venture.
MANA is non-profit trade association of 3,000 professional sales companies that average six employees per firm. Since 1947, MANA has been the association of interdependent manufacturers and representatives dedicated to educating, protecting and promoting the multi-line, outsourced sales function — we think we do that very well.
Are you ready to start a manufacturers’ rep business? Try this quiz to find out.
“Pathway to Rep Success”
Program Details:
As a MANA member, when you register for the “Pathway to Rep Success” program, MANA assigns an experienced manufacturers’ rep member to be your mentor. The mentor conducts an hour-long interview with you. During the interview, the mentor:
- Learns about your background and experience
- Learns how far along you are in the start-up process
- Learns what areas you need help with
- Learns whatever else is pertinent about your rep business and goals
Based on the results of the interview, the mentor recommends MANA resources specific to your needs. These resources includes:
- Special reports and Agency Sales articles you read
- Recorded webinars you watch
- Teleforums or podcasts you listen to
You will be assigned to a group of 6 to 8 fellow reps.
The group meets via teleconference periodically to discuss relevant topics and exchange experiences. At the conclusion of the program, group members will be encouraged to continue meeting to exchange information and knowledge.
The 6-month “Pathway to Rep Success” focuses on these aspects of operating a manufacturers’ rep business:
- Business Planning
- Finding and Selecting the Right Principals
- Negotiating Agreements
- The Legal Agreement
- Developing Missionary or Pioneering Markets
- Marketing your Rep Firm to Principals
Those who complete the “Pathway to Rep Success” program receive a certificate. You can use this certificate to market your rep business to prospective principals.
Click here to download the registration form in Microsoft Word | $168 for the 6-month program (includes materials)
MANA membership required!
MANA offers a money-back guarantee on our “Pathway to Rep Success” program.