Direct Selling Entrepreneur Certificate Program

I am a Consultant for a direct selling company. I sell scrapbooking supplies, both traditional and digital as well as perform related services.  Recently, I have become concerned about how the direct selling industry (also referred to as network marketing or multi-level marketing-MLM) is perceived, in general. You see, I believe it is a tremendous opportunity – not a get-rich scheme – but a viable business opportunity for those willing to put in the time and effort. However, I’ve experienced that “look” from people who have had bad experiences with other direct sellers or have pre-conceived notions about the industry based on some “bad seeds.”

What I have seen is that, while it is a tremendous opportunity and most good companies provide good training on selling the products and other opportunities, general business and marketing skills are not necessarily addressed.

Enter the Direct Selling Educational Foundation. I just became aware via Jen Fong, of this pilot program that’s free for direct sellers in the US. The DSEF has partnered with the National Association of Community College Entrepreneurship to offer a curriculum through local community colleges where direct sellers can earn business skills, and earn a Direct Selling Certificate.

If you are in direct sales or know someone who is, pass this on. It sounds like a tremendous opportunity for people in or near: Worcester, MA; Auburn, NY; or Rosemount, MN. If you end up taking them up on it, I’d love to hear about it.