Critical information that MANA-member independent manufacturers’ representatives need in order to run their businesses successfully is there for the taking. All it requires is membership in the premier association for reps. A number of the products and services that are available to all members have already been mentioned in this issue of Agency Sales magazine — but there’s still more.

Consider for a moment the variety of products and services that members have at their fingertips:

• Business Telephone Counseling

Members can discuss rep-related business issues with MANA staff simply by calling the association’s toll-free number (877-626-2776), and asking for Jerry Leth, Vice President and General Manager, or Doug Bower, Director of Strategic Alliances. There is no charge for this service for MANA members.

• Legal Telephone Counseling

MANA membership includes an annual one-hour, no-charge call to a MANA-member attorney. All a member has to do is download the attorney list from the member area of the website (www.manaonline.org), and then make the call.

• Agency Sales Magazine

As another benefit of membership, the association’s monthly publication is delivered to members. Another way to access the publication is in the online version in the member area of the website.

• MANA iToolbox e-Newsletter

Each month the iToolbox electronic newsletter highlights current issues and events. MANA e-mails the iToolbox to members. Just remember to check your e-mail inbox. Previous issues may be accessed in the member area of the MANA website.

• Special Reports and Publications

Download (mostly free) special reports from the member area of the website that cover a wide variety of topics about the manufacturers’ rep business.

• Webinars and Teleforums

Webinars and teleforum recordings may be found in the member area of the website. Register and listen to the monthly teleforums at no charge. It’s here that members gain information, knowledge and wisdom about the rep profession from recorded presentations.

• Agreement Guidelines

MANA provides manuals and guidelines for rep/principal, rep/sub-rep, employee of rep and international contracts. These free documents may be downloaded from the member area of the website.

• “Pathway to Rep Success” Program

Under the guidance of an experienced mentor, start-up manufacturers’ reps and other reps can learn the most productive and effective ways to operate a manufacturers’ rep business so it grows and becomes profitable. Check the MANA website or read the article that appeared in the March 2012 issue of Agency Sales for details and for the registration form.

• Sales Training for Rep Agency Owners and Employees

MANA negotiated a substantial discount for MANA members with the Sandler Institute so reps can learn how to sell effectively and save money at the same time. Check the MANA website for dates, location and cost.

• Seminars to Educate your Principals

If you have a principal with great potential but who lacks knowledge and experience in working with reps, send them to a MANA manufacturer seminar where they learn the effective way to work with you. Read the article that appeared in the October 2012 issue of Agency Sales magazine and check the MANA website for dates, location and cost.

• Commission Protection Acts

Access the state statutes that protect reps from principals who stop paying commissions when due. Simply download your state’s commission protection act from the member area of the website.

• MANA Online LineFinder — Where Reps Go To Find New Principals

MANA manufacturers’ reps use the online LineFinder to locate principals (manufacturers or service providers) to represent. All the MANA principal members appear in the LineFinder. Access the LineFinder in the member area of the website.

• MANA Online RepFinder — Where Manufacturers Go To Find New Reps

MANA principals use the online RepFinder to identify manufacturers’ reps to sell their products and services. All MANA agent members are listed in the RepFinder. MANA lists your rep agency in the RepFinder when you join (opt-out is available).

• MANA Classified Ad Program

Agency Sales classified ads are used to find principals (manufacturers or service providers). MANA members receive a 20 percent discount on classified ads.

• Networking

Meet fellow MANA members online (via a LinkedIn group) to share information, knowledge and wisdom about rep business best practices.

• Hotel Discounts

MANA members receive 20 to 40 percent off select hotels Lowest Published Rate in order to save money when traveling. Simply check the member area of the website to learn how to register with CheckINN card by CLC Lodging.

• Insurance Programs

MANA offers discounts on term life insurance and disability insurance. The discounted insurance is available to MANA members by calling Affinity Insurance Services, Inc., contact information is available in the member area of the website.

• Promotion of the Rep Way of Doing Business to Manufacturers

MANA promotes the professional rep way of doing business to manufacturers and service providers. Some of the member dues support efforts by MANA to get the word out about the benefits of using professional reps. The association has sponsored programs all over North America, India, China, South Korea and Germany in the past few years.

• Representing Members at the State and National Political Levels

Keep up to date on legislation that affects small businesses. MANA is a founding member of the Small Business Legislative Council (SBLC) that publishes a weekly newsletter when congress is in session. The weekly newsletter informs MANA members about congressional issues that affect small businesses.