The Green Sheet Online Edition
January 22, 2018 • Issue 18:01:02
Readers Speak
Where can I get training?
I have good sales skills and want to give merchant services a try. But I know that the industry is complex and I need training. What's the best way to get it?
Jasper Wright, Las Vegas
Jasper,
You are right. The quality of training can make or break a merchant level salesperson's (MLS's) career. There are no MLS or ISO licensing requirements imposed by local, state or federal governments, and thus no schools formed to help hopeful payment professionals become established, but a number of resources are available to motivated sales reps. Here are several possibilities:
- Rely on your ISO: ISOs often provide initial and ongoing training for their MLS partners. For many, this is the best way to get a solid start in the industry. However, all training efforts are not equal. It's important to thoroughly research ISOs you're interested in working with. Interview the individuals who would be training you, as well as reps who are working with the ISOs now, and find out what kind of reputation each company has.
- Make use of trade associations: The U.S. regional acquirers associations, as well as the Electronic Transactions Association, hold annual tradeshows geared toward educating professionals on all aspects of the industry, as well as providing networking opportunities. The ETA also offers classes through ETA University and the comprehensive Certified Payments Professional program.
- Read, read, read: Through the years, industry veterans have written about what constitutes good training, as well as how to choose the right partners. To get started, search for "training" and similar words or phrases using the search engine on our home page, www.greensheet.com.
- Contact trainers and consultants: Some industry experts are dedicated to training payment professionals. They stay abreast of what is required to succeed in our changing industry. Join the MLS Forum via our home page, and ask members who currently specializes in training.
What's your take on training?
Were you satisfied with the training you received when you entered the industry? Why or why not? Tell us about your best and worst training experiences at greensheet@greensheet.com. And if you have news, please send a press release to press@greensheet.com. 
The Green Sheet Inc. is now a proud affiliate of Bankcard Life, a premier community that provides industry-leading training and resources for payment professionals. Click here for more information.
Notice to readers: These are archived articles. Contact names or information may be out of date. We regret any inconvenience.
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