Having just completed the third of several Green Sheet seminars planned for early 1998, I am blown away by the energy that filled these rooms and the excitement of the people who attended. While it is true that the subject matter and direction of this nine-hour event is strongly influenced by requests from new ISOs and those who are new to the industry, the conference attendance has been an equal percentage of new players and experienced old timers.
When one considers the marketplace for 1998 and beyond, it is really not that difficult (if you have been an ISO who has been in the business for a decade or so) to realize a lot of competition exists today. Banks are back in the bankcard acceptance business in a very serious way; they are reacting aggressively to the loss of customers and the fact that residual incomes are more difficult to maintain than every before. While these deterrents are real, it is also true that many new doors are opening.
This new direction is the subject of The Green Sheet, Inc.'s "Creating Wealth as an ISO" seminar, and it began with the creation of the seminar itself. Imagine creating a low-cost event and taking it to seven cities in a four-month period, so that it can reach as large a number of ISOs as possible. Previously, finances and isolation have been impediments to ISOs' voices being heard, leaving them feeling disenfranchised from much of what is happening in the industry.
This dilemma lead to the second element of the seminarsóto create a healthy discourse among the attendees. This is facilitated by bringing together opposing views and products, and by scheduling as much content as possible into this one day, including a working lunch and endless discussions after the event. In addition, there is a very aggressive Q & A process throughout.
"This was one of the best run and most useful one-day meetings I have ever attended. Major league good job!"
"The Green Sheet did a great job in putting this together. The industry needs organizations like this."
"The program content was extremely valuable."
"The presentation manual is fantastic!"
"Great presentation, learned a lot. Hope to come back next year."
"I see your seminar as one of the most beneficial vehicles offered to the ISOs, Merchant Banks, etc., I have ever witnessed. . .This seminar is a wonderful tool. I see that you are bringing a cohesiveness to this business that has never been accomplished."
We will be experimenting with the format and the speakers throughout this series to try and push the barriers for what will work and what can be done better. As a whole, I find the direction for bankcards, debit, smart cards, and checks a filling meal. Add to that announcements of new POS equipment direction and players, as well as Internet commerce and a number of selling opportunities and niche marketing ideas, and you have the icing on the cake.
Attending "Creating Wealth as an ISO" may be just the thing you need to jump-start your enthusiasm about our industry or perhaps you can motivate someone else. In any event, I hope to see you in one of the upcoming cities.
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Chicago, IL |
March 5 |
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San Francisco, CA |
April 30 |
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Orlando, FL |
May 14 |
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Dallas, TX |
May 28 |
To register for any of our upcoming seminars call The Green Sheet, Inc., at 800-757-4441.
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