At a Crossroads - Could Use Some Help!!

In lieu of taking up space telling you about myself, you'll find more information by visiting www.mikewhitty.com.

As an author and trainer in the vehicle dealership industry, I have developed a lot of products and training over my 20 years. As I've gotten older (59 this year), I've dramatically downsized my operation and now work out of my home. My specialty is helping dealerships develop their internet departments to convert leads into sales. So I have been asked to be the Director of Internet Operations for a multi-dealer group. This is a great opportunity for me to build something from the ground up, and expand my expertise to their other stores.

Here is my dilemna. I now have 20 years of products and training sitting here, whereby the business could be expanded by other people. I'll still sell my products on the internet which I've been doing since 1995. But my question becomes, how to I get distributors, other training companies, or trainers who want to develop their training companies by selling my products? And where do I find them?

And when I find them, how do I setup distribution regarding purchasing, licensing, branding??, and more importantly, when they do come onboard, how can I be guaranteed that they'll sell anything at all? Many people out there don't have a very good work ethic. They can talk a good game, but when it comes down to actual production, they fall short.

Would they have to purchase so many upfront, or delivered when they sell something? Do I collect a upfront fee? Do they sign a contract? Can I put montly sales requirements? If they use my training programs, do I take a percentage, and how do I monitor that?

As you can see, this is a whole new, scary place for me. But it's something that I need to consider if I want to progress, especially since my income will be capped working for someone else.

I know someone will say I need to consider franchising, but that sounds scary to me also. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Hi Mike,

I'm not sure if this will be helpful, but I know Alex Nicholas at Applied Concepts Inc. (www.appliedconcepts.net). They provide car sales training and have been around for 27 years. Currently, the car sales training focuses on Phone-ups, but he may be looking to expand his offerings.