How the accreditation program works, who will want to become accreditated, and how to become accredited

Listen to Tim Hawthorne's video interview with ERA's Sigi Friedman for more information.

Sigi Friedman: It all began from a Board directive to raise credibility and we found that accreditation programs, across the board, do that.  And what we did was we got together a group of subject matter experts working in our field, and they worked hard on first steps to develop an examination--which they did over three long days, and we very much appreciate that.  And these experts now make up the advisory council of the accreditation program.  The accreditation program, while overseen by the Board of Directors, is independent so that it retains certain ability to choose speakers and material for our members. The target of this is all ERA members and non-members who seek a well-rounded and full understanding of the direct-to-consumer industry.  The benefits of being accredited are many, indeed.  For the individual there would be increased confidence from consumers, as well as increased leads, sales and revenue per customer.  Also there is increased customer retention and satisfaction, and this certainly is proved by study after study.  For the individual, there is an increased income potential and improved performance.  And the company also benefits from decreased employee turnover and increased loyalty.  Indeed, should 25 percent of a company’s decision-makers become accredited, the company itself will receive a certified designation