General Consultant Discussion

If you are looking for other ways to sharpen the saw and add new ideas in the mix, I have found SLA to be a really good value. Note: It has NOTHING to do with Sage so don't let feelings about Sage bias you. Attached is a write-up of my thoughts on it. PS. If this appeals to you, you should also sign up immediately for the special 90 Minds offering of Firm of the Future event that will be held at Summit. The ticket price is DIRT CHEAP for the value you will get. I've already been to it and I am attending again. I would love to see more of the 90 Mind-ers there. http://summitdiary.com/2013/04/11/the-top-reason-you-should-consider-joining-sage-leadership-association-today/

I would like to second Peter's recommendation for SLA and the value proposition they bring. CS3 is a founding member in SLAA, the originating organization are forever fans. I would also suggest the Information Technology Alliance for your consideration as well. The ITA is an organization founded on the principle that knowledge shared is knowledge increased. We are an organization comprised of value added resellers from across the entire community. We have members who carry products from Sage, Microsoft, IntAcct, SAP, NetSuite, Adaptive Planning, SugarCRM, and many others. This cross-market interaction gives you the opportunity to not only commune with fellow Sage partners but also gain insights into challenges and opportunities from the other side where you can get a better understanding of the quality of the grass over there before you leap that fence. Meetings are held at sites that offer opportunities to rest and relax or challenge your adventurous side; however the spirit may move you. If you have any questions or want additional information, don't hesitate to reach out and give me a call.

Not to mention the ITA golf outings. :)

@RobertWood my reputation proceeds me. Golf is my passion. That I get to share it with like-minded members of the ITA is an honor and privilege. Having said that, are you playing in St. Pete with us?

Unfortunately I'm not making it to the Sprig Collaborative.

I'm sold on this, but since the annual dues are through August 31, 2013 and there do not appear to be any retreats between now and then, what is the value of paying $500 now only to pay it again starting September? The website didn't mention any proration. Not that this is a big investment, but it seems like I would wait until the new association year. As for the ITA, I find the $4,000 initial fee to be steep and am not certain of the value when we can join something like SLA for $500.

I think Christine Kless is running it. You could contact her directly.

The link to the Firm of the Future poll. If you're interested, email @JeffSchwenk . https://90minds-com.socialcast.com/messages/15750526?ref=group

@JohnHoyt - I communicated the concern to Christine Kless. Any SLA dues paid now would be for the next year as the events are all finished for this period. Plus dues will be rising to $750 next year so if you act now, you save $250. That's a pretty significant savings.

@PeterWolf Thanks for that!