We were all hopeful that the record highs the direct selling channel experienced in 2020 and 2021 would continue its upward trajectory. But as we settle back into the normal rhythms of day-to-day life, we’re seeing that the macrotrends that were already in play before the pandemic are still inescapable.
With tax season quickly approaching, owners of direct selling businesses might be wondering what they should consider as they file for next year. Unfortunately, taxes are a necessary evil, but understanding the various accounting components available for your business and maximizing your deductions can make for a seamless and stress-free experience. Below are seven tax tips to consider for all direct selling businesses […]
With an industry-wide shift toward customer acquisition, partnering with distributors is more vital than ever before. There’s a marketing adage that states, Your brand is not who you say it is. It’s who they say it is. That mantra is well-worn because it’s true. The message and brand association is always in the hands of consumers, and in the case of direct selling, the distributors.
Tools. Listening. Cascading and High Leverage Activities. IN OUR PREVIOUS JANUARY COLUMN, we launched the concept of thinking strategically about everything in order to get the best results, which is what I do every day in working with top executives. In that article, we talked about gaining strategic clarity on the things that matter the […]
If, and when, to outsource your distribution, warehousing, and fulfillment services. The term third-party logistics or “3PL” has become antiquated as it conjures up a siloed client/vendor arrangement. Being partners foster more collaborative strategies, and can yield benefits for your business and your customers, over and above the pure play of outsourcing your supply chain. […]
Does your compensation plan reward the right behaviors? IF YOU’VE ever seen the 2011 film Moneyball, you can recall the premise: Billy Beane, general manager of the Oakland A’s (portrayed by actor Brad Pitt), sets out to rebuild his failing team. His strategy: turning to hard numbers to identify the diamonds in the rough who […]
What’s Working, What Isn’t and How Digital Is Changing The Game. BEFORE SMARTPHONES were in every pocket and tablets became as common as the personal computer, sharing the direct selling opportunity meant hosting an in-person event. Potential customers had to be local or willing to travel, and the main attraction was either a talking head […]
Retailers using a business model similar to Tupperware parties or Avon’s door-to-door selling are expected to see strong growth in the UK this year. According to a story in the Retail Gazette, an independently sourced news organization covering the UK’s diverse retail industry, the UK Direct Selling Association (DSA) said it expected to see strong growth within the […]
Powerful Marketing Tool or Compliance Nightmare? Personal websites are one of the most effective online marketing tools independent direct sellers use today. These websites, which are separate from company-provided replicated sites, allow direct sellers to build a personal brand and utilize their marketing and communications strengths to attract people to their business. Written content, as […]
One of the biggest ongoing challenges—for both direct selling companies and their Distributors—is effective, efficient sampling. When sending samples becomes complicated, costly or time-intensive, Distributors simply don’t do it. Distributors who don’t send product samples struggle to build a customer base; struggle to make money; and struggle to commit to the company. Right From The […]
Whether or not there’s such a thing as bad publicity has been a matter of various opinions for decades. There’s less disagreement, however, about whether a company facing negative press should respond to the media’s challenges. Media relations professionals to whom Direct Selling News posed the question “When do you meet criticism head on, and […]
AdvoCare International, L.P. has officially opened for business in Canada. The Plano, Texas-based health and wellness company launched its Canadian operations on September 5, bringing weight management and sports performance products and business opportunities to the Canadian market. “For over 25 years, AdvoCare Distributors have built champions across the United States with our incredible products […]