Don’t We All Have the Same Goal?
Word has spread quickly about directselling411.com! After just a few short days with our “doors” open to the public, the buzz is beginning. A quick Google search today uncovered a blog post...
View ArticleDebunking the 99.9% Myth – Again
The other day I read a blog post where someone had once again asserted that 99.9% of direct sellers lose money. It’s an eye-catching line and it’s memorable. It’s a line that’s often repeated by...
View ArticleWhat One MLM Critic Wants You To Know
A bit of delay on posting this as I was on my way to Phoenix (and early warning that comments submitted over the next week could be delayed as well), but the following comment was submitted Wednesday...
View ArticleReaffirming DSA’s Mission
I’ve mentioned several times that my goals on DirectSelling411.com include correcting misinformation about direct selling while also providing a forum for discussing topics relevant to direct selling....
View ArticleDirect Selling – Social Networking Far Before Web 2.0
I admit it – I frequently attend direct selling parties and demonstrations. Sometimes I call it “market research,” but I really do enjoy the opportunity to browse for new and interesting products, as...
View ArticleDSA Membership – What Does it Mean?
There are a lot of questions circulating on the Internet and blogosphere with regard to the recent complaint filed by the California Attorney General against YTB, a DSA member. You can read DSA’s...
View ArticleHow a Company Becomes a DSA Member
I’ve received several questions about the process used to review and approve companies for membership and I think it’s an important topic to explore so consumers can get a better understanding of what...
View ArticleIs Direct Selling Recession Resistant?
With unemployment reaching 5.7% in July, (up to 10.3% if you include those who are underemployed), many people are raising an age-old question in direct selling: is it counter-cyclical,...
View ArticleDreaming of a Less Stressful Holiday
It’s early September, and already the stores are full of Halloween decorations. Before we know it, we’ll be gathering for Thanksgiving and looking forward to Hanukah and Christmas. It’s just about this...
View ArticleReal Stories, Real Success
As baseball great Yogi Berra once said, “It’s déjà vu all over again.” This week I’ve seen several blog posts repeating the tired assertion that 99% of direct sellers lose money. One even referred to...
View ArticleDirect Selling Adds Extra Value
I came across an interesting blog post today from a freelance writer who has covered direct selling in the past. I respect her because she always asks really great questions when she interviews me and...
View ArticleGet Out of the Pessimistic Economic Tailspin
I came across a blog post today by a guy who had seen a recent article on the increasing popularity of direct selling. He was bemoaning the fact that the result would be more invitations to direct...
View ArticlePeople in Glass Houses
I came across an interesting blog post today by industry critic Robert FitzPatrick. On his blog he recounts the story of Lasdwun N. Luzes – a fanciful economist who is described as, among other things,...
View ArticleThe Future is Bright
Happy New Year! After a healthy winter break (went skiing – luckily no broken bones) I’m greeting the new year with a dose of optimism I hope will infect others so the economy can find the jump start...
View ArticleDirect Selling Contributes to the Community
I was recently involved in a situation where someone asserted that direct sellers aren’t relevant because they don’t contribute to the community. My first thought was that this person clearly doesn’t...
View ArticlePlease Refer Us to Your Family and Friends
I called my cell service provider today to cancel one of two lines that I had. I recently got a new phone and no longer needed a separate account for my PDA. I’m happy with the provider, I just didn’t...
View ArticleA Fly on the Wall
I love attending direct selling parties or demonstrations – not only for the fun and the shopping experience (I can be a bit of a shop-a-holic), but also because I think it’s important to continually...
View ArticleWal-Mart Cites Wellness and Home Products as Strong Performers
I saw an interesting segment on the TODAY Show this morning – an interview with Wal-Mart’s new CEO, Mike Duke. Among other things he talked about various product categories that are doing particularly...
View ArticleThe Collective Story of Direct Selling, Reaffirmed
I’m writing today from the national convention of one of DSA’s member companies. I came to speak to the group about the benefits this company’s DSA membership provides to its consultants. Each time I...
View ArticleNew Provisions Strengthen DSA Code of Ethics
Hello 411 readers! It was a busy summer and early fall as I continue to get many inquiries about direct selling in this poor economy from both media outlets and the general public. It’s also been very...
View ArticleTurning a Corner?
No doubt you’ve seen or read stories about the group of expert economists who recently declared that the Great Recession is officially over. I doubt it feels that way to many of you. The recession has...
View ArticleDirect Selling, Jobs and the Economy
September’s Jobs Report revealed unemployment reached its lowest level since 2009, showing signs of a strengthening economy. Though any hint of growth is great, increasing employment opportunities...
View ArticleDSA President Discusses Impact of Direct Selling
Direct Selling Association President Joe Mariano describes how direct sales embodies the American Dream. He discusses how nearly 16 million direct sellers today earn income through their independent...
View ArticleThe Competitive Advantages of Going Green
By now, the direct selling company through which you have launched your business has probably recognized the financial and operational advantages of “going green,” but, did you know that supporting the...
View ArticleA Changing Landscape
According to U.S. Census data, between the years 2000 and 2050, new immigrants and their children will account for 83 percent of the growth in the working-age population and, by 2050, there will be no...
View ArticleOnline Platforms Strengthen Role of Today’s Direct Seller
According to a recent report from Marketing Pilgrim, in the next five years, social media is expected to account for 57 percent of customer engagement. The idea that social media is replacing other...
View ArticleHelping Entrepreneurs Overcome Their Fears
I recently read an article on entrepreneur.com about the five biggest fears that prevent entrepreneurs from working toward their goals. Among the fears author Lewis Howes lists are that of seeking...
View ArticleBridging the Gender Gap
There’s no question that the U.S. direct selling salesforce is predominantly female—in fact, more than three-quarters of today’s distributors are women. But, did you know that this gender gap has...
View ArticleAn Avenue for Career Advancement
Gen Y is, without question, uniquely positioned to make a major impact on the marketplace within the decade. According to a recent report by global research association Conference Board, 64 million...
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