From the Publisher - Direct Selling News

For Women. By Women. Celebrating Women.

Patricia White — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 17:36:00 +0000

I hope the start of 2023 has allowed everyone to make headway on their new initiatives and ideas. I can say that’s definitely true for those of us here at DSN—I am as excited about this issue as any we have ever done. We wanted to do something in honor of International Women’s Day happening this month, and that initial idea has grown and inspired us to do some of our best work in years.

In this expanded issue, you will meet 35 women—leading ladies if you will—who are shaping the channel’s present and future. We will also reacquaint you with some of the incredible women who built this channel’s success through hard work, innovation, grit and tenacity.

At some point, while we were putting this groundbreaking issue together, we looked around and realized that it isn’t just the channel that relies on the forward-thinking and imagination of women—DSN does too! From our leadership, the digital team, events, sales, print publication, podcasts and more—DSN is fiercely female (with a few good men in the mix)! Our small but mighty team, pictured here, is known internally as Team Awesome, and it’s a name they live up to daily.

I hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together. One of the most inspiring things about direct selling to me has always been the enormous opportunity it represents for women looking to build a vibrant, viable career on their own terms, in their own time and in whatever way works best for them. This issue is proof that the channel continues to live up to that promise.

DSN remains your daily resource for global news impacting the direct selling channel. Sign up for the weekly dashboard email which delivers a week’s worth of news in a quick 15-minute read each Sunday. You can also sign up for free VIP Text Alerts, where you’ll always get the channel’s top stories first and fast.

And we invite you to attend the Spring in-person events in April. The Annual Global Celebration & Awards is on April 18, and DSU April 19 and 20, in Frisco, Texas. Register and learn more at DSU2023.com.

We always strive to bring you the news and information you need. We’d love to hear about the stories and trends you would like to see us cover. Please share your thoughts at pwhite@directsellingnews.com.

All the best,

Patricia White | Publisher

From the March 2023 issue of Direct Selling News magazine.

The post For Women. By Women. Celebrating Women. first appeared on Direct Selling News.

New year. New voices. New ideas.

Patricia White — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 17:22:00 +0000

Welcome to 2023! One of my resolutions this year is to continue DSN’s mission of bringing you the news, trends and solutions you need to always stay informed and one step ahead. I hope you find this issue to be a great example of that!

We’ve expanded this edition into a Jan/Feb combination, so that we could bring you more coverage surrounding this month’s theme: the challenges and opportunities facing the channel. Last month we took a look back at 2022 and offered some predictions about what we think will be shaping the channel in the year to come. This month, we take the next step, bringing you new perspectives and wisdom from four executives at four companies we feel are finding big wins in a tough business environment. Read about and be inspired by AdvoCare, FASTer Way to Fat Loss, PM-International and newcomer to the channel Qyral.

This month also marks the debut of a new feature in each issue of DSN called The Guide. In it, we provide a curated essential reference list of vendors and suppliers servicing the direct selling industry. Look for The Guide in each issue to find the perfect partner for all your new initiatives.

In this issue, we have reached out to experts to bring insights to you and your companies. Many people look to update their résumé or look for their next career move at the beginning of the year; our feature, The Top Skills Every Direct Selling Executive Needs, offers great advice from recruiters on how to best market yourself for today’s direct selling landscape. Learn from DSN Legend John Fleming, on Leveraging the Gig Economy. We also have insights from the relevant and revelatory Paul Adams on keeping your field motivated and successful in Fighting Field Fatigue. There is an amazing company feature on Nu Skin—a company known for its innovation, perseverance and forward-thinking culture.

All the best,

Patricia White | Publisher

From the January/February 2023 issue of Direct Selling News magazine.

The post New year. New voices. New ideas. first appeared on Direct Selling News.

The Year in Review. The Year Ahead.

Patricia White — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 17:14:00 +0000

2022 was another topsy-turvy year for the channel as we tried to find a new normal in a post-pandemic world. In this month’s cover story, we take a look back at what shaped 2022. And—more importantly—we discuss the stories and trends we think the industry will be focused on in 2023 and beyond. It’s a can’t-miss look back and look ahead every executive must read. I hope you enjoy it!

We also provide a comprehensive recap of our Fall Direct Selling University, held in October, in this issue. We are so grateful for the positive feedback we’ve received! The energy in the room was palpable; so many first-time speakers were on hand to share new stories and perspectives. We are already planning the Spring 2023 DSU!

The end of the year is a great time to reflect on the teams you’ve assembled and how to help them achieve at their maximum potential. With that in mind, we asked renowned leadership expert Tony Jeary to share his thoughts on how to create and maintain High-Performing Teams.

Don’t miss the excerpt from this month’s Iconic Insights podcast where our host Heather Chastain interviews LimeLife by Alcone Co-Founder & Chairwoman Michele Gay. Michele was our highest rated speaker at DSU—to say she electrified the room is an understatement! I know you will find key takeaways on female financial freedom and the future of direct selling in this month’s excerpt.

There are also articles highlighting industry titans SeneGence and Young Living—two other companies founded and led by dynamic, powerful women!

DSN remains your daily resource for global news impacting the direct selling channel. If you haven’t yet, make sure to sign up for the weekly dashboard email which delivers a week’s worth of news in a quick 15-minute read each Sunday. You can also sign up for free text alerts by becoming a member of our VIP Community where you’ll always get the channel’s top stories first and fast.

All of us at DSN remain incredibly energized by the recent DSU event—the knowledge and insights shared leave us inspired and motivated to share the trends, companies and stories shaping the channel. We invite you to register for our Spring 2023 events, happening April 18-20 in Frisco, Texas. This event will be in-person only—so make sure to plan now to join us!

All the best,

Patricia White | Publisher

From the December 2022 issue of Direct Selling News magazine.

The post The Year in Review. The Year Ahead. first appeared on Direct Selling News.

The eCommerce Elephant in the Room

Patricia White — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 18:03:05 +0000

I don’t know about you, but I find myself on Amazon almost every day. It has become my default site for whatever last-minute item I’m looking for. It’s quick, it’s simple, it’s comprehensive and it’s reliable. And it’s also a huge challenge for direct selling companies around the globe.

How do you protect your brand, the interests of your field and your pricing structure on this eCommerce Goliath? We asked Blake Mallen, President of Prüvit, to give us his thoughts on cracking the Amazon code. I know you will find many tangible tips and ideas you can apply to your business in this month’s cover story. We also spoke with several other companies of different sizes and with different strategies to help paint a complete picture.

This month, we also asked renowned direct selling consultant Paul Adams to identify ways the channel can differentiate itself from other eCommerce platforms. Here’s a hint: it all centers on personal relationships and customer service!

Finally, we take a deep dive into the recent setback the FTC faced in their litigation against FES. We know the current regulatory environment is a point of concern for every executive in the channel. We are monitoring the situation closely as the story evolves.

Don’t miss the excerpt from this month’s Iconic Insights podcast where our host Heather Chastain interviews motivational speaker and classically trained musician Jade Simmons. There are also articles highlighting Amway and Green Compass. I know you will enjoy the perspective and insights of both leadership teams.

DSN remains your daily resource for global news impacting the direct selling channel. If you haven’t yet, make sure to sign up for the weekly dashboard email which delivers a week’s worth of news in a quick 15-minute read each Sunday. You can also sign up for free text alerts by becoming a member of our VIP Text Alert notifications where you’ll always get the channel’s top stories first and fast.

I would like to personally thank all of you that attended Direct Selling University last month whether virtually or in person. The event was a tremendous success—full of the kind of insights and community only DSU can provide. Make sure to save the date for our Spring 2023 event, happening April 18-20 in Frisco, Texas.

We always strive to bring you the news and information you need. We’d love to hear about the stories and trends you would like to see us cover.

Please share your thoughts at pwhite@directsellingnews.com.

All the best,

Patricia White | Publisher

From the November 2022 issue of Direct Selling News magazine.

The post The eCommerce Elephant in the Room first appeared on Direct Selling News.

Powerful products, important issues

Patricia White — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 18:45:00 +0000

Who says you can’t come home again? I’m so glad to be back at Direct Selling News—I have missed the passion, energy and enthusiasm for the channel that the entire staff possesses. And I’m excited to be a part of this publication’s ongoing renaissance. I look forward to bringing you even more in-depth stories and research each issue, as we take an honest and celebratory look at the channel and the internal and external factors shaping it.

As a channel we continue to focus more on products—developing the cutting-edge health, wellness and beauty products that consumers crave with the kind of personalized customer service that only happens in direct selling. In this month’s cover story, we look at the hot product categories that are enjoying rapid growth and increased customer interest now—and next.

To commute or not to commute seems to be the biggest challenge many businesses inside and outside the channel are facing. We tackle the pros and cons of coming back into the office this month, covering everything from the impact on culture and morale to employee efficiency and engagement issues.

Don’t miss the excerpt from this month’s Iconic Insights podcast where our host Heather Chastain interviews the always insightful Tony Jeary. There are also articles highlighting USANA, Vorwerk and InCruises/InGroup: three companies shaping the channel in very different, but equally profound ways.

When this issue hits mailboxes, we will be right in the middle of our Fall Direct Selling University executive education event. This is our second DSU of the year, and we happen to think it has the most diverse group of speakers and panels we’ve ever put together.

We always strive to bring you the news and information you need. We’d love to hear about the stories and trends you would like to see us cover.

Please share your thoughts at pwhite@directsellingnews.com.

All the best,

Patricia White | Publisher

From the October 2022 issue of Direct Selling News magazine.

The post Powerful products, important issues first appeared on Direct Selling News.

Good News from around the Globe

Shelley Rojas — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 18:32:00 +0000

Every year we take a long, thorough look at the state of the channel around the globe in our Billion Dollar Markets issue. We always look forward to this issue because there are so many encouraging stories for direct selling happening around the world.

I hope you enjoy this data-driven, in-depth article covering the current state of the channel in The Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe. While some markets are down or stagnant, others are experiencing positive signs of growth despite the difficult global economic situation and lingering supply chain issues.

Tony Jeary contributes an article full of practical advice on becoming a more inspirational leader in all facets of your life this month.

Don’t miss the excerpt from this month’s Iconic Insights podcast where our host Heather Chastain interviews the incomparable Les Brown. We also explore two companies in this issue—4Life and pawTree. And you don’t want to miss our take on single-level distribution models and how they are changing the way direct sellers do business.

DSN remains your daily resource for global news impacting the direct selling channel. If you haven’t yet, we invite you to sign up for the weekly dashboard email which delivers a week’s worth of news in a quick 15-minute read each Sunday. You can also sign up for free text alerts by becoming a member of our VIP Community where you’ll always get the channel’s top stories first and fast.

We also invite you to register for the upcoming Fall DSU Event. Our second DSU of the year will be back with both in-person and virtual options available free of charge October 6 and 7, 2022 in Irving, Texas. Register and see a list of speakers at dsu2022.com.

All the best,

Shelley Rojas | Publisher & Chief Brand Officer

From the September 2022 issue of Direct Selling News magazine.

The post Good News from around the Globe first appeared on Direct Selling News.

Success Stories that Inspire

Shelley Rojas — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 18:23:00 +0000

We’ve all seen it countless times, inside (and outside) the channel—companies that take off like a rocket ship but then struggle to maintain that momentum, unprepared and indecisive when faced with the realities of rapid growth. But then there are the companies that take off like a rocket ship and then figure out how to maintain a respectable cruising altitude. They face challenges and obstacles to be sure, but they set an ambitious trajectory to success and stay right on course.

Direct selling has several of these up and comers right now—young companies with solid leadership, innovative products and serious momentum. We explore their stories in this month’s cover story. We also get practical tips on surviving and thriving in hyper growth by one of the channel’s most inspiring young Founder/CEOs, Jesse McKinney of Red Aspen, plus insights on the importance of corporate culture for young companies from renowned industry expert Paul Adams.

We’ve also included an excerpt from this month’s Iconic Insights podcast where our host Heather Chastain interviews the always entertaining Rita Davenport. As well as a spotlight on Market America and a look at how DTC referral programs provide a blueprint for direct selling success.

We invite you to make plans to join us in October for the Fall DSU executive educational event. Our second DSU of the year will be back with both in-person and virtual options available free of charge October 6 and 7, 2022 in Irving, Texas. You can register now at dsu2022.com.

We also just had our first-ever DSN members-only workshop with Jason Dorsey in July. It was the kind of unique, limited-access event our member companies can utilize to grow forward. I invite you to consider becoming a member of DSN. Read about the benefits and find out more information.

All the best,

Shelley Rojas | Publisher & Chief Brand Officer

From the August 2022 issue of Direct Selling News magazine.

The post Success Stories that Inspire first appeared on Direct Selling News.

Leading the Way

Shelley Rojas — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 18:17:00 +0000

In these challenging times, when so many companies are understaffed and overburdened, I know many of the executives in the channel are hyper focused on leadership. It’s important that each of us dig deep for ways to help our teams, both internal and in the field. The saying “we are in the people business” has never carried more meaning than it does today. The world has changed, and what people need and want has changed. Our leadership styles must evolve and adapt to provide people what they need to feel appreciated, encouraged and successful in today’s environment.

With that in mind, we dedicated this issue to leadership. Each of the articles this month offers insights and strategies into how executives are answering the call for new and innovative ways to inspire and evolve the channel. We’ve got all bases covered—from a deep dive into the evolving role of the Founder/CEO, to a primer on the leadership blind spots you may not be aware of, to some quick, easily actionable strategies to better the communication style of your team—you’ll find it all in this month’s DSN.

We’ve also included an excerpt from this month’s Iconic Insights podcast where our host Heather Chastain interviews the always insightful and entertaining Jason Dorsey. If you are looking for ways to best connect with Gen Z, Jason is an expert like no other!

DSN is your daily resource for global news impacting the direct selling channel. If you haven’t yet, make sure to sign up for the weekly dashboard email which delivers a week’s worth of news in a quick 15-minute read each Sunday. You can also sign up for free text alerts by becoming a member of our VIP Community where you’ll always get the top stories first and fast.

I’m excited to share that the DSU executive educational event will be back this fall with both in-person and virtual options available free of charge. I hope you can join us October 6-7, 2022 in Irving, Texas—register now at dsu2022.com.

All the best,

Shelley Rojas | Publisher & Chief Brand Officer

From the July 2022 issue of Direct Selling News magazine.

The post Leading the Way first appeared on Direct Selling News.

Our Biggest Issue of the Year!

Shelley Rojas — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 14:43:00 +0000

Summer is upon us! As my oldest son recently graduated from high school, I can’t help but think about all the milestones and memories the last 18 years have held. And all the exciting changes that are on the horizon.

In many ways, I feel the same way about the direct selling industry. This issue is our biggest of the year—and that’s because it’s our chance to recap everything we have learned and shared at the spring Direct Selling University and the annual DSN Global Celebration events. Now is the time where we can celebrate everything the channel and its top companies have accomplished over the past year. And it’s the perfect moment to take a glance at the potential of a bright and prosperous future, too.

This issue is packed with recaps of Direct Selling University, the DSN Global Celebration, insights, trends and analysis of our annual Global 100 List as well as snapshot portraits of all 58 companies on it. We share in-depth coverage of all the Bravo Award recipients as well. We think there is a lot to celebrate in the channel right now—and many optimistic signs for continued growth in 2022 and beyond—this issue is full of all the reasons why!

Make sure to check out this month’s Company Spotlight on Le-Vel. They are marking a milestone this year—their 10th anniversary. This article takes a candid look back at where they’ve been and shines a light on their exciting next steps.

We’ve also included an excerpt from this month’s Iconic Insights podcast where our host Heather Chastain interviews the incredible Suze Orman, who delivers several powerful insights into not only how to best plan your financial future, but how to help your field do the same. Make sure to check out the full episode as well as the rest of our podcasts at directsellingnews.com or wherever you find your favorite podcasts!

At DSN, we always want to be your daily resource for global news impacting the direct selling channel. If you haven’t yet, make sure to sign up for our free resources, like the weekly dashboard email which delivers a week’s worth of news in a quick 15-minute read each Sunday. You can also sign up for free text alerts by becoming a member of our VIP Community where you’ll always get the top stories first and fast.

Direct Selling University and the DSN Global Celebration were both amazing events. Thank you to everyone who attended both in person and virtually. We’re already planning our next hybrid DSU event to be held this fall—we hope to see you there!

All the best,

Shelley Rojas | Publisher & Chief Brand Officer

From the June 2022 issue of Direct Selling News magazine.

The post Our Biggest Issue of the Year! first appeared on Direct Selling News.

Direct Selling’s Products Take Center Stage

Shelley Rojas — Mon, 30 May 2022 16:13:00 +0000

It’s been quite a month for the Direct Selling News team. As this issue goes to print, we have just hosted so many of you both online and in person at the 13th Annual DSN Global Celebration and Direct Selling University events. It was an amazing week of fellowship, education, recognition and fun. We’ll give you an in-depth recap in next month’s issue, but for now I can only say that I am excited for the future of the channel and inspired by those of you who lead it!

This month’s cover story celebrates some of the channel’s “top shelf” products. Consumer-driven crave-worthy products haven’t always been something people associate with our channel, but thankfully that is changing. Several direct selling companies are creating products that are competing (and often winning) the battle for market share against traditional retail companies. We take a look at who, how and why the shift is taking place.

Paul Adams contributes a thoughtful piece this month on how to align your vision, mission and values (and the importance of each), and DSN Founder and CEO Stuart Johnson shares his insights on companies inside and outside the channel with impactful omnichannel approaches.

There are two can’t-miss company spotlights in this issue as well. It Works! reflects on the past two decades and looks to their future. And LimeLife by Alcone, in business since 2015, shares their new, disruptive approach to compensation plans and incentives.

We’ve also included an excerpt from this month’s Iconic Insights podcast where our host Heather Chastain interviews the always charming and inspiring Kindra Hall on the power of storytelling—especially the stories we tell ourselves. Make sure to check out the full episode as well as the rest of our podcasts at directsellingnews.com or wherever you find your favorite podcasts!

At DSN, we always want to be your daily resource for global news impacting the direct selling channel. If you haven’t yet, make sure to sign up for the weekly dashboard email which delivers a week’s worth of news in a quick 15-minute read each Sunday. You can also sign up for free text alerts by becoming a member of our VIP Community where you’ll always get our top stories first and fast.

It was a pleasure and privilege to see so many of you in person at Direct Selling University and the DSN Global Celebration. There is absolutely no substitute for the synergy, connection and momentum that happens when this group gathers in person. And thank you to the thousands that joined us around the world to watch virtually. We’re already planning our next hybrid DSU event—we can’t wait to do it all again this fall. Stay tuned!

All the best,

Shelley Rojas | Publisher & Chief Brand Officer

From the May 2022 issue of Direct Selling News magazine.

The post Direct Selling’s Products Take Center Stage first appeared on Direct Selling News.