Ep 65: Building Thriving Communities

Get ready for an episode like no other! Join host Wayne Moorehead and industry experts Paul Adams, Heather Chastain, and Brett Duncan as they dive deep into the secrets of success in building thriving communities, challenges that legacy companies must navigate, the best opportunities for growth and expansion, the magic of simplification and much more. Plus, they share their top takeaways from the recent Fall DSU Event, including the significance of the Neora Win.  

With decades of experience working in various roles within direct selling companies and as consultants, their unique expertise provides valuable insights into the industry’s current state and future prospects.

About Paul Adams

Paul Adams, owner of Adams Resource Group, brings over 30 years of experience in the direct selling industry to the table. With a deep understanding of the channel, Paul has worked with hundreds of companies, witnessing the industry’s evolution and transformation firsthand. After leaving a successful corporate role, Paul started his own consulting business, specializing in the strategic side of direct selling. His expertise extends beyond marketing, as he has delved into various areas of business and has been able to apply his learnings to help direct selling companies thrive. Paul’s vast knowledge and experience make him a valuable asset to the industry, and his insights will provide valuable perspectives on the trends and dynamics shaping the direct selling landscape.

About Heather Chastain

Heather Chastain, founder of Bridgehead Collective, is a seasoned professional with 28 years of experience in the direct selling industry. Having worked in various roles within the home office of different companies, Heather has gained a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Recognizing the need for a shift in the industry, she started Bridgehead Collective with the aim of helping companies navigate the changing landscape and make pivotal choices. Heather’s passion lies in helping companies see the bigger picture and embrace data-driven solutions. Her conversations with industry leaders and her own experiences have shaped her belief that companies must adapt and pivot to stay ahead of the curve. With her deep understanding of the industry and her commitment to driving positive change, Heather is a valuable voice in the direct selling community.

About Brett Duncan

Brett Duncan, Co-Founder and Managing Principal at Strategic Choice Partners, specializes in helping direct selling companies evolve into modern social selling models while still maintaining the culture and essence of who they are and what makes them different. He is co-founder and managing partner of Strategic Choice Partners, a business development firm that helps direct selling companies take their next steps. From marketing services to compensation plan design to operations and distribution support, Strategic Choice Partners is a frequently sought-out partner within direct selling.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:01:33 – Macro Changes in Direct Selling

00:07:28 – Highlights from DSU Event

00:09:12 – Importance of Hispanic Market and Simplicity

00:13:26 – The Curse of Knowledge

00:14:14 – Simplifying the Customer Experience

00:15:49 – Collaboration and Adaptation

00:26:56 – Challenges of Legacy Companies

00:28:28 – Shifting Attitudes and Future Success

00:36:11 – Rethinking Success in Direct Selling

00:40:41 – The Importance of Genuine Connection

00:44:16 – Balancing Community and Brand Partnership

00:54:57 – The Importance of Segmentation in Direct Selling

00:55:59 – Shifting the Focus from Compensation in Affiliate Programs

01:00:00 – Exploring Separate Affiliate Channels for Direct Selling Companies

01:09:51 – The Significance of Neora’s Win

01:10:59 – Acquisitions and Consolidation in the Channel

01:23:12 – Future Conversations

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