Ep 20: How to Compete in the Gig Economy

In this episode of Direct Approach, Wayne is joined by John T. Fleming, author of the new book, Ultimate Gig: Flexibility, Freedom, Rewards.

With more than 50 years of experience in the direct selling industry, John remains not only one of the profession’s most trusted experts, but one of its strongest advocates. With his new book, he looks at the rise of the gig economy, what independent contractors are looking for, and how that is changing what companies must do to attract and retain this new generation of workers.

John is uniquely qualified to examine the role direct selling plays in the gig economy; he was publisher and editor-in-chief of Direct Selling News from 2006 through 2015 and held a variety of executive positions with Avon before that. And, his list of achievements and accolades is nothing short of impressive:

• Joined the Direct Selling Education Foundation’s Circle of Honor in 1997.
• Inducted into the Direct Selling Association Hall of Fame in 2016.
• The first recipient of the Direct Selling News Lifetime Achievement Award.
• In 2021, honored in the inaugural group of Direct Selling Legends, presented by DSN, recognizing individuals with 50 or more years of active service in the channel.

This interview is a rare opportunity to look at the intersection of the gig economy and direct selling, and to better understand the role of trust in this new economy, why women play such an integral part in the future, and how direct selling just might be the ultimate gig.

Watch the video below or listen to the podcast.