For the purposes of this study, recognition was really explored under the umbrella of “Motivations.” Meaning, we examined all the programs, communication, celebration and incentives that would most likely resonate for direct sellers to join, stay and thrive with direct selling companies. Interestingly, the differences between men and women were just as stark as the differences between generations.

As always, DSU was jam-packed with amazing content from amazing speakers. My notebook was crammed with all kinds of great ideas, helpful stats and interesting approaches worth considering for my own business. I learned something new from every single presenter.

As we shared consistently throughout this series, the news surrounding all generations is that EACH is radically different in how they want to be prospected, talked to and approached about direct selling opportunities. We have highlighted that a “One-Size-Fits-All” approach simply doesn’t work anymore, and that insight continues when it comes to compensation plans and the overall value proposition that each generation sees in direct selling.

Ever wonder what expert consultants think about the channel? These highlights unwrap that mystery, giving you and your teams priceless insights from the outside. Wayne and his guests took a deep dive into the secrets of direct selling success: key shifts in messaging; the challenges that legacy companies must navigate; identifying the channels most valuable differentiators; the magic of simplification; and the significance of the recent Neora win.

As we shared consistently throughout this series, the news surrounding all generations is that EACH generation is radically different in how they want to be prospected, talked to and approached about direct selling opportunities. We have highlighted that a “One-Size-Fits-All” approach simply doesn’t work anymore, and that feedback is amplified when it comes to Training.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the perceptions surrounding direct selling, the Direct Sales Generational Engagement Study was conducted by Bridgehead Collective and carried out by The Center for Generational Kinetics, led by President Jason Dorsey. In this series, we will be digging deeper into each of the survey categories, focusing this month on Recruiting and Prospecting as well as Motivations and Decision Criteria.

Letting go of what was and doubling down on what’s next. We’re experiencing a return to normal. Does this phrase sound familiar? The pandemic brought an unexpected boom to the direct selling industry. Many companies saw revenue increases and incredible growth. As the pandemic has eased, so too has that explosive growth. Only 18 companies made our 2023 list of companies who experienced three consecutive years of revenue growth.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the perceptions surrounding direct selling, the Direct Sales Generational Engagement Study was conducted by Bridgehead Collective and carried out by The Center for Generational Kinetics, led by President Jason Dorsey. In this series, we will be digging deeper into each of the survey categories, starting right now with Perception of Industry and Channel.

How Gen X, Millennials & Gen Z really feel about direct selling. A first-of-its-kind study details how every generation of Americans across all genders, geographies and socio-economic levels perceive, engage with and measure success and opportunity in direct selling.

Direct selling executives need insight and fresh ideas now more than ever before. In one of the most challenging years in direct selling history, leaders faced continued lockdowns in certain markets, changing consumer behaviors, a tense regulatory environment and lingering supply chain issues.

I’m not sure the world needs another pontification on leadership strategies complete with bullet points, numbered lists and corporate-speak. But as a former President of a few iconic direct selling brands, and advising and consulting with many other amazing companies both in and outside our channel, I’ve seen a few common blind spots that even seasoned executives can easily overlook.

The names say it all. Walt Disney. Henry Ford. James Cash Penney. Iconic Founders and CEOs who came to personify the brands they led in the minds and hearts of their employees and the world. This phenomenon is perhaps even more prevalent in direct selling, where there is a long and storied tradition of charismatic leaders who have become synonymous with the companies they helm.