More About Recruiting
I was waiting at a traffic signal today when an Army Recruiter vehicle made a left turn in front of me. It got me thinking about all the different types of organizations and businesses that recruit...
View ArticleDon’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 ArticleDeclare Your Shopping Independence
I had a great time last weekend celebrating our country’s 232nd birthday. My family and I ventured to downtown Washington DC (even though I go there everyday for work, on major holidays like July 4,...
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 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 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 ArticleDSA Board Enacts Procedures for Marketing Plan Review
During its quarterly meeting in mid-December the DSA Board of Directors approved an amendment to its policies and procedures document that clarifies the actions that will be taken in the case of...
View ArticleEditorial Unexpectedly Updates Common Stereotype
When I began reading Lori Penner’s piece “Why We love Our Tupperware” that appeared in a Canadian publication today, I could feel the Letter to the Editor forming in my head. “The patronizing...
View ArticleWhat Does DSA Do Anyway?
Tell most people that you work for a trade association, like DSA, and you’ll likely get a blank stare. After more than 15 years working for associations (nearly 13 of them with DSA), I’m used to it –...
View ArticleMarketWatch Article Prefers Sensational to Factual
Direct sellers are once again the target of unfounded accusations by critics and journalists who either don’t understand the direct selling business model or simply choose to ignore the facts. The...
View ArticleDirect Selling is a Case Study in the Effectiveness of Mentorship
I read this article last week with great interest as it very clearly and succinctly describes the importance of mentorship in direct selling. I read it again today after it was forwarded to me by an...
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