Overcoming Investor Bias
by Doug Lane

Sure, my neighbor can sell some Tupperware and make a couple grand for next summer’s vacation. And Nu Skin nutritional products have boosted antioxidants for my friends and have made them feel healthier. But I’m in the investment business; you know, serious money. Why would anyone invest in direct selling companies, where one can’t walkinto the store and survey the merchandise, or track weekly sales via Nielsen data? Who can make money in that sector?

Well, offhand, we can think of two successful shareholders: Richard DeVos and Jay Van Andel, the original founders of Amway. > more

Investor Bias
Private Quarters: Passing On the Entreprenurial Spirit
Tupperware Buys Sara Lee's Direct Selling Unit
VideoPlus Introduces New DUALDISC Technology to the Direct Selling Industry

Direct Selling 101 Provides Overview of Industry

Almost 100 direct selling industry professionals gathered last month in Maryland for the Direct Selling Association’s 4th annual Learning the Ropes: Direct Selling 101 Seminar. The two-day event, designed to provide attendees with thorough information about direct selling, attracted industry newcomers, veterans and suppliers. “It was great to meet so many new and potential members during the 101 seminar,” said DSA Membership Director Nancy Burke. “This particular seminar is the best opportunity for individuals looking to learn more about the industry to find the answers they need, whether they have recently launched a company or are new to direct selling.” > more

Direct Selling 101 Provides Overview of Industry
Legal Matters-Database Confidentiality

China Lifting Ban

The Chinese government issued the long- awaited direct selling rules September 2, giving legal standing to a business model that has been banned in the country since 1998. The State Council issued the Regulation of Direct Selling Administration, which will become effective from December 1, and the Anti-Pyramid Selling Regulation. “The legislation is to guide and regulate the development of the direct selling sector in China,” the Xinhua News Agency quoted the spokesperson from the State Council as saying.
The legislation also fulfills China’s commitment to the World Trade Organization. The country promised to open the direct selling business within three years of its WTO entry. However, the lack of regulations made it practically impossible. > more

Eastern Europe: Direct Selling in an Emerging Economy
Market America Expands Into Taiwan

Herbalife Announces Record
2nd Quarter Net Sales

Herbalife Ltd. (HLF—NYSE) reported record second-quarter net sales of $384.7 million, an increase of 18.7 percent compared to the same period of 2004. Additionally, the number of new Distributor Supervisors increased 13.9 percent versus the second quarter of 2004. The company’s high-level President’s Team expanded to 797 members during the second quarter of 2005, up 9.6 percent from the second quarter of 2004. The company’s regions, the Americas, Asia Pacific, and Europe, achieved net sales growth of 43.7 percent, 13.6 percent, and 3.3 percent, respectively, while Japan’s net sales declined 6.3 percent compared to the second quarter of 2004. Michael O. Johnson, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “We believe the second quarter results reflect the positive impact from the implementation of our strategic initiatives, and we are encouraged by the outlook in our core markets.” > more

Herbalife Announces Record 2nd Qtr Net Sales
Royal BodyCare Reports Higher Earnings
Natural Health Trends: Sales Up 182%
August Stock Watch

The TOP DESK: Building a Business with Purpose

I consider myself a relative newcomer to the direct sales industry and, frankly, a reluctant business person.

My parents were socialists, my brother a union politician, and my sister a social worker. It fell to me to take over the family printing business in 1968. At the time, sales for The Antioch Company were about $350,000 with about 30 employees. > more

TOP DESK: Building a Business with Purpose
Prioritization: What's It Going Cost Me?
Designing a Career Path That Works
Look Who's Coming to the Party