Driving Growth: People or Brands? What drives growth for direct selling companies-their brand or their people?

At some companies, the question seems like the proverbial chicken-or-egg issue. For others, the answer is straightforward. But all agree that both their brand and their people play important roles in supporting sales and offering the opportunity. > more

Company Spotlight: Primerica
Industry with Heart: Signature HomeStyles
Young Company Focus: B's Purses
Thailand: A Rising Power

Medifast 3rd Quarter
Revenue Up 79%
Medifast Inc. (MED-NYSE) recently announced revenue for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2006, of $19.6 million, a 79 percent increase from $11 million in the third quarter of 2005. The company reported net income of $1.49 million or 12 cents per basic share (11 cents per diluted share), versus $607,000 or 5 cents per basic share (5 cents per diluted share) in 2005. Net income in the third quarter of 2006 was positively affected by a tax benefit received as a result of the company's investment in infrastructure in previous years. The third quarter of 2006 represented the company's 28th consecutive quarter of profitability. > more

Third Quarter Results
November Stock Watch

Loud and Clear:
Delivering a Consistent and
Positive Message to the Field
The fate of a multimillion-dollar hotel chain depends on the 19-year-old behind the front desk. That bold statement was the introduction to a sales course I taught decades ago-yet it has stayed with me all these years. In just a few words, it communicated a powerful message to business leaders: The person at the point of contact could make or break their businesses. There's a message there for direct selling companies, too. The words and actions of the headquarters staff can have considerable impact-positive or negative-on the field. > more

The Complexities of Multistate Taxation

Blogs: Can't Beat 'Em? Join 'Em!
In the past few years, buzz marketing and viral marketing are terms that have entered the business lexicon. The terminology may be new, but the concepts are not. After all, while direct sellers may advertise, their true power rests in the ability of their representatives to share compelling opportunity and product stories with their customers. > more

Academic Forum: Achieving the Vision
Top Desk: Looking Ahead to the New Year...And Beyond
DSA: Working to Make a Difference