Archives for March 2011
Momentum, or The Big Mo as it is often called, is a powerful thing. It can create massive growth, incredible sales and a tremendous lift in your recruiting. But how do you create it? Most of the recent books on the subject of momentum treat it as an elusive, almost mythical creature that only a few are privileged to see. Many in our industry now regard it as the exclusive domain of startups and new ventures. But momentum is neither exotic nor proprietary to the next new direct selling venture. Momentum is simply the compound effect of a plan executed over a period of time, and nothing more. It can be achieved by any organization, but it must be created intentionally.
This month’s cover story is, once again, a pleasure to bring to you! One year ago we took on this project for the first time and the result was quite revealing, educational and informative. We ranked the markets that were responsible for $1 billion or more in annual revenues. The stats and facts, as always, are important, but the bigger story is the fact that each market is contributing in excess of $1 billion per year as a result of the direct selling channel. This means so much more than the revenues of the individual companies doing business in a market.
At the mention of the word “Whistlestop,” students of American history certainly envision the iconic photo of Harry S Truman, on the rear platform of a train, displaying a newspaper proclaiming “Dewey Defeats Truman.” The image was important not only for the historical significance of Truman’s election to the presidency, but also for the significance of his campaign travels, covering long distances over vast expanses of land by train, stopping in small cities and towns to greet the citizens.
Nature’s Sunshine has helped people achieve brilliant bodies for almost 40 years with its supplements and encapsulated herbs. Now there’s a broader focus—creating brilliant businesses for its distributors.
Using Social Entrepreneurship to Fight Global Malnutrition
For Mannatech, the passion and the culture of its business has always been to change people’s lives. The developer of high-quality health, weight and fitness and skin care solutions based on nutritional science has had one mission in mind since it was founded in 1994: to enhance the quality of life for those it touches through its products and Real Food Technology® solutions.
The story of direct selling in 2009 and 2010 is much the same as it was worldwide for all industries. Developing nations continued to rise, and China and India were standouts for significant growth. More people were clamoring for additional income opportunities, but overall direct sales numbers were generally lower than they were a few years ago. In short, less was more around the world.
Here’s something that comes up in executive meetings all the time: “Why are people saying bad things about us on the Internet, and what can we do about it?”
Rodan + Fields Dermatologists skincare line launched in high-end department stores in 2002 and quickly became a top seller. In 2003, The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. realized Rodan + Fields’ value and bought the brand, which continued to thrive. By all measures, Rodan + Fields exemplified success.
Amway, Immunotec Inc., 4Life, Herbalife, Nuriche, Lifemax, SeneGence International, Oxyfresh Worldwide Inc.,