About 60 years ago, two industries really began to flourish in the United States. Both industries contain a variety of products and services that we all use.

Achieving longevity requires that a company embrace change while remaining thoroughly committed to its core corporate principles. So maybe Vorwerk can school us.

In this month’s Executive Connection, Direct Selling News Publisher and Editor in Chief John Fleming speaks with Dr. Jorg Mittelsten Scheid, Chairman of Vorwerk’s Supervisory Board, about leadership, innovation and the power of interpersonal relationships.

Arbonne International LLC, Ampegy LLC, Agel Enterprises, Herbalife Ltd., LIMU

Over the past several years, natural disasters have struck every part of the world—from Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf of Mexico to the 2004 tsunami ...

What can we do to make the world a better place? I have talked to people around the world about this topic. I have discussed it with scholars, government officials, colleagues in the industry, Amway distributors and friends who come over for dinner.

There is much debate and discussion about technology and its impact on direct selling. There is much debate and discussion about technology and its impact on direct selling. The questions and discussions are endless, and the points of view are diverse. I have heard the direct selling industry described as the first industry to embrace social media, meaning direct selling has always been about the importance of personal relationships. While this may be true and agreed upon by most, it does not necessarily mean that all are clear on exactly what is happening today.

Technology is greatly impacting the direct selling experience—from how companies present their messages and products to how distributors employ new tools, to how consumers react to the speed of delivery on services.

The Direct Selling Association’s incoming President, Joseph Mariano, is often fond of explaining the strength and purpose of a trade association by comparing it to fasces, the Roman symbol of strength that still adorns many of our nation’s historical monuments. The fasces, a group of simple reeds bound together, symbolize strength in unity and numbers. Individually the reeds can easily be broken—bound together as fasces they are almost indestructible.

Primerica Inc., Relìv International Inc., Medifast (Take Shape for Life), Nu Skin Enterprises Inc.

Few college students view summers as the foundation for their future. But each year for about 3,000 ambitious young people, that’s exactly what it is. They’re the young adults who spend their summers running their own businesses as they sell Southwestern’s educational learning system to families.

What would motivate a company to pursue charitable giving as strongly as it would pursue corporate growth? For Scentsy Inc. owners Orville and Heidi Thompson, it was the kindness of others.