Digitally connected consumers have amplified the effects of word-of-mouth marketing, as interested parties take to the Internet to share their experiences.

As Pershing Square’s Bill Ackman continued his attack on Herbalife in this morning’s session of the Robin Hood Investors Conference, the global nutrition company’s stock gained more than 5 percent, reaching $71.91 by midday.

Amway Managing Director Jim Ayres recently appeared on Bloomberg TV’s “Money Moves” to discuss Amway’s 2013 Global Entrepreneurship Report. Amway began publishing the report four years ago, looking exclusively at Europe.

Direct sellers have a rich history of supporting philanthropic efforts around the world, such as aiding Philippine victims of Typhoon Haiyan and building nutritional kitchens to feed and educate rural Chinese children.

At the Beauty 2.0 Awards held last week in Paris, several direct selling brands were honored among the most inspiring cosmetics, personal-care brands and retailers in digital marketing.

Blyth Inc., a marketer of health, wellness and beauty products, as well as candles and home accessories, today announced that its board of directors has unanimously rejected an acquisition offer from CVSL Inc. Blyth, whose family of direct selling brands includes ViSalus and PartyLite, received the unsolicited conditional proposal from Dallas-based CVSL on Oct. 25, 2013.