New Perspectives
Advice Matters
Advice really does matter. Learning from others who have gone before you not only helps you supercharge where you’re going; it also helps you avoid risks by learning from the mistakes others have made. Simply put, if you want different (better) results, you need new thinking. Learning strategically from the wisdom and insight of others helps…
Read MoreStrategic Preparation
As we lived past the first year of COVID in 2020 and we are into 2021, we all want to consistently be looking at how we can create wins and build momentum toward taking the right actions—and of course, that includes how we can motivate ourselves to take those actions. One of the very best ways to…
Read MoreThe Power of Momentum
COVID has changed the world—in some cases, for the worse and in others for the better. One good thing that’s come from it is that it has helped us all reevaluate our priorities. And here’s another big win: because of COVID’s effect on so many businesses, many people are turning to our industry—causing a lot of…
Read MoreStrategic Gifting: Generosity Can Be An Important Part of Your Brand.
Is your brand one of a giver? As I was growing up, my parents modeled giving and serving others. That often involved giving of their time, when they would volunteer to help people in various ways. So, I grew up understanding the importance of not just giving value and doing more than expected but also…
Read MoreStrategic 21: There are many ways to become more strategic and think deeper.
“Tony, you help people think, and thinking’s not easy,” observed Jim Norman, former president to Zig Ziglar and my coach. He was right. Thinking is not easy. Thinking and strategy can be linked together; in fact, they are almost synonymous. There are many ways to become more strategic and think deeper. Here are twenty-one life…
Read MoreThe Customer Experience
MY MANTRA, “Give value and do more than is expected,” is the cornerstone of exceptional customer service. Living up to this mantra requires a shift in mindset. You must constantly prioritize your customers’ needs above your own, while simultaneously asking yourself how you can improve your quality of service. By doing so, you will establish…
Read MoreIt Should Always Be “Day 1”
Our channel needs to resist complacency by continuing the vitality, curiosity and focus of a startup. Jeff Bezos has written a letter to his shareholders each year since the company’s inception. These letters outline Amazon’s long-term mission, culture and values. His 2017 letter, however, stood out more than the others for me. Bezos defined what…
Read MoreHow to Avoid Civil Investigative Demand (CID)
The recent FTC actions against Advocare and Neora underscore how critically important it is for direct selling to avoid becoming ensnared in an FTC investigation Neora’s recent lawsuit challenging the FTC’s enforcement authority is a welcome and needed response to what appears to be increasing regulatory overreach and efforts by the FTC to improperly legislate…
Read MoreExperiential Compensation
VERVE founder Callum Negus-Fancey is building a powerful, transparent brand through word-of-mouth and using rewards-based compensation instead of cash As most in our channel know by now, successful gig companies have sweetened the deal traditionally made by direct selling with ready-made customers, no startup fees and same-day pay. Gig worker numbers keep rising, and by…
Read MoreDid You Say Something?
Using Sensory Acuity To Get Your Message Across Have you ever sat through a presentation that completely bombed, leaving you and the rest of the audience asking the question, “Did you say something?” Maybe you were that presenter. I’ve been there myself—before I learned one of the most valuable communication lessons of my career: Any…
Read More