Sunday / May 29. 2022
menu-logo menu-logo
brand-logo
Subscribe
Subscribe
Sunday / May 29. 2022
  • Read
    • Daily News
      • Financial
      • Insights
      • U.S.
      • International
    • Cover Stories
    • Feature Articles
    • Company Spotlights
    • Exclusive Interviews
    • Executive Announcements
    • Forward Thinking
    • New Perspectives
    • Working Smart
    • From the Publisher
    • Digital Issue
  • Listen & Watch
    • Direct Approach
    • Iconic Insights
    • The DSN Podcast
  • Attend
    • Direct Selling University
    • Global Celebration
  • Achieve
    • Global 100 List
    • CCR Program
    • Best Places to Work
    • Bravo Awards
    • Legends
  • Join
    • Membership
    • VIP Community
  • Research
    • Digital Momentum Index
    • Stock Watch
    • Stock Ticker
    • Supplier Directory
    • Resources
  • About
    • About DSN
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise
    • Store
    • Connect
  • Search
Subscribe

How to Bring Versatility into the Workplace to Benefit Your Customer Base

BY DSN Staff | October 01, 2016 | read / Working Smart

Click here to order the October 2016 issue in which this article appeared.


A company thrives because of its customer base, those who repeatedly purchase the goods or services of a business. While a well-established customer base is important, adding new customers into the mix is equally so. Together, old and new customers will help your business grow and flourish.

Of the many ways a company can endeavor to retain customers and add to its customer base, one approach that seems to be talked about less often is versatility—multifaceted competence along with adaptability to many different situations.

There are a number of ways a business in the direct selling channel can show versatility to benefit its existing and potential customer base.

1) Be a Versatile Solutions Provider

No matter which aspect of the direct selling channel you are involved in, you know it’s a channel that is growing in popularity. The Direct Selling Association reported that, in 2015, more than 20 million people were involved in direct selling in the United States, with estimated retail sales reaching $36.12 billion.

This may seem like a pretty simple solution, given the topic at hand. But in the business world, especially when dealing with a channel that continues to experience steady growth, it is important not only to know how to perform multiple tasks in different ways, but also ably provide those tasks and services. Customers are often looking for a “one-stop shop” to meet their needs in a world driven by instant gratification—they want your product or service, and they want it now. Are you able to meet their needs on a multidimensional level? If not, another company out there likely can and will deliver the many different aspects of what a customer is seeking. Lack of versatility brings risk of losing potential sales.

2) Build an Experienced Salesforce

In any business that utilizes direct selling techniques, much of its success can be determined by, well, sales. Sales are the ultimate goal of most businesses and organizations, but those involved in the direct selling channel know this to be true even more so. Each member of your salesforce is an individual representation of your company. And since there is no store to back them up while they are out promoting various goods or services, salespeople rely very much on themselves. Having a team of passionate, loyal and experienced individuals is vital. There is a certain degree of uncertainty in what a sales representative may encounter in work-related travels—the situations faced or questions asked—a key reason why the salesforce must be versatile.

3) Teamwork

“There is no ‘I’ in team.” “Teamwork makes the dream work.” Clichés, yes, but they hold truth. While it may seem like a bit of a stretch when it comes to versatility, members of your company’s sales team are not the sole members of a direct selling business. In fact, they cannot expect to succeed without fully utilizing all team members. While it may be hard to remember that you’re all in this together, while oftentimes functioning as individuals in your working roles, hard work and a cohesive nature as a company will shine through in your company’s finished product or service, which the customer is sure to notice. Promoting a team atmosphere within your company will help increase the efficiency and overall well-being of employees as well.


In the business world, especially when dealing with a channel that continues to experience steady growth, it is important not only to know how to perform multiple tasks in different ways, but also ably provide those tasks and services.


4) Keep Your Website Current

Perhaps you’re selling the latest and greatest new product, a product that just hit the market and isn’t even available in stores yet. But you’ve either failed to make it available online or your website is so outdated that your company doesn’t appear reputable. As a customer, would you rather purchase from a company that actively keeps its website current, or a company that lets its website fall by the wayside? I know which one I would pick.

Both old and new customers will be frequent visitors to your website if they are interested in the products or services offered by your company. This is especially important for those involved in the direct selling channel, because quite often your business relies on a website to help sell your products much more than a traditional store does.

If your website remains the same with each visit, the likelihood of customers coming back for more will decrease. Adapting and changing your website will show customers how invested you are in your business.

5) Add Channels

If you haven’t yet taken the plunge, now is the time to create social platforms for your direct selling company. Something less formal and a bit more personal is a good way to engage pre-existing and potential customers, and they won’t have to put forth substantial effort to read a long-winded report or research document.

Similar to a website, blog and social media posts will help convey information in a quick and effective manner that the reader is more apt to pay attention to, as well as read all the way through. These platforms are perfect for incorporating eye-catching graphics or photos that will grab a reader’s attention much faster than a plain body of text. Sharing information about your company in a fun and creative way will draw readers in. Do you have some exciting company-related news that you’d like to share? What about a sale or promotion? Blog and social media posts are an ideal way to alert your customers to information they’ll want to know immediately.

Conclusion

Is your company practicing versatility to ensure success in the direct selling industry? If not, now is a great time to start. In an ever-changing world, it is critical for your company to evolve, adapt and be more versatile. Your customers will appreciate your “can-do” attitude when meeting their needs, and it will keep them coming back for more. Their positive word-of-mouth can refer new customers to see what your versatile business has to offer.


Author NameBill Hunter is President and CEO of Valerian Technologies, a company that provides retailers and marketers with innovative customer loyalty data card solutions.

Posted in Working Smart
Related Articles
The Top Six Home Office Recruiting Trends March 11, 2022

The Top Six Home Office Recruiting Trends

Read more
Top 7 Tax Considerations for Direct Selling Businesses January 28, 2022

Top 7 Tax Considerations for Direct Selling Businesses

Read more
4 Tips for Treasurers to Reduce Risk & Add Value with Global Treasury Management December 24, 2021

4 Tips for Treasurers to Reduce Risk & Add Value with Global Treasury Management

Read more
brand-logo
The News You Need.
The Name You Trust.
Subscribe

Breaking global news, emerging trends and powerful stories conveniently curated to help direct selling executives stay informed, engaged and a step ahead.

  • Read
  • Listen & Watch
  • Attend
  • Achieve
  • Research
  • About
  • Connect
5800 Democracy Drive
Suite 100
Plano, Texas 75024
info@directsellingnews.com
Copyright 2022 Direct Selling News | All Rights Reserved
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT