The month of November will be remembered for another presidential election, the results of which are not known as we go to press. What we do know is Thanksgiving, one of our most treasured holidays, is about to be celebrated. Regardless of what else might be going on in our world, we stop and realize that there is something very real about an attitude of gratitude, and that there is always much to be thankful for.
Over the past few years I have written many “From the Publisher” pieces, and on two occasions I chose to discuss a personal encounter because it related so much to what the direct selling industry is all about. With so much more discussion about the importance of jobs and the pursuit of prosperity in what is continuously described as challenging times, it seemed most fitting to focus again on what inspires us most, not what challenges us.
Over the past two months, I have been vividly reminded of the great value that can be derived from the building of a successful direct selling business at the independent contractor level. Through my participation in a few events and subsequent conversations, I enjoyed encounters with several independent contractors who are starting on a new journey—that of building a direct selling business. All that I spoke with were starting their journey for different reasons. Joe and his wife (real names are not being used) had been successful in the construction business for many years employing over 100 people. However, over the past few years, the business climate changed for the services and expertise they were offering, and consequently they had to make new choices. The first choice was to maintain a positive attitude and be grateful for their health. With an attitude of gratitude, they made additional choices as to how they would continue to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities. They are now in two new businesses and one of them is a direct selling business. They are happy with their choices and recognize the wonderful attributes of a business pathway that does not require the overhead and employment of others to be successful.
I also met a young man who had recently completed his architectural education, yet he had also started a direct selling business. His story was very interesting to me because we shared a similar background. I met another young man who is 18 years old and building his direct selling business after debating on whether to go immediately into college and then struggle with the “bill,” or try his hand at building a business. The business would have the potential to earn him money and allow for residual benefit as well as offer the opportunity to continue his education at what might be a better time financially for him and his family. I met men and women from all walks of life, of all ages and with as varied responsibility as you can imagine, yet excited about building their own direct selling business. What I remember most is what has always motivated me to be a part of this industry. When involved in direct selling, you are excited—you have to be, because the business model works best when relationships are forged, and relationships are best developed when two or more are excited about something. It’s also this business model’s blessing that it is built upon people engaging people, and the people can come from all walks of life regardless of age, past experience, inexperience or even personal challenge. When you are in the presence of direct sellers, you see life unfolding very differently. You witness the importance of integrating personal development into the business mix, and you also witness the diversity in age and ethnic background. You see the wheelchairs and often feel the struggle, but always you sense the hope, the eagerness to learn, the belief in the promise of a better future.
What I have reflected upon is simply what our direct selling companies offer each and every day to millions who seek not the next job but the perfect complement to what they are already doing. This is the ideal business model for the times, and for some it is their pathway to entrepreneurship and business ownership that offers the freedoms rarely found in any other business model available to the masses.
We may be challenged as a people but we are also inventing a new way. Hundreds of thousands search for, hope for, and often pray for, but still do not know of … the incredible opportunities direct selling companies offer. Here at Direct Selling News, we are always grateful for the opportunities we experience in sharing the stories you create. We are also grateful for the suppliers who advertise with us and all who support direct selling companies in being what you are: a source of opportunity! What does it all mean? This industry is one of the finest forces for good on the planet.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Until next month … enjoy the issue!
John Fleming
Publisher and Editor in Chief
