To say this is a dynamic, exciting and pivotal time for direct selling is an understatement. The landscape has shifted more in the last three or four years than in the previous couple of decades. And it’s bringing us new challenges and new opportunities—how we evolve, adapt and react to those opportunities and challenges will determine our relevancy for years to come.

No one likes chaos and confusion. It’s unsettling, stressful and difficult to navigate. But here’s the good news: the presence of chaos and confusion doesn’t mean things are bad. In fact, they’re often signs of progress.

The debate about what direct selling is and isn’t continues to evolve. As a channel, we have an immediate opportunity to redefine the business model and control the narrative. But do we know what we want to say?

The purpose of the Direct Selling News Global 100 recognition has always been to tell a story of an often misunderstood and maligned channel. We do it each year to share inspiring stories of growth and evolution—stories the channel, its participants and the greater community need to hear.

The World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) announced the results of the year ending December 31, 2020. Total global direct sales reached $179.3 billion and grew 5.8 percent year-over-year (with the exception of China, which increased 2.3 percent).

The resilience that direct selling affords individuals—as consumers or distributors—has been our foundation for more than a century, and so it will remain. The pandemic has provided clear evidence that the name “direct selling” still reflects a positive force for consumers, sellers, individual sellers, and the country.

The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) of BBB National Programs has made the FTC aware of what it believes are unsubstantiated product performance claims made by UWell Life. The claims referenced were made on the company’s website and on social media by sales team members related to its Primocyn products. The claims state that Primocyn […]

The World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) announced that Roger Barnett, chairman and CEO of Shaklee, will serve as the organization’s chairman through October 2023. Barnett assumes the role of chairman from Magnus Brannstrom, CEO and president of Oriflame. “It is an honor and privilege to serve the direct selling industry as chairman of […]

Univera has decided to transition away from network marketing. The following message was posted to the Univera website on October 1, 2020: It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Univera ownership has made the difficult decision to transition the company from a network marketing organization to sales strictly through e-commerce channels. Owners […]

Innovative technology and nutritional products that optimize the body’s biology. The nutritional supplements giant LifeVantage didn’t start the biohacking movement, but they’re the direct selling company that has embraced it. Also known as DIY biology, biohacking is the desire to optimize your body and mind by using everything at your disposal – technology, tools and […]

It’s not too late to pivot in the right direction. Pivot – 2020’s defining word and a silver lining in troubling times. As individuals and businesses absorb the culture shock and changes associated with living and working through a pandemic, they face new obstacles that require novel solutions. But from crisis arises great opportunity for […]

Like most people, direct selling executives are crossing out travel and large in-person gatherings from their calendars. For an industry known for its relational appeal, eliminating the face-to-face factor should be crushing. But instead, many executives are reporting that they feel more connected to their teams than ever before and are experiencing record engagement. “I’ve […]