Category Archives: MLM, Party Plan, Direct Sales

Last week I promised you some interviews with great MLM/direct selling and party plan companies.  Every few weeks, we will highlight one of these great companies.

To start off the series, I interviewed AJ Deeds of Loving Works.  They are a relatively new company that just celebrated their second year in business.  When I first met AJ, I was very impressed by his dedication to his products.  He told me what a difference the products had made in his life and he wanted to share that with others.    When I asked him why he started Loving Works, he said it began as a way for him to provide products, tools and experiences that could help others  grow in body, mind, heart and spirit. He said, “When I met Dr. Kyle Morgan (formulator of the Weight Balancing System, Sleep Balancer and other products), Loving Works was the ideal platform to bring forward her amazing inventiveness and help others to grow.”

There are many different ways to sell products.  Why did you decide to go the MLM/Direct sales model rather than traditional retail?

We chose the MLM model for several reasons. When people lose weight quickly on the Weight Balancing System, friends and family want to know how they did it. A network appears naturally. In addition, helping families and individual households increase their sources of revenue matched our vision. When people have more resources, they have more choices and can better live a better life and fulfill their own visions.  As one household, then two, then ten make better choices, they affect a neighborhood, a town, a community, a region, a country. Want to change the world? Start by helping local people. You’ll change the world, or a significant piece of it, before you know it.

What lesson have you learned that has changed your life?/business?

The underlying message from the most successful network marketers is to never give up. Distributors who are successful could have never predicted what a difference a single day would make until they reached that day. We’ve found this applies to network marketing company leaders as well. We like to use the term “keep going” as that has been the mantra through many difficulties we’ve encountered in this business journey. Knowledge comes from applying learning gained via experiences that are based on mistakes. We know quite a bit as we celebrate our second year in business.

If you could change one thing what would it be?

Since you can’t change the past, it’s not important what could have been done. What’s important is what we are choosing to do right now, today. The experience of network marketing is truly about acting, about taking action. Plans are important. But taking rapid action to recruit, to communicate, to motivate is much more important.

How do you deal with change?

The marketplace, the technology, the channel all change very quickly. One must have both flexibility in method yet steadfastness in principle, in vision, to do well.  You can’t chase a dream as you’ll never catch it. You have to create the future you desire. Keep going.

AJ, Thank you so much for your time and sharing your wisdom with ByDesign Technologies and others!!!

Jesse, Aundria and Noemie, just a few of our great support team!

I went to a pizza joint that is known for selling pizza for $5 that are hot and ready. Not the best pizza, but a great deal for $5, perfect for my son’s classroom party. My son has a food allergy to dairy so I called ahead and ordered the pizzas, along with his cheese-less pizza. I set the time for pick-up at 1:30. I arrived at the store at 1:25 and when I walked in, I heard someone yell, “Did you put those pizzas in for 1:30 pickup??” The response was, “I am putting them in now.” Then the young lady came to the counter and greeted me. I said, “I am the 1:30 pickup. I know I am a few minutes early.” The lady in the back, that was putting the pizzas in the oven, raised her finger, pointed it at me and said, “Give me a minute.”

Now, knowing you are reading this and cannot hear my tone, let me explain that she said this to me like an overly tired mom that is frustrated with her two year old. Not being a two year old, I politely smiled and took a seat thinking this lady must have had a very bad day. The girl at the counter, heads into the back with the finger pointing lady and starts yelling at how she told her the pizzas needed to be put in…the fighting went back and forth and then the conversation turned to yelling about having to wash the dishes.

Oh my!! As a business owner I was shocked at this behavior. The young lady returned from the back and I thought she was going to tell me that it would be just a few more minutes (since they have now serviced several people while I waited for my called in order), but that was not the case. She came up to the counter, looked past me and called to the girls in the back, “Mmmm, did y’all see the Pepsi Man today?!? He is lookin’ fine today!” Shocked beyond comprehension, I stood up and said, “Perhaps you would like to go ahead and ring me up so that once the pizzas are ready, I can go?” She looked at me and said, “Yea, that is what I am going to do.” Oh my…what an impression that experience left on me.

Normally, I am not one to complain to a manager but in this case, I just had too! I put in an online request and asked to have the store owner call me. Within 30 minutes I received an email and a phone call from the area supervisor. She listened to my story and offered me a free pizza. She said I could go in the store and they have a “book of remedies” that would have my name in it. I explained to the lady that I did not really want my name in their book (honestly I was afraid they would spit in my pizza), but she assured me the store had no idea why a person’s name was in the book. If only remedies could be found by offering $5 pizzas….I think life would be a lot easier, don’t you?!?

Everyone wants to feel special. The businesses that create this feeling, are the ones that will have the most success. Wouldn’t it be nice if the world was a place where a “Book of Remedies” wasn’t necessary? I suppose as long as we are all human we will just keep striving.

Where are your favorite places for good customer service? What places are the worst?

To be successful in the future your MLM, Party Plan or Direct Sales Company must utilize mobile technology and videos.

According to studies, in June 2011 consumers spent an average of 81 minutes per day using apps on Smartphones and tablets vs 74 minutes surfing the Web through a PC or mobile browser.  This amount has almost doubled from the previous year of 43 minutes using mobile apps vs 64 minutes on the Web.

Smartphone applications give employees the opportunity to access information easily from anywhere they have access to the internet. Each week more businesses are realizing the benefits of mobile applications and web-based access.  Besides increasing overall employee productivity, mobile applications boost efficiency and internal revenues by unifying communications with the entire business structure.

Smartphone apps create a captured audience, even if it is for a short amount of time.  If an individual is using your app, they are learning about your products or your company, similar to your website, just more tailored. This can be a great benefit.

Additionally, allowing your field to have access to your company training videos over mobile technology is very beneficial.  Direct Selling companies want to be connected with their field as much as possible.  They want to encourage the field and keep them motivated.  The use of mobile technology is opening all kinds of new doors to allow this to happen.

Our Communications Platform was named Revolution because we felt like it created a Revolution in the way things were done.   Over 80% of direct sellers have additional jobs so it is vital that companies provide the field with all the info they need when they need it.  A mom can watch a training video while waiting in the car line to pick her kids up from school or while she is at the soccer game.  This in turn allows her to be more efficient and effective.   The field is on the move and it is imperative that Direct Selling companies provide access to the information they need to be successful.

Social media can no longer be something a direct selling, MLM or party plan company can do part-time. Direct Selling companies need to have at least one focused employee that serves as their social media chair. Companies that do not post regularly will not have as big an impact as those who do.

Recently,I joined the Twitter world (@Serenabydesign) and I have learned so much!  I jumped in without much direction and at times am still learning how things work. I have gained a lot of knowledge and I have learned a lot about different companies and the value they place on social media.  I follow a large amount of direct sales, mlm and party plan companies.  Some use our software and others do not.

I have found that social media is a great tool to convey the culture of your company.  A “culture” is the values and practices that are shared by a group of people.  It is important to define what is important to your company and maintain that focus through your posts and interactions.  Companies like Scentsy, Beachbody and Vemma have a very strong sense of the culture of their company.

If you follow Team Beachbody, you will notice they have a very encouraging community that is focused on fitness. Many of their top coaches, including Shaun T and Tony Horton have Twitter accounts (@ShaunTfitness, @TonyHorton). They use these accounts to share about their workouts and celebrate the success of those involved with the product. The company CEO, Carl Daikeler (@CarlDaikeler) actively participates on Twitter and regularly posts encouraging tweets regarding how their products are helping people live better lives and how their coaches are advancing.  Team Beachbody Coach Connections has a Facebook page that encourages their coaches and community.  Every post is regarding the culture they have created surrounding their values and their practices.

Social media must be embraced for companies to move beyond good to great.  In the next few years, it will become a necessity.  New product partners search the
web and facebook to see what people are saying about your company and your product.  If you begin now, your company will have a strong following and culture that will lead it into the future.

If you are unsure of how to use social media for your business, there are industry consultants that would love to help you and guide you.  I am simply an observer, these people are experts!  Jonathan Gilliam of Momentum Factor and Jennifer Fong with Luce and Associates are great advisors to companies of varied sizes. We have found both to be extremely knowledgeable.

No matter what size you company is, there is no time like the present!  Leave me a comment and tell me what you think!!

I look forward to following you on Twitter!!!

Believe your brand partners can do the impossible

Last week I highlighted some top trends for Direct Selling for 2012. I had a few requests for more in depth explanation so over the next few weeks I will address these.

Our first necessity is for Direct Selling to embrace technology.

Direct Selling must embrace technology and recognize that every company is a software company. Software is no longer a piece of your business that allows you to do business, it is your business. It is how you are viewed by the world. Companies that are on outdated technology or stay with software providers that are no longer innovative will be lost. Some of our industries oldest companies are at great risk because their software has become antiquated and bloated and is not flexible and adaptable. Older companies run the risk of being outsold by newer direct selling companies that understand a flexible platform and are able to adapt quickly.

Direct selling companies must look at their products and their sales mechanisms and consider, “Am I meeting all the needs of the consumer and my brand partners?” I know of companies that still use a lot of paper in their business. That may be acceptable for the older generation (which is a valuable sales force), but companies must put themselves in a position to be ready for the future. Younger generations are not going to fax in orders.

Direct Selling companies must use technology that creates a culture that corresponds with their products. (I will touch more on this when I discuss the use of social media.)

They need to provide easy access to info. I recently attended a home party and being in the software business, I was intrigued with how the consultant felt about her company’s software. I watched as she clicked and clicked and clicked her way through the application. I asked her what she thought about it and she told me, “It stinks!! But the good news is I can finally do it on my laptop here, a couple of months ago, it would have been useless for me to even bring my laptop.”

Direct Selling companies must consider technology as an integrated piece within their company. Most companies hire software companies like mine to meet their software needs. We strive to make sure the environment is stable, that customer support is good and that we are constantly growing and innovating, but industry software companies must build the bridge between being a provider and a partner. At ByDesign, we work hard to build that bridge. Software is about creating an integrated product that represents the client and their product partners.

I think technology must be looked as a vital part of business and future success for the direct selling company. What do you think?

1.  Recognize the power of Software.

Direct Selling must embrace technology and recognize that every company is a software company. Software is no longer a piece of your business that allows you to do business, it is your business.  It is how you are viewed by the world.  Companies that are on outdated technology or stay with software providers that are no longer innovative will be lost.  Some of our industries oldest  companies are at great risk because their software has become antiquated and bloated and is not
flexible and adaptable.  Older companies run the risk of being outsold by newer direct selling companies that understand a flexible platform and are able to adapt quickly.

2. Embrace social media.


It is no longer something a company can do part-time.  Direct Selling companies need to have at least one focused employee that serves as their social media chair. Companies that do not post regularly will not have as big an impact as those who do.

3. Give your field what they need.

Direct Selling companies must provide their field with the information they need to be successful.  This can be accomplished through a tie-in of the back-office and the tools.  Field partners need to know how they can reach the next level of success.

4. Go Mobile.

Direct Selling Companies must invest in mobile technology.  While currently only about 10% of purchases are made online through a mobile device, this number is growing exponentially and companies without mobile technology will be left in the dust.

5. Use Video.

Direct Selling Companies must recognize the power of video and harness it.  Gen Y is extremely video dependant and other generations are comfortable using it.  It is a great way to communicate to the field and build value.

Many of the older companies are relying on customer loyalty to maintain their business.  Loyalty is becoming a thing of the past, though company commitment can be maintained with consistent interactions and appreciation. This can only be found in the ways that I have expressed above.

It is important that as your company moves forward into the New Year that it is equipped to be successful.  Take time to explore what your company is offering.  It could make a huge difference in your future success.

www.bydesign.com

DSEF gives back to the community with help from Direct Selling Execs and Vendors

Last week was an amazing week at the DSA’s Be Connected Conference.  I wrote in my blog last week about my fear of public speaking and I have to admit, it went really well, I didn’t shake at all!!   I had room to move around and everyone seemed engaged. It was a very positive experience and I would definitely do it again if given the opportunity.  Thank you to those of you who sent me encouraging notes!! It was a great opportunity to grow and do something I had not done in this industry before.

I wanted to share today about an event the Direct Selling Education Foundation (DSEF) put on while we were there.  The DSEF is a non profit organization that educates and engages the public on the ways direct selling empowers individuals, supports communities and strengthens economies worldwide.  Several years ago, they decided that whenever Direct Selling executives got together for the major conferences, wherever that was, the DSEF would lead an effort to make a difference in that community.

The activities range from painting and updating a local YWCA to beach cleanup. You never know what the DSEF will be doing, but whatever it is, you want to be a part of it.  At this conference our task was to pack a present for the Boys and Girls Club of Las Vegas.  I have found that direct selling executives and vendors are some of the most generous people I have ever met, both in sharing information and finances.  On the first day I took a photo of the collection bin (I have included it).  By the end of the week, they needed two or three more bins!

Friday morning, a small group of children were invited to have breakfast with Santa.  They were given breakfast and presents.  The DSEF did a great job of allowing all of us (vendors and executives) to see the event but not overwhelm the children.  The president of the Boys and Girls Club shared with us that many of the children will not receive a Christmas present this year and that our gifts might be their only gift this year.

I am always amazed at the power of the individual, but no one should ever discount the power of the team.  One person can make a great difference, but a team can change lives.  Thank you DSEF for allowing us to be a part of your team and change lives!!

The scary microphone is waiting!!

This week I am attending the DSA’s Be Connected Conference. This conference is held every year and focuses on Marketing and Technology. Each year I attend, I walk away energized with new ideas that can help the companies we serve.

This year is a first for me, I will be speaking. I am not a speaker by trade and if I am totally honest, speaking in front of people terrifies me. Though I don’t enjoy public speaking, I really enjoy teaching. Before I came into this career, I taught deaf and hard of hearing children. During my first year of teaching, I was asked to speak at a State Convention on the Writing Methods I was teaching my students. I was very honored and excited; unfortunately, the night before I was to speak, I got food poisoning. I was committed to speak and did not want to let anyone down (including myself) so the next morning, I drove to Orlando, with a bucket beside me (as a precaution) and readied myself to speak.

Here I was, one year out of college, speaking at the state convention, nauseous from food poisoning and who should walk in to hear me speak but the professor who taught me all those great techniques! That was serious pressure!!! As I began to speak, my legs were shaking so badly, I thought I was going to fall. My mouth was dry, my stomach was nauseous, but as I proceeded into my speech, I remembered that I am helping improve lives by the message I am sending. What I was talking about worked for my students and could work for others. Teaching is about helping and I can do that without being nervous. I made it through without stumbling too much and at the end of the presentation, my professor came over and told me how proud he was of me.

That event taught me a lot:
NOTHING ever goes perfectly
Be determined to FINISH no matter how much you want to quit
A SMILE can go a long way
You are STRONGER than you think

So, this Thursday as I stand before clients, prospective clients, industry business leaders, vendors and competitors, I will take a deep breath and dive in.

What is holding you back from being your best? Dive in!! I promise you will come out stronger!

A great day working at the Miami Dade YWCA

MLM, Party Plan and Direct Sales Companies are as different as the individuals that own them. Working in the industry for 11 years I definitely have seen both sides of the coin. Some companies are fly by night, grab a rep, get their money and kill the business. I know that I have attended home parties and ended up with the most expensive tomato slicer ever made because I was trying to find the cheapest thing in the catalog. (Ok, not really a tomato slicer but you know what I am talking about! You probably have one too!!)

Others have a fantastic product that sells itself and helps provide additional income that helps families do more than they could before. The Direct Selling Association (DSA) reports that 15.1 million people in the US are direct sellers and of those 15.1 million people, 85% report a good or very good experience. Among US companies, direct selling companies are some of the most generous. In fact, at our last annual conference, the DSA stated that 97% of companies associated with the DSA give to charity! I think this is a fact that is greatly overlooked.

In June, I attended our annual Direct Selling conference as a supplier and joined forces with many of these great company leaders and the Direct Selling Education Foundation (DSEF) at a local Miami YWCA. We paid a fee to attend and work in the Miami heat (Crazy huh? Who pays to work in the heat??) Since we were driving down, our company collected three bins full of items that we donated.

It was an amazing day!! We were broken into groups that painted, built bookshelves, worked with the children or worked in the yard. I had the pleasure of working in the garden which started off as rocks and ended quite beautifully.

At the end of our time, the children shared about their experience. As I looked around the room, I was a bit overwhelmed at the power that was represented there. Some of the greatest entrepreneurs and business leaders in the US were there. People that run multi-billion dollar companies took time out of their Sunday at a conference to work at a Y. Some of these industry leaders were signing shirts and hats at the request of the children and I couldn’t help but wonder if the kids really understood how special they were. Adults clamor for attention from these individuals.

After leaving, I began to think about those kids and how special they were. I think they realized they were special, not because of the power position of those that spent the day with them, but because of the true generous nature that each business leader exhibited.

I think generosity is at the heart of the best Direct Sales, MLM and Party Plan companies. They want to create compensation plans that give back to their field and create products that make life better. They make a difference in their communities and give to charities. Once you see the real heart of direct sales, it grabs you.

This is why we do what we do. It is why we work so hard to create software that allows these companies to focus on growing and not on systems. In helping our clients give, we beat with the same heart.

What has your experience with a direct sales, MLM or party plan companies been? Leave me a comment. I would love to hear your thoughts.

One of the great things about my job is I get to come in contact with all kinds of motivational and inspirational people. One of our clients, Ava Anderson is up for Entrepreneur of the Year for 2011. Ava Anderson Non Toxic cosmetics was started by Ava and her Mom, Kim. Ava was a teenager (13) when she heard a report in 2008 about the toxins and carcinogens that are in personal healthcare products and wanted to find a better way to make the world a safer place. With her family’s support she created her own line of cosmetics with her name on it. Their goal was to provide quality cosmetics that are good for the body and the environment. Through their home parties, Ava Anderson services an ever-expanding group of people who love their products while providing the opportunity to own your own business.

Ava saw a need and with her family’s support was able to do something to help change the world. This is the kind of boldness I think we should all face the world with. Ava is truly an amazing young lady.

We want to ask that you offer your support for her and the direct selling industry by voting for Ava Anderson Non Toxic for Entreprenuer of the Year! Take time to watch her video (link below) and cast your vote, it only takes a few minutes and really validates all the hard work this young lady has put into Ava Anderson Non Toxic Cosmetics.

Ava Anderson Entrepreneur of the Year

I would love to hear your stories about how you have changed the world! Seeing other people do it, challenges us all to be better!!