Having worked on MBA for Avon and now working on a version for Watkins I realized how little I know of Direct Sales business. I have been spending a few minutes here and there just poking around the web looking at Websites and Blogs about all types of Direct Sales, Network Marketing and MLM.

I have come across a lot of informative sites (probably will add a few to the websites links section in near future). One thing I have found that was disturbing was the number of sites/blogs/forums where Reps from one company take shots (bad mouth) other Companies and their Reps/products. This looks bad (because it is bad), unprofressional (because it is unprofessional). As an outsider (I am not a Rep) this makes the industry and these Reps look so unprofessional that I can’t even find the words to describe it.

I say all this because I think Direct Sales Reps have a gigantic advantage over regular retailers. I think that most Reps don’t behave this way but the ones that do drag the whole industry down a little with them. I don’t know how it can be stopped but it would be good for everyone if it happened a lots less.

From my little time working in this industry I think other Reps and other companies are NOT your real competion (ok maybe a teeny tiny bit). Bricks and mortar stores are your real competion. Not to slag on Wal-Mart (but everybody does), in beauty/personal care/fashion they outsell the 10 top Direct Sales companies combined by a HUGH margin. Lets not forget that although Wal-Mart is the largest retailer (therefore everyone like me uses them for an example), they are only a very very small percentage of retail through bricks and mortar type stores (hey they don’t even have a single store in Manhattan!).

I suggest Reps think more about how they can take customers away from stores rather than fighting with Reps from other companies. If not for looking professional then because there is 100 - 200 times more money to be made from it (and thats a LOT of money). Big subject, run out of time but will post more on this later in week. If you have any thoughts on this please post a comment, would love to hear what others think about this (hey, I can’t be the only one to notice this stuff).

Direct Sales, Network Marketing, MLM

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