Nurturing growth while safeguarding success
Hello All!
I hope everyone is off to a great summer! It seems like we went from news stories of record snowfall to record heat and wildfires within just a few weeks time. Whatever happened to boring weather forecasts?
As an avid camper, I am particularly appreciative not only of good weather, but also a healthy and vibrant ecosystem. Lush forests and thriving woodlands are so critical, not only to the environment, but also to our collective well being as we seek to escape, from time to time, from our all-to-often workaholic lifestyles.
I am reminded that, as counterintuitive as it may seem, periodic wildfires can actually help maintain the health of a forest. The fires clear the forest floor of debris, aid in seed dispersal, and help make way for new grasses, flowers, and plants that provide food and habitat for animals and birds.
Is there a lesson here for direct sellers? I believe so!
One of the recurring themes you will find in this issue of SSN is the concept of rethinking old or traditional business practices in order to capture the younger consumer and entrepreneur. Companies are breaking the mold in many cases and green lighting strategies that have long been considered as risky or even unthinkable in the direct selling channel.
Is this a “burn it all down” mindset? Absolutely not! Just as with a controlled wildfire, where established trees and vegetation have adapted ways to not only survive, but flourish, after a fire, companies that are willing to hold on to practices that are working while fearlessly adapting to change with novel or even controversial disruptions will undoubtedly reap rewards in the years ahead.
When embracing these unconventional approaches, it is crucial to strike a balance between preserving what works and boldly pursuing innovative strategies. Far from “starting from scratch,” this mindset is an acknowledgment that expansion and progress often require stepping outside the boundaries of tradition to recognize the legacy practices that are suffocating new growth—while keeping the practices that are central to the company’s identity and culture.
By fostering adaptability to embrace the needs and aspirations of the younger consumer and entrepreneur, these companies will not only secure their relevance in today’s modern market but also pave the way for a vibrant future.
Wishing you all success through boldness in the months to come!
Warmly, David Bland!