Our collective answers could solve all of our problems.
In this month’s issue, six people answered the question, “What one thing does our channel need more of?” (Turn to “Quick Takes” on page 34 to see their answers.)
It occurs to me that if we each took the time to answer this question, that collection of answers and the wisdom behind it would create a treasure trove of solutions for our channel’s most pressing problems.
In our brief query, we received enough gold nuggets to build start building several compelling strategies: public wins, storytelling, prioritization of culture, simplicity, different core thinking and credibility.
As a group, with the power of our passion and commitment to drive us, I believe we can tackle and ultimately solve the most pressing issues. I hope you all will take a minute to answer that question for yourselves (and send me your answers!). This channel of distribution and opportunity is certainly worth the effort.
Our cover story this month addresses a very important topic for direct sellers: segmenting the salesforce into categories that better represent what is actually occurring in the field.
The topic is important for so many reasons, not the least of which is better representation to regulators and the general public.
Additionally, separating those individuals who really just want to buy product from those who are building a business, over time, will create much more robust income disclosure statements, another important topic we tackle in “Risk Roundup,” on page 24.
When was the last time you evaluated your distributor agreement? If it’s been awhile, you might consider a comprehensive review after reading our article on page 14 concerning whether your non-competes and non-solicitation clauses will hold up in court. The legal environment is changing concerning anti-competitive language, with California once more leading the way.
I want to personally invite all of you who are attending the DSA annual meeting to a great party Sunday night after the welcome reception. Social Selling News has joined forces with several other outstanding suppliers to provide you with a fabulous bootleg party in Austin’s Speakeasy club on Congress Ave, a short walk away from the JW Marriott.
Join us, along with Avalara, Hyperwallet, MomentumFactor, Nexio, Vetted and Visible Supply Chain Management for 1920’s era food, fun and libations. See the ad on page 10 for details.
Hope to see you all there!
Teresa Craighead