What a Year 2017 Was! If you’re like us, even in the midst of kicking off 2018, you’re still reflecting a bit on what 2017 was all about. Was it a good year? Productive? Did it go like you thought it would, or did it slide way off the tracks? At SCP, we're taking a look back at 2017, and all we can say is ... "WOW!" Sure, it was the best year in terms of total sales for our firm to date. But that's really not how we measure success here. Our job is to make the lives and businesses of our … [Read more...]
Strategic Choice Partners Welcomes Multicultural Specialist Jeannie Price to the Team
At Strategic Choice Partners, we focus on providing the expertise and specific services that today's direct selling companies need and want. We're constantly on the lookout for new team members who offer skills and experience that can serve our clients well. At the same time, we're very picky about who we choose to list as Associates in our firm. We're not comfortable just recommending anyone to our client base; we do quite a bit of vetting before anyone is listed as part of the team. That's … [Read more...]
More Ways to Supercharge Your Strategic Planning
I recently wrote an article titled, "9 Ways to Supercharge Your Strategic Planning," for our good friends at WorldOfDirectSelling.com. If you haven't read that article yet, do it now. It includes a more comprehensive listing of tips that can help you make the most of your strategic planning process this year. The video above provides a few bonus tips to add to the mix. Enjoy! Additional Resources for Strategic Planning Here are a few other valuable resources that can help you maximize … [Read more...]
Free Webinar – Strategic Planning Done Right with Brett Duncan
What thoughts go through your head when you hear the phrase "Strategic Planning?" Do you shudder in fear at the thought of late nights prepping spreadsheets and powerpoint decks? Do you start to yawn as you think of sitting idle for days on end in the same conference room chair? Do you get anxious feeling like you're already behind and that your planning process is more of a thorn in your flesh instead of a strategic advantage? REGISTER NOW Turn Planning into Something You Want to Do (Not … [Read more...]
How Direct Selling Companies Must Start Thinking About Online Video
Historically, direct selling companies focus their video efforts on prospecting videos, product training, comp plan explanations, testimonials and the like. And these videos are still relevant and needed. But Clark Diemer, head of Diemer Marketing Group and Associate of Strategic Choice Partners, is encouraging direct selling companies to think way beyond the normal video. Social media is now catering to video, making it the most impactful medium available. And direct selling companies … [Read more...]
Our Top Takeaways from DSA 2017
Every DSA Annual Meeting is pivotal in sparking new thinking and challenging us all to try something new or different. This year was no different. But there were a few key takeaways worth noting and highlighting from this year's meeting that every direct selling company should take note of. Here are the top takeaways from the members of Strategic Choice Partners that were at this year's event: Dan Murphy I was struck by the increasing importance of technology in the direct … [Read more...]
Come See Us at the DSA Annual Meeting
It's that time of year again, and we can't wait! Will you be at the DSA Annual Meeting in Orlando in a few weeks? We'll be there, too, and would love, LOVE, to connect with you there. Several members of the Strategic Choice Partners team will be there attending meetings, meeting with people in our booth (#1011) and taking appointments with companies of all shapes and sizes. We'd love to schedule a time to chat with you! Have a question about your business? Curious about different … [Read more...]
What Can the NFL Draft Teach Us About Strategy?
Last week (April 27, 2017), we Americans got to enjoy what has quickly become a national holiday. Or at least it seems that way. It's the NFL Draft. Lots of analysis and educated guessing goes into the days, weeks and even months leading up to it. And since the draft, there's been no shortage of grading and analysis, as well. I definitely get excited about the draft, too, but for different reasons. I absolutely love what the NFL draft teaches us about strategy. Because, even though all 32 … [Read more...]
In the Dallas Area? Join Us at theJuice on May 17!
One of the things I (Brett) love most about the direct selling industry is connecting with my colleagues at industry events. A conversation over a meal or drinks with people who do similar work as me can be invigorating, challenging, uplifting and concerning all at the same time! And it always forces me to think differently and take action. Fresh Intel for Direct Selling Execs This is exactly why I partnered with Kate Gardner about 18 months ago to start theJuice DFW. It's a local meeting of … [Read more...]
Why is It Such a Challenge to Learn Direct Selling? (SURVEY)
Learning the ropes at a direct selling company can be a tall order. In fact, we often seem to mystify all the ins and outs of what it takes for a new hire at a direct selling company to get a strong grasp on the nuances of the industry. Of course, many of those concerns are legitimate and proven. If you've worked any amount of time with a direct selling company, you've probably experienced this learning curve personally, and also witnessed others struggling through it. And because of that, … [Read more...]
Associate Spotlight: Clark Diemer, Creative Marketing Expert
As direct sellers, we may understand the power of storytelling better than anyone. And while we certainly understand the importance of telling our story in a compelling and impactful way, it's not always an easy thing to pull off. In fact, we come across so many fascinating companies who are short-changing their story by not giving them the love and executional excellence they deserve. Meet Clark Diemer One of SCP's newest Associates, Clark Diemer, is a master at helping companies … [Read more...]
In Search of the “Perfect” E-Commerce Solution for Your Direct Selling Company
This article is part of an ongoing series by Doug Finnie, titled “In Search of the Perfect E-Commerce Solution Series." View the rest of the series HERE. Searching for the perfect e-commerce solution can be like searching for the big-foot monster, you have heard from others that it exists or maybe you have actually thought you have seen it, but in the end, it cannot be found. It’s not that thousands of businesses haven’t tried to find it and hundreds of software companies haven’t attempted … [Read more...]
FTC v Vemma: What now for US direct selling?
In recent weeks it has been almost impossible to have a conversation with a US direct selling executives without the subject of the FTC v. Vemma Nutrition Company coming up. No doubt there are important legal issues and compliance standards that have been raised in the Vemma case. However it may take years before a court finally rules on this case or one like it where the FTC applies the same standards. Moreover those who think that settling some of the issues and standards through a legislative … [Read more...]
The Greatest Feature of Direct Sales
The greatest feature, advantage and benefit of any direct sales company is the direct seller. As a company, what you may think you’re selling, and what people are actually buying, are often two very different things. It’s not the product. I know it’s hard to believe, but not everyone will be as awestruck with your product as you. It’s not the compensation plan. There are tons of ways to make tons of money. It’s not your tools. They help, but they’re useless without people who know how to … [Read more...]