Marketing can be a really simple thing if you let it. Think about who you want to reach with your product, service, idea or message. It may be customers you already have, or it may be someone you’ve targeted but haven’t quite connected with yet. Can you see them in your mind? OK, now get a clear picture of what it is you're marketing. Your idea. Your message. Your product. Your service. Get Clarity & Ask Yourself These Questions Now keep your customer and your idea at the … [Read more...]
Are You Just Strategically Wishing?
The next time the strategic planning season is upon you, don’t do what most smart, well-meaning people do. My experience has shown me that most people confuse the words “strategy” and “wish.” They’ll bellow decrees of how 2018 will be the year we increase sales, or boost recruiting, or retain more customers. Sounds great; who doesn’t want to do any of that stuff? But it’s not a strategy. Difference Between Wishes & Strategy Wishes usually encompass only the “what.” They answer the … [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...]
8 Reasons Your Promotions Don’t Work (and what to do about it!)
As you know, direct selling is a very promotionally driven industry (and I mean that in every sense of the word). And unfortunately, I am seeing so many of our companies falling short in their own promotional efforts. This is why I want to talk through some of the most obvious areas that I feel need to be addressed, and encourage you to take the necessary steps to overcome these mistakes quickly and correctly. I recently shared these ideas in a featured article for World of Direct Selling, … [Read more...]
Midyear Resolutions for Direct Selling Companies
It is common to make New Year’s resolutions, right? But why not make resolutions throughout the year? I mean, what's so special about January to think that's the only time we can be clear on our resolve to improve, right?!? It is always a smart move to make new goals, analyze our habits and look for blind spots. If you feel like you’re at a standstill or have plateaued, don’t let this year pass by without making a change. Brett Duncan, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Strategic Choice … [Read more...]
5 Critical Mistakes that Plague New Party Plan Companies
“What are the mistakes I should avoid?” At Strategic Choice Partners, this is one of most common questions we hear from a start-up or young party plan company. I’d like to say that the best answer is “Avoid them all!” But unfortunately, by the time we’re brought in to help, it’s often too late. Avoidable mistakes have already happened. It doesn’t have to be this way. Alan Luce, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Strategic Choice Partners, recently outlined five of the most detrimental … [Read more...]
Time for a Compliance Check Up?
Many companies that have become significant in size may have copied their contract from another company when they first launched, as well as their policies and procedures, and simply given a rewrite to make them fit the terminology of their Company. This is not a good thing to do. "Why?" you ask. Dan Murphy, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Strategic Choice Partners, recently shared some insights from being an expert witness on four separate occasions that led him to ask an important … [Read more...]
Motivation – It’s a Tricky One
As a long-term training consultant, I’ve had the pleasure of presenting quite a few Leadership Seminars. I discovered early on that the liveliest and most productive sessions are ones where I contacted each leader a couple weeks in advance to get a feel for her personality and find out what she hopes to gain from the experience. The Questions to Ask I ask questions like, “What drew you to the company?” or “What do you enjoy most about being a leader?” and “What are your long-term business … [Read more...]
6 Best Practices To Prevent Shipping Costs From Eroding Your Margins
Businesses have grown to depend on parcel shipping as a lifeline to consumers and clients. The days of just slapping on a shipping label and sending off a package have given way to a complex maze of service levels, pricing, and intricate fees and surcharges. Over the past decade, UPS & FedEx have increased their ground tariff rates 75% and their air tariffs 81.8%. Those aren’t exactly small numbers. What’s worse, is these figures do not include the infamous Dimensional Weight pricing … [Read more...]
Spotlight: Brand Stories Video Package
We are featuring a Marketing Package provided by Diemer Marketing Group, our video marketing provider at Strategic Choice Partners. Diemer Group is a team of experienced creatives who specialize in producing engaging and authentic stories that are highly targeted to the sales force of Direct Selling Companies. Quite a few companies are already experiencing success with these "Living the Brand" stories. Take a look for yourself! Learn more about Clark Diemer and Diemer Marketing Group by … [Read more...]
Streamline Your Awards Night
This article is part of an ongoing series by Dick Wilson, titled “Awards Night." View the rest of the series HERE. Awards Night is the centerpiece of most company events. In a perfect world, an evening devoted to recognizing the best of the best should be inspiring, uplifting and engaging. But as we all know, Awards Nights often fall short of these goals. That’s the bad news. The good news is, it might not take that much to make your Awards Night a special event that touches hearts and … [Read more...]
Understanding the Due Diligence Process When Selecting a Software Vendor
This article is part of an ongoing series by Doug Finnie, titled “In Search of the Perfect E-Commerce Solution." View the rest of the series HERE. E-commerce software comes in many shapes, sizes and costs. The type of solution you pursue will depend on your internal resources. If you have little to no internal IT staff, then you want to seek out highly configurable solutions that non-IT personnel can manage. If you do have internal technical staff, then you can also include extensible or … [Read more...]
The Importance of Having a Plan in Any Direct Selling Company
I have been working in this amazing industry for nearly 20 years. I have held the posts of Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer, in addition, I have had the opportunity to serve as a consultant to many companies in the industry. I have seen how this model can grow rapidly and in the process change the lives of so many people who are willing to take advantage of a lucrative business opportunity and provide products and services to their friends and family … [Read more...]