Four key phases will dominate direct selling discussions and plans in 2016 and beyond:

1. Multi-channel retail selling: Direct sellers must compete with the convenience and efficiency of on-line selling
2. Retail focus:  2016 will see all forms of direct selling putting increased emphasis on selling to end user retail customers.  Compensation plans and marketing programs will be revised to reflect this focus.
3. Transparency:  Regulatory focus will insist on greater transparency about income and product claims.
4. Virtual personal relationships:  Our potential customers and independent sellers consider a virtual relationship on line to be the same as a face to face relationship.  Direct sellers must facilitate and strengthen these virtual relationships.

In recent months the attention of direct sellers in the US has been on regulatory actions.  While paying attention to regulators is important, it is more important to not allow that distraction to blind direct sellers to the tremendous opportunities today’s market presents.