Industry News
May 2009
Letter from America by John Fleming
To all of our friends and partners in Europe, it is, once again, a pleasure to extend greetings from the United States! Many of our direct selling companies remain focused on overcoming the challenges of a weakened U.S. economy.
However, these most challenging times also bring out the best in creativity and innovation throughout the industry. Companies are reassessing just about every aspect of the business, including their messages, strategies and ways of using technology and tools to ensure that they are congruent with the times. We predict that when we emerge from the challenges we now face, there will be some new winners and new examples of the attributes of our distribution channel and how best to attract, train and develop independent contractors who stay the course and go on to build businesses and make some of their dreams come true.
In the article “The Billion-Dollar Club,” excerpted in this issue, it was so very exciting to see German-based Vorwerk & Co KG in the No. 3 position and Swedish-based Oriflame Cosmetics as No. 9. Both companies continue to thrive and provide excellent examples of the incredible business model represented by direct selling around the world. Neither of these companies appears to be participating in the economic slowdown being experienced in most mature markets. These are times when all are looking for models of inspiration and success, and we here in the States salute successful European models and wish much success to all companies in the region in meeting and overcoming current economic challenges.
The beauty of our industry is the opportunity extended to all, regardless of past experience. The various products and services sold through direct selling provide a free-enterprise opportunity that is second to none! This is what motivates those of us here in the States and also what binds us, regardless of what region in the world we might be located. Many industries contract during economic challenges. The direct selling industry could very well come out of these challenging times bigger, greater and more effective as the result of new creative and innovative strategies made possible by the genius of those who lead the way.
Best wishes to our friend Paul Southworth and staff, who publish your stories, and best wishes to all of you for a most successful year!
John Fleming
Publisher and Editor in Chief
