THIS ISSUE:: May 2009
Amway Prepares for an Exciting 2009, with Their Commitment to Change and Innovation
Following a successful outcome from a long- running court case, Amway UK and Ireland now look towards a successful future, and share some of their exciting plans with Direct Selling News Europe.
People on the Move
Edwina Sorkin, Country Manager, Avon, Israel
Elio Iori Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Southeastern Europe region (SEE), GNLD
Avon Against Domestic Violence
To mark the 98th International Women’s Day on 8 March, Avon launched an ‘Empowerment Necklace’ in support of their Avon Against Domestic Violence Campaign, which aims to raise vital funds and awareness of domestic violence. Domestic violence is a hidden crime and the biggest killer, globally, of women between 15 and 44 years of age. Last year, the sale of Avon’s global Empowerment Bracelet raised more than $3.5 million globally for the same cause.
Herbalife Family Foundation Establishes Casa Herbalife Program in Czech Republic
The Herbalife Family Foundation (HFF) has established a Casa Herbalife program at the Children’s Center in Zlin, Czech Republic, to help provide good nutrition to children.
June 16th London Business Experience Seminar
Each year the Supplier Members host an event on behalf of the DSA. These events are based on education and an opportunity to meet each other in a convivial atmosphere. This year we are pleased to offer an expanded program following a cameo slot last year by two companies explaining their experience in the UK.
Awareness and education bring greater understanding: Country Focus on France
Judith Wojtowicz takes a closer look at direct selling in France where the industry is enjoying a high profile thanks to an ongoing integrated campaign to broaden its appeal and improve its image.
What’s the BUZZ? …an update from the Australian DSA Conference
The Holy Grail of the Public Relations is what they call BUZZ. Buzz’ is the sound that excited crowds make. Excitement restricts one’s vocal cords so that the pitch of voices are higher and louder. We are tuned into this sound. It is infectious and makes us excited.
Quality not quantity makes Captain Tortue unique
The Captain Tortue Distributor is a true ambassador for the brand, according to the Chief Executive Officer of this French company which produces high-quality children’s clothing and women’s wear.
Marcus Schenkenberg joins forces with LR to create his own perfume
Marcus Schenkenberg is one of the most successful male top models in the world. He has often been named “the sexiest man alive” and has graced more magazine covers and premium brand campaigns than any of his fellow models. Of Dutch descent Marcus made his breakthrough in 1991 with his first international campaign for Calvin Klein.
Natura’s only market outside South America
NATURA’S decision to open in France reflects the founder’s love of country and culture which in many ways mirrors his homeland of Brazil, where people love the history and tradition of France whose countrymen played a big part in helping to shape Brazil’s early years.
DSE is gearing up for an eventful spring and a productive year in 2009!
By Marc Pouw, MD, DSE
Here at our headquarters in Brussels we at Direct Selling Europe are preparing to implement our strategy for the next five years after we present it to our members on 5 May 2009. I will update the readers of Direct Selling News Europe on the key components of this strategy in the July edition.Mylene… first and foremost a people company
The expansion of its Consultant network in France is a strategic objective for Mylene as the company approaches its 45th anniversary next year.
feDSA presents the case for direct selling to government and trade officials in Prague
The Czech EU-Presidency is currently steering the all-important negotiations on the draft Consumer Rights Directive that includes a comprehensive reform of direct selling legislation in Europe. This was the background to a seminar held in Prague, on 11 February 2009, and the opportunity for Asociace Osobního Prodeje (AOP, the Czech DSA) and FEDSA to build on their good relations with those key officials in Prague who are currently handling the Directive.
Chic and stylish – Nutrimetics has it all
NUTRIMETICS has all the necessary elements to make it the beauty brand of choice for the chic Frenchwoman, according to Country Manager Nathalie Coppola.
DIRECT SELLING FESTIVAL Dubai, 2009
The biggest direct selling event in the Middle East and North Africa, a market currently worth $110 billion in direct sales – and set for growth.
In the May Issue
Awareness and education bring greater understanding Country Focus on France A regular series where Direct Selling News Europe takes a close look at one of the markets in the region. This month we feature France, where awareness and education benefit both direct sellers and customers.
Welcome to our May edition
Welcome to our May edition packed with news, views and information across our industry here in Europe. Our Country Focus this issue looks at “La Belle France” the large and established Western European market where direct sales continue to flourish. We have coverage on global and local French companies operating there as well as comments from the French DSA.
My Story: Chantal Rebin
Joined Nutrimetics in May 1994 Family: Married with two grown-up children Position in Nutrimetics: Regional Manager with annual turnover of €700,000 Background: Started work in an insurance company before moving into retail where she managed a baby and toy shop for four years.
Letter from the Direct Selling Association
By Philippe Jacquelinet, Chairman
FRANCE is a huge market with a dynamic direct selling industry that has taken a highly proactive approach to developing and enhancing both image and standards.The Way to Good Health and Wealth…
With its stronghold at the cutting edge of wellness science, Mannatech has grown to become a world leader in providing innovative, high-quality proprietary health products. Direct Selling News Europe’s Emily-Jane Clark took a closer look at this rapidly expanding global direct selling company.
Georgette Rouncefield
Businesses need to change continually to remain competitive in the marketplace and Georgette Rouncefield has firsthand experience why these changes, to be successful, need to be handled with respect and consideration.
Salesforce Motivation
Over the past four years or so, I have taught hundreds of MBA students from almost every country you can think of. I have taught students from France, Sweden, Mexico, Ecuador, South Africa, Russia, Australia, Norway, UK and the United States, to name but a few. And almost all ask the same three questions: What makes a good salesperson? Were you any good as a salesperson? Why do you live in France?
The Billion-Dollar Club – How the Top Companies Compare
By Brittany Glenn
Tired of reading about the global economic crisis?Here’s the good news: Among the many industries falling by the wayside, the direct selling industry is charting a strong and steady course around the world. So strong and steady that we thought it would be interesting to see how the industry’s top companies–those with annual billings of more than US$1 billion–were faring, despite all the doom and gloom reported by the media.
Ben Gallina, Avon seizes the opportunity
Ben Gallina, Senior Vice President, China, Western Europe, the Middle East & Africa and Asia Pacific in Avon, has full profit-and-loss responsibility for operations in half of the company’s regions. His responsibilities span more than 20 markets and sales in his regions totalled $2.47 billion in 2008. The 32-year company veteran talks about the opportunities for the direct selling industry in the current economic climate and how Avon has remained strong since it was founded more than a century ago.
Prospecting in Social Communities: An Insight
By Rainer Paul
The direct selling industry has the potential to experience significant business growth due to the emerging proliferation of social media. The core of social media is a vast digital network marketplace, offering a sizeable opportunity to attract and grow Consultant and customer levels in a low-budget environment.Payments in Focus
Direct Selling News Europe asked Marianne Salmans of GlobalCollect how direct selling companies can turn their payments cost centres into revenue generating departments.
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.
Forever Living Products Rewards Success… at a fabulous rally in Spain
Forever Living Products have just experienced their most inspirational and motivating annual European Rally which this year took place in Malaga, Spain. More than 7,000 Distributors attended from as far afield as Iceland and Israel to celebrate their success and the success of the company. The UK had the third largest attendance, with more than 850 Distributors.
ZIBRANT…The Experience Is Everything
Zibrant is a global provider of end-to-end event services and has worked with direct selling companies for many years. Jacquie Freer, Business Development Director, is the Account Manager for the direct selling business, with overall responsibility for the strategic direction of the partnership, ensuring Zibrant continues to go the ‘extra mile’ and negotiates the best deals and provides the best solutions, particularly in these challenging economic times.
