Special Report
January 2010
VideoPlus expands across Europe
Direct Selling News Europe Editor Paul Southworth describes how the largest supplier to direct selling companies in the United States is expanding across Europe.
IN 1987, entrepreneur Stuart Johnson founded Videoplus based in Dallas, Texas, with a view to not only supplying direct sales companies with quality products and services but also, more importantly, becoming a partner with each and every client. This spirit of partnership has certainly served the company well through the years with rapid growth coming as a direct result of Stuart’s vision, drive and determination to listen to his client’s needs and responding accordingly.
It is worth noting that Stuart was recently voted one of the top ten most infl uential people in direct selling in the United States. As the company has grown so has the range of services it offers and today represents a true force in the world of global publishing and sales tools for independent direct sellers.
In the world of publishing, VideoPlus owns Direct Selling News, which has become a major voice for all executives in the direct selling industry. The company also distributes retail news-stand magazines, such as SUCCESS, Empowering Women and Success from Home.
Some of the most respected business gurus and authors such as Richard Branson, Donald Trump, Robert Kiyosaki, Darren Hardy and many more, have been proud to be featured on the cover and contribute articles to these magazines, continuing to enhance the overall image and credibility of VideoPlus.
Success from Home is a personalised magazine produced on behalf of individual companies. Many of the direct sales companies who have invested in this particular method of communicating to their sales force have stated that it has been the single most effective recruitment tool they have ever used, and has significantly enhanced their recruitment numbers. As a result thousands of copies and subsequent reprints are ordered.
With regard to sales tools, the most modern technology and quality is brought to bear in producing tools that really work for direct sellers and make their lives that much easier in the field. From full video production and fulfilment of recruitment CDs and DVDs to starter kits and presentation aids, VideoPlus produces the solution personalised to the clients’ requirements. Again, partnership working at its best.
“I definitely see VideoPlus as a strategic partner. They’re much more than a supplier; they’re a business consultant as well.”—Michael Cervell, Orifl ame Senior Vice President of Direct Sales
Having achieved such great success in the United States over the past 20+ years, VideoPlus decided to expand operations globally in 2007, with Europe and Asia/Pacific at the forefront of the new expansion plans. VideoPlus have now operated for the past few years with a warehousing and operations centre established in Warsaw, Poland, and the sales and marketing headquarters at Northampton in the United Kingdom.
The expansion across Europe to support existing client relationships from the US as well as forming partnerships with new clients has been very successful. Clients such as ACN, Amway, MonaVie, Orifl ame and Nikken are already benefiting from the proactive partnership approach, which helps them find solutions by providing their sales force with the tools they need to succeed.”
“I think VideoPlus brings a lot of added value to the table, and it’s more than just the equipment; it’s more than just lights, camera, action; it’s more than just setting up the stuff. Its knowing who that person is that’s sitting across from you. Its knowing what she or he thinks, how she or he views what they do for a living, knowing what questions to ask to get the appropriate responses."—Doug DeVos, Amway President
ACN had challenged VideoPlus to create the most effective and dynamic recruitment tools available to the industry. VideoPlus responded by creating DualDisc (CD and DVD in one) recruitment tools in 11 languages, each customised for the subtle cultural distinctions between each market. These tools became the most accurate, relevant and effective way for defining and telling the individual company’s story to produce recruitment results.
“It’s a brilliant tool – the best our field has ever seen.”—Clare Holbrook, ACN European Marketing Director
To continue this remarkable story and ensure long-term sustainable growth in Europe, mid-year 2009 VideoPlus transferred one of their most successful executives in the US to head up their European operation as Vice President, VideoPlus Europe.
Marinda McRoy takes this role, bringing with her 17 years of sales and marketing experience, 13 of those in the direct selling industry and seven years with VideoPlus. Marinda’s industry experience includes working globally with major companies including ACN, Amway, Avon Products, Forever Living Products, Mary Kay, MonaVie, The Pampered Chef, Vorwerk and many more.
Now based in the sales headquarters in Northampton, UK and living with her 14-year-old daughter, she’s very quickly forming new client partnerships with European-based companies through the VideoPlus mantra of always putting the client first.
The goals Marinda has are indeed challenging but she recognises the huge opportunities within the European marketplace and is looking forward to establishing relationships with many new clients. “I would hope my experience to date will help me in working with companies throughout the industry in Europe,” Marinda said. “It’s important to work closely with the corporate teams as well as the field leadership, reviewing and analysing their challenges to determine the best products, services and tools to help overcome those challenges.” she continued, “As a member of the VideoPlus team, I know it’s critical to develop a trusting partnership with each and every client and to do what is in the client’s best interest with every decision, following the VideoPlus tradition of providing world-class tools, products and services to our clients, globally.”
Certainly the warm, friendly and professional approach that Marinda has exhibited in her partnership approach has brought many accolades from satisfied clients.
“Another hit – we LOVE it. Time after time you continuously amaze me with your creativity and professionalism. Thank you for a successful project and I look forward to hearing great things from our field.”—Gail Scripko, Avon Products
Marinda’s first task has been to fully understand and appreciate the many and varied cultural differences that exist across the European market so that she may better relate to her clients’ needs and develop tools that reflect their individual identity in their marketplace. Already she has been well received. If you would like to hear more about what VideoPlus can do for you, log onto http://www.videoplus.com/eu or contact Marinda directly at +44 (0)1604 626836.
Additionally, VideoPlus has become renowned for their VideoPlus University, an educational industry event. These events have taken place for several years in the United States with extremely positive feedback from hundreds of executive attendees.
VideoPlus University, or VPU, is a oneday event with free attendance that brings together the senior executives of direct sales companies to listen to major speakers from inside and outside the industry to share common experiences and ideas.
VideoPlus will be holding the first ever Pan-European VPU at the Hilton Hotel in Prague on Friday, 16th April 2010.
There will be a welcome reception buffet on the evening of the 15th, with VPU the following day and concluding with a networking dinner that evening. This is truly a must-attend event. Attendance is free, so make a date in your diary and register today to avoid disappointment, as places are limited. For online registration and complete details, go to http://www.videoplusuniversity.com and be sure to click on the Prague event, or register by phone at +44 (0)1604 626836.
