Archive for 2011

Ethics in Business: What You Can Do as a Business Owner

Ethics in Business: What You Can Do as a Business Owner


As a business owner, you know how important your reputation is. People do business with you because they know, like, and trust you. As a result, it’s important to be sure your business transactions are conducted with the highest level of ethics. In this interconnected world, even on questionable transaction can come back to haunt you time and time again.

So what can you do to assure your customers that you hold yourself, and your business, to the highest level of ethics? Here are some tips:

  • If you’re a direct seller, join a Direct Selling Association (DSA) member company. (http://dsa.org) Organizations that are members of the DSA agree to the DSA Code of Ethics. Explain to customers how shopping with a DSA member company benefits them.
  • Understand how the DSA Code of Ethics works, and what it means for your business. A great place to start is by watching our series of ethics videos. You can view them on our YouTube channel here: (http://youtube.com/TheDSEF)
  • Make sure your customer always understands exactly what he/she is purchasing, how it works, and how much it costs. Always follow up after the sale to ensure that the customer is satisfied. If he/she needs to return something or changes his/her mind about a purchase within 3 business days, make it easy. This helps build a customer for life.
  • Make sure it’s easy to contact you both before AND after the sale, so if a customer needs something they can find you easily. Include your name and phone number on the customer’s receipt, and verbally tell them how to contact you at the end of the transaction. If you’re online, it’s also a good idea to connect with your customer via your social networks, so you’re easy to reach if there’s a need.
  • Keep your word. If you tell a customer he/she can expect something from you, make sure it happens. Ethics and integrity are paramount when you’re a business owner.

Ethics is a key component to any successful business. Not only will you feel great about the work that you’re doing, but customers will prefer to shop with you, because they know they can trust you.

To learn more about ethics in business, and resources we provide to help, visit our website at http://dsef.org. We’re here to help you do business better! We wish you much success.

Women’s Entrepreneurship in a Down Economy: Tips for Starting Your Own Business

Women’s Entrepreneurship in a Down Economy: Tips for Starting Your Own Business

Ready to Start Your Own Business? Tips for Getting Started

June is National Women’s Confidence Month. Many women find that owning their own business gives them tremendous confidence. It helps you take control of your finances, set and reach goals, and enjoy the satisfaction of accomplishing what you set out to do.

This economy has been a tough one for many families. Many people have lost their jobs, and families have been forced to find new ways to earn an income. One way families have done so is through direct selling. It’s a low investment way to start your own business. What’s nice about direct selling is that it can be done around other priorities. So if you’re looking for work, you can do it on the side and still bring in some income. Others start part time, with the intention of going full time once they reach a certain income level.

Have you thought about starting your own business? Here are some tips to help you get started:

  • On Your Own or With Support? Decide if you’ll start a business from scratch (larger investment of time and money), or if you’ll start a business under a company (direct sales or franchise).
  • What Kind of Business? Are you interested in consulting, sales, virtual administrative support…there are many things you can do. Decide what you’re most interested in doing, and where you’ll earn the income you’re looking for.
  • How Much Will I Need to Invest? Be sure you understand the costs involved in starting a business. Do you have the money, and are you able to earn your initial investment back quickly?
  • Do your Research! Research the type of business you want to start. Who has been successful in this business? How much time is required? Will you need to learn any new skills to be successful? Is training provided? How much income can you earn? If possible, talk to others who have run a successful business in the field you wish to work. A women’s business center in your area can be helpful as you conduct this research.
  • Check Out the DSA Website. If you’re thinking about a direct selling opportunity, check out companies that are Direct Selling Association members (http://dsa.org). These organizations agree to comply with the DSA code of ethics, which protects you and the consumers you’ll work with. It’s a great idea to choose a DSA company that offers a product line you love.
  • Tap Your Warm Market. Talk to your friends and family about the business you’re thinking about starting. Are any of them potential customers? Would they do business with you? It’s great to get a feel for your “warm market” prior to starting your business, as this can be a great foundation from which to start.
  • Read Any Contracts Carefully. When you start your business, you’ll likely need to sign agreements or other contracts. Be sure you read these carefully, so you know exactly what terms you’re agreeing to. When in doubt, consult with an attorney who specializes in small businesses.

Above all else, be sure you choose a business you’ll enjoy. After all, you’ll most likely be spending a lot of time on your new business. Be sure it’s something you’ll still enjoy a few months and years from now.

Owning your own business can be a fun and profitable experience. It also helps you develop new skills, and the confidence you need to succeed. For additional resources related to running your business ethically, we invite you to check out the resources on our Facebook Page. We wish you luck with your new business!

“Y We Care” about Miami-Dade’s Teens and Tweens

“Y We Care” about Miami-Dade’s Teens and Tweens

(MIAMI—June 3, 2011) – When hundreds of company executives gather in Miami for the 2011 annual convention of the Direct Selling Association, they will do more than take in the Florida sunshine and discuss their direct selling businesses.  On June 5th, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., CEOs and executives from notable companies such as Mary Kay, The Pampered Chef, Avon and more will roll up their sleeves and work by side with the teens and tweens of the Greater Miami-Dade YWCA to help them make their facility a more inviting environment for Miami’s young people.

The event is sponsored by the Direct Selling Education Foundation (DSEF), whose community service programs continue the direct selling industry’s rich tradition of giving back to the communities in which they do business. “Y We Care, a partnership between the YWCA of Greater Miami-Dade and the Direct Selling Education Foundation, is an event that demonstrates the deep commitment to corporate responsibility shared by the entire direct selling industry,” said Charlie Orr, DSEF’s Executive Director, “Leaders from our industry will work with the kids on a variety of creative projects.  We’ll be painting, gardening, building bookshelves and helping the kids to document the day through photography and interviews.”

“To anticipate nearly a hundred guests exchanging ideas with our teens and tweens is exciting,’” said Eileen Maloney-Simon, CEO, YWCA of Greater Miami-Dade. “The leadership example and fellowship being shown to inner-city youth is outstanding and we are thankful to the Direct Selling Education Foundation for taking the time out of their conference schedule to do this community project.”

ABOUT THE YWCA OF GREATER MIAMI-DADE
Founded in 1919, the YWCA Greater Miami-Dade of is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.  The organization fulfills its mission with programs that empower Miami’s youth through education, advocacy and unity.  The Miami-Dade YWCA programs benefitted almost four thousand young people from ages six to eighteen during fiscal year 2009-2010.  A more inviting YWCA environment attracts more young people to gather, learn and enjoy activities that encourage educational excellence, independence, resourcefulness and responsibility.

ABOUT DSEF
The Direct Selling Education Foundation serves the public interest by advancing the direct selling industry’s support of consumer rights and protection, education about the industry, ethical leadership and individual economic empowerment. Through its partnerships with consumer advocates, educators and students, public policy officials, and members of the small business and entrepreneurship community, DSEF enhances public awareness of direct selling in the global marketplace. For more information, visit, http://dsefnew.wpengine.com.

Learning from Leadership

Learning from Leadership

It’s that time of year when DSEF’s Board of Director’s roster changes. We salute our consumer and academic board members who complete their terms in 2011. These individuals worked passionately to help fulfill our mission, especially in the areas of consumer rights and protection, education and research, and women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. While making their contributions, each of these devoted volunteers has also gained a new perspective about the direct selling industry, and DSEF will continue to benefit from their involvement, support and insight.

Maria E. Canabal Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas State University, San Marcos, serves as DSEF Consumer & Community Program Committee member.

"DSEF has given me the opportunity to familiarize myself with the direct selling industry, its business model and the diversity of the firms and the people involved. As a consumer educator and advocate, it’s important for me to understand both sides of the market—sellers and consumers. It’s also been valuable for me to be able to represent DSEF abroad and to introduce some of my professional organizations to DSEF, forming long-lasting partnerships."

Greg W. Marshall, Ph.D., Professor of Marketing, Rollins College, served as Chair of the DSEF Education Initiative Committee.

"I’ve come to very much appreciate the direct selling business model and the power of the independent salesperson to control her or his own destiny through hard work and tenacity. It’s a brilliant strategy for DSEF to promote such high levels of academic / executive interaction, and I firmly believe that the single most opportunistic initiative for DSEF continues to be fostering research collaboration between top scholars and top industry executives, directed toward addressing critical research questions for the future of the industry."

Susan G. Duffy Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Strategy & Entrepreneurship, Simmons College, serves on the DSEF Education Initiative Committee, and the Women’s Initiative Committee.

"It has been an honor to serve on the DSEF board. As an entrepreneurship educator, I found the direct selling opportunity to be an ideal, accessible model of new venture creation for my students. Everything we want students to learn about launching, managing and growing a venture is available to them in a direct selling company. I aim to use my energy every day for a net positive gain. DSEF has been an inspiring place to entrepreneur positive outcomes."

Elizabeth Owen, Executive Director, National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators, served as Chair of the DSEF Consumer & Community Program Committee.

"I learned firsthand the direct selling industry’s dedication to promoting consumer protection. Its support is generous, unwavering and creative, and for that the entire consumer protection community is grateful. No other industry comes close to that commitment. As I rotate off the board, I am so pleased to see this organization celebrating a renewed mission, defined goals, and an eye for the future. On a personal note, each board meeting was a pleasant reunion with people I grew to call friends."

Community Colleges to Offer a Direct Selling Entrepreneur Program to Foster Business Opportunity with Education

Community Colleges to Offer a Direct Selling Entrepreneur Program to Foster Business Opportunity with Education

Direct Selling Education Foundation and National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship Join to Address Educational Needs of Direct Sellers

NACCE logo

 (Washington, DC – February 22, 2011) – Individuals who are considering a career in direct selling or who are in the early stages of their growth in this field will soon have the opportunity to increase their relevant knowledge and skill set by participating in a Direct Selling Entrepreneur Program at their local community college. Through a new partnership, the Direct Selling Education Foundation (DSEF), a nonprofit public education organization affiliated with the Direct Selling Association, and the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) are developing the curriculum for a non-credit program that will be made available to community colleges across the country. The curriculum is expected to be available as a pilot in Fall 2011.

“Direct selling can offer a great career opportunity for a wide array of people” says DSEF Board Member Sarah Baker Andrus, who is director of External Relations and Academic Programs at CUTCO/Vector. “Our objective with this new educational effort is to make sure people entering this profession have the complete entrepreneurial skills set that will support their success. We also believe that a better educated workforce will help improve salesforce retention for Direct Selling Association member companies.”

NACCE, which represents community colleges nationwide that are using entrepreneurship education to boost economic development in their communities, sees the new program as an exciting new option for its members. “We believe our members will be excited to make this new curriculum available to individuals in the regions they serve,” says NACCE Executive Director Heather Van Sickle. “We are excited to participate in this effort with the Direct Selling Education Foundation and look forward to helping them increase awareness of the entrepreneurial opportunities in the field of direct selling.”

More than 16 million people, generating annual retail sales of nearly $30 billion in theUnited States, participate in direct selling, defined as the sale of a consumer product or service, person-to-person, away from a fixed retail location, and marketed through independent sales representatives. This program is designed to assist people entering this field who need to be equipped with knowledge of marketing, time management, finances, and leadership, among other key topics. This educational program will have two main components: the first is a workshop that will provide information on direct selling to help participants decide if this career option is for them. The second component is a content-driven learning program to provide students with the knowledge they need to excel in direct sales.

“As a public service organization, DSEF fosters an understanding of direct selling  entrepreneurial opportunities can empower individuals, support communities and strengthen economies worldwide,” says DSEF Program Director Robin Diamond. “This new educational program will help direct selling entrepreneurs build their businesses by combining strong entrepreneurship skill training with direct selling-specific learning. By engaging publicly-funded community colleges in the process, this program represents a step forward not just for the students participating but for the direct selling industry as a whole.”

About DSEF

The Direct Selling Education Foundation serves the public interest by advancing the direct selling industry’s support of consumer rights and protection, education about the industry, ethical leadership and individual economic empowerment. Through its partnerships with consumer advocates, educators and students, public policy officials, and members of the small business and entrepreneurship community, DSEF enhances public awareness of direct selling in the global marketplace. For more information visit, http://dsefnew.wpengine.com

About NACCE

The National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) is an organization of educators, entrepreneurs, and distinguished business development professionals providing quality programs and services in entrepreneurship education at the community college level. Founded in 2002, NACCE is at the heart of the “entrepreneurship movement.” Through advocacy, membership, an annual conference and exhibition, a quarterly journal, monthly webinars and podcasts, a dynamic list-serv, and other resources, NACCE serves as the hub for the dissemination and integration of knowledge and successful practices regarding entrepreneurship education and student business incubation. These programs and courses advance economic prosperity in the communities served by its member colleges. NACCE is a founding member of the White House-led Startup America Partnership. For more information, visit http://www.nacce.com