All posts tagged DSA

National Consumer Protection Week Contest 2015 – Wednesday!

National Consumer Protection Week Contest 2015 – Wednesday!

It’s National Consumer Protection Week! Direct Selling Association member companies of the direct selling industry have long been consumer protection supporters, which is why we’re excited to promote this important event each year. You can learn more about avoiding fraud and scams in the marketplace on our National Consumer Protection Week 2015 page here. And tell your friends on social media, too, by using the hashtag #NCPW2015.

To help you learn a bit more about how the direct selling industry protects consumers and consultants, we’re having a contest! Visit our site each day this week to enter to win a $50 Visa Gift Card! We’re giving one away each day this week, Monday – Friday, March 2-6, 2015.

To enter, answer the question below. We’ll choose one correct answer at random to win. Good luck!

UPDATE: Congratulations to Wednesday’s winner, Carmen M. Garrett!

National Consumer Protection Week 2014 Contest (Day 5)

National Consumer Protection Week 2014 Contest (Day 5)

National Consumer Protection Week 2014

UPDATE: Big congratulations to our Friday winner: Jaime Tucker! 

In answer to our question, We’d love to know…which of the resources on our Resources Page was your favorite?, Jaime shared the following answer:

“Mobile banking.”

And the winner of the iPad mini is Carrie Douthit!! Congratulations Carrie! Here’s what Carrie said was her favorite resource:

“The technology and privacy information was the most useful to me. Thank you.”

Thanks to everyone for playing! And remember, you can access all of our free 2014 consumer protection resources at any time on this page: http://dsef.org/what-we-do/consumer-initiative/national-consumer-protection-week/ncpw-2014/

It’s the 5th and final day of our National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) celebration! We’ve already given away four amazing prize bundles, full of amazing products from direct selling companies, and today we’re giving away one more! We’ve also been highlighting some of the amazing resources available on the web to help you make informed choices as a consumer and business owner.

Each day this week, we’ve posted a question. When you use the NCPW resources we’ve provided to answer the question, you’ll be entered to win an amazing gift tote full of products from a number of generous companies in the direct sales industry. We’ve provided some bonus entry options as well.

We’re giving away a bundle of amazing products worth over $750 each day, so be sure to come back each day to enter!

Prize Details

Today’s winner will receive a bundle of products from over 20 DSA member companies, including at least one of the following from each of these companies:

On Friday, we will choose one name from among all entries throughout the week to win an iPad mini, donated by Mannatech. Winner will be announced Monday, March 10 on our Facebook Page.

Contest also sponsored by Nu Skin, who is generously providing program funding.

 

How to Enter

Simply leave a comment answering today’s question: We’d love to know…which of the resources on our Resources Page was your favorite? (Find all the resources on our NCPW resources page! – Opens in a separate window)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* Contest is open to residents of the US and Canada, ages 18 and older.

Good luck, and don’t forget to tell your friends!

National Consumer Protection Week 2014 Contest (Day 4)

National Consumer Protection Week 2014 Contest (Day 4)

National Consumer Protection Week 2014

UPDATE: Big congratulations to our Thursday winner: Tammy van Dongen! 

In answer to our question, What does a marketer need to have in order to claim that their product is non-toxic?, Tammy shared the following answer:

“Marketers who claim that their product is non-toxic need competent and reliable scientific evidence that the product is safe for both people and the environment.”

Here’s the link to enter Friday’s contest: http://dsef.org/2014/03/07/national-consumer-protection-week-2014-contest-day-5/

It’s one of our favorite weeks of the year…National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW)! It’s a time to highlight some of the amazing resources available on the web to help you make informed choices as a consumer and business owner. And since we love this week so much, we’ve decided once again to make it even MORE fun with a contest!

Each day this week, we’ll post a question. Use the NCPW resources we’ve provided to answer the question, and you’ll be entered to win an amazing gift bundle full of products from a number of generous companies in the direct sales industry. We’ve provided some bonus entry options as well.

We’re giving away a bundle of amazing products worth over $750 each day, so be sure to come back each day to enter!

Prize Details

Today’s winner will receive a bundle of products from over 20 DSA member companies, including at least one of the following from each of these companies:

On Friday, we will choose one name from among all entries throughout the week to win an iPad mini, donated by Mannatech.

Contest also sponsored by Nu Skin, who is generously providing program funding.

 

How to Enter

Simply leave a comment answering today’s question: What does a marketer need to have in order to claim that their product is non-toxic? (Find the link to the answer on our NCPW resources page! – Opens in a separate window)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* Contest is open to residents of the US and Canada, ages 18 and older, and ends at midnight ET, Thursday, March 6.

Good luck, and don’t forget to tell your friends!

National Consumer Protection Week 2014 Contest (Day 3)

National Consumer Protection Week 2014 Contest (Day 3)

National Consumer Protection Week 2014

UPDATE: Big congratulations to our Wednesday winner: Courtney Cates! 

In answer to our question, What are two things you should do if you know your email has been hacked?, Courtney shared the following answer:

“Have extremely strong passwords including letters and numbers, make sure that you have security on your computer, and remove malware.”

Find the link to enter each day’s contest here: http://dsef.org/2014/02/26/national-consumer-protection-week-2014-contest/

It’s one of our favorite weeks of the year…National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW)! It’s a time to highlight some of the amazing resources available on the web to help you make informed choices as a consumer and business owner. And since we love this week so much, we’ve decided once again to make it even MORE fun with a contest!

Each day this week, we’ll post a question. Use the NCPW resources we’ve provided to answer the question, and you’ll be entered to win an amazing gift tote full of products from a number of generous companies in the direct sales industry. We’ve provided some bonus entry options as well.

We’re giving away a bundle of amazing products worth over $750 each day, so be sure to come back each day to enter!

Prize Details

Today’s winner will receive a bundle of products from over 20 DSA member companies, including at least one of the following from each of these companies:

On Friday, we will choose one name from among all entries throughout the week to win an iPad mini, donated by Mannatech.

Contest also sponsored by Nu Skin, who is generously providing program funding.

How to Enter

Simply leave a comment answering today’s question: What are two things you should do if you know your email has been hacked? (Find the link to the answer on our NCPW resources page! – Opens in a separate window)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* Contest is open to residents of the US and Canada, ages 18 and older.

Good luck, and don’t forget to tell your friends!

National Consumer Protection Week 2014 Contest (Day 2)

National Consumer Protection Week 2014 Contest (Day 2)

National Consumer Protection Week 2014

UPDATE: Big congratulations to our Tuesday winner: Tammy Penny! 

In answer to our question, What are two things you should consider when deciding whether or not to purchase a service contract when buying a used car?, Tammy shared the following answer:

“Do you have to buy a service contract and does the service contract duplicate any warranty coverage.”

Find the link to enter each day’s contest here: http://dsef.org/2014/02/26/national-consumer-protection-week-2014-contest/

It’s one of our favorite weeks of the year…National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW)! It’s a time to highlight some of the amazing resources available on the web to help you make informed choices as a consumer and business owner. And since we love this week so much, we’ve decided once again to make it even MORE fun with a contest!

Each day this week, we’ll post a question. Use the NCPW resources we’ve provided to answer the question, and you’ll be entered to win an amazing gift tote full of products from a number of generous companies in the direct sales industry. We’ve provided some bonus entry options as well.

We’re giving away a bag stuffed full of amazing products each day, so be sure to come back each day to enter!

Prize Details

Today’s winner will receive a bundle of products from over 20 DSA member companies, including at least one of the following from each of these companies:

On Friday, we will choose one name from among all entries throughout the week to win an iPad mini, donated by Mannatech.

Contest also sponsored by Nu Skin, who is generously providing program funding.

How to Enter

Simply leave a comment answering today’s question: What are two things you should consider when deciding whether or not to purchase a service contract when buying a used car? (Find the link to the answer on our NCPW resources page! – Opens in a separate window)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* Contest is open to residents of the US and Canada, ages 18 and older.

Good luck, and don’t forget to tell your friends!

Share Your Unique Story! Come Sign the DSA’s Direct Selling Proclamation

Share Your Unique Story! Come Sign the DSA’s Direct Selling Proclamation

Come Sign the Direct Selling Proclamation from http://dsef.orgAre you a direct seller? Let the world know how direct selling has positively impacted your life!

The Direct Selling Association has created the Direct Selling Proclamation and Compact, and it’s a way for all of us who have been positively impacted by the direct sales industry to show legislators, regulators and many others the significant positive impact that direct sales has had on our lives, and the lives of those around us.

Come join the 11,000 people who have already signed the Proclamation. This is our industry’s firm commitment to business ethics, product innovation and empowerment. All who sign the Proclamation make known their support for the direct selling business opportunity, DSA’s Code of Ethics and DSA’s mission “to protect, serve and promote the effectiveness of member companies and the business people they represent.”

Come sign the Proclamation and add your story to stories like these:

Erika H.
Harker Heights, TX – Texas

My husband and I were struggling in our finances and our marriage. He was working full-time as a solider and part-time in the Mall. I lost my job after having our third child. We were able to improve our marriage and our finances. We are so grateful for the support we received from the company. Our live have been greatly enriched. You can’t buy that. This Industry is amazing. It takes work, dedication and commitment. This is not a get rich quick business. My husband will retire from the Military in 6 months and now we get to continue what we’ve been doing. Changing lives.

Jennifer P.
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Direct selling has allowed me to stay home with my children while still providing for my family. It has giving me my family life back in a way no other job has or could.

Kathy N.
Gainesville, FL

When I was widowed with three young children my direct selling job allowed me the flexibility to determine my own income and work around my family. My children learned the values of honesty with customers, a good work ethic, and watched as I set and achieved goals. They have all grown up with good self-esteem and independence because of my example.

Jennifer E.
Dallas, Texas

I started my business in 1999 as a way to pay off school loans. I fell in love with the strong supportive atmosphere and all of the free business education I would have not been exposed to at such an early age at my corporate position. It has taught me how to be a successful business woman in my community and has given me so many more opportunities to support my family and church than I would have had otherwise. I love taking care of my customers and positively impacting the lives of the women I train.

 

Share your story now: http://www.directselling411.com/the-direct-selling-proclamation-and-compact/

Make no mistake: this is a significant document. A vocal minority is trying to convince lawmakers and regulators that direct selling is bad for consumers. We know direct selling is a driving force in the economy, but without the voices of those who have been positively impacted, the assertions of those who would misrepresent us gain traction in the marketplace. While that vocal minority is slinging mud, we will take the high road and simply point out all that is good about direct selling—but we need hundreds of thousands of voices to provide the overwhelming evidence that direct selling is right for consumers.

Come share your unique story among other voices of direct selling entrepreneurs, and pass this along to your direct selling friends and colleagues using the share links below. Sign the Direct Selling Proclamation right now:  http://www.directselling411.com/the-direct-selling-proclamation-and-compact/

 

Executive Spotlight: Angela Loehr Chrysler, Team National

Executive Spotlight: Angela Loehr Chrysler, Team National

From the DSEF: We’re excited to continue our blog series featuring top executives in DSEF-supporter direct selling companies today! Every few weeks we’ll introduce you to another top executive, and they’ll share their thoughts on Direct Sales, Ethics, Social Good, and why they support the DSEF. 

Today we’re thrilled to continue this series with Angela Loehr Chrysler, the President and CEO of Team National, a company that provides membership savings with a wide variety of products and services in over 20 different industries. Team National has been a big supporter of the DSEF for many years, and Angela Loehr Chrysler is a member of the DSEF board. We’re thrilled to have her share her thoughts with you today. Enjoy!

Executive Spotlight: Angela Loehr Chrysler, Team National

Angela Loehr Chrysler

What is the name of your company, and how did you become involved with this company? 

My company is Team National. My dad is the founder of the company. I started in 2000, helping him with some research.

What did you do before you got involved with your company? 

I was in Medical Sales and was briefly involved with a direct selling company…right industry, bad company. They are no longer in business due to improper activities. It was a great learning experience.

What do you love about your company?

I love the people and the opportunity for us to help them change their lives, along with the lives of others around them.

What makes your salesforce amazing?

Great attitudes, fun people, entrepreneur spirit and the desire to help others grow and live their dreams.

Ethics is an integral part of DSA membership. How do you ensure your company maintains the highest level of ethics?

Ethics and integrity are important to us, therefore it begins with us. We believe we need to lead by example.  We need to communicate and model ethical behavior.  One of our leaders often says, “Our actions must speak so loud people don’t need to hear what we are saying.”

Social good is another essential element of direct sales. What kind of social good campaigns does your company participate in or run?

We feel we need to share the blessings we have been given. We support local and national charities. We donate product and marketing tools to regional events to raise money for our Charities of Choice.  We encourage giving back amongst our staff.  We also get involved in local events such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, where we collected toys for kids. We walk with our staff in the Broward Humane Society walk for animals.  We attend and sponsor a variety of charity events throughout the year.

Your company has been a Direct Selling Education Foundation supporter. Why do you think the DSEF is important?

DSEF helps us share the positive information about our industry.  There are so many good things DSA companies are part of that we are thrilled to help DSEF tell the good stories and educate others about DSA as a whole. We are passionate about DSA and the opportunities with so many great companies and products.  Therefore DSEF is a natural choice to help educate and communicate information about our industry that allows us the opportunity to help so many.

Thank you, Angela, for sharing your thoughts with us. We are grateful for the support of companies like Team National, that help us to spread the message of ethics, entrepreneurship and integrity around the world. We appreciate you!

Free resource for you

Download our free e-book “Business Owner’s Road Map to Success.” It has over 50 pages of techniques for everything a small business owner needs to master, from business planning and ethical selling to a success mindset. It’s all there and it’s free for you. To get it, just “Like” our Facebook Page here: http://on.fb.me/KsIN6P Pass it on!

Direct Selling Executives Get Ready to “Be Connected”

Direct Selling Executives Get Ready to “Be Connected”

Delacey, 7, chats with Santa during the DSEF Pack a Present Christmas event for children from Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas at Mandarin Oriental hotel. GARY THOMPSON/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

by Nancy Burke

A chill is in the air, and the holidays are just around the corner. Things like pumpkin spiced cider and scarves are beginning to make their annual appearances. And thoughts of holiday travel plans, gift shopping, and the accompanying credit card bills are creeping into people’s minds.

As people gear up for the holidays, businesses also gear up for the resulting holiday rush, and the Direct Selling industry is no different.

Seasonal consultants come on board, wanting to have a little extra cash on hand so holiday shopping doesn’t put any extra stress on the family budget. Holiday themes work their way into products by scents, colors, and special offers. And the Direct Selling Association is hosting our annual Be Connected Conference for direct sales corporate executives in Las Vegas.

Some of you may be asking, “How can I afford to leave my business for a few days at the beginning of December?”  The answer comes back, “How can you afford not to go?”

Be Connected is one of the prime networking opportunities for direct sellers and its focus on the new factors of the industry, such as the younger generations now interested in direct selling, social media and adapting to new trends is a crucial conversation all businesses should be having. In addition, there is also a chance to focus on the basics with the Direct Selling 101 pre-conference Seminar option as well. (A MUST for both new companies, and executives new to the industry.)

This conference is a major event for seasoned industry veterans and first-time entrepreneurs alike. Conference speakers include Jason Dorsey, Dan Schawbel, and John Moore, just to name a few! There will be workshops on social media (lots of them), salesforce training, and so many more. Visit our web site for more details about all of the great speakers and presenters that will be there.

The DSEF will also be hosting its annual Pack a Present toy drive to help provide a little holiday magic to children in the local community. Last year at Be Connected, DSA member company executives and supplier members gave generously, donating hundreds of presents to benefit members of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Las Vegas. Santa will be on hand to make sure the magic happens again for lots of kids in need. If you’re coming, be sure to pack a present for DSEF’s toy drive!

Be Connected should be high on the priority list of any company even thinking about using direct selling or social selling models in the future. Companies that apply for Direct Selling Association membership by November 21, 2011, will receive one free registration to the Be Connected Conference and member discounts for any additional registrations after that.

So if you’re looking into direct selling for the first time, or if you’re looking for a boost in your established company, look no further! Come to Be Connected in December and we’ll see you in Las Vegas!

Nancy Burke

Nancy M. Burke is Membership Director of the Direct Selling Association.  DSA is the 100-year-old not-for-profit national trade organization representing 300 direct sales firms, and their 16 million independent salespeople. The Association’s mission is “To protect, serve and promote the effectiveness of member companies and the independent business people they represent. To ensure that the marketing by member companies of products and/or the direct sales opportunity is conducted with the highest level of business ethics and service to consumers.” 

 Nancy works with the companies in the membership — from small start-ups to well-known brand names – overseeing the retention and recruitment of corporate members. She earned the distinction of becoming a Certified Association Executive (CAE) from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) in June 2008.


These People Are…Incredible – Guest Post by Joe Mariano, DSA President

These People Are…Incredible – Guest Post by Joe Mariano, DSA President

From The DSEF: Today we’re delighted to bring you a guest post by Direct Selling Association President Joe Mariano. Joe and his team at the DSA work tirelessly to protect, serve and promote the effectiveness of member companies and the independent business people they represent. The DSA also works to ensure that the marketing by member companies of products and/or the direct sales opportunity is conducted with the highest level of business ethics and service to consumers.

“These people are … incredible.”

That’s what one direct selling CEO recently emailed me during her conference. I know exactly what she meant. After 26 years working at the Association, I’ve seen more than just a few company meetings. Each company brings its own unique style and expertise to its get-togethers, but they all have one thing in common: the passion, enthusiasm and love that the salesforce brings to our business. There is nothing more exciting, invigorating and gratifying than to get out into the field and see this reflected in the eyes and voices of our salespeople.

In recent weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to speak to thousands of company salespeople, from Philadelphia to Columbus to San Francisco. They are hungry for the messages that DSA, DSEF and our World Federation are uniquely suited to bring—the spirit of the industry, credible industry statistics and information, identification of our opportunities and challenges, a validation of what they do, a report on the government regulations that may affect them, and finally—a sense of being part of something truly phenomenal. Something larger than just a kitchen table crowded with receipts and paperwork, larger than their neighborhood party, larger than the sales organization they are working so diligently to build. Larger even than their great companies. They are part of a remarkable industry that is changing lives and helping people across the country and across the globe. A true phenomenon, 100 years and more in the making, that is offering an income opportunity to struggling people, that is changing communities, that is making unparalleled charitable contributions, that is capable of changing lives.

When we talk at these meetings of some of the 16 million people in the U.S. and more than 70 million across the globe, heads nod and notes are scribbled. When we tell the story of the direct selling representative floating down the Amazon River to sell her goods, or someone embracing entrepreneurship in China with the economic opportunity that direct selling provides, a collective “Ah” rises from the audience. When we describe the single mom who found her calling and herself in direct selling, a smile spreads across the listeners’ faces. Each of these sellers knows this story. Each of these sellers has seen this story reflected in his or her own life, and the lives of the people they have touched through their direct selling activities.

And when the remarks are done, the audience cheers. They cheer for themselves and everything they know they have accomplished and will accomplish. Each of you has probably seen this played out in some way at your own company events. I truly wish each of you could join me at all of these company meetings so you can see you are part of something even beyond your own great company. That you, as part of this great industry, are changing lives. That you are part of a community coming together through DSA. That all of these people are … incredible.

Joe Mariano is President of the Direct Selling Association. He also serves as Vice Chairman on the Direct Selling Education Foundation Board of Directors, and Chairman of the World Federation of Selling Associations (WFDSA) Global Regulatory Affairs Committee.