United NetworkerThe Network Marketing, Business & Lifestyle Magazine

Issue 2 - December 2012 Global Player Publication US $ 9.95 - € 7.95

PM-International Winter Leadership Weekend 2012

CoverstoryNicki & Grace Keohohou

Co-founder and CEO of the Direct Selling

Women’s Alliance OPN CEO Rune Evensen

The Driver of OpportunitiesNew edition of the world’s

most successful race carExactly the Same, Completely Different

XANGO at 10 years old

®

Skyrace Networks Germany

is looking for independent distributorsfor start-up jewelry network.

phone: 0049-6233-7706300mobil: 0049-171-9920190

www.skyrace-networks.nete-mail: info@skyrace.de

Editorial

United Networker Magazine 2/2012 3

Dear Readers,

Another year has nearly ended. 2012 was full of events. Like every year, wishes and goals were committed by many of us. One of our goals was the publication of our first international magazine. And it was a complete success! We received phenomenal feedback, not only on our road show through the United States, but also many vendors and distributors gave us positive feedback. You, as readers of the United Networker Magazine, have been instrumental for this success! Thank you very much!

Unfortunately there is also some sad news. On November 28, 2012, Zig Ziglar passed away due to complications from pneumonia at the age of 86. I was speaking with a fellow member of the direct selling world about Zig Zigler’s passing. They were giving a glowing commentary of this great man, just as so many of us would. However, one simple comment in particular which, at the time, didn’t have much meaning to me. Something that is often said when speaking of someone’s passing came back to me later.

The seemingly simple comment was, “The world has “lost” one of its greatest thought leaders.” At first I wasn’t sure why it came back to me. At first glance it’s certainly not a “dramatic” statement at and of course I understood their intent. Except that Zig Ziglar was not just “someone”. Maybe that’s why it came back. It dawned on me that it was an entirely inaccurate statement. Yes, we have lost this wonderful man’s physical presence and there will be no more new “Zigisms”, if you will. But the magnificent testimony to the effect to this thought leader is the effect that he has had on so many of us around the world for the last 50 years. In short, Zig Ziglar will NEVER be lost. Through his multitude of books, videos, audios, and the stories of personal impact that so many of us have and continue to share with others, Zig will be with us and generations that follow… forever.

We want to honor this great man so we dedicate this issue to him!

In the name of our whole team, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

God bless you!

Sincerely

Markus Th. Ruediger

table of content

4 United Networker Magazine 2/2012

3 Editorial

4-5 Table of Content

6 Imprint

8-11 Short News

22 LR Health & Beauty Systems

23 Dr. Shawn Talbott MonaVie

24-25 Sisel is in Australia

34 PM-International on the way to China

35 Industry Latino Leaders are Making the Move to bHIP

36 BHIP TRIUMPHS IN TWO YEAR LEGAL BATTLE WITH AMWAY CORP.

37 QNET’s CSR arm ‘RYTHM Foundation’ sponsors school libraries in Ladakh

44 - 47 Every day I learn something new

48 - 49 Interview with Thomas Kara Fun Shopping Coach

50 - 51 Susan Johannesson from Sweden, why i started in Network Marketing

52 - 55 Daniela Claudia Szasz People on the breadline a chance in networking?

56 - 57 David Bosley Fit for Business Fit for Life

58 - 59 Dan Andersson Training and Development

60 - 61 David El Dib Are we still alive?

62 - 65 Economy News

66 - 67 Red Bull Crashed Ice

68 - 69 1788 Pre-Revolutionary Cognac

70 - 71 Winter Golfing Pleasure

72 - 75 Ducking, Diving and Smashing in the Snow

76 - 79 The Sun of Cambodia

80 - 82 Porsche GT3 CUP

table of content

12-21 Coverstory Direct Selling Womens Alliance

38 - 41 OPN CEO Rune EvensenThe Driver of Opportunities

32-33 Winter Leadership Weekend

United Networker Magazine 2/2012 5

28-31 10th Anniversary of XanGo

26-27 Talk Fusion Majorca Diamond Days

Imprint

6 United Networker Magazine 2/2012

Publisher: Elsäßer UG (limited liability)Waldblickstr.40

D-75245 NeulingenPhone: +49 (0)7237-443940

redaktion@unitednetworker.com

Editor in Chief: Ulrich Tram (V.i.S.d.P.)Editors: David Bosley, Dan Andersson, Tomas Kluener, Frank Wirtjes,

Daniela Claudia Szasz, David El Dib, Garvin DeShazer,

Graphic: Markus Elsasser, Director of global Sales and Expansion:

Markus Th. RuedigerDirector of Advertising: Sabine Elsasser

Photo Source: Fotolia, Pixelio, Daimler AG

Printhouse: Kern GmbHIn der Kolling 7

D-66450 Bexbach

Subscription:Order the United Networker Print Magazine

Web www.unitednetworker.com/subscriptionE-Mail abo-service@unitednetworker.com

Subscription price 12 high gloss print issuesinclude worldwide shipping $99,95

Copyright Elsäßer UG (limited liability)

Find us on the web:www.unitednetworker.us

www.unitednetworker.comwww.unitednetworkermagazine.de

www.facebook.com/UnitedNetworkerMagazineUSAwww.twitter.com/unitednetworker

Advertisement & Editorial deadlineJanuary 10. 2012

The next United Networker Premium PrintMagazine will be released on January 21. 2012

Follow us on Social Media Networks

You find us on: Twitter - Facebook - Google Plus

United Networker Magazine

short news

8 United Networker Magazine 2/2012

USANA Named One Of Utah’s ‘Best Companies To Work For’ By Utah Business MagazineUSANA Health Sciences, Inc. (NYSE: USNA), a global nutritional company, was recognized today as one of Utah’s ‘Best Companies to Work For’ by Utah Business magazine. USANA was acknowledged for its unique and generous benefits, work-life balance and overall company culture. This is the fifth time the company has made the honorable list since 2002.

This year the award honors 22 Utah companies that allow and encourage employees to successfully balance their personal and professional lives. The selections were determined by a rigorous two-part survey that evaluated company benefits, opportunities and management structure, as well as the opinions of each company’s employees, collected through an anonymous company-wide survey.

“This award represents the very heart of who we are and who we want to continue to be,” said Paul Jones, USANA vice president of human resources. “To be recognized for our company culture, employment practices and the overall satisfaction of our staff is a tremendous honor, and is a tribute to all the USANA employees who create such a strong culture excellence, integrity and genuine concern for one another. I am grateful to be a part of such a unique and wonderful company.”

USANA has been recognized for its onsite workout facility, complimentary fitness classes, organic café, annual profit-sharing program and impressive health and life insurance packages both locally and nationally. Earlier this year, USANA also was named one of America’s ‘Best Places to Work For’ by Outside magazine for the fourth consecutive year and was recognized as one of the ‘Healthiest Places to Work’ by Greatist.com.

4Life – New Gold International Diamonds

in Russia

4Life is proud to announce that Larisa Isakova and Dmitriy Isakov have become 4Life’s newest Gold International Diamonds from Russia. Gold International Diamonds

are the second highest rank in the company and include outstanding leaders worldwide. Larisa and Dmitriy are the third distributors to achieve this rank in Russia.

International Director Boldmaa Nyamdoo: “Larisa and Dmitriy are leaders who have made a difference not only in Russia, but also in Siberia, Mongolia, and elsewhere. They make a terrific

team that continues to offer valuable support and leadership to many 4Life distributors. I sincerely congratulate them on this wonderful accomplishment.”

Larisa and Dmitriy met at a 4Life opportunity meeting in 2009. At the time, Dmitriy did not plan on being involved in 4Life. But, as they worked together doing leadership trainings, they developed a close relationship and decided to get married. Since that time, they have each grown as 4Life leaders and as partners.

“We enjoy working with 4Life, setting goals for the future and achieving them together. Network marketing is a team business. We like being able to help people utilize their professional potential.

This keeps us motivated to continue moving forward together.”

Larisa and Dmitriy have two children and are expecting a third at the beginning of next year. They enjoy playing sports together as a family and taking time to be outdoors.

Senior Vice President, International Jeff Kalinin: “Larisa and Dmitriy understand the value of teamwork and the positive impact that can result.

On behalf of our entire executive team, it’s a privilege to recognize their achievement. I wish them continued success as they grow

together while building their business and making a positive impact wherever they network

around the world.”

Jeunesse® Global Officially Launches Australia & New Zealand

Jeunesse Global is pleased to officially announce the full market launch of operations and sales activites for its global business in the markets of Australia and New Zealand. As part of the company’s rapid global expansion plans, Jeunesse Global has today announced the completion of all market launch steps for both countries of Australia and New Zealand, including membership in both the Direct Selling Associations of Australia and New Zealand. Concluding a month of launch activities involving the opening of a new Sydney warehouse, launch meetings around both countries and a public media launch, Jeunesse Global is pleased to officially announce the launch of full local operations in both markets of Australia and New Zealand, both of which are expected to fast become top markets for this new and rapidly-expanding network marketing company that has only recently burst onto the direct selling scene.

“Already in the first official month of trading here we have achieved sales of over half a million dollars,” says Christopher Cooper, General Manager for Jeunesse Global in Australia and New Zealand. “The Australia and New Zealand markets are traditionally some of the top in our line of business, and we have already attracted a great number of outstanding leaders from within the direct selling industry here, and they have found this business and opportunity to

have rapid appeal with the timeliness and attraction of Jeunesse’s

product range based on adult stem cell

technology.”

NU SKIN LAUNCHES ageLOC® TRU FACE® ESSENCE ULTRA

Nu Skin announces the introduction of ageLOC® Tru Face® Essence Ultra, a firming serum that contours and helps protect the skin from oxidizing free radicals. “We enhanced our existing Tru Face Essence Ultra product with learnings from our anti-aging science to target the sources of aging that lead to loss of skin firmness,” said Dr. Helen Knaggs, Nu Skin’s Vice President of Global Research & Development. “ageLOC Tru Face Essence Ultra, Nu Skin’s firming specialist, helps to contour, define and firm the skin, thus preserving the look of youth.”

Bild

quel

le: R

osel

Eck

stei

n /

pix

elio

.de

short news

United Networker Magazine 2/2012 9

PartyLite Donates $2.1 MM To TODAY Show’s Holiday Gift DriveBlyth, Inc. (NYSE: BTH), a direct to consumer company and leading designer and marketer of candles, accessories for the home, and health and wellness products sold through the direct selling and direct marketing channels, announced that its PartyLite division, the world’s largest direct-seller of candles, candle accessories and premium home fragrance products, and its 20 thousand North American independent consultants participated in its seventh consecutive year of supporting NBC-TV’s TODAY show’s Holiday Gift Drive. Appearing on the December 3rd segment, Michael Norris, PartyLite North America’s President, noted that it was with great pride that PartyLite was once again able to participate in this holiday program, donating $2.1 million in products to 14 locations across the country for less-advantaged children to use as holiday gifts for their parents and teachers. This marks PartyLite’s seventh consecutive year supporting this program, bringing its donations to-date to $18.6 million. PartyLite’s independent consultants have a long tradition of supporting both national and local charitable organizations, most notably the American Cancer Society and, in Canada, the Children’s Miracle Network.

Blyth, Inc., headquartered in Greenwich, CT, USA, is a direct to consumer business focused on both the direct selling and direct marketing channels. It designs and markets home fragrance products and decorative accessories, as well as weight management products, nutritional supplements and energy drink mixes. These products are sold through Direct Selling under both the home party plan and network marketing methods. The Company also designs and markets household convenience items and personalized gifts through the catalog/Internet channel. The Company manufactures most of its candles and sources nearly all of its other products. Its products are sold direct to the consumer in North America under the PartyLite®, Two Sisters Gourmet® by PartyLite and ViSalus Sciences® brands, to consumers in the catalog/Internet channel under the As We Change®, Miles Kimball®, Exposures®, Walter Drake® and Easy Comforts® brands. In Europe, Blyth’s products are also sold under the PartyLite brand.

TALK FUSION ROLLS OUT ALL-NEW CORPORATE BACK OFFICE IN CZECH, GERMAN & JAPANESE LANGUAGES FOR INDEPENDENT ASSOCIATESEnhanced Back Office part of global company’s continued massive worldwide expansion; Czech Republic, Germany & Japan emerging as top markets for world-class Talk Fusion Video Communication Products

Talk Fusion, a rapidly growing global video communication solution company, today announced that it has recently launched its newly streamlined and more easily navigable Back Office for Independent Associates in the Czech Republic, Germany and Japan to manage their Talk Fusion Business in their native languages of, respectively, Czech, German and Japanese.

BackOfficeGraphicIn addition to these three new languages and English, the enhanced Talk Fusion Back Office is already live in the Russian, Bahasa [Indonesian] and Spanish languages and will soon be live in French, Hungarian, Traditional Chinese and Polish.

“We are seeing incredible growth all around the world as our Talk Fusion Video Communication Products are continuing to be shared,” said Bob Reina, Founder & CEO, Talk Fusion. “There was an astonishing number of Associates from those countries who came to our Euro Now Event last October in Prague and who have already registered to attend our Believe Corporate Event in April 2013 in Tampa, Florida.”

Reina added: “This effort is a strong reflection of our thinking to reinforce an on-going commitment of excellent service. There is an emerging number of Talk Fusion Independent Associates growing their Talk Fusion Business by sharing our products and an excellent opportunity worldwide.”

Talk Fusion Video Email, Video Conferencing, Live Broadcasting, the Fusion On the Go mobile app, Video Share, E-Subscription Forms, Video Auto Responders and the World’s First Video Newsletters, all represent both the ultimate products for business or personal use and a definitive value throughout the industry.

Avon Announces Initial Steps of Cost Savings Initiative

Avon Products, Inc. (NYSE: AVP) today outlined initial steps toward the company’s previously communicated annual cost-savings target of $400 million by the end of 2015. Initial steps of the cost-savings initiative will include a targeted global headcount reduction of approximately 1,500 positions and related actions. The company also announced today that it will exit the South Korea and Vietnam markets. These actions are aimed at concentrating resources on high priority markets and activities and boosting efficiencies, and are expected to be largely completed before the end of 2013. Cost to implement these actions is expected to be in the range of $80-90 million before taxes, of which approximately $50-60 million is expected to be recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012. The company anticipates that these initial steps will account for approximately 20% of the total targeted savings. “In order to turn around the business, we are focused on driving top-line growth and aggressively managing our cost base,” said Sheri McCoy, Chief Executive Officer, Avon Products, Inc. “The decisions outlined today are necessary to stabilize the company and begin the process of returning Avon to sustainable growth.” The company expects to communicate additional steps toward the cost-savings goal as it progresse

short news

10 United Networker Magazine 2/2012

USANA Health Sciences Celebrates Grand Opening In Mexico

Expanding its Global Reach, USANA Opens New Office in Mexico CityUSANA Health Sciences, Inc. (NYSE: USNA), a global nutritional company, announces the opening of a new office in Mexico City, Mexico. Carlo Ledezma serves as general manager of USANA Mexico, one of the fastest growing markets for the international company. Ledezma will continue to work closely with USANA’s leaders in Mexico and run its day-to-day operations.

Mexico has been reporting strong increases in sales and the number of USANA associates. In order to support this growing market, USANA constructed this new office to improve customer service, add convenience for those ordering product and provide a central location to hold associate and executive meetings.

“We are already among the top five supplement companies in this country,” says Dan Macuga, USANA’s chief communications officer. “This new office will help us continue to build our

presence in Mexico. We look forward to assisting our associates and customers on a much higher level with the opening of this site.”

The new 10,000 square foot building will house 38 employees with room for 325. It is fully equipped with three large conference rooms, customer service desks, and a product showroom. The state-of-the-art building also includes energy efficient light fixtures and a mechanism to recycle water and collect rainwater for consumption. Additionally, the building meets stringent U.S. fire safety standards.

As MonaVie Vice President of North America, Katy works side by side with MonaVie Founder, Chairman, and CEO Dallin A. Larsen, and is responsible for creating and driving strategy and running the day to day operations for MonaVie’s North America business. Katy is passionate about small business success for distributors and building partnerships that drive results. Most recently, Katy was Chief of Staff working across all MonaVie markets, as well as Executive Director of MonaVie’s charity, MORE Project, a position she retains.

Katy has more than 15 years of experience in organization and leadership development. Prior to joining MORE Project in 2008, Katy was Director of Training, Development & Quality Assurance at eBay North America Customer Services where her focus on innovation led to the creation of Learning 2.0 strategy and online learning. Before 2005, she worked as an external consultant with many high tech Fortune 500 companies around the world implementing knowledge management strategy solutions. Katy cofounded and served on the board for a local charter school.Katy holds a Bachelor’s degree in American Studies and a Master’s degree in Organizational Behavior from Brigham Young University.

“I was drawn to MonaVie because of its compelling vision: A More Meaningful Life. I have worked closely with the executives, distributors at every level, and with employees for close to five years now, and am humbled by the quality of individuals MonaVie attracts. People who care deeply about their families, their friends, their God, and about changing lives. People who work hard day after day to achieve their dreams. People who give from their hearts to those in need. We are a community. You have become my friends, and I am honored to serve MonaVie and each of you in this new role as we work together to achieve new heights. MonaVie has an amazing future ahead.” —Katy Holt-Larsen

Katy Holt-Larsen Named MonaVie Vice President of North America

short news

United Networker Magazine 2/2012 11

4Life Malaysia Eighth Anniversary Celebration4Life executives and distributors gathered recently at the Imperial Ballroom, One World Hotel in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia to commemorate Malaysia eight anniversary at the Malaysia/Singapore Passport to Freedom Convention.

The event attracted 1,500 attendees and included the launch of NutraStart® Vanilla and Probiotics. The convention also included distributor recognition, leadership training, and an overview of a new mobile business-building tool.

Distributor leaders in attendance included: Platinum International Diamonds Ray and Barbara Meurer and Sadik Din and Hasnimah, Gold International Diamonds Akram Din, Sheri Din, Fadzli Salim and Siti Zuraidah, Salim Raghavan and Noor Azlina, Dr. S.S. Tamilselvan and R. Shamala, Richard and Nancy Quek, and Rasid Kamisan and Hasrunita.

President Steve Tew, Senior Vice President of International Jeff Kalinin, Vice President of International Steve Apple, Vice President of Southeast Asia Michael Seet, Vice President of Events and Recognition Lesley Dunn, Director of International, Southeast Asia and India Preston Richards, General Manager of Singapore and Malaysia Tan Cher Lyn, General Manager of Philippines Eileen Tan, and 4Life Thailand Director Kitpubate Tanakijsootorn were also present to support the event.

Sadik Din: “It was such an amazing sight to witness many more people getting involved in 4Life and being recognized on stage as successful entrepreneurs. This younger generation of distributors is the future!”

4Life has offices on five continents to serve a global network of independent distributors through science, success, and service.

PM-International Asia Pacific Tour 2012

PM-International AG has made its way into the Top 10 of the World’s Leading Companies in Direct Marketing. Significant steps were made during the Asia-Pacific-Tour 2012 with the Founder and Managing Director of PM-International AG, Rolf Sorg, which only helped speed the way! Since the founding of new branches in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore 4 ½ years ago, PM-International Asia Pacific has become for ‘Global Players’ a key participant in the greatest market in the world – and this also joined with a constant growth in business.

This has convincing reasons: PM is a family company with distinct emphasis on tradition, values and high business respectability. This foundation has earned PM a very high reputation throughout Asia and beyond to neighboring countries. In addition, PM-International provides our Asian business partners with unique career opportunities. All in all, a solid position with results which now need to be actively expanded.

An ideal corporate infrastructure has been created with branches present in the ‚Hot-Spots‘ in central markets. PM kicks this off with a Logistic Center in Singapore in 2013. Another basis for significantly more growth is highly motivated partners and a large number of newly emerging managers – people, who through their persuasiveness and dedication build their business with PM. Rolf Sorg found these people everywhere whilst on his tour in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan.

The focus of the whole tour was on special training for the success-driven new managers at PM. It was of great importance for Rolf Sorg to be there personally on the day. His presence showed the Asian business partners the particular importance and seriousness for the further expansion of PM-International to the central Asian markets. It was important for Rolf Sorg to show his personal support here.

Rolf Sorg was accompanied on the trip with PM’s Scientific Director, Dr. Tobias Kühne as well as the Managing Director of BeautyLine, Anja Wunder because there was a large amount of new information about the FitLine and BeautyLine products to be shared. PM’s cosmetic products especially shined for quite some time in Asia and the growing sales figures confirmed this. Underpinning this trend is now a new product innovation that provides PM business partners, not only in Europe but now also in Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore with an entirely new line of business: the perfect combination of BeautyLine and FitLine in the new product BeautyLine Med!

QNET joins global rally for Squash 2020 Olympic bidGlobal direct selling company, QNET, has pledged its support for the inclusion of Squash as a sport to be competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics, with help from World No 1 player, Nicol David. The World Squash Federation’s (WSF) campaign to ensure the IOC inclusion of Squash at the 2020 Olympics, has received global support. It rocketed to new heights recently with the pledge by Hong Kong-based QNET.

QNET is one of the world’s fastest-growing online shopping and business communities, with upwards of six million customers and independent distributors around the world. As part of the global campaign, every spectator at the recent Hong Kong Open Squash tournament was given a ‘Back The 2020 Squash Olympics Bid’ t-shirt sponsored by QNET. The tournament also served as a WSF showcase event for the Olympics Organising Committee judges.

It was spearheaded by World No 1 women’s player, Malaysian Nicol David, who also defended her Hong Kong title, winning the 2012 tournament for the eighth successive time, after beating her French opponent Camille Serme in the women’s final.

coverstory

The Best Is Yet To Come!by Garvin DeShazer

“The times, they are a-changin’…” She’d said it somewhat wistfully, with a look that led me to believe there was more to follow. I was not disappointed. She leaned into our small gathering of long-time friends and, with fire in her eyes and that rare conviction born of actually knowing, declared, “But the best is yet to come!”We were sitting in a quiet corner of an upscale restaurant just outside of Scottsdale, Arizona, discussing the future of the direct selling business. It occurred to me that Nicki Keohohou, co-founder and CEO of the Direct Selling Women’s Alliance (DSWA) is in a position to speak on this subject with real authority. More than 100,000 of the direct selling profession’s best and brightest are enthusiastic

members and guests of the DSWA, which has established a reputation as the industry’s standard bearer for excellence in

leadership development.

According to its website, the DSWA “… is a global organization dedicated to uniting direct sellers throughout the world who share a common desire of achieving personal and financial success. A fun

and welcoming environment, the DSWA is the direct sellers‘ source for the latest information, resources, tools and support. The DSWA empowers women and men in

the direct selling profession, helping them achieve maximum results.

“The DSWA is the association that serves the more than 84 million direct selling distributors around the globe. Its members are affiliated with one of the thousands of direct selling

companies, which generate combined annual revenues exceeding $141

billion. The foremost provider of

industry-specific information, resources, networking opportunities, products, training, and services, the DSWA is dedicated to supporting individual direct sellers as they build their home-based, independent direct selling businesses.”

Nicki has been in the direct selling profession more than 35 years. Starting as a distributor, she worked her way through various ranks with companies large and small, until at one point, she agreed to go inside the corporate structure. It was a move that would lead her through a series of executive positions in direct selling companies and, ultimately, to her vision for an organization that would become synonymous with professional excellence and personal development for distributors from around the world.

Along the way, she has consulted with hundreds of companies, co-authored the best-selling books Build it Big and More Build It BIG: 101 Insider Secrets from the Top Direct Selling Experts and has contributed to many other books. A highly sought after speaker and facilitator, she has addressed more than one million home based business owners in conventions and events in dozens of countries, as well as through a twice-weekly online radio show, “DSWA Live,” on the Home Business Radio Network.

She has been named one of the Top 25 Business Women in her home state of Hawaii, as well as one of the Top 30 Female Entrepreneurs in America. She was selected as an international “Hero for Humanity” in 2009 and named #2 in the International Power 30, honoring the thirty “Most Influential Women in the Direct Selling Profession.” However, the award that brings her the most joy, and speaks most deeply to her personal value system, is the DSWA being recognized

as the National Advocate of the Year for Working Mothers. Through the DSWA, Nicki has dedicated her life to educating

and empowering home-based entrepreneurs, as well as educating the public about what she calls “this amazing profession.”

®

coverstory

United Networker Magazine 2/2012 13

Knowing Nicki as I do (I’ve had the privilege of sharing a close personal friendship with her, and her daughter and DSWA co-founder, Grace Keohohou, for nearly twenty years), I know that these are not the kinds of things she likes to talk about. It’s not that she’s afraid of the spotlight, but rather that she’s always looking for a way to shine that light on others, lifting them up in the process. It’s what she’s best known for, among those who know her best.

As we finished our meal, the conversation turned to what’s coming next in the direct selling business. “Now is the time for our profession,” she said. “As a result of the economy, we’re already seeing more professionals come into this business. These are doctors, lawyers, business managers and others who know that their time is valuable. They’re looking for ways to leverage their time today to create reliable residual income for the future. A lot of these doctors are in a real crunch. They’re taking huge cuts in their incomes as the health insurance rules are drastically changing, particularly in the United States. At the same time, their internal costs, especially for malpractice insurance, are skyrocketing.

“We’re also seeing a higher percentage of men coming into the profession.” It’s a given, among those familiar with direct selling, that this business has mostly been populated by women for a long time. And, over the past several years, the percentage of women has actually increased worldwide. “Most people today,” Nicki continued, “both women and men, are seeing the need for a solid ‘Plan B.’

Unfortunately, way too many are still trying to find a viable ‘Plan A’ so they can feed their families and pay their mortgages. Many people who have traditional jobs are looking to hedge their bets and create some kind of financial security by building a part time business while working their full time career.

“There are other forces at work, here, though. It’s not just the condition of the economy. There are some even longer cycle patterns. For instance, we’re seeing a shift back from the last two or three decades where more and more women were required to work outside the home. It’s not that women are any less committed to equality in the workplace,” she said,” but when it comes right down to it’ women are demanding the opportunity to have it all.

“Women today, who were raised as latch-key kids, remember what that felt like and they don’t want that for their children. They want

high quality income opportunities and the ability to access them from home. This is a big value consideration for many moms today. It’s often a BIG emotional why for working mothers.

“In fact, it even goes further than that. There’s another very big emotional why for a lot of women who are seeing their husbands work themselves to death to try to hang onto their jobs and provide for their families in this super-competitive job market. These women want to grow their businesses big enough so their husbands can come home and be part of the business. For some, there is a real sense of desperation around this. I was just talking to a lady the other day whose husband is dealing with a medical issue that prevents him from doing the work he was trained to do. She has grown her direct selling business, with his help, to the point where it will soon be able to replace his income.

“Our job, as an organization, is to make sure we are adapting and evolving to meet the needs of this new constituency. We’re fortunate that nearly 25% of our members are what we like to refer to as ‘enlightened men.’

“I think the brand of direct selling, the profession itself, is beginning to have a stronger, more professional appeal. I think when people are invited to a party or presented with a business opportunity these days, there’s not that automatic reaction we used to expect, where they would say, “Oh, is this one of THOSE deals?” We’re seeing a new generation come of age that hasn’t been conditioned to ‘watch out for THOSE deals!’ This new generation simply sees bonus-incentivized team-building and social selling as another way of doing

“Our corporate team participated in the DSWA Coach Excellence Program last year and I found it to be filled with solid information, exercises, strategies and skills that were implemented by our team immediately. The clear, concise information was delivered in a professional manner and helped us work together more effectively as a team. The faculty provided the latest tools, resources and support for our team participating in the Program. One of the most important aspects of the Program is that it’s specifically designed for direct selling professionals and you’re being trained by a faculty whose credibility in this profession is unmatched. I would not hesitate to recommend the DSWA Coach Excellence program to anyone looking to inspire growth in their team.”

Teresa F., Avon