What Is A Pilot Program? A pilot program is a group of activities planned as a test or a trial of a business model. Some party plan companies and network marketing companies choose to conduct a pilot program before officially launching their direct selling companies. Why Do A Pilot? The more you know about your…
Direct Selling, Network Marketing, MLM, and Party Plan
If you’re confused by these words, then read this article to understand the differences between direct selling, network marketing, MLM, and party plan. Direct Selling Direct selling is the sale of a product or a service that is conducted outside of a permanent retail location. Most often, the sale occurs from one person to another….
Ask Victoria: How Do I Make My Website Better?
When I talk with young direct selling companies, I always ask for their website addresses so I can learn more about their products and more about them. However, I also want to see where they are focusing their efforts and to check if their website reflects their intentions. If you want to concentrate on the…
Are Business Cards Still Relevant?
Are you still purchasing and giving others your business cards? Are your independent representatives? Heck, we don’t even have to talk with each other face to face anymore….or do we? We can just use our phones to text each other, so, I ask you, “Do we need to be passing out these pieces of paper?”…
Ask Victoria: When Is Our Next Direct Selling Conference?
I’m excited! I am pleased to announce that the dates are set for our fifth Direct Selling Edge Conference. Together with Kevin Thompson, the MLM attorney, Sylvina Consulting hosts the best educational conference for new and young network marketing and party plan companies. What makes our conference so good? I’m glad you asked!
Direct Selling and Thumper’s Wisdom
In the classic Disney film “Bambi”, the rabbit Thumper offered some great advice. He said, “If you can’t say somethin’ nice, don’t say nothin’ at all.” What does this have to do with direct selling? The answer is “a lot.” When people join a direct selling company, they are in search of something and…
Ask Victoria: Where Do I Need to Charge Sales Tax?
If you think you only need to collect and remit sales tax in the state where your business has an office, you’re mistaken. State and local tax authorities assess sales tax based on “nexus” which means a presence in a state or jurisdiction. It’s true that when you have an office or a warehouse, that…
Time for an Incentive Trip?
In previous posts, we’ve talked a lot about compensation plans. In this one, we’ll address one component of the other side of field compensation – recognition. Field compensation should include both money paid through your compensation plan and recognition. Incentive trips are one category of recognition for both party plan and network marketing companies. Planning Your…
Canada and Multilevel Marketing
It’s different in Canada, really. If you thought the laws applicable to multilevel marketing companies in Canada are the same or similar to those in the USA, you’d be mistaken!
Merchant Accounts 101
Merchant accounts are needed to accept credit card payments. Signing a contract is to be expected when you obtain a merchant account.
Ask Victoria: What Should I Do First?
If you have an idea for a new direct selling company, you may be asking this question. It’s easier if you have some steps to follow. Here are 12 of them: Chinese proverb: “The palest ink is better than the best memory.” Write down your idea to help give it clarity and as the proverb…
Ask Victoria: Do I Need A Business Plan?
If you are thinking about or are in the midst of creating a new party plan or MLM company, you may be wondering if you need a business plan. A business plan is like a road map to a specific destination. You’re more likely to get to your destination if you have a map (or…