Destroying the Stigma of Direct Sales

How familiar are you with comments like the following, “Did you say multi level marketing? What? Seriously! You mean pyramid scheme. Aren’t those all just a giant scam?” I’ve worked the corporate side of direct sales for 11 years. I’m not an independent consultant but the stigma is the same. When I mention who I work for and the type of company it is I see the same wary look, the ticking of the internal gears, and the body language as they pose for flight. It isn’t until I add the disclaimer, “I work for corporate” that I see the person visibly relax.

It’s interesting that I feel a need for a disclaimer or that any of us, corporate or independent consultant, feel that we must apologize for what we do. During my career I’ve watched record breaking sales, millionaires made, and health improved, none of which deserve an apology. Working with consultants I’ve gained a profound respect for their tenacity and drive. However, I have never had a desire to become one – that is until dōTERRA. Now let me preface that by saying I haven’t switched sides yet but here are just a few of the reasons I would.

Culture:

Granted, I’m no expert—eleven years under my belt and I’m still learning about the direct sales world— but one thing I do know is that company culture plays an integral part in its success. Culture is the composition of the values and practices shared by the members of a group. Each member of an organization can impact culture, yet most will conform to the values and practices held by those in authority. I was hired two weeks prior to the 2010 dōTERRA convention and as you can imagine, with my prior experience, was ready for the worst. I expected executive management that praised in public and berated behind closed doors, product consultants who were demanding and demeaning to staff, and employees and consultants who only looked out for themselves or their team members. Needless to say I was surprised when I encountered the opposite. Executives, despite a rigorous schedule and being without assistants, found time to praise and aid employees. Top independent product consultants provided baskets of food for busy, hungry, employees along with their praise.  Employees shared the work load while product consultants aided each other in developing the skills needed to be successful despite organization. It was refreshing and is a culture that allows and denotes success.

Product:

I’ve seen every type of direct sales company from juice, to electronics, to law services, to fitness. I have nothing negative to say about any of them; each is successful for a variety of reasons.  This being said, dōTERRA has an advantage. dōTERRA is not a one product brand. Consultants and consumers are not limited to a one product order – and in my experience variety breeds curiosity. I’ve worked for dōTERRA for roughly three months and have spent over four hundred dollars in product purchases. I’m not a consultant – I have no incentive to buy the products other than my continued curiosity regarding each of the individual oils and the fact that they work (experiences I’ll have to cover in future blog posts).  Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG) now has meaning to me. A company that values quality, science and research, and understands the needs of their client base cannot help but be successful. I knew something was different when I discussed the oils and I had family members and friends tell me, “Watch out—if we didn’t know better we’d think you were a consultant.” Not that they’re complaining every time I bring oils to a gathering I walk away with nothing. Products that work sell themselves!

Now I know I’m probably preaching to the choir, but from one who knows the industry and has always been a bit of a skeptic forced to include a disclaimer, I want you to know I get it. I see the reason for the excitement and uncontrollable need to share – I feel it myself and these are only a few of the reasons. So I’ll agree to no more disclaimers or apologies if you do!  www.doterra.com

Karalee Craven

Marketing Communications Manager