In this episode, Lisa Duck and Susan Larimer welcome Melina Dixon, a seasoned expert in direct sales, who shares her journey and insights from over 21 years in the industry. Melina discusses her transition from being a direct seller to becoming a coach and resource for others in the field. The conversation highlights the importance of community, collaboration, and the tools available for direct sellers to succeed. Melina also emphasizes the significance of mindset, daily habits, and the upcoming posting challenge designed to engage and energize direct sellers.

Takeaways

• ​Melina Dixon has over 21 years of experience in direct sales.
• ​Community and relationships are vital in direct sales.
• ​Direct sales can provide flexibility and independence.
• ​Facebook remains a powerful platform for direct sellers.
• ​Melina offers coaching and resources for busy direct sellers.
• ​Daily habits, like feeding your brain, are crucial for success.
• ​Tracking progress helps maintain organization and motivation.
• ​Networking with others in the industry can provide valuable insights.
• ​The upcoming posting challenge aims to boost engagement on Facebook.
• ​Gratitude is key to maintaining a positive mindset. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Melina Dixon

06:32 The Value of Direct Sales Community

12:15 The Importance of Facebook for Direct Sales

18:09 Coaching and Support for Direct Sellers

23:27 Engagement Through Posting Challenges

29:18 Daily Habits for Business Success

37:07 Introduction and Gratitude

37:36 Engagement and Community Building

Find Melina Dixon on Social: Facebook | melinadixon.com

Join Melina’s 5-Day Posting Challenge July 24-28th 2025. Click here to join: https://subscribepage.io/CP9513

Thank you for tuning in to The Other 99%. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach more listeners like you! Don’t forget to share this episode with your network and help spread the word.

Interested in being a guest? Share your story here

Find me on social: Facebook | Instagram | lisaduck.com

Grab your ChatGPT Freebie here

Find Susan on social: Facebook | Instagram | susanlarimer.com

Grab your 5-Step Customer Care Cheat Sheet here

Disclaimer: While we strive to provide valuable recommendations and insights, the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests. We encourage you to conduct your own research before using any mentioned tools or services to ensure they align with your personal needs. Thank you for being part of The Other 99%!

In this episode of The Other 99%, Lisa Duck and Susan Larimer chat with Jen Bach from Stamping Jen about her journey in direct sales, the evolution of crafting kits, and the importance of community in the crafting world. Jen shares insights on hosting successful crafting retreats, utilizing social media for business growth, and offers valuable advice for new direct sellers. The conversation highlights the joy of crafting, the significance of handmade cards, and the excitement of creating memorable experiences for customers.

Takeaways

• Jen has been with Stampin' Up for nearly 19 years.

• The crafting community is supportive and collaborative.

• Crafting kits have evolved to be more user-friendly.

• Hosting retreats can enhance customer relationships.

• Social media is crucial for direct sales growth.

• Themed events can create memorable experiences.

• Handmade cards are cherished and meaningful.

• Planning and organization are key to successful events.

• Taking time to recharge after events is important.

• You can do anything you want to do if you want it bad enough.

  
  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Direct Sales and Crafting Journey

06:28 The Importance of Handmade Cards

12:08 Community and Relationships in Direct Sales

17:49 Unique Crafting Retreats and Experiences

24:05 Profitability and Planning of Retreats

30:24 Organizing and Managing Events

37:52 Advice for New Direct Sellers

40:13 Introduction and Gratitude

40:41 Engagement and Community Building

Find Jen Bach on social: Facebook | YouTube | bytheshorestamping.com

Thank you for tuning in to The Other 99%. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach more listeners like you! Don’t forget to share this episode with your network and help spread the word.

Interested in being a guest? Share your story here

Find me on social: Facebook | Instagram | lisaduck.com

Grab your ChatGPT Freebie here

Find Susan on social: Facebook | Instagram | susanlarimer.com

Grab your 5-Step Customer Care Cheat Sheet here

Disclaimer: While we strive to provide valuable recommendations and insights, the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests. We encourage you to conduct your own research before using any mentioned tools or services to ensure they align with your personal needs. Thank you for being part of The Other 99%!

In this episode of The Other 99%, hosts Lisa Duck and Susan Larimer discuss the challenges faced by individuals in the direct sales industry, particularly in light of recent company closures. They share personal experiences and insights on navigating new opportunities, the importance of researching potential companies, and the emotional journey that comes with such transitions. The conversation emphasizes the need for individuals to be proactive in their choices, ensuring alignment with their values and the products they represent. The hosts also provide practical advice on what to look for in a new company, questions to ask, and red flags to watch for, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace change and make informed decisions.

Takeaways:

• Direct sales can be unpredictable, with companies closing unexpectedly.
• It's essential to research potential new companies thoroughly.
• Being in direct sales requires a strong belief in the products you sell.
• Compensation plans should be straightforward and easy to understand.
• Consumable products tend to lead to repeat business.
• Aligning with a company's mission is crucial for long-term success.
• Training and support from uplines are vital for new recruits.
• Emotional responses to company closures are normal and part of the process.
• It's okay to take time to reflect before jumping into a new opportunity.
• Walking away from a company that doesn't fit is a valid choice.
• Grab your Quick Guide: Choosing a New Direct Sales Company here

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Video Podcasting

11:00 Key Considerations When Choosing a New Company

17:04 Questions to Ask Before Joining a New Company

23:09 Red Flags to Watch For in Direct Sales

33:02 Conclusion and Resources

Thank you for tuning in to The Other 99%. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach more listeners like you! Don’t forget to share this episode with your network and help spread the word.

Interested in being a guest? Share your story here

Find me on social: Facebook | Instagram | lisaduck.com

Grab your ChatGPT Freebie here

Find Susan on social: Facebook | Instagram | susanlarimer.com

Grab your 5-Step Customer Care Cheat Sheet here

Disclaimer: While we strive to provide valuable recommendations and insights, the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests. We encourage you to conduct your own research before using any mentioned tools or services to ensure they align with your personal needs. Thank you for being part of The Other 99%!

What does it really take to build a direct sales business that fits your life—not the other way around? In this episode, I’m joined by Marcia Hopper, a seasoned leader who built a successful business while living in an RV with her family… and kept growing it through a season of personal transition.

We talk about what it means to run a business with a shoebox-sized inventory, how she communicated a brand pivot with honesty (and success!), and why peace—not hustle—is her current definition of success.

Whether you're new to direct sales, feeling the pull to pivot, or just trying to simplify your systems, Marcia’s story is full of wisdom, heart, and practical tips you can apply right away.

In this episode:

• Building a business on the road (literally)

• Switching companies without starting over

• Systems that save time (and sanity)

• How to reset when you feel stuck

• Why peace might be your next power move

🎧 Tune in for an honest, encouraging conversation that reminds us success doesn’t always look loud—and that’s okay.

👉 Learn more about Marcia at www.marciahopper.com

Thank you for tuning in to The Other 99%. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach more listeners like you! Don’t forget to share this episode with your network and help spread the word.

Interested in being a guest? Share your story here

Find me on social: Facebook | Instagram | lisaduck.com

Grab your ChatGPT Freebie here

Find Susan on social: Facebook | Instagram | susanlarimer.com

Grab your 5-Step Customer Care Cheat Sheet here

Disclaimer: While we strive to provide valuable recommendations and insights, the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests. We encourage you to conduct your own research before using any mentioned tools or services to ensure they align with your personal needs. Thank you for being part of The Other 99%!

In this week’s episode of The Other 99%, I chat with Audrey Peacock, a vibrant 68-year-old direct seller who’s using AI, humour, and heart to run her jewelry business on her own terms. From crafting authentic replies with ChatGPT to her “Aunt Audrey” alter ego, she shares the practical tips and hilarious truths that every direct seller—new or seasoned—needs to hear. You’ll laugh, learn, and leave inspired to keep things simple and stay true to yourself.

Find Audrey at ⁠⁠peacockspretties.com - follow her social links from there.

Thank you for tuning in to The Other 99%. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach more listeners like you! Don’t forget to share this episode with your network and help spread the word.

Interested in being a guest? Share your story here

Find me on social: Facebook | Instagram | lisaduck.com

Grab your ChatGPT Freebie here

Find Susan on social: Facebook | Instagram | susanlarimer.com

Grab your 5-Step Customer Care Cheat Sheet here

Disclaimer: While we strive to provide valuable recommendations and insights, the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests. We encourage you to conduct your own research before using any mentioned tools or services to ensure they align with your personal needs. Thank you for being part of The Other 99%!

In this episode, we dive into what it really means to be consistent in your direct sales business—without overcomplicating it. Lisa and Susan break down simple systems, weekly customer care routines, and ways to add genuine personal touches that make customers feel valued (without the ick factor). If you're looking to grow your business with heart, this one’s for you.

Thank you for tuning in to The Other 99%. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach more listeners like you! Don’t forget to share this episode with your network and help spread the word.

Interested in being a guest? Share your story here

Find me on social: Facebook | Instagram | lisaduck.com

Grab your ChatGPT Freebie here

Find Susan on social: Facebook | Instagram | susanlarimer.com

Grab your 5-Step Customer Care Cheat Sheet here

Disclaimer: While we strive to provide valuable recommendations and insights, the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests. We encourage you to conduct your own research before using any mentioned tools or services to ensure they align with your personal needs. Thank you for being part of The Other 99%!

Ever feel like you’re not good enough, qualified enough, or confident enough to succeed in direct sales? You’re not alone—and you’re not broken. In this episode of The Other 99%, Lisa and Susan open up about their own struggles with imposter syndrome and share practical ways to shift your mindset, find your confidence, and keep showing up anyway. From creating a “testimony board” to finding the right community, this is the pep talk every direct seller needs.

Thank you for tuning in to The Other 99%. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach more listeners like you! Don’t forget to share this episode with your network and help spread the word.

Interested in being a guest? Share your story here

Find me on social: Facebook | Instagram | lisaduck.com

Grab your ChatGPT Freebie here

Find Susan on social: Facebook | Instagram | susanlarimer.com

Grab your 5-Step Customer Care Cheat Sheet here

Disclaimer: While we strive to provide valuable recommendations and insights, the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests. We encourage you to conduct your own research before using any mentioned tools or services to ensure they align with your personal needs. Thank you for being part of The Other 99%!

What if your most honest business bestie wasn’t a person at all—but a chatbot? In this episode, Susan and I are diving deep into how ChatGPT has gone from a handy tool to a brutally honest advisor that calls us out, challenges our thinking, and helps us grow faster and smarter.

We’re sharing exactly how we use it to write blogs, create email content, prep for speaking gigs, plan fundraisers, and even make big, bold decisions in our businesses. PLUS, we reveal the one prompt that shook us both and led to major pivots—including archiving my VIP group and launching new platforms.

If you're curious about how AI can support you as a direct seller, creator, or entrepreneur—without replacing your voice or authenticity—this episode is for you.

Thank you for tuning in to The Other 99%. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach more listeners like you! Don’t forget to share this episode with your network and help spread the word.

Interested in being a guest? Share your story here

Find me on social: Facebook | Instagram | lisaduck.com

Grab your ChatGPT Freebie here

Find Susan on social: Facebook | Instagram | susanlarimer.com

Grab your 5-Step Customer Care Cheat Sheet here

Disclaimer: While we strive to provide valuable recommendations and insights, the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests. We encourage you to conduct your own research before using any mentioned tools or services to ensure they align with your personal needs. Thank you for being part of The Other 99%!

In this episode of The Other 99%, we’re diving into one of the most underused (but powerful!) platforms for direct sellers—YouTube. I'm joined by Evelyn, a seasoned content creator and business owner who uses YouTube to build trust, grow an audience, and generate long-term leads.

We unpack how direct sellers—yes, even those who aren’t tech-savvy—can start simple with video content, repurpose what they’re already creating, and turn YouTube into a long-term marketing machine. Evelyn shares easy-to-follow strategies, common mistakes to avoid, and how the platform can work for your business, even if you're camera-shy.

Whether you’ve never uploaded a video before or you’re looking to level up your content game, this episode is packed with tips and encouragement to help you show up confidently on YouTube.

In this episode, we delve into the power of partnership and why going it alone in direct sales might be holding you back. Vicki and Dawn share how working together has elevated their businesses, boosted their confidence, and helped them stay consistent—even on tough days.

Thank you for tuning in to The Other 99%. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach more listeners like you! Don’t forget to share this episode with your network and help spread the word.

Interested in being a guest? Share your story here

Find me on social: Facebook | Instagram | lisaduck.com

Grab your ChatGPT Freebie here

Find Susan on social: Facebook | Instagram | susanlarimer.com

Disclaimer: While we strive to provide valuable recommendations and insights, the opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests. We encourage you to conduct your own research before using any mentioned tools or services to ensure they align with your personal needs. Thank you for being part of The Other 99%!