The MLM.com Podcast

If you run a direct sales company, chances are you capture a lot of data. What are you doing with it? On today’s episode of the podcast, Moy Chambers joins us for a second time to talk about the value hiding in that sea of data points and how machine learning can help you access it.

Listen in to hear about intelligent retention systems. Lower your churn ratio with predictive analytics that tell you who’s going to leave early—before they even know it. And you’ll hear more about one of our favorite topics lately: how you can use comparative analytics to identify successes in one branch and replicate them across the tree. All that and more on this episode of The MLM.com Podcast.

Moy is CEO at Allspice Technologies and sits on the direct sales advisory board of Pure Predictive. Check out his previous guest spot on the podcast: Keeping MLM software simple in a sea of complications.

What do makeup, skin care, supplements, essential oils, health products, diet products, clothing, home goods, and natural products have in common (besides being bestsellers in the MLM world)? On this episode of the MLM.com Podcast, Steve Hooper and Nancy Tobler join Kenny to discuss what makes a great product for the direct selling channel. Why do innovative products and niche products do so well? Why are MLM customers so passionate about the products? Listen in to learn about how direct sellers can strategically use consumer feedback, education, and quality assurance to enhance the market power of their products.

Episode #26 - Year In Review Pt. 2 by Hosted by Kenny Rawlins

On this episode of the MLM.com Podcast, Kenny takes us on a retrospective journey through the first year of the podcast. We hear from Spencer Reese, Moy Chambers, Lynn Bardowski, and more. Listen in for some of the best insights our gracious guests have shared with us so far.

Spencer Reese joins us again to talk about the current legal climate for MLM companies. He talks to us about the evolving definition of inventory loading, the dangers of illegal income claims, and the surprising absence of pyramid scheme allegations in recent FTC actions against direct sellers. Spencer advocates social media monitoring, transparency in income disclosures, and training for the sales force. He also discusses the legal differences between party plans and network marketing companies. Lots of great insights in this episode of the MLM.com Podcast.

You need MLM software for commissions calculation, business processes, warehouse management, and much more. What do you need to automate right away? What can wait? David Judd, Principal Product Owner at InfoTrax Systems, joins Kenny to continue the conversation about integrated software solutions for direct sellers. Are you a startup company or is your company transitioning from one software provider to another? David has excellent insights about common needs and best practices for getting the most out of the software you buy.

Your direct selling company needs an ecommerce solution, an enterprise system (ERP), distributor tools, a commission engine, and more. Thanks to the rise of integrated solutions, you can now get the best of everything! In this podcast, Sean Smith, Vice President of Business Development at our sponsor InfoTrax Systems, joins Kenny to talk tech trends—specifically, how integration is changing the way InfoTrax and other software providers do business. Sean discusses how InfoTrax has evolved to collaborate with other platforms (including direct competitors), various ways that MLMs can use this trend to their advantage, and growth strategy for companies who are currently considering vendors.

Is the MLM industry on the decline in the US? Alan Pollard, president of PayQuicker, joins Kenny to discuss the state of the US market. He argues that the US isn’t in decline but is instead reaching maturity. The opportunity is still there for companies that are prepared to adapt. Alan and Kenny discuss the effects of technology and consumer protection efforts (it’s not bad news, folks!), and the need for a strong brand strategy, product focus, and improved customer experiences.

What’s the difference between coaching and training? Why are coaching skills so valuable in MLM organizations? How can coaching empower your sales force and boost retention? What is a coaching culture and how can you create one at your network marketing company? Nicki Keohohou, founder of the Direct Selling World Alliance, joins guest host Nancy Tobler to answer these questions. Nicki has been teaching coaching skills to direct sales distributors, leaders, corporate employees, and executives for 17 years and we are proud to have her voice back on our show.

Mark Rawlins, Founder and CEO of InfoTrax Systems, joins Kenny to talk about MLM compensation plans. What direction is the direct selling industry going on compensation? What’s the perfect compensation plan? How do you know if your direct sales commissions are working? How can you use data and analytics to assess your company’s health? How can focusing on distributor types (social enrollers, sales people, sales leaders, and dream builders) make your analytics more meaningful?