Wave Four - The Fourth Wave of Network Direct Selling in the 21st Century

Author: Richard Poe (USA)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: Network direct sales companies have surpassed the "highway of sales" of all time, and an increasing number of Fortune 500 companies are choosing this path to distribute their products and services. In The Fourth Wave, Richard Poe presents a complete introduction to network direct sales in the 21st century. It explains what network direct sales are, how they operate, and why they quickly became the most dynamic sector in retail. It also provides comprehensive guidance on how to choose a company, analyze compensation systems, start a business, and develop a downline team. It covers both the digital space and the real world. Beginners will find a full guide to this business here, while experienced individuals will discover numerous motivational stories and success secrets from top experts.
The Dream of Wealth
"When I was young, I wanted to be an Avon lady," Lisa said. Like the characters Lisa admired in the dramas, Avon ladies seemed so effortless and confident in the world of money and business. She appeared in Lisa's sight in a professional outfit, opened a sample box, and got straight to the point. "She wasn't there to chat," Lisa recalled, "She was there to get her work done. She was a businesswoman, very professional. For that reason, I admired her very much." Lisa longed to navigate the business world with the same ease and confidence. For her, Avon products represented a fairy godmother—a mysterious force that could take her to a better world. Lisa loved these products. Her lipstick was Avon. She also knew that Avon was a billion-dollar company with a history dating back to 1886. Its blue-chip reputation involved money, power, and status—all things Lisa dreamed of. "If only I could be an Avon lady," Lisa thought.
Mental Barrier
Lisa's business intuition is also noteworthy. Avon indeed represents the future, even though it is one of the oldest companies in the United States. This direct sales movement pioneered by Avon can be traced back to 1886, and now, it is just beginning to realize its potential. The economic revolution is about to unfold, and Lisa is destined to play a significant role in this transformation. But first, she must overcome a mental barrier. She must learn the lessons of the "Diamond Place." Like that farmer, she was never satisfied with the opportunities around her. Her restless nature kept her constantly searching for something easier, more perfect, and faster, leaving her unprepared to succeed in her Avon business. Lisa joined Avon at 18. However, like many things she tried, the novelty quickly wore off. Selling Avon products didn't seem to bring her the dream money she had hoped for. Year after year, she ran the business on the side but never devoted her full attention to it, earning no more than $1,000 a month. Most of her time and energy were spent searching for other ways to make a living.
The Path of Conventional Wisdom
The pursuit of the golden pot in the fable led Lisa down a path of futility. When she realized success required technical knowledge, she went back to school and completed two degrees in management and data processing in two years. When she believed that hourly wages were the most reliable income, she did any kind of odd job—from a cleaner to a restaurant server. When things didn't go her way, she escaped through travel, from Mississippi and South Carolina to Guam, traveling far and wide. After all these changes, Lisa's Avon business eventually dwindled. Her exhausting schedule left little time for selling products, and her frequent travels made it hard to retain customers. She was never short on ambition and never backed down from challenges.