Last year, American Express launched its inaugural Small Business Saturday. It took place the Saturday after Thanksgiving, traditionally a very busy shopping weekend, and its intent was to support the small businesses in our communities. I love the idea and plan to embrace it once again this year. Please visit the Small Business Saturday website to get involved: http://smallbusinesssaturday.com.
Did you know that direct sellers constitute one of the largest groups of small business owners? Yes, it's true! All those women and men selling personalized stationery and gifts, jewelry, purses and dozens of other products are truly the epitome of small business entrepreneurs.
Therefore, I propose we - as direct sellers - augment the "small business Saturday" concept with a "direct selling only" mentality this holiday season. What does that mean? Well, when possible I suggest all direct sellers complete their holiday shopping only from other direct sellers. FYI, there are over 16 million direct sellers according to the Direct Selling Association. (Check out the Direct Selling 411 website for other fun facts about direct selling.)
Can you imagine how beneficial it would be for all direct sellers, not to mention the economy as a whole, if we focused our purchases - especially our gift giving purchases - on other direct sellers exclusively. Wow!
I'd love to get your thoughts on this idea. Direct sellers - what do you think? Is this possible? I hope so, because I'd love for your 2011 holiday season to be your best ever.
I look forward to your feedback.
Regards,
Jay Rudman, CEO, Paperly
Friday, October 21, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Paperly: Thinking Big
Recently, Paperly announced we are hosting our first-ever national Consultant Conference in January 2012 in Atlanta, GA. More recently, we announced the theme of the Conference, "Think Big".
Why "Think Big"? Well, until now, Paperly has been the new kid on the block. We're *only* 3-4 years old, which in the direct selling world is still the infancy stage.
(A recent American Express article notes that most direct selling companies "...make little money in their first three years... (but) year four through eight, many companies experience explosive growth.")
With Conference approaching, Paperly is prepared to live-up to its billing of the leading direct seller of personalized stationery and gifts. After all, our credentials are growing daily, including DSA recognition for our ethical business practices as well as Inc Magazine declaring Paperly as the next guard of direct sellers.
Now is the time for Paperly to "Think Big". True - we never wish to lose our family feel. (I personally still answer the phone at the office at least half the time... and I hope to continue doing that for a long time to come!) But Paperly needs to think about a BIGGER market presence, BIGGER Consultant teams leading to BIGGER commission checks, a BIGGER and improve product line and customer experience... basically BIGGER and better everything!
I personally cannot wait for Conference and all its benefits. You can learn more about how to attend at http://www.Paperly.com/paperly-press-2011-08-Conference.asp. I've already starting "Thinking Big". How about you?
Regards,
Jay Rudman, CEO, Paperly
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