In this episode of the Modern Direct Seller Podcast, we’re fresh from attending the Direct Sellers Association of Canada’s annual conference at Niagara on the Lake and excited to share our enriching experience. Join us as we bring you a series of insightful “Hallway Conversations” with industry leaders, discussing key takeaways and innovative strategies. We’ll cover the evolving nature of direct sales, the importance of adapting to change, and highlight the collaborative spirit among industry professionals. Plus, we’ll reveal an exciting personal achievement from the conference, making this episode a mix of valuable insights and celebratory moments. Tune in to hear about the latest trends and learnings from the forefront of the direct sales industry.

Time based notes:

0:41 Becky and Jeremy’ Opening Thoughts
3:39 Terrence Dempsey with Pampered Chef
3:59 Joe Cardillo with Vector Marketing
4:40 Donna Pinsonneault with She’s Got Leggz
5:07 Marcia Cota with Monat Global
5:36 Sherri Dickie with Vector Marketing
6:02 Genevieve Ko with Stampin’ Up!
6:31 Nancy Burke of Direct Selling Association
6:53 Patricia White with Direct Selling News
7:11 Peter Maddox of Direct Sellers Association of Canada
7:50 Becky’s Takeaway
8:56 Jeremy’s 1st DSA Canada Experience
9:50 The Sell First, Build Second Approach
11:00 Themes and Takeaways from the Conference
14:30 Our Big News
17:29 Closing Thoughts
18:31 Sponsor Message

Insights and Highlights from the DSA Canada Conference

We’re thrilled to share our recent adventure at the Direct Sellers Association of Canada’s annual conference, held at the picturesque Niagara on the Lake. It was an incredible couple of days filled with learning, connecting, and, of course, a bit of fun. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what we experienced and the key takeaways from the event.

The Conference Experience

As we sat at the airport in Buffalo, recording this episode, we couldn’t help but reflect on the beauty and energy of the conference. “It was absolutely gorgeous, and it was an incredible couple days of learning and community,” we shared. Being surrounded by industry leaders and peers provided a unique opportunity to soak in the latest trends and strategies in direct sales.

Hallway Conversations and Industry Insights

One of the most exciting parts of the conference was capturing “Hallway Conversations” with some of the brightest minds in the industry. Here are a few highlights:

Terrence Dempsey from Pampered Chef emphasized the importance of staying relevant: “We, as direct sellers, are really making sure that we are staying relevant for those coming on board who are part of the gig economy.”
Joe Cardillo from Vector Marketing Canada highlighted the commonalities among different companies: “There’s still so many commonalities between us all as we go forward in the future, looking to create greater opportunities for the sales reps and serve.”
Donna Pinsonneault reflected on serving diverse needs within the direct selling space: “The real mix of what people are looking for in the direct selling space and how do we serve each of those equally.”
Sherri Dickie from Vector Marketing Canada focused on the balance between tradition and change: “Respecting tradition should not mean resisting change.”
Genevieve Ko from Stampin’ Up! found reassurance in the shared goals of member companies: “Meeting so many member companies, all with different products, but really with the same heart of wanting our independent sales consultants to be successful.”

Personal Reflections and Takeaways

We also took some time to share our personal reflections from the conference. One theme that stood out was the willingness to adapt and try new things. “Everyone is willing to adapt and change and try new things,” we noted, highlighting the proactive approach companies are taking to stay relevant and support their sales fields.

We were particularly inspired by the collaborative spirit of the event. “Some of these companies really, kind of are competitors, right? And they’re still… very open and honest about the things going on in their business,” we said. This openness helps the entire industry grow and improve.

Exciting News and a Surprise Award

We had some thrilling personal news to share from the conference too. We were awarded the Partnership in Progress award at the awards night gala! It was a huge honor and a complete surprise. “We were awarded the Partnership in Progress award… It was amazing. It was great to be recognized for the work that we’re doing,” we shared, reflecting on the recognition.

Looking Ahead

As we head back to San Diego, we’re filled with inspiration and new ideas to implement. We’re excited to continue supporting the direct sales industry and can’t wait for next year’s conference in British Columbia. “We look forward to being back to DSA Canada next year, of course, and doing some more broader work across the industry,” we mentioned.

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