by Linda Locke
It's no secret that women make up the majority of the network marketing industry (about 82% according to the Direct Selling Association). But it's not always clear just how big that influence is since it's the guys who are often the ones in the spotlight.
So just how do women influence the network marketing industry? Here's some of the major trends that I've been noticing over the past few years that clearly show the powerful influence that women wield in the $30.47 Billion plus network marketing industry.
Trend #1 - Explosion of New Products and Services
The huge explosion in new network marketing companies is a reflection of our niche-based society, but it's also driven by the fact that women make most of the buying decisions in their families. And they like having choices - and lots of them. They want products and services that fit their interests and fast-paced lifestyles. And the emergence of so many new products and services in the network marketing industry is a direct response to what these women want to buy.
As a result, more companies now see network marketing sales as a viable way to offer their products and services, prompting more retail companies to start using network marketing sales to reach new markets. As an added benefit, more women, and in particular young women have been attracted to network marketing, bringing new growth and opportunities to the industry.
Trend #2 - Focus on Customers, Not Recruiting
The success of the network marketing industry depends on sales - and customers equal sales. In the past, many successful network marketers trained their downlines to focus primarily on recruiting and not retail sales, which generated a lot of negative criticism for the industry. But women have generally rejected this practice, instead choosing to focus on their customers and building a retail sales base as the foundation of their business. Women have found that recruiting from within their customer base is a much more stable and positive way of bringing people into their business, rather then the old method of recruiting everyone and waiting to see who sticks.
Trend #3 - Social Networking Is HOT!
Social networking is all the rage right now, and Party Plan companies are back big time because of it. Why? Because women love to socialize and build relationships, not just sell. And Party Plan companies are enjoying a new renaissance because of this and are changing with the times by offering an easy startup, low-cost business option to women. The Party Plan concept is very appealing to younger women (especially single moms), who need a part-time income, but want more flexibility and a less restrictive option to a regular 8 to 5 office job.
Party Plan selling also offers women the convenience of buying quality products in a fun, relaxed environment - it's what social marketing is all about. And best of all, party plan sales generate immediate income for women (a huge plus!) -- there's no waiting for a minuscule commission check that's in the mail.
