In this episode of Selling in Europe, Alessandro Ghidini and Vincenzo Giacalone, Meridian’s partners in Italy discuss the evolving landscape of direct selling. They share their extensive backgrounds in the industry, the impact of COVID-19 on market dynamics, and how the model is supporting significant growth of utility services. The conversation also touches on the challenges of educating traditional companies about modern direct selling practices and the future trends that may shape the industry.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Direct Selling in Italy
07:02 Market Changes Post-COVID
11:54 The Rise of Utility Services in Direct Selling
18:22 The Importance of Direct Selling Associations
18:47 Challenges in Educating Traditional Companies
23:02 Future Trends in Direct Selling
25:35 Collaboration with Meridian Partners
In this episode, Susannah Schofield OBE, Director General of the UK’s Direct Selling Association, opens up about her journey from early influences to becoming a leading voice for women and young people in business. She reflects on the importance of family, the inspiration of Margaret Thatcher, and the honour of receiving an OBE.
Susannah shares candid insights on balancing career and motherhood, the evolution of work-life balance post-COVID, and the opportunities within the direct selling sector.
We discuss how technology is reshaping the industry, why education and regulation matter for the future, and how direct selling offers flexibility and empowerment without a glass ceiling. With her passion for nurturing the next generation, Susannah highlights the personal and professional development opportunities available to women in business today.
Chapters
00:00 Empowering Women: Susanna's Journey
02:38 Recognition and Impact: The OBE Award
05:39 Balancing Act: Career and Motherhood
08:37 The Evolution of Work-Life Balance
11:23 The Direct Selling Sector: Opportunities andFlexibility
14:01 Transforming the Direct Selling Association
16:27 Future Aspirations: Education and Regulation
19:09 Embracing Technology in Direct Selling
21:33 Personal Touch in a Digital World
24:32 Looking Ahead: The Future of Direct Selling
titles
Sound Bites
Chapters
00:00Empowering Women: Susanna's Journey
02:38Recognition and Impact: The OBE Award
05:39Balancing Act: Career and Motherhood
08:37The Evolution of Work-Life Balance
11:23The Direct Selling Sector: Opportunities andFlexibility
14:01Transforming the Direct Selling Association
16:27Future Aspirations: Education and Regulation
19:09Embracing Technology in Direct Selling
21:33Personal Touch in a Digital World
24:32Looking Ahead: The Future of Direct Selling
28:55NEWCHAPTER
In this engaging conversation, Zara Harding of Oriflame UK shares her journey in the direct sales industry, emphasizing the importance of supporting young entrepreneurs and adapting to the changing landscape of work. She discusses the need for educational systems to better equip students for entrepreneurship, the significance of community in direct sales, and the value of in-person events for fostering connections. Zara also highlights the success factors at Oriflame UK and offers advice for newcomers in the industry.
Chapters
00:00 Zara's Journey into Direct Sales
05:39 Engaging Young Entrepreneurs
08:44 The Future of Direct Sales
17:49 The Importance of Live Events
24:49 Community and Team Dynamics
26:56 Motivation and Personal Development
29:39 Advice for Newcomers in Direct Sales
In this episode of the Selling in Europe podcast, Brian Mayne shares his inspiring journey from homelessness and personal struggles to becoming a successful speaker and creator of the Goal Mapping system. He discusses the principles of personal development that transformed his own life, the science behind positive thinking, and the importance of setting and reviewing goals. Brian also reflects on his experiences working with large corporates and the impact of his work on individuals and communities. As he celebrates 30 years of Goal Mapping, he emphasizes the need for continuous learning and the power of motivation in achieving success.
Takeaways
In this conversation, Diane Sealey interviews Peter Knoell, Director and Partner at Genic Direct, about his extensive experience in the direct sales sector. Peter shares insights into the challenges of the German market, the importance of understanding customer decision journeys, and the flexibility that direct sales offers.
He discusses the growing trend of traditional brands exploring direct sales and the significance of the Meridian-Genic partnership in navigating the complexities of the market.
The conversation also touches on the importance of data in understanding customer needs and the personal interests of Peter outside of work.
Takeaways
www.genic.de
Peter's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-knöll-27571a79/
In this episode of the Selling In Europe podcast, we step into the evolving world of direct selling with industry luminary Bob Parker. Bob has vast experience in the direct selling sector and is recognised in the DSA Hall of Fame.
Fresh from the Direct Selling University (DSU) event in Amsterdam in this chat with host Diane Sealey, Bob talks about the strategic shifts, emerging trends and opportunities, and core values that are propelling direct selling into an exciting new era. From attracting Generation Z to building resilient customer relationships in a post-pandemic, digital-first landscape.
During the conversation, Bob also shares insights into the industry white paper that Meridian MMI has created to support and share knowledge within the sector. The white paper is free to download from the Meridian website.
The document has been praised for its simplicity and clarity, outlining trends within the industry and the strategy and tactics required to stay in step with the new digitally dominated world, without sacrificing the best aspects of relationship-based sales.
The download link to the Meridian MMi White Paper is here
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#SellingInEurope
#BobParker
Welcome to Selling in Europe, the podcast designed to equip leaders of small and large organisations with the insights and strategies they need to thrive in the dynamic European direct selling and retail landscape. Whether you're navigating the complexities of physical storefronts or conquering the ever-evolving world of online commerce, this podcast is your go-to resource.
Across a diverse range of episodes, we'll delve into every conceivable subject impacting your business. From understanding nuanced cultural differences in consumer behaviour and adapting your marketing message accordingly, to mastering the intricacies of cross-border logistics and navigating diverse regulatory environments, we'll cover it all. We'll explore effective strategies for building and managing high-performing teams across different cultures, discuss the latest trends in e-commerce and digital marketing specific to the European market, and unpack the secrets to creating truly engaging customer experiences that resonate across diverse demographics.
We'll also tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies, explore innovative sales techniques tailored to the European consumer, and discuss best practices for scaling your business sustainably while remaining compliant with local regulations. We'll feature interviews with industry experts, successful entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who will share their firsthand experiences and offer practical advice you can implement immediately.
This introductory episode sets the stage for what you can expect from Selling in Europe. We'll outline the key themes we'll be exploring in future episodes, introduce the host and their expertise, and give you a taste of the valuable insights and actionable strategies you'll gain by tuning in. Whether you're a seasoned executive or just starting your journey in the European market, Selling in Europe will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to succeed.
Subscribe now and join us as we unlock the potential of the European marketplace!
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