Throughout the history of the direct selling industry, women have played a significant role in driving its success. In the early days, they sold products and services through home-based parties and events, and their contribution has only kept growing. And despite the challenges posed by a volatile world economy, geopolitical conflicts, and persistent global health concerns, women in direct selling continue to thrive.
In fact, the latest statistics show that even more women are opting to become direct sellers. According to the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA), women currently make up 74.4% of direct selling reps worldwide – indeed a significant and undeniable majority.
So, what makes the industry so appealing to women, and why have millions come to view it as the perfect platform for achieving success?
Here are five reasons:
1. Equal opportunities
Inclusivity has always been a hallmark of direct selling. And it is this facet of the business — that doesn’t discriminate based on caste, colour, creed, gender, educational background or experience — which has allowed countless women to thrive in an environment where they’re treated more equally.
Most importantly, as the entire business world debates and discusses dismantling the gender wage gap, parity of pay remains a priority in direct selling. And that assures women that they can earn as much as everyone else.
2. Additional source of income
Direct selling is one of the few industries that can help provide entrepreneurs with generous additional revenue. It’s crucial to note that direct selling is not a get-rich-quick scheme; nevertheless, the business’s simple approach — i.e., where one is compensated for recommending and selling their favourite products and services to customers — ensures that entrepreneurs can draw an income for every successful sale. Better still, leading companies like QNET have robust compensation plans with performance-based incentives and bonuses that seek to reward hard work.
3. More flexibility
Women have long been hindered from pursuing careers and/or advancing in their jobs due to rigid 9-to-5-plus-overtime work structures and societal gender roles. Even so-called “flexi work” arrangements have proven ineffective and unaccommodating and even resulted in more work for women.
Where direct selling disrupts the established order, thus, is in giving entrepreneurs total say over when and for how long they work. And that allows women in direct selling to balance their obligations, family, and professional life and even take vacations and days off without hassle.
Also, regardless of gender, one can choose to work from home or, really, anywhere at all.
4. Life-enhancing, sustainable products
Furthermore, well-respected direct selling companies offer products specifically designed to cater to various people’s needs with the goal of helping improve their lives.
In QNET, women can choose from a wide range of beauty, health and wellness products, jewellery and luxury watches, home care appliances, e-learning courses and holiday packages. These not only make women feel confident and play an essential role in their improving overall well-being, but they are also produced using environmentally safe methods and eco-friendly materials that ensure the business is contributing to a more sustainable future for all.
5. Training and development
The best entrepreneurs are those who look to develop constantly. And direct selling’s stress on training and development has always been crucial in helping individuals become business owners.
Yet what’s even better is how leading direct selling companies consistently strive to empower women entrepreneurs with exclusive, purpose-built programmes. Among these is QNET’s pioneering FinGreen, a course that’s focused on advancing the financial literacy and inclusion of women.
6. Safe, secure and supportive
Unlike many other supposed flexible income-generation opportunities, direct selling is legal and safe and doesn’t involve investments or colossal capital outlay.
Additionally, not only do legit direct selling companies always operate in compliance with local legislation, but premier global organisations like QNET have also been leading the way with the introduction of pioneering fraud safeguards — like the scam protection system, eKYC (Electronic Know Your Customer) — and robust regulations to ensure confidence.
Yet, perhaps most important is the fact that direct selling benefits from the support of a large community of like-minded entrepreneurs. And that has helped women in direct selling not to feel overwhelmed and/or alone as they venture into the industry.
A focus on empowerment
Yes, women in direct selling aren’t all the same. Indeed, it’s a fact that goals and aspirations differ from one individual to the next.
Nevertheless, direct selling remains accommodating to everyone and, thus, stands as the perfect tool for women to become economically empowered.
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