When working at Melaleuca, LaunchSmart™ I learned early on that other direct selling companies were not the competition. For Melaleuca, the competition was Proctor & Gamble, the personal care and home products giant.
There are different types of competitors in direct selling:
- Traditional (non-direct selling) companies that sell the same or similar products and services
- Direct selling companies and MLM companies that sell the same or similar products and services
- Direct selling companies and MLM companies that offer income opportunities that will draw reps to them
As you become aware of the strengths and weaknesses of your MLM competitors, you will grow strong and confident. If you are keenly focused on your unique differentiators, the primary one being your culture, you will find that the game of growth will be challenging and fun.
As you go through the strategic planning process, don’t skip through the SWOT analysis where you will be guided through the exercise of identifying competitors and creating profiles from which you will learn.