DSA 2010 Annual Meeting and the Importance of Face to Face Connections

I’m at the DSA 2010 Annual Meeting in beautiful San Francisco. We’re celebrating the 100th anniversary of the DSA, and it’s pretty amazing. We have such a rich history as an industry, and the Direct Selling Association is using the occasion of our 100th anniversary to set up a museum showing items from member companies throughout its 100 years. It’s a wonderful testament to the impact this industry has had for so long.

One of the things I love about this particular meeting is the opportunity to network with so many people I can only connect with via phone, email, or online most of the rest of the year. And it makes a big impact on the relationships I build with people, and the ability to do business with them. And that’s what I want to talk with you about today.

When you are using social media for your business, it’s easy to get sucked into the “ease” of communicating online. With a few simple clicks, we can reach anyone! And I spend a lot of time telling you to build relationships with people online. It’s so important, and a foundation of a successful social media marketing strategy.

But don’t forget that if you have the opportunity to connect with someone in person, you should never miss that opportunity. It takes your online relationship building efforts, and sends them into hyperdrive.

At our core, we as direct sellers are in a relationship business. We should be using all the tools at our disposal to connect with people, understand their needs, and provide the products and opportunity that makes a difference. Absolutely connect with people online. But realize that it takes time to build a relationship online. And sitting over coffee with that same person can build a relationship much faster.

Put all the tools you have at your disposal to work, and you’ll enjoy incredible results.

Here’s to your great success!

And here are some more photos from Annual Meeting so far. Enjoy!

DSEF Ocean Beach Clean-Up: 90 direct selling executives descended on Ocean Beach to clean up the trash