How Coronavirus will redefine the direct selling industry!
To say that the coronavirus and the global health crisis that it has brought with it has changed the world would be an understatement. As the months of lockdown and restriction continue, more and more industries are coming up with unique and innovative ways to better adapt to a new world. While many small-scale industries, retailer and hospitality service providers have been heavily hit, some industries have managed to stay strong while a few others have grown. One sector that, albeit being hit hard, has managed to pick itself back up and grow is the direct selling industry. In fact, one could say that it has seen a boom as more and more people have begun to see it as a viable source of income.
While most companies have just begun warming up to the idea of a completely remote working workforce, direct sellers and distributors are already used to the concept. This has allowed them to adapt easily to the new normal and it is not bound to change any time soon. In fact, there has been a significant increase in the number of direct selling clients. Despite this, it is important for the industry to also makes some changes to in the days to come to survive in the new business climate and to scale quickly and efficiently. And the answer to this is a technological and digital transformation.
The current state of sales
E-commerce has always been a booming side of sales, but the current pandemic has given it a boost as in-store retail sales has declined greatly and is not expected to get back to its former glory. And as more people has turned to the internet and the social media to their needs, it has also helped direct sellers to get a cut of the profit. Social selling has become a boon to both companies and customers.
Even as social distancing restrictions are getting relaxed, people are no longer ready to go out for shopping and entertainment. This means that there will be an increased demand for direct sales and products.
How technology and digitalisation will change the industry?
There is no doubt that the post-pandemic world will be one that is driven by technology and digital services. The world was already on the road to digitalisation before lockdown and social restrictions gave it a boost. The same is also true for the direct selling industry.
Internet and Social media
Smart and efficient use of the social media and internet has always been a major factor when it comes to success in the direct selling industry. A creative mind and a fast internet connection will allow you to grow your range and get access to your customers directly. It has also led to an increased demand for influencer marketing, giving the idea of ‘word to mouth’ approach of sales a new meaning. In fact, if used correctly, it can even extend the demand for your products across international borders.
Mobile phones
Mobile phones are also a great tool when it comes to direct sales. As emails, messages and instant messengers has brought the world closer together, it also opens a new medium for direct sellers.
Why it is important?
The direct sales industry is not completely free of the issues that conventional, brick and mortar retail shops suffer. It is still a largely networking oriented style of business that requires you to meet new people. However, with the effective and intelligent use technology and digital media, it is possible for anyone to overcome this problem.
What the future holds?
The direct selling industry has seen something of a comeback during the pandemic as more and more people are looking for a better source of income. The industry has proven yet again that it can hold strong and overcome even a harsh and unknown economic cycle like the one today. And as the world prepares to return to normal, or at least the new normal, it is only bound to continue on the upward trajectory. However, it is important to effectively utilise technology and digitalisation to achieve this.
