Benefits of DSA Membership

Do you have all the knowledge and resources that you need to operate and grow your direct selling company?

Dreams and vision can only take you so far before you need outside help and information.

Whatever your current challenges may be, the Direct Selling Association (DSA), its member companies, and its network of experts can help you to bring greater success to your company.

What is the Direct Selling Association?

The DSA traces its roots back to the Agents Credit Association, formed in 1910. Over the years the name of the association was changed several times. Since 1968, it has been known as the Direct Selling Association. Today, the DSA is a national trade organization with approximately 200 corporate member companies and a similar number of supplier members.

The DSA is based in Washington, DC, and has a full-time staff that not only organizes its conferences and other events but also works to monitor the laws that governments are considering that would specifically impact direct selling companies.

The DSA helps to ensure that direct selling remains legal, by self-policing its members and by setting good examples of how direct selling companies should behave with respect to ethics in business. With its political connections, the DSA is the direct selling marketing channel’s watchdog.

Why Join the DSA?

Member companies join the DSA for many reasons. The DSA has the resources and the budget to provide significant value to member and supplier companies alike.

New companies learn from the experiences of others, who freely share their successes and challenges in presentations at DSA events. Larger companies have the opportunity to “give back” to the industry.

The association demonstrates and educates on ethical, fair business practices that protect direct selling companies, independent representatives, and consumers.

Benefits of DSA Membership

The Direct Selling Association provides many types of benefits to its member companies.

Research services include:

• Salesforce surveys
• Growth and outlook surveys
• Party plan information exchange
• and more

Services for direct selling executives include:

• Executive resume service database
• Executive-level briefings for your management and key field leaders
• National convention keynotes
• Team briefings
• and more

Informational resources include:

• Members-only functions on the DSA website
• Online membership directory
• Weekly e-newsletters

Legal and legislative services include:

• Advocacy
• Federal, state and local legislative monitoring lobbying and testifying
• DSA action alerts
• Marketing plan review and advisory service
• and more

Salesforce support includes:

• DSA pay card program
• Health insurance

DSA Membership

Membership fees for member companies are based on a percentage of sales, so larger companies pay a higher annual fee to be members. A new company can join for a minimal fee, the amount of which increases as the company grows.

To join the DSA, complete a DSA membership application.

For additional membership information, visit the DSA website or contact Nancy or Megan at the DSA at 202.452.8866.

100 Years Young

This year, the DSA celebrates its 100th anniversary.

At its Annual Meeting in San Francisco, Shaklee’s Roger Barnett, Amway’s Doug DeVos, and Herbalife’s Michael Johnson will share their inspiring stories with attendees. Other speakers include Heather Chastain of Celebrating Home, Greg Halliday of Nature’s Sunshine, Jacques Mizrahi of SwissJust, Dan Moore of The Southwestern Company, and Rudy Revak of Symmetry Corporation.

Each speaker will give an information-packed presentation on trends, lessons learned, and keeping your passion in this marketing channel.

But this year’s Annual Meeting won’t be all learning all the time.

Networking opportunities are standard fare at all DSA events and the 2010 Annual Meeting is no exception. Each night of the meeting will provide opportunities for sharing with and gaining knowledge from other attendees amidst the celebratory backdrop of the 100th anniversary.

Take a culinary tour of San Francisco at the Sunday night reception, celebrate your favorite decade during the Monday night special event, and dress to the nines during the black and white Centennial Reception and Ball on Tuesday evening.

A Special Invitation

As an active DSA Supplier Member, Sylvina Consulting welcomes the opportunity to introduce you to the DSA and to meet with you in person in San Francisco on June 6, 7, and 8.

For a special invitation to join the DSA, attend the San Francisco meeting, and save money at the same time, contact us at Sylvina Consulting at 503.244.8787.