2009 Women of Power - The POWER 30

Hi. I’m Keeper, Founder and CEO of DirectSellingLive.com

Welcome to the 1st Annual DirectSellingLive.com Women of Power – The POWER 30.

For over 100 years network marketing/direct selling has touched the lives of 100’s of millions of people around the world through the sale of products or service, offering a way for individuals to better their lives financially through global business partnerships.

Over the past 100+ years direct selling has also seen 10’s of millions of distributors come and go. The majority of these distributors have been women. In fact today almost 80% of all distributors around the world are women. If we look back through our history I believe the numbers will show it has always been this way.

The Direct Selling industry, especially us men, owe a “HUGE” debt of gratitude to women who have made our industry possible, for direct selling has been built on the strong beautiful shoulders of women. From the United States to Japan, Australia to Mexico, Brazil to India, Russia to South Korea, Germany to Malaysia, and China it has been women who have bought more products, sold more products, used more products and built more businesses. However, when you look around the executive boardrooms in direct selling, it is men who are most often at the helm of direct selling companies and because of this it has been men who received most of the recognition.

DirectSellingLive.com’s 1st Annual Women of Power – The POWER 30 looks to recognize and say Thank You to the millions of women who over the past 100+ years are responsible for bringing direct selling to where we are today and to those who are in a position to lead us into the future.

Women like #1 Andrea Jung (DirectSellingLive’s Direct Selling Power Player of the Decade) who leads to largest direct selling company in the world – AVON. #2 Nicki Keohohou and # 4 Grace Keohohou (Direct Selling Women’s Alliance - DSWA) who are both building the fastest growing association in direct selling. #8 Nadine Thompson (Soul Purpose Lifestyle Company) and #27Traci Lynn (Traci Lynn Jewelry), two black women who have founded their own successful direct selling company’s - a sight not often seen in direct selling. Like #10 Doris Wood (Multi-Level Marketing International Association - MLMIA) who celebrated her 52nd year in direct selling in 2009 and is still going strong. # 16 Niousha Ehsan of the Direct Selling Education Institute in Dubai who is helping to increase awareness of direct selling in Asia. # 21 Miriam Muléy (85% Niche), a Latina, the premier industry consultant educating direct selling to the buying power of the minority communities.

DirectSellingLive recognizes that network marketing/direct selling is made up of both men and women from all walks of life. We are an industry with an all inclusive attitude which says, “You are welcome as long as you are willing to bring positive energy and are willing to uplift others.”

The DirectSellingLive’s Women of POWER – The POWER 30 does not discriminate in any way for the shear beauty of direct selling is we are an industry that attracts every race, nationality, color, religion, age, economic standing, educational background, political view and sexual orientation. In DirectSellingLive’s Women of Power – The POWER 30 we look to celebrate all these differences that help to make us the largest business community in the world.

We recognize that direct selling is a living, breathing, emotional entity full of all the ebbs and flows that life has to offer. With that said, DirectSellingLive.com not only looks to highlight our differences, we look to celebrate them so that we may better understand who we are as a people - as a community. We believe that once we begin to celebrate our differences we will be in a better position to be the guiding example to the world of what can be.

In the direct selling there is one central theme that runs through all of us…”look to improve ours lives as we look first to improve the lives those we come in contact with every day.”

Ladies it is with profound gratitude and thanks that I say…”We celebrate you!”

And now the Women of Power – The POWER 30!


Keeper
DirectSellingLive Profile: Keeper
keeper@directsellinglive.com

Ranked #1 on the 2009 DirectSellingLive.com POWER 50

Andrea Jung captures the No.1 spot on the 1st Annual Women of Power- The POWER 30. She is also the 1st recipient of DirectSellingLive.com’s Most Powerful Person of the Decade award. Recognized as one of the most powerful people in business worldwide, she is a true leader in every sense of the word. In a direct selling environment dominated by men Andrea Jung crosses gender and racial lines unlike any other. With close to 80% of distributors being women the true power in the industry belongs to them. Andrea Jung made sure we didn’t forget that in 2009.


AVON

Ranked #4 on the DirectSellingLive.com POWER 50

Nicki Keohohou along with her daughter Grace Keohohou (#4) leads the second most powerful association in direct selling, the Direct Selling Women’s Alliance (DSWA). Nicki’s Principled Centered approach is the foundation of her success. Because of her drive to make sure that the DSWA succeeds, Nicki and the DSWA are putting a
lot of pressure on the DSA to become the preeminent industry association soon by spreading the message all over the world that women are indeed the force in direct selling.


Direct Selling Women's Alliance

Ranked #14 2009 50 Most Powerful in Direct Selling

As editor-in-chief of the number one direct selling magazine for distributors, Josephine Gross is responsible for creating all the content for Networking Times, the industry’s most popular and most read education and training publication. She is also one of the best writers in the industry. She’s the Head of Faculty for Networking Times Networking University. Working along side her husband Chris Gross (POWER 50 #13) and Bob Proctor (POWER 50 #3), Josephine Gross is the most powerful female media figure in direct selling.


Networking Times

Ranked #15 in 2009 50 Most Powerful in Direct Selling

As co-founder, along with her mother Nicki Keohohou (#2), of the second most powerful association in direct selling (DSWA) Grace Keohohou’s official title is “Partner in Charge of Member Relations.” Fantastic at developing relationships, Grace Keohohou is able to create partnerships that benefit the DSWA and it’s members with companies inside and outside the direct selling arena.


Direct Selling Women's Alliance

Ranked #16 in 2009 50 Most Powerful in Direct Selling

Amy Robinson is working hard behind the scenes at the DSA. Her efforts to bring the DSA in line with technology did not go unnoticed. She created the online presence “Direct Selling 411” for the DSA. Working for the organization that is the voice of some of the largest direct selling companies is no small task. Amy Robinson makes sure that the media gets the facts about the DSA and its association members.


Direct Selling Association

Ranked #17 in 2009 50 Most Powerful in Direct Selling

Sarah Baker Andrus makes sure the college market is served at CUTCO to great benefit for the students and Cutco. Her programs could be the model for direct selling companies when attracting the college market.


CUTCO

Ranked #19 in 2009 50 Most Powerful in Direct Selling

If you paid attention to the 2008 Presidential campaign then you saw Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin wearing Cookie Lee jewelry. How’s that for making a splash in a big pond? As one of only a few minority female company owners, Cookie Lee’s influence crosses ethnic and gender lines. As an Asian women in an industry dominated by white men, Cookie Lee’s influence stands out globally.


Cookie Lee Jewelry

Ranked #22 in 2009 50 Most Powerful in Direct Selling

Nadine Thompson runs one of the few female and black owned direct selling companies. After departing from Warm Spirit (which has since folded) Nadine Thompson regrouped and put together what is shaping up to be one of the best multicultural direct selling companies for women and a few good men. Considered a modern day Madam CJ Walker (DirectSellingLive.com’s 2009 Legend of the Year), Nadine and Soul Purpose are already scheduled to be featured in Essence Magzaine (Jan.2010) & Ebony Magazine (Feb.2010).


Soul Purpose Lifestyle Company

Ranked #23 in 2009 50 Most Powerful in Direct Selling

Renowned speaker, writer, and syndicated columnist, Marcia Wieder has brought her message to an appreciative audience in direct selling for years. She’s written four books about making your dreams come true and is one of the most sought after guest speakers at direct selling events. Marcia is a past President of the National Association of Women Business Owners and has appeared on Oprah and The Today Show.


Drean Coach

Ranked #29 in 2009 50 Most Powerful in Direct Selling

In 2009 Doris Wood celebrated her 52nd year in direct selling. Doris is a true “living” industry legend. She is one of the original founders of the MLMIA and has piloted the organization since its inception in 1985. Doris Wood is an author, speaker, trainer, consultant and founder of several MLM companies. In 1989, out of more than 30 million networkers worldwide, Doris Wood was one of only eight inducted into the International Network Marketing Hall of Fame.


MLMIA Multi-Level Marketing International Association

Ranked #38 in 2009 50 Most Powerful in Direct Selling

Rita Davenport is the epitome of walking the talk. Years before becoming the President of Arbonne, she produced and hosted her own TV show Strategies for Success, winning awards along the way. Using the methods she taught on TV, Rita Davenport started as a consultant with Arbonne and became Regional Vice President within a year. She continues to help others achieve success using the very same techniques she used.


Rita Davenport

Ranked #39 in 2009 50 Most Powerful in Direct Selling

Over the past year Lisa Wilber has been everywhere. Besides still being one of the top money earners at AVON, Lisa has branched out and launched a worldwide speaking career. Lisa uses some of the most innovative street marketing tactics that the industry has ever seen. Once a poor single woman living a beat-up trailer park, her rags to riches story is the stuff of direct selling legend.


Winner In You

Ranked #43 in 2009 50 Most Powerful in Direct Selling

A major force behind the scenes at Network Marketing Business Journal (NMBJ), Linda Bruno is one of the most powerful women in direct selling media. She is highly respected throughout direct selling for her professionalism. Linda is married to industry icon and Network Marketing Business Journal publisher Keith Laggos, (ranked #31 on DirectSellingLive.com’s 2009 Power 50).


Network Marketing Business Journal

Ranked #44 in 2009 50 Most Powerful in Direct Selling

Dr. Shirley Carmack is a living industry legend. She is part of the highly successful team of Delmar & Shirley Carmack of Golden Life Neo-Diamite. In her 35 years in network marketing she has had to over come many racial stereotypes and prejudices to become one of the most successful black distributors ever. She helped pave the way for many black women to achieve greatness in network marketing. Known for her graciousness and willingness to help others inside and outside the industry, Dr. Carmack’s influence transcends the industry.


Shirley Carmack

Ranked #47 in 2009 50 Most Powerful in Direct Selling

2009 marked the entrance of one of the most dynamic individulas to come into direct selling in years. Lisa Nichols is one of the few black speakers in the industry, and as she proudly likes to say she doesn’t look like, talk like, or act like any other speaker in direct selling. Lisa Nichols launched a highly successful direct selling speaking tour in addition to motivating millions of people around the world. She recently published a best selling book, No Matter What and will soon be seen on her own TV show, The Lisa Nichols Show on the We Network in 2010.


Lisa Nichols

Ranked #49 in 2009 50 Most Powerful in Direct Selling

As co-founder of the Direct Selling Education Institute and Direct Selling Festival, along with co-founder Poorya Montaseri (ranked #46 on DirectSellingLive.com's Power 50), Niousha Ehsan is establishing herself as one of the most powerful direct selling female executives in the Middle East, North Africa and other parts of Asia. As direct selling continues to grow in the region, expect to see Niousha Ehsan in the mix.


Direct Selling Festival, Dubai, UAE

Ranked #50 in 2009 50 Most Powerful in Direct Selling

Voted the 2008 World’s Greatest Direct Selling Leader by the direct selling community in an industry wide poll sponsored by DirectSellingLive.com and the Direct Selling Women’s Alliance (DSWA). As an Independent Region Manager with lia sophia Jewelry Nicole Walker is also the top team trainer and success coach for her region.


Nicole Walker

Honorable Mention 2009 POWER 50

Doris Christopher went from founding the company The Pampered Chef in the basement of her Chicago home in 1980 to being named to the Board of Directors of the DSA in 1992, and then serving as Chairperson. Not bad for a Chicago mom and home economics teacher. Her idea was simple, offer women high quality kitchen equipment and easy to make meals by having in-home cooking demonstrations, or parties. By the time Berkshire Hathaway acquired The Pampered Chef, it had become a $700 million enterprise.


Pampered Chef

Honorable Mention 2009 POWER 50

As Karen Phelps says, it’s all about Experience. With 25 years experience in direct selling managing her own business, Karen knows what’s it like out there at street level. She uses her experience to work with companies on developing leaders and promoting teamwork. Karen has developed her own programs which she offers to companies and as she says, she has the experience to get it done.


Karen Phelps

Honorable Mention 2009 POWER 50

British Ford-Hill is passionate about cultivating diversity in direct selling. A writer and speaker, she trains women of color on how to succeed in direct selling. Her blog, MLMBlackWoman.com is designed to guide women of color through network marketing/direct selling to their ultimate success in the industry by educating, inspiring and celebrating them and their achievements. British also works to help direct selling leaders and their companies market to and sponsor more women of color into their businesses.


MLM Black Woman

Honorable Mention 2009 POWER 50

Miriam Muléy is a woman who has a passion for playing inside the color lines - the minority color lines.
Miriam educates companies, including direct selling companies, on issues related to marketing to women of diverse ethnic backgrounds. A women of Puerto Rican ancestry, Miriam has over 25 years of hands-on brand management and advertising experience working with companies like Avon, General Motors, Clairol, and UniWorld Group Advertising. In 2009 Miriam released her first book, The 85% Niche, on the topic of marketing to minority women.


85% Niche

Honorable Mention 2009 POWER 50

Sandra Yancey is one of the most sought after speakers in direct selling today. Sandra and her company, eWomenNetwork, are all about promoting women in business and helping them make connections with eachother. She started her company in 2000 with 20 women. Today eWomenNetwork has over 500,000 business owners and professionals in the U.S. and Canada. With more than 200,000 hits a day, Business Women’s Network ranked eWomenNetwork #1 and the best online community for women business owners and professionals in North America.


eWomen Network

Honorable Mention 2009 POWER 50

Since being appointed the Director of the DSWA International Area Chapter Program, Linda Lucas has taken the program from 3 Chapters in the United States in 2006 to 90+ Chapters in three countries by 2009. Linda has been in direct selling for many years. She worked on the corporate level for 24 years. Simultaneously, Linda spent 20+ years working as a distributor building her own teams and has been successful in both endeavors. Linda is co-author of Build It Big and is an Advisor to the DSWA Diversity Center.


Direct Selling Women's Alliance

Honorable Mention 2009 POWER 50

Deb Bixler describes herself as a “Passionate” speaker and if you’ve ever heard her speak you know she’s telling the truth. Deb started in direct selling in 2000 with Pampered Chef and quickly rose to the top in personal sales every year for 7 years in a row. Since setting out on her own Deb has developed her own training and coaching program specializing in Party Plans. She coaches and speaks on the subject across the country. Deb is also passionate about food and health and wellness and gives workshops on the subject to school aged children and adults.


Deb Bixler

Jafra, one of the largest direct selling companies in the world selling skin care and beauty products, tapped Connie Tang to be its President in 2008. Born in Hong Kong and raised in Brooklyn, Connie Tang has worked in the cosmetics field for more than 22 years. For 13 of those years she worked at party-plan direct selling company BeautiControl where she quickly rose through the ranks to become Vice-President, Special Markets. When BeautiControl was acquired by Tupperware, someone had to lead the introduction of the newly acquired division to Tupperware’s global markets and Connie Tang was chosen.

Connie Tang

Tami Longaberger is the daughter of direct selling legend Dave Longaberger, founder of The Longaberger Company. Tami joined the company, one of the largest direct selling companies in the country, as its first marketing director in 1984 and became CEO in 1999. Tami has been involved in the creative development of hundreds of the company’s products. In addition to her duties at Longaberger, Tami has also acted as the chair of the National Women’s Business Council and in 2004 served as a member of the U.S. Delegation to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights held in Geneva, Switzerland.


Tami Longaberger

Dr. Traci Lynn is more than just the Founder, CEO and President of Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry, she’s also a speaker, author, evangelist, television talk show host and she has her doctorate in theology. Where does she find the time? Dr. Lynn started Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry in 1989 and has received several rewards for her efforts as an entrepreneur. She received the Madam CJ Walker Award for Entrepreneur Excellence and the Spirit of Greatness Award for outstanding leadership in business. In addition, she has been named to Network Journals “25 Influential Black Women in Business.”


Dr. Traci Lynn

Since joining Mary Kay in 1981, SuzAnne Brothers life has changed dramatically. Prior to finding the ten hours a week to do a Mary Kay business, SuzAnne described herself as a busy stay at home mom whose confidence was "weak." Something obviously clicked for SuzAnne when she joined Mary Kay because she got her first Cadillac in a little over a year in business and became a National Sales Director in 1995. Currently SuzAnne is a Senior National Sales Director who’s been the #1 Director at Diamond Seminar twice and #2 Director in the United States twice.


SuzAnne Brothers

The world is rapidly changing and with change comes new ideas, new concepts and new paradigms. Change waits for no one. No one knows more about having to shift from old paradigms or having to embrace new ways of thinking than direct sellers. In 2009 a new paradigm shift began taking shape in direct selling - the rise and acceptance of the Gay and Lesbian distributor. The Gay and Lesbian community is a social, economic and political force that direct selling can no longer afford to pretend is not among its ranks. For years it has been taboo to even suggest that gays and lesbians could be in direct selling. Not any more.


DirectSellingLive.com is proud to honor successful Pre-Paid Legal distributor Kara Kowalski on the Women of Power - The POWER 30. In just two short years she has built a very successful Pre-Paid Legal organization. In 2009 Kara has taken the bold and courageous step in coming out to the direct selling community. Kara is letting the industry know that the gay and lesbian community is among us and they are here to stay, and she’s letting others in the gay and lesbian community know that direct selling has place for them. DirectSellingLive.com salutes Pre-Paid Legal and Kara Kowalski. Truly a woman of power and courage.


Kara Kowalski

Like more than a few women starting off in network marketing/direct selling, Sharron Sharif was a single mother when she began her direct selling career 25 years ago. She had three sons and a dream, and most importantly, determination to make that dream come true. Sharron turned her dream into reality and has been the top 1% of income earners in network marketing for over 20 years. Sharron says the greatest joy comes from helping others achieve their dreams and she views herself as a role model to single mothers. Since reaching the top of the mountain, she feels it’s her job to help other women get there. She’s also taught her sons the secrets of her success in network marketing, and they have reached the top.


Sharron Sharif

2009 DirectSellingLive.com's Legend of the Year

Madam CJ Walker – 1867–1919

Founder of Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Co.
Founded: 1905


“I got my start by giving myself a start.”—Madam C.J. Walker


Born to former slaves and with little formal education, Madam C. J. Walker went on to be proclaimed the first self-made female millionaire by The Guinness Book of World Records. The United States Postal Service recognized her achievements by honoring her with a postage stamp. She is an Industry Legend because of the brilliant marketing and sales strategies she employed and because of all the women she empowered. Walker enabled literally thousands of black women to go into business for themselves.

At age thirty-nine, Walker, a single mother, went into business for herself. She began by making her own hair care products in a bathtub and giving free demonstrations. In time she recruited a sales force of satisfied customers who earned commissions on the sales they made.

(Excerpts from http://www.evancarmichael.com/Famous-Entrepreneurs/)

“Walker knew who her market was and she knew what she had to do to reach them. Walker knew that the majority of black women at the time were unable to read. Thus, she began a uniquely successful campaign of face to face network marketing. During a time when direct selling companies were employing typical door-to-door sales strategies, Madam C.J. Walker taught her “Walker Agents” how to recruit and teach others.

“Walker was sure to hire a vast range of candidates from within her target market. By helping them set up their own salons and letting them continue to work in their own locality, Walker was trying to utilize all of their unique networks to her advantage. At a time when most black women in the U.S. were menial workers and had little chance of improving their lot in life, Walker gave them not only hope, but also opportunity.

“I am not satisfied in making money for myself,” Walker said. “I endeavor to provide employment for hundreds of the women of my race.”

In another brilliant move, Walker moved her entire operation to Indianapolis because that’s where eight railway systems intersected and it would help her distribute her products.

“By 1913, her company had a sales force over 20,000 strong throughout not only the U.S., but also Central America and the Caribbean. Walker made it her business to hire the very women who would be interested in using her products.

“By 1917 annual conventions were being held by “Walker Agents” to train new and old recruits. They were distinct in their white uniforms and black beauty supplies case.

“By the time she died in 1919, she was 51 years old and one of the richest women in the country.”


Madam C J Walker