Why I Always Know About Direct Selling Companies Early (And What I’ve Learned After 25+ Years in the Industry)

Ever wonder how some people always seem to know about the next big thing in direct selling before everyone else? After 25+ years in the industry, I’ve built relationships, developed instincts, and learned what makes an opportunity worth pursuing. Here’s my journey—and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

I can’t tell you how many times people have asked me: How do you always know about direct selling companies before the rest of us? Why do companies or top leaders reach out to you in the early days? How do you always seem to have the inside scoop?

The short answer? Because I’ve been doing this for decades. Because I’m teachable and a quick learner. I’ve built relationships, earned trust, and developed an instinct for what works and what doesn’t. Because for me, it has never been just about a product or a compensation plan—it has always been about people.

Where It All Started

My husband and I joined our first direct selling company together in 1997 as newlyweds. We built a small team and worked hard, but the products—while high-quality household consumables—weren’t exactly exciting or unique. We learned a lot, but it wasn’t until my older sister invited me to a scrapbook party later that year that I truly saw the power of this industry.

That party changed everything. I fell in love—not just with the products, but with the community. I joined the company, and for the first time, I saw what it meant to build something bigger than just sales. The relationships, the leadership, the shared experiences—it all clicked. I stayed with that company through two bankruptcies, riding the highs and lows, because I believed in what we were creating together.

My First Real Prelaunch Experience

Fast forward to early 2012, and I learned about a jewelry company in slow prelaunch. I got on the waitlist, knowing that if I could get in early, it could be something special. It took forever, but when I finally got that coveted email, I jumped in.

And it paid off.

I built a strong team and a solid income, and while that chapter ended dramatically, the friendships and lessons I gained have stayed with me. Those relationships—many of them forged in the trenches of launching something new—are still part of my life today.

Why People Reach Out to Me

Between 2016 and 2017, I was invited by former peers to be part of three different start-ups:

✅ A clothing brand with slimming foundations

✅ A purse organizer for occasional-use essentials

✅ A creative art concept using wet chalk for designs

Each of these went on to be successful in their own way. They weren’t all a long-term fit for me, but they reinforced something I had already learned: the right opportunity, at the right time, with the right people, is magic.

By this point, my track record was clear. I had built multiple businesses, navigated tough industry changes, and developed a gut instinct for recognizing whether a company had real potential. That’s why people—whether they were fellow leaders, corporate executives, or founders—kept reaching out. They wanted my insight. They wanted to know if I saw the spark, if I thought it had legs.

And often? I did.

The Moment I Knew My Instincts Were Solid

In April 2017, I saw a cryptic Facebook post from a former sponsor and friend—someone I had known since 2011. She was hinting at returning to the field after staying home with her kids. And I knew—if she was coming back, it had to be good.

I immediately sent a text: As long as it’s not leggings or makeup, I’m in.

No hesitation. No overthinking. Just an immediate yes.

That decision led to the business that has been my focus for nearly eight years.

What We Built

With my team—the one that is being taken away tomorrow—we have:

✅ Involved over 15,000 people

✅ Sold over $77 million worth of mostly one product

✅ Helped people afford dance lessons, rent, mortgages, dream homes, lake houses, and college tuition

✅ Said yes to field trips, vacations, and new possibilities

✅ Built lifelong friendships and traveled all over North America together

✅ Earned incentive trips, won awards, learned new skills, and grown in ways we never expected

✅ Faced both sweet victories and painful lessons

People can say whatever they want about this industry. They can throw around words like scheme or certain shapes, but at the end of the day, this business has always been about people for me.

Lessons for Those Looking to Spot the Next Big Thing

If you’re wondering how I always seem to know about things early, here’s what I’ve learned:

1️⃣ Relationships are everything. The more you invest in people, the more you hear about opportunities before they go public.

2️⃣ Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. If something feels right, lean in and explore.

3️⃣ Look for companies solving a real problem in a unique way. There are lots of good ideas, but great ones stand out because they answer a real need differently than anything else.

4️⃣ Pay attention to leadership. The product matters, but the people leading the company matter more. Who is behind it? What’s their track record?

5️⃣ Don’t just chase money. If you wouldn’t love the product without a paycheck attached, you’re in the wrong place.

Closing This Chapter With the One I Started With

Today, I am flying to close this chapter with the very person I started this journey with. We were together in the home office on launch day, and now we will be together to close the month and this chapter out. It’s a full-circle moment, and while it’s bittersweet, I know this: I’m not done.

This chapter is closing, but my story isn’t over. I don’t know exactly what’s next, but I know who I am, and that’s enough. Because when you build something on real relationships, your foundation is unshakable.

And that? That’s how I always know about the next big thing—because my focus has never changed.

It’s always been about the people first. 💛