I would be a wealthy man if I was given even a quarter for every time I heard that question. Today I am inspired to explain some fundamental components of direct marketing and hopefully dispel some of the misconceptions!

Now let me start by saying that direct marketing, MLM, relationship marketing,etc. has been around for over 70 years in various shapes and forms. Currently there are over 1,100 companies that employ some form of direct marketing in their approach. In order to begin a clear understanding, I will define some of the terms used in this industry.

Direct Marketing, is perhaps the oldest of terms associated with the industry and simply refers to the fact that a given product or service is marketed directly from the company to the consumer through a single independent agent who is paid a commission. Over the years the name of the industry has taken on other descriptive names…and in some cases for good reasons to be discussed shortly. Other names associated with the industry are Network Marketing, Multi-Level Marketing, Relationship Marketing, and some other less used terms. The names have changed over the years in order to differentiate a company or its approach from those that have abused or exploited the industry.

Many fine companies have emerged using this approach but there have also been companies that have scammed or taken advantage of its reps and consumers to earn a quick profit. It is companies like these that have given the impression to some that all Direct Marketing companies are scams. When some of these companies were exposed it was clear that their pay system was flawed and took advantage of the average rep. Because the structure of these pay systems resemble a Pyramid, the industry had to endure bearing that name in a negative context for some. The FTC set up some very clear guidelines in the 70′s as to how these structures should be set up which removed some of the worst players. Some companies have continued to survive and operate fairly and with integrity so it is important to understand that the properly laid out binary pay system actually works effectively and legally to compensate a sales organization.

A binary system simply defined means that there are business streams below each rep. Keeping it fair and legal means that every rep regardless of current level in the system, has the exact same potential for earning as the person at the top. This is a sharp contrast to the corporate Pyramid where you have someone at the top earning a large salary and those down the ladder make less and less the further down the rungs you go.

Why would a company want to use this type of sales force and pay structure? Several reasons but the most prominent are:

An Independent Sales Force (no employees!)

Low Advertising Costs (because of word of mouth)

Helps Others (individuals can experience great pay)

While this is not an exhaustive explanation of Direct Marketing, it will, hopefully, provide some new insight and understanding. As with any industry on our planet, there are some bad eggs out there that make it difficult for the legitimate companies. It is always important to know who you are aligning with, the quality of their products and their reputation. A good company will also discourage high pressure and unethical approaches. So next time a relative, friend or colleague recommends something to you, give a look because they may truly be on to something!

These words have been burning in my heart and mind for quite some time. Most recently I have been singing these words in an amazing anthem written by John Ness Beck called Offertory. I think the setting in which it is written compelled me to meditate on the words more than I ever have…to begin to fully understand the power and the meaning of this verse from Micah 6.

When Micah wrote this, it was at a time when Israel had been straying from the Lord (again) and this particular verse was to remind them of what it was to be a servant of God and how they/we are to conduct themselves.

I was recently challenged to memorize more scripture so that it might “live in me”. That made so much sense to have the word of God so saturated in our hearts and minds that it was a natural resource for our daily use.

This passage in Micah has inspired a few insights by virtue of them beginning to “live” in me…for however God choses to use them.

To “do justice”. So many things come to mind, but it occurs to me to be so basic in that we must be people of justice. Not just in the sense of judgement or standing up for things that we know to be right and pure, but also to “do justice” on the behalf of others. My mind goes immediately to “helping others to be justified” This in itself goes beyond the simple holding out your hand to help someone less fortunate. I think it speaks to their soul as well, to help them find the kind and even justice that comes from a loving and compassionate God. Of course justice demands the consequence of injustice, but that is another discussion altogether!

The second part of verse 8 says to “love mercy”. Initially I found myself thinking that it was easy to love mercy, but quickly realized that it is only easy to love mercy when it is bestowed on me! How selfish! The aspects of mercy talked about in this verse, I think, goes way beyond an acceptance of mercy to actually cherishing the mercies of God so much that we show mercy to others…and love doing so.

It is so easy for me to put blinders on when I should be showing mercy to those around me. This isn’t always an action or thing you do, but I am convinced that it is also an attitude which we must adopt to be aware of situations and people who need mercy. What people need more than food, shelter and clothing (though these are important) is the mercy of God on their souls. We must be beacons of light for His mercy.

“Walk Humbly with your God” is perhaps the easiest to understand of these three elements but maybe not so easy to do consistently. To walk with God in humility requires that we lose sight of ourselves and devote ourselves to God. Painful as it may sound, humility requires a certain brokenness…to be brought to a place where we must rely on God completely and earnestly to supply our needs. Not only is this important in regard to the way we approach or walk with God, but it also is a fundamental essential when doing justice and loving mercy! How much more will the mercy and justice be received if it is given in humility!

My hope is that God will continue to reveal His truths to me through His word and through consistent prayer. May I be a man who “does justice, loves mercy, and walks humbly with the Lord God.

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 NIV