Troy Dooly’s TalkGigs.News Weekly Roundup: May 22, 2025
Hey folks, Troy Dooly, s coming at you with the latest TalkGigs.News report for the week of May 22, 2025. I hope you’re all rocking it out there! Let’s dive into what’s happening in the world of direct sales, network marketing, and Main Street businesses. There’s some powerful stuff going on, so buckle up!
First off, I’ve got to give a shoutout to a local gem right here in my neck of the woods: Pecan Jacks. This small family business started with just pralines, but now they’re slinging ice cream and expanding like wildfire. They launched new units in Texas and Florida this year, with more on the way in Georgia. It’s the kind of grassroots success story that gets me fired up—proof that hard work and a great product can take you far.
Now, let’s talk numbers. The first quarter of 2025 wasn’t kind to the Direct Sales Stock Index, which dropped 4.7%—nearly double the Dow’s 2.9% dip. But don’t panic just yet. I’m seeing signs of an uptick in the Dow, and I’d bet we’ll see direct selling companies follow suit soon. A lot of that first-quarter slump came from folks grappling with a scarcity mindset, especially with all the tariff talk. If you’re feeling the fear, I’ll drop a little unsolicited advice: grab a copy of The Art of the Deal by Donald Trump. Love him or hate him, it’ll give you insight into his strategies and might just ease your worries.
Speaking of companies, Mannatech had a rough Q1, down 26% year-over-year, but their net profits are still holding strong at 74.3%. That’s something to celebrate. Meanwhile, eXp Holdings—the folks behind eXp Realty and Success Magazine—are making waves by launching in Ecuador. I’m planning a deep dive into eXp because I suspect they’re strategically targeting countries where expats are flocking, like Ecuador, Turkey, and beyond. It’s a smart play, catering to folks setting up second homes in these beautiful spots.
Over in Brazil, Natura & Co is killing it with a 45.8% increase in Q1 2025, hitting $1.1 billion. South American companies are on the rise, and I’ve got a hunch we’re seeing a shift back to traditional direct sales models. Why? Well, some of those service-based, forex, and crypto companies have either gone bust or come under regulatory fire. People might be craving the stability of tried-and-true business models.
On the tech front, NowSite just launched a free all-in-one app they’re calling a “game-changer” for direct sellers. It’s got AI-driven onboarding, mobile content sharing, training tools, and even a CRM. Sounds great, right? But I’m skeptical about the “free” part. With 150,000 users across 130 countries, I’d bet they’re banking on a premium model for customization. Oh, and heads-up: Nowsite just axed their affiliate plan to focus on direct-to-company deals. It’s a bold move, possibly to appease corporate clients who don’t vibe with affiliate structures.
Now, let’s talk about a blast from the past: Bob Reina is back with Talk Fusion 2.0, pushing video email again. Video emails do boost open rates by 19% and click-through rates by 65%, so there’s value there. But in 2025, with free or cheap tools like HubSpot out there, I’m not sure a comp plan built around video email will stick. Bob’s a legend, though—former law enforcement, founder of Qurari (those Maui drink folks), and a big name in network marketing. I’m rooting for him, but he might be a step behind the times on this one.
Shifting gears, let’s touch on compliance. The Direct Selling Association (DSA) dropped their 2024 Code of Ethics Compliance Report, and it’s worth a look. They handled 87 complaints last year, with 100% resolved. The breakdown? A whopping 86% (75 complaints) were about deceptive or unlawful consumer and recruiting practices. Another 18% (16 complaints) involved product claims, and 51% (44 complaints) dealt with terms of sales. Warranties, privacy issues, and even a couple of Ponzi scheme allegations rounded out the list. The takeaway? Stay compliant, folks. The SEC, CFTC, and FTC are watching, and so are your customers.
Finally, I’ve saved the best for last: the Direct Selling Women’s Alliance (DSWA) just announced a game-changing suite of services on May 20th. Founded by the incredible Nikki Keohohou back in 2001, the DSWA is all about empowering women in direct selling—and they’re not slowing down. With 75% of the direct selling workforce being women, this organization is doubling down on providing tools, training, and partnerships to help women lead boldly, grow sustainably, and build compliant businesses. They’re even opening up to corporate partners, which is huge. I’ve had the honor of meeting Nikki and serving on boards with her, and let me tell you, her passion for this industry is unmatched. Check out the press release in the comments after this post goes live—it’s worth a read.
That’s a wrap for this week, gang! We’ll be back next week with more updates, and I’ll drop any breaking news in between if it’s juicy enough. My parting words? Do it right. Whether you’re running a brick-and-mortar, hustling online, or building a direct sales empire, integrity is everything. Live well, finish strong, and I’ll catch you next time!
—Troy Dooly, The Beachside CEO
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