Black-owned businesses lead the movement to meet customers where they are

February is Black History Month, so it's only appropriate to devote this month's blog to issues of diversity and inclusion.

3 Valuable Lessons About Customer Service During Covid-19

Looking back, no one could have known what awaited the retail industry and our economy in the first half of this year, just as no one can accurately predict what will happen next. We can, however, pause to reflect on some of the more obvious ways COVID-19 has impacted multi-level marketers (MLMs) and other direct-to-consumer businesses over the past six months.

Think about any direct selling business and a digital-first approach is probably not what comes to mind. But young entrepreneurs joining the ranks of direct sales distributors have been changing how today’s direct selling brands operate.

Shaped by the needs of Generation Y, more direct sales companies are leveraging digital tools in all aspects of their businesses — from sales collateral to how their independent business owners (IBOs) or distributors operate.

Contactless pickup is here to stay

Social distancing and contactless pickup are here to stay for the foreseeable future. At Cura Resource Group we’re not surprised that a recent survey by Ipsos and USA Today concluded “more online, less in-store” is the clearest shopping trend so far since the COVID-19 pandemic rocked the world in early Spring. It turns out that most consumers aren’t in a hurry to go back to the way things were.

While tourists are still flocking to the nightlife of San Juan, the beaches of Condado, and the relatively calm oasis of Vieques and Culebra, it’s a different story 100 miles southwest. That’s where earthquakes have been rattling seaside Puerto Rico cities and villages, including Guánica, Guayanilla, and Ponce. 

Benefits of Pop-Up Retail

Hispanic Heritage Month, which lasts from mid-September to mid-October, celebrates the history and culture of Americans whose ancestors come from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, and Central America. The tribute started over 50 years ago when President Lyndon Johnson established a week-long national observance of the many ways Hispanic citizens contribute to U.S. culture and commerce.

Just a few days ago we witnessed the fury of Hurricane Dorian and its terrible toll on the Bahamas. The devastation caused by the giant storm is reminiscent of the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico in 2017. We know, because our Cura Resources Group team has been instrumental in helping the people of Puerto Rico rebuild their lives ever since.

The purchase process for many goods has become a completely digital experience, with buyers and sellers all but eliminating human interaction. Almost everything can be done online. Unfortunately, that eliminates  in-person customer service when purchasing a product. Is that really what consumers want?

If you’re a direct sales individual distributor, you realize that time is money. You want to be able to get the fastest moving products while they’re hot, so you can get them into the hands of your customers.