Small Pivots, Big Wins: Direct Sales Growth in Action

If you’ve been in direct sales for a while, you already know one thing for sure: what worked yesterday won’t always work tomorrow. That’s why pivots are the secret ingredient to direct sales growth. The most successful sellers are the ones who stay open, flexible, and ready to try something new.

In a recent conversation on The Other 99% Podcast, Susan and I reflected on just how much our businesses have shifted since the “pre-COVID” era. From Facebook parties to email marketing to YouTube, the journey has been anything but boring—and it’s proof that small pivots create big wins.

Why Pivots Matter in Direct Sales

The direct sales industry thrives on creativity. What works today may fizzle tomorrow, so staying adaptable is key. Think of your business like riding waves: enjoy the momentum while it lasts, but be ready to hop on the next one when it comes. Those small shifts—like testing a new platform, changing how you share products, or repackaging your knowledge—are what keep your business relevant.

Lessons from the Facebook Party Era

Do you remember when Facebook parties were the thing? For years, they brought in thousands of dollars in sales for many sellers, myself included. But then the wave crashed. Customers got tired of the format, algorithms shifted, and what once worked beautifully… stopped.

Here’s the lesson: don’t wait until something stops working to try new things. Instead, always keep an eye on what’s next.

Embracing New Tools for Growth

When one door closes, another opens—and direct sellers have more tools than ever at their fingertips.

Email Marketing as a Lifeline

Even as trends come and go, email marketing has been a consistent powerhouse. Unlike social media, where algorithms decide who sees your posts, email lets you land directly in your customers’ inboxes. Whether you’re sharing promotions, recipes, or personal updates, email builds lasting relationships.

The Long Game with YouTube & Pinterest

Short-term wins are great, but platforms like YouTube and Pinterest are long-term business builders. A training video or blog post you create today can still attract new customers years from now. That’s the beauty of searchable content—it works for you long after you hit “publish.”

Saying Yes to Collaboration

One of the best pivots Susan and I both made was joining the Modern Direct Seller Academy. Learning from others, bouncing around ideas, and seeing how different sellers adapt has been game-changing. Direct sales growth doesn’t happen in a bubble—it happens when you learn, share, and collaborate.

Turning Knowledge into Digital Products

Here’s the exciting part: your pivots don’t always have to revolve around parties or posts. Sometimes, the biggest growth comes from packaging what you already know.

That’s why I’ve started creating digital products for small business owners who want to simplify their systems and grow smarter, not harder. From planners to digital tools, my shop is designed to take the overwhelm out of running a business.

👉 You can check them out here: Lisa Duck Digital Downloads

Creating your own resources—whether it’s a guide, course, or template—can add a whole new income stream to your direct sales business. It’s a pivot that keeps paying off!

Final Thoughts: Building Your Next Chapter

Direct sales growth doesn’t come from doing the same thing over and over. It comes from being willing to pivot—sometimes in small ways, sometimes in big ones. Whether you’re shifting from in-person parties to online content, exploring a new platform, or turning your expertise into digital products, each pivot is a stepping stone to your next chapter.

The bottom line? Stay curious, stay flexible, and keep moving forward. The small pivots you make today may be the big wins that transform your business tomorrow.

Ready to explore your next pivot? Browse my Digital Downloads and grab tools that will help you work smarter, grow faster, and keep your business fresh!