Direct Sales: the Other 99% Podcast

In this episode of The Other 99%, hosts Lisa Duck and Susan Larimer discuss the importance of fundraising throughout the year, sharing personal experiences and successful strategies. They emphasize the significance of local connections, setting goals, and the emotional impact of giving back. Susan shares specific fundraisers she has organized, including the Pink Healing Balm, Adopt a Grandparent,...

In this episode, Lisa Duck and Susan Larimer discuss effective goal setting and planning strategies for 2026. They emphasize the importance of using both paper and digital calendars to map out marketing focuses and avoid last-minute chaos. The conversation covers proactive planning, the significance of holidays, quarterly goal setting, and managing taxes and fundraisers. The hosts encourage listen...

In this episode of The Other 99%, Lisa Duck and Susan Larimer discuss how to prepare your business for 2026 by focusing on your mission, vision, and a guiding word for the year. They emphasize the importance of reflecting on past successes and failures to set clear goals, crafting a mission statement that aligns with your business values, and envisioning what you want your business to look like by...

In this episode, Lisa Duck and Susan Larimer introduce a new framework for business planning called the Three Rs: Reflect, Release, and Restart. They discuss the importance of reflecting on the past year, identifying what worked and what didn't, and making space for new ideas and systems as they prepare for the upcoming year. The conversation emphasizes personal growth, goal setting, and the n...

In this celebratory 100th episode of The Other 99%, hosts Lisa Duck and Susan Larimer reflect on their journey, share behind-the-scenes insights, and engage with their audience. They discuss the origins of the podcast, memorable moments, and the evolution of their format. The episode highlights the importance of community and listener engagement, while also looking ahead to future plans and opport...

In this episode of The Other 99% Podcast , Lisa and Susan chat with Jennifer Johnson, founder and CEO of CinchShare. Jennifer began as a busy small business owner juggling a pottery studio, network marketing, and motherhood. To make life easier, she created a simple scheduling tool for herself and quickly discovered a major gap in the market.   That tool became CinchShare, a social media schedulin...

In this episode of The Other 99%, Lisa Duck and Susan Larimer dive deep into the world of leads. They discuss the importance of understanding what a lead is, the value of lead magnets, and how to effectively collect and nurture leads through email marketing. The conversation emphasizes the need for automation in lead generation processes and offers practical tips for reconnecting with dormant lead...

In this heartwarming episode of The Other 99% Podcast , Lisa and Susan chat with Kim Smith of Lemongrass Spa about her creative “Guys Gift Service.” Kim shares how a single customer request turned into a thriving annual tradition that helps men shop easily for the women in their lives. She walks listeners through how she personalizes each basket, collaborates with local makers, and uses simple sys...

In this episode of The Other 99%, host Lisa Duck and co-host Susan Larimer welcome Bethany Berry, a successful direct seller with Pampered Chef. Bethany shares her journey through 12 previous direct sales businesses before finding success with Pampered Chef. She emphasizes the importance of community support, innovative sales strategies, and effective host coaching. The conversation covers her uni...

In this episode of The Other 99%, hosts Lisa Duck and Susan Larimer discuss the importance of customer appreciation in direct sales. They share creative and unique ways to show gratitude to customers, emphasizing the significance of personal touches and community building. The conversation covers various strategies, including hosting events, sending thank-you notes, and partnering with local organ...

In this episode of The Other 99%, host Lisa Duck and co-host Susan Larimer welcome Amary Doremus, a long time direct seller and top Leader who shares her journey through the world of direct sales, her experiences with TikTok, and the importance of consistency and systems in building a successful business. Amary discusses her fears of using TikTok, how she overcame them, and the strategies she impl...

In this episode of The Other 99%, host Lisa Duck and co-host Susan Larimer welcome Megan Sumrell, who shares her journey from a corporate career to becoming a successful figure in direct sales. Megan discusses the importance of effective planning, the flaws of traditional task lists, and the significance of consistency in building a direct sales business. She emphasizes the need for women to set b...

In this episode, Lisa Duck and Susan Larimer explore creative marketing strategies for Halloween, focusing on how direct sellers can engage their customers through fun and interactive ideas. They discuss various ways to leverage the Halloween spirit, from booing neighbours to hosting themed events and utilizing social media for engagement. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community co...

In this festive and strategy-packed episode, Lisa Duck and co-host Susan Larimer share practical, creative, and collaborative ways for direct sellers to prepare for the holiday season. From organizing your Q4 calendar to running customer appreciation events, this episode is your go-to guide for maximizing joy and sales while minimizing stress. Listeners will learn how to plan promotions, create en...

In this inspiring episode, Lisa and Susan sit down with Julie Jacky , a top-performing direct sales leader, EFT practitioner, and gratitude coach who has transformed her business and mindset from “just getting by” to thriving in the top 1%. Julie shares how a shift in her thoughts, energy, and daily routines helped her earn incentive trips, overcome fear, and reimagine her business with intention....

In this episode of The Other 99% , Lisa and Susan sit down with returning guest Melissa Thury , founder of Balance in Business with Melissa . Melissa shares her journey from healthcare administration and direct sales to becoming a business coach for women entrepreneurs. She opens up about learning to set boundaries, the importance of saying no, and how systems and intentional time management can c...

In this episode, Liz Ruis shares her inspiring journey in direct sales with Lemongrass Spa, emphasizing the importance of relationships, family involvement, and a faith-based approach to business. She discusses her unique strategies for integrating her business into her daily life, focusing on enhancing experiences rather than traditional selling. Liz highlights the significance of personal connec...

Join hosts Lisa Duck and Susan Larimer as they explore the dynamic shifts in their businesses from pre-COVID times to the present day. Discover how they've adapted to changes, embraced new opportunities, and continue to thrive in the ever-evolving world of direct sales.   Key Points: Reflecting on business strategies before and after COVID. The rise and fall of Facebook parties and the importa...

Join hosts Lisa Duck and Susan Larimer as they dive into the exhilarating world of direct sales conferences. In this episode, they share personal experiences, insights, and strategies to maintain the post-conference excitement and implement new ideas effectively. Discover how to harness the energy from these events to propel your business forward. Key Takeaways:The power of peer-led training and r...

In this episode, hosts Lisa Duck and Susan Larimer engage with guest Dena Gregory, who shares her journey in direct sales while managing the challenges of being a military family. Dena discusses how she balances her business with family life, the importance of customer care, and the role of community in her success. She emphasizes the flexibility of direct sales, the significance of personal conne...

In this episode of The Other 99%, hosts Lisa Duck and Susan Larimer engage with Marla Nemanic, a seasoned direct sales leader from Lemongrass Spa. Marla shares her journey from struggling with adult acne to finding a passion for natural skincare and building a successful direct sales business. The conversation delves into leadership styles, the importance of authenticity, overcoming imposter syndr...

In this conversation, Jenna Stewart shares her journey in direct sales with Paper Pie, discussing the challenges and rewards of balancing a busy family life with running a business. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining customer relationships, understanding one's 'why', and navigating through maintenance mode in business. Jenna also highlights the role of community support and leadership in...

In this episode of The Other 99%, Lisa Duck and Susan Larimer discuss effective strategies for selling products in direct sales without coming across as overly salesy. They emphasize the importance of genuine connections, the art of authentic communication, and the value of customer testimonials. The hosts share personal experiences, tips on permission-based marketing, and phrases that can help bo...

In this episode, Lisa Duck and Susan Larimer are joined by Sami Bedelll-Mulhern to discuss the significance of email marketing for businesses, especially for direct sellers. They explore the importance of personalization, the difference between newsletters and sales emails, and the role of automation in streamlining email marketing efforts. Sami shares practical tips on how to write effective emai...

In this episode of The Other 99%, hosts Lisa Duck and Susan Larimer discuss the challenges of managing excess inventory in direct sales businesses. They explore the psychological factors that lead to over-purchasing, such as FOMO (fear of missing out), and provide practical strategies for avoiding inventory accumulation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creativity in moving inventory,...