2023 Direct Selling Data Integration Do’s and Don’ts

Data is always a hot topic— we know it’s key to both unlocking crucial insights and driving positive behavior change for direct selling distributors. Most organizations are using data integrations in some way to optimize and automate parts of their distributor experience. But getting the greatest value out of data integrations requires thoughtful planning and ongoing management. Below, data integration do’s and don’ts from nearly a decade of working with direct selling leaders:  

Do:

1. Collect the right data. 

Having the right data on hand not only allows you to see and analyze the big picture, but also drives the personalization of the distributor experience. Personalization is key for improving outcomes, and collecting the right data allows you to personalize each distributor’s journey to generate the greatest value. 

2. Define clear KPIs. 

Build your distributor experience based on those KPIs. By tracking data tied to KPIs, you can automate activity triggers for distributors which will generate real-time value. Rather than evaluating how distributors are doing after the fact, you can enable them continuously by aligning their performance data with KPIs. 

3. Visualize performance data. 

Show your distributors their incremental progress to keep them motivated and engaged. Taking an absolute or binary approach to distributor performance is ineffective and uninspiring. Give the power of data to your distributors by giving them visibility into their progress. 

Don’t:

1. Fracture the distributor experience. 

You may be tempted to offer every “cool tool” on the market today to empower your distributors. But app clutter is overwhelming and slows distributors down, not to mention expensive. Instead, let data flow from one tool to another, enriching the experience at every step. This is the key to data integration— how data from every distributor activity continuously shapes the experience to generate KPI-aligned results. 

2. Neglect upline/downline relationships. 

Personal relationships are the heart of direct selling from customers to team members, and no technology can replace them. Avoid succumbing to “autopilot mode.” Empower uplines to mentor and grow downlines, using data for context and motivation. Create a culture of data fluency. 

3. Go “Big Brother.” 

Don’t take your data-driven culture too far! Be mindful of what data you collect and take care to store it securely. Don’t overdo your emphasis on data tracking; it’s a means to an end, not the end itself. 

Get a demo of Rallyware’s platform to see how smart-triggering the right activity for the right person at the right time has been driving business results for the leading companies with large workforces, at scale.