The Network Marketing Institute

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY — WFDSA 2024 GLOBAL STATS REPORT

The World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) released its 2024 STATS report, providing a comprehensive view of the global state of the direct selling industry. Global retail sales remained steady at $163.9 billion, signaling what may be the turning point after several years of post-pandemic contraction. The industry appears to have bottomed out, with indicators pointing to renewed growth heading into 2025.

Global Market Performance
• 21 markets surpassed the $1 billion threshold in 2024.
• The Top 10 markets accounted for 78% of global sales:
1. US, 2. Germany, 3. China, 4. Korea, 5. Malaysia, 6. Japan,
7. Brazil, 8. Mexico, 9. France, 10. Taiwan
• High-momentum markets: Mexico, Taiwan, Brazil, Malaysia
• Rebounding market: China
• Weak or flat performance: US, Korea, Japan (weak long-term), France (flat)

Biggest Movers
• Positive growth leaders: Argentina, China, Colombia, Malaysia, Russia, UK
• Declining markets: Canada, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Thailand

Independent Contractors & Demographics
• Global participation remained stable at 104.3 million direct sellers.
• Female participation is dominant at 72.1%.
• Age distribution highlights a shift:
• Largest segment: 35–54 years old
• 55–64: 18.1%
• 65+: 10.3%
• 18–24: only 6.9%, reinforcing concerns about Gen Z engagement.

WFDSA notes that influencer commerce and social shopping have pulled younger consumers away from the traditional direct selling model, posing a long-term challenge for the channel’s generational renewal.

Macro Trends & Outlook

Global tariffs, particularly affecting Canada, and wider macroeconomic uncertainty—AI-driven job losses, corporate restructuring, and geopolitical instability—continue to put pressure on certain regions. However, consumer spending has remained surprisingly resilient, providing a foundation for stability.

The report concludes with “cautious optimism” for 2025 and beyond as:
• Sales have stabilized
• Several markets show multi-year momentum
• Innovation in digital enablement and social commerce is reshaping the channel
• Major markets outside the US and Korea are showing renewed strength

In a powerful convergence of leadership and insight, two veterans of the network marketing industry Lisa Grossman, and Donna Johnson will interview the new CEO of the Direct Selling Association in a special Network Marketing State of the Union discussion hosted and moderated by Tom Chenault of the Legacy Leadership Show.

Dave Grimaldi, known for his visionary approach and strategic mindset, sets the tone for progress and integrity in the profession. As DSA’s CEO, Grimaldi is recognized for his policy expertise, advocacy background, and energetic leadership style. It is especially refreshing to know that Dave actually supplemented his income in college building a successful network marketing business of his own! His vision emphasizes defending entrepreneurs, strengthening industry credibility, and promoting regulatory fairness for direct sellers and network marketers. Under his direction, the DSA aims to enhance engagement with policymakers to protect and empower the direct selling channel across the United States. Grimaldi earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law. He has served on boards such as the BBB National Programs, the Digital Advertising Alliance, and Friends of the National Zoo.

🌟 A Full-Circle Moment at DSU Fall 2025 🌟

This week I had the incredible honor of being a featured speaker at the Direct Selling University Fall 2025 event — sharing “The Growth Equation: Dreams × Beliefs = Motivation (Motiv-Action)” in front of a packed room of executives, founders, and visionaries from across our amazing industry.

To stand on that stage — surrounded by peers who are shaping the future of direct selling — was both humbling and energizing. I spoke about what I call The Motivation Equation, a simple yet powerful framework that has guided me throughout my 45-year journey in this business:

Dreams × Beliefs = Motivation … or better yet, MOTIV-ACTION.

Because when your Dreams give you purpose and your Beliefs give you certainty, the natural outcome is not just motivation — it’s action with a purpose.

This moment was made even more meaningful as it marked the official launch of my new book, The Motivation Equation — a project that has been years in the making and one I co-wrote with my son, Alain Bala. It’s a father-son journey blending decades of leadership lessons with the heart of human potential.

My deepest gratitude to Stewart Johnson, President, CEO, and Founder of Direct Selling News, for the invitation to share this message and for continuing to elevate the voice and vision of our industry through DSU. Stewart, thank you for your leadership, friendship, and commitment to building bridges across companies in the spirit of collaboration and growth.

To all the leaders who came up afterward to connect, share stories, and express how The Motivation Equation resonated — thank you. The energy in that room reminded me why I fell in love with this profession in the first place.

Here’s to a future driven by bigger dreams, stronger beliefs, and unstoppable motivation.
Because when we multiply Dreams × Beliefs… we transform not just our businesses — but our lives.

📘 The Motivation Equation — now officially launched.

https://alfredobala.com/the-motivation-equation-how-dreams-beliefs-and-words-multiply-your-drive/

The Motivation Equation: How Dreams, Beliefs, and Words Multiply Your Drive Motivation. We chase it, we crave it, and we curse ourselves when it seems to vanish. How many times have you started a new project bursting with energy, only to see that enthusiasm evaporate after a week? How often have you set a bold New Year’s resolution only to watch it fade by February?

🎉 A Warm Welcome to Our New Members! 🎉

Please join us in giving a big round of applause to the newest members of The Network Marketing Institute family:

🙏 Sammy D. Luz
🙏 Angeles V. Ruiz
🙏 Lionel Dreyer
🙏 Chris Beukman
🙏 Hee Seop Kang
🙏 Helga Himínia Furtado
🙏 Maxine Zietsman
🙏 Bobbi Smith-Nelson
🙏 Flor Bejarano
🙏 Tara Hana

We’re excited to have each of you here! 🚀 This community is all about sharing ideas, learning from one another, and growing together in the art and science of Network Marketing.

💡 Here’s how to get started:
1️⃣ Introduce yourself in the comments — tell us where you’re from and what excites you most about Network Marketing.
2️⃣ Share one thing you’re looking to learn or improve on in your business.
3️⃣ Engage with others — the more you give, the more you grow!

Welcome aboard! Let’s make big things happen — together. 🌍✨

🔥 ANMP 2025 is Happening RIGHT NOW — And You Can Still Join Us! 🔥

I’m here in Dallas, TX surrounded by some of the most passionate, visionary leaders in our profession — and the energy is electric. ⚡

This isn’t just another conference… it’s a 72-Hour Shift that’s reigniting belief, restoring momentum, and giving entrepreneurs the real tools to grow right now.

✅ 50+ world-class speakers and trainers
✅ VIP networking with top leaders
✅ Actionable strategies you can put to work immediately
✅ A community that feels like family

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to get here… THIS IS IT.
There’s still time to be part of the conversations, the connections, and the breakthroughs that will shape the future of your business.

🎟 Get your ticket and join us TODAY: www.ANMP2025.com
I’ll see you here in Dallas — let’s make this your turning point.

https://alfredobala.com/asia-tour-2025-reflections-from-the-road/

🌏 Asia Tour 2025 – Reflections from the Road ✈️🇨🇳🇯🇵🇹🇭 From Guangzhou to Osaka, and from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, I encountered cultures rich in history, language, and tradition—but what truly struck me was what we all share in common: a hunger for purpose, a belief in possibility, and the hope of a better life for ourselves and those we love.