Business & Work

In fact the Direct Selling Association (DSA) recently reported a 29% increase in the number of 50 plus direct sellers in the industry over the last year.

This trend is reflecting a major new demographic in the industry, as over 50’s look to continue working despite the difficult economic climate. Direct selling, which is worth £2billion annually to the UK economy, is the UK’s largest provider of part-time earning opportunities with over 400,000 people involved in the industry.

Flexible working hours can be very appealing

The potential to manage your own business with minimal outlay as well as generating an income, has led to direct selling being increasingly popular with the over 50s. The flexible working hours allow direct sellers to fit it around other commitments they may have, whether that’s traveling the world or caring for grandchildren.

Many in the 50 plus age bracket enjoy the social side of direct selling, which allows them to continue to work and network with a variety of people, and over 50 year olds are making a valuable addition to the industry, bringing with them a wealth of life and business experience.

Alongside this experience, many over 50s are also using their online and social networking skills in direct selling. We all know how important social media is, and will continue to be in the future. Direct selling is a people to people business, and what we are seeing is social media is creating huge networks online, which direct sellers and businesses can use to easily communicate and talk with potential customers or new recruits.

Mature and online-savvy

The industry has seen a trend for a growing breed of online-savvy direct sellers – many of whom are over 50 – who are bringing with them a wealth of IT and social networking skills. It is important to embrace the benefits of social media and the DSA is encouraging member companies to share their experiences in order to maximise the opportunities these new forms of communication are offering.

Paul Southworth, Director General of the Direct Selling Association

Find out more

For more information, and to see the DSA’s new website with improved functionality, a focus on more interactive elements and integration of social media channels please visit www.dsa.org.uk