Is Direct Sales Dead — or Just Evolving? The Truth About Personal Branding in Today's Market

In this deeply insightful episode, Rory and AJ Vaden break down the seismic shifts happening in direct sales, affiliate marketing, and influencer-driven commerce. From the collapse of traditional MLM structures to the rise of personal brands owning their audiences, this conversation explores what it really takes to build lasting success in today's volatile sales environment.

Rory shares his record-breaking journey in direct sales and how that shaped his philosophy on people-first business models. AJ challenges the profit-over-people mindset driving many companies to ditch field forces for digital links—and asks the uncomfortable questions about what we lose when relationships are replaced by reach.

If you're a micro-entrepreneur, direct seller, or building any kind of business based on trust and community, this episode is your playbook. You'll learn:

The critical difference between affiliate, influencer, and direct sales
Why owning your audience is now non-negotiable
The real reason major brands are shifting models—and what that means for you
How in-person experiences are making a comeback in a digital-first world
Why community, trust, and human connection are your biggest competitive advantages

Whether you're starting from scratch or leading a massive team, this episode will shift how you think about marketing, monetization, and the power of your personal brand.

E46: Breaking Rules and Letting Winners Run with David Gardner of The Motley Fool