Does the Direct Sales Model Still Work in 2025? with Kim Dela

Ah, direct sales. Just the term conjures up images of 1950s door-to-door vacuum salesmen, slicked-back hair, and questionable charm. Fast forward to 2025, and you might think the model’s as dead as Blockbuster. But guess what? It’s not just alive—it’s had a major glow-up. I sat down with Kim Dela, Director of Operations and Business Development at Choosy Power, and let me tell you, she’s a walking TED Talk on why direct sales is not only relevant but thriving in this tech-infused, AI-obsessed era.

Kim kicked things off by dismantling the biggest myth about direct sales: that it’s outdated. Nope. Not even close. Turns out, modern direct sales is less about knocking on doors and more about knocking your socks off with tech-enabled wizardry. Companies are now using digital platforms, data analytics, and AI to personalize sales strategies. It’s like the direct-sales model hit the gym, got a Peloton, and started dating ChatGPT. And unlike that one uncle who still calls LinkedIn "The Facebook for Jobs," Kim knows social selling and influencer-driven campaigns are now essential tools in the game.

Here’s the kicker: Kim makes the case that direct sales isn’t about transactions—it’s about relationships. That’s right, folks, direct sales is now the Tinder of business. Swipe right, build trust, close the deal. The 2025 version of direct sales is high-tech, high-touch, and a hell of a lot smarter than the glorified telemarketing most people think it is.

And speaking of smart, Kim rattled off the top reasons companies should still love the direct-sales model. First up, cost efficiency and scalability. You don’t need a fancy office or even salaries—just commission-based go-getters ready to hustle. It’s like starting a band: you don’t need a studio; you just need a garage and some dreamers who can sell the heck out of their instruments.

Then there’s the magic of the personal touch. Direct sales pros like Kim aren’t just out there pitching—they’re gathering real, hands-on feedback. They’re the boots-on-the-ground soldiers delivering insights companies can actually use. It’s old-school meet-and-greet vibes, updated with a modern twist. And it’s working.

Now let’s talk trends. Kim pointed out that AI and predictive analytics are the shiny new toys in the direct-sales toy box. This stuff doesn’t just predict what customers might do; it practically reads their minds. Sales teams can focus on the best leads, perfect their timing, and tweak their pitches for maximum impact. It’s like having your psychic hotline, but with data instead of tarot cards.

And don’t sleep on community-driven selling. Gone are the days of cold calls and awkward pitches at Costco. Now, it’s all about building tribes—online groups, in-person meetups, you name it. Customers want to feel like they belong to something. As Kim says, people love buying from good companies, good causes, and good people. Turns out, being likable is still a killer sales strategy. Who knew?

So, what’s Kim’s big vision for revolutionizing the go-to-market model? For starters, ditch the one-size-fits-all approach. She’s all about data-first strategies where AI and machine learning drive decisions. And here’s a shocker: companies need to stay agile. Kim says too many businesses lock into rigid plans and end up as useful as a landline. Her advice? Build feedback loops, pivot when needed, and, for the love of all that is profitable, get your sales, marketing, and product teams to actually talk to each other. Because when your departments aren’t aligned, the customer experience is like a blind date gone wrong—confusing, awkward, and nobody gets what they came for.

Kim Dela is proof that direct sales isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving. In an age of AI, analytics, and instant gratification, this old-school model has found a way to evolve and stay relevant. If you thought direct sales was dead, think again. As Kim would say, teamwork makes the dream work. And honestly? It looks like direct sales is dreaming big for 2025.