According the the Direct Selling Association‘s (DSA) recently released 2011 Fact Sheet [PDF] on U.S. Direct Selling, in 2011 the majority of direct sellers are women. Here are the statistics released by the DSA: In 2008, 86.4 percent of direct sellers were women, while 13.6 percent were men. In 2009, 82.4 percent of direct sellers were women, while 17.6 percent were men. In 2010, 81.8 percent of direct sellers were women, while 18.2 percent were men. In 2011, 78.1 percent of direct sellers were women and 21.9 percent were men.
Women make up the majority in the direct selling industry as far as consultants and distributors are concerned. However, there is a slight trend of men increasing entering this niche business model. Reasons for this are uncertain, and likely complex; however, MLM companies catering to men are becoming evermore popular, such as Man Cave. Other MLM companies catering to men can be found at our MLM Company Profiles page.
And for more information, visit www.mlmlegal.com and www.mlmattorney.com.
It is interesting how men are making up a higher percentage of the overall number of direct sellers. Personally, I was skeptical of direct selling when my wife first started in direct selling, and over time, I have come to really see the big picture value of direct selling. It really is a viable business model, and more men (like me) are starting to see that.
Kevin, I think you may have misread the article. Women still dominate the industry. Men are getting more involved and companies geared towards men are increasing though!