A Winning Formula for Selling to Women Around the World Avon has come a long way since handing out its first perfume sample back in 1886. The company, long famous for ringing customer doorbells, is now the world's largest direct sales organization—with almost five million representatives in more than 140 countries. AVON: Building the World's Premier Company for Women is the first book ever to show how this cosmetics juggernaut achieved such incredible success, while revealing secrets any business can use to effectively market products of all kinds—especially to women. Through this entertaining journey, you'll not only learn the colorful Avon story, but also see how every company, big or small, can benefit from its unique approach to sales and product development. "By providing women with an unlimited opportunity for career success, Avon harnessed the power of a committed sales force to win customers and grow the business. The company's success story is testimony to the importance of focusing on your core business while recognizing the changes taking place with your customers and the environment." — Mary Sammons , President and CEO, Rite Aid Corporation "The book is an excellent primer on how to successfully make alternative forms of distribution work." — Allen Burke , Director of Merchandising, QVC, Inc. "The author's incisive revelations . . . capture the extraordinary personalities and entrepreneurial strategies of one of America's most spellbinding success stories." —Ann ette Green , President Emeritus, The Fragrance Foundation “…this book is vital for several reasons…avon is the epitome of the entrepreneurial innovator; learning how it was done is well worth the time spent.” ( MBA Business , Summer 2005) The winning formula that made Avon a global marketing powerhouse Avon has come a long way since founder David McConnell handed out his first perfume sample in 1886. The company, long famous for ringing customer doorbells and offering personalized in-home service, is now the world's largest direct sales organization—with almost five million representatives in more than 140 countries worldwide. This incredible industry giant has evolved into much more than just a revered cosmetics juggernaut. Its vast catalog now includes everything from vitamins and weight-control products to clothing and jewelry. AVON: Building the World's Premier Company for Women offers an engaging firsthand look at how a small door-to-door bookselling business grew up to become one of the world's leading beauty companies. Weaving insightful anecdotes with exclusive interviews and unparalleled access to both past and present company executives, author Laura Klepacki reveals how Avon built a global empire—from Boston to Beijing—and shows how it manages to thrive in all economies, especially during the toughest of times. Through this one-of-a-kind journey, you'll get a closer look at: How Avon changed the rules of the game by empowering women everywhere to start their own successful small businesses - What the company does to reward top performers and keep them in the fold - How Avon became an international sensation by addressing the needs and customs of women in dozens of countries around the world - Why the company originally began its trademark approach of visiting customers in their homes - How current CEO Andrea Jung reinvigorated the brand with new products, packaging, and ad campaigns to appeal to a new generation of customers and representatives - How Avon develops leading-edge products, while offering them at low prices - Innovative ways Avon uses technology to handle the two million daily online transactions and forty million customer orders it receives each year - And much more Page by intriguing page, you'll also discover how Avon has maintained and increased its market share through new product introductions, the use of technology, rewarding its best performers, appealing to different customers (including men and teens), and giving back with financial support for causes relating to domestic violence and breast cancer. Insightful and entertaining, AVON: Building the World's Premier Company for Women provides an authorized, colorful, and well-rounded account of both the people and practices behind one of America's most respected and successful companies. It also shows how every business—big and small—can benefit from Avon's unique approach to sales and marketing. Building the World's Premier Company for Women "For 119 years, Avon has empowered countless women with every lipstick, powder, and face cream sold. It's wonderful to read about a brand that has made the world a prettier place in so many ways." — Kerry Diamond , Harper's Bazaar Beauty Director and author of Kevyn Aucoin: A Beautiful Life "By providing women with an unlimited opportunity for career success, Avon harnessed the power of a committed sales force to win customers and grow the business. The company's success story is testimony to the importance of f