From Cyriacus Nnaji, Lagos
Theodocia Naana Quartey, Senior Legal Counsel for QNET, Sub-Sahara Africa and Mr Akeem Abiodun Ajisafe, the Chief Executive Officer, Transblue, Legal Partners to QNET, have stressed the impact of V-Conventions on Direct Selling industry.
The two Experts took the position while speaking at the QNET VCON 2024 Experience: Media Sharing Webinar which took place on Thursday, October 3, 2024.
Speaking on V-Convention which she said holds twice yearly, Quartey said that QNET during the convention brings together a diverse assembly of marketing professionals, experienced business leaders, and global entrepreneurs associated with the QI Group’s flagship business in Penang, Malaysia.
She disclosed that during V-Conventions, QNET extends invitations to selected journalists from media outlets in Nigeria to experience this important event saying that this year’s convention attracted over 8000 attendees. “The just-concluded V-Convention in September 2024 brought together over 8,000 attendees from over 30 countries. The theme of the event was ‘Unstoppable,’ emphasizing QNET’s unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability.”
Quartey added that V-Convention continues to provide a platform to empower individuals and communities worldwide and champion innovation and sustainability through deepening product knowledge, engaging with experts, and experiencing dynamic demonstrations. Attendees benefit from business training sessions, motivational speeches, and product exhibitions, providing them with invaluable personal and professional growth opportunities.
She said that QNET’s direct-selling business model, driven by e-commerce, has empowered millions in over 100 countries to transform lives while allowing them to pursue their aspirations and goals.
“V-Convention is a platform where QNET’s Independent Representatives (IRs) and industry leaders share knowledge, experiences, and best practices. It offers insights into product innovations and effective sales strategies, helping IRs achieve their goals, attain financial independence, and build connections that foster collaboration and partnerships across borders.”
She stated that at QNET, they believe in the philosophy of RYTHM, “We believe in the philosophy of RYTHM—Raise Yourself To Help Mankind—whereby empowering others leads to our success. VCON is pivotal to entrepreneurs involved in direct selling, as it empowers them, encourages innovation, and drives the industry forward. We are dedicated to using VCON as a platform to empower our IRs, stakeholders, and the entire direct-selling community,” Nana stated
Ajisafe on his part, spoke passionately about Vcon’s Influence on the Direct Selling industry.
Ajisafe maintained that the direct selling market, which is valued at about $167,694 million as of 2023, is projected to reach around $204.89 billion by 2032 to speed up economic growth in Nigeria. This growth, he said, presents a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to leverage the direct selling business model to enhance their economic prospects with minimal capital.
He however averred direct selling is largely misunderstood in Nigeria and many African countries due to the prevalence of pyramid schemes and fraudulent practices posing as legitimate direct-selling companies, saying that VCON thus plays a significant role in dispelling those misconceptions by emphasising the importance of ethical practices, networking, and building sustainable businesses. He added that the event also highlighted the value of direct selling as a means of personal and financial empowerment, showcasing the success stories of entrepreneurs who have built their businesses through QNET’s direct selling model.
The Transblue CEO enumerated some of the new products on display at the VCON September 2024, saying, “The recently concluded VCON in September was a five-day event that showcased the launch of products such as the HomePure Rayn which is the first showerhead to combine Amezcua Resonance Technology with the premium water filtration for which the HomePure brand is renowned, the Wave Rider sports utility watch by Bernhard H. Mayer, a luxury brand under QNET, highlights the blend of sustainability, elegance, and performance. Certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), this limited-edition watch is among the world’s finest.
“QNET also introduced the Serendipity Collection, featuring earrings and pendants made from ethically sourced gemstones and gold, further demonstrating the brand’s commitment to sustainable luxury. Suppliers are members of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), ensuring environmentally friendly and ethically sourced materials. These launches showcase QNET’s dedication to evolving its product portfolios for global customers and is aligned with global studies that show consumers have increasingly turned to eco-friendly products, with the wellness and sustainable products category seeing double-digit growth.”
He stated that VCON has profoundly influenced the direct selling industry, debunking misconceptions.
The webinar moderated by Veronica Dan-Ikpoyi, Broadcast Journalist, saw Journalists who attended the September VCON 2024 share their experiences. They include Peter Oluka, Editor, Tech Economy and Sulaiman Aledeh, International Journalist, Editor-at-Large. Both of the commended QNET and even advocated the decentralisation of the V-convention so that the continent of Africa can profit more from its numerous benefits.
