Follow Us on Google
By Chinenye Anuforo, [email protected]
V-Convention (VCON), the largest bi-annual gathering of network marketing professionals, experienced business leaders and global entrepreneurs associated with the QI Group’s flagship business QNET, returned to Penang, Malaysia, this year.
The VCON 2022 recorded more than 15,000 entrepreneurs from over 30 countries, who converged on the Setia Spice Convention Centre and Arena in Penang.
The event marked the first physical V-Convention after COVID-19 restrictions on large gatherings.
With the theme “Be the Change”, the event included mega exhibition of QNET’s products, training workshops by entrepreneurs and information sessions about the direct selling industry and new product launches, among others.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the event, the CEO, QNET, Malou Caluza, explained that direct selling business is growing rapidly in Asia, Middle East and Africa, with QNET playing a prominent role in these regions.
She said QNET has differentiated itself from the competition in a number of ways, with technology remaining a key driver: “We are 100 per cent e-commerce company. Which means that, we are borderless and tech-driven, which gives us a lot of advantages. One of which is playing in different markets of the world.
“At QNET, we have adopted the same IT infrastructure and processes worldwide to provide our customers with a seamless and familiar experience wherever in the world they are growing their business. We have millions of people in our database in more than 30 countries, and they speak different languages, come from different cultures and different levels of exposure to technology.
“Technology has become a vital tool for QNET to engage with distributors and customers. With different nationalities under its umbrella, it has built an exceptionally diverse and global employee base. The way we communicate and engage with our distributors is constantly evolving.
“Direct selling has been around for a very long time. However, I would say that one of the things that makes QNET different is the fact that we have a much stronger engagement with our network of distributors and customers than perhaps any other direct selling company anywhere else.
“The founders of QNET used to be distributors, so they understand what it takes to really succeed in the field. They made it a point that if they were ever going to start a company, they would always make it a customer-first company and support the growth of the business and the distributors on the ground,” she said.
While technology helps the company fuel the business through its e-commerce platform, it allows it also to provide cross-border opportunities to people from all over the world and grow a network without burden brought about by geographical lines.
“Many people become entrepreneurs thanks to direct selling. QNET is leveraging technology to bring more economic opportunities to the world’s emerging economies and transforming the industry in places like Africa.”
Although she pointed out that the African market has witnessed a number of scams, the company is working to resolve it with its Know-Your-Customer (KYC) initiative, which it believes will help rid the continent of fraud.
Caluza said, “In order to address misinformation that has been circulating about QNET, the company focuses on education and awareness. We use social media campaigns, stakeholder engagement, PR programs, seminars, training and events to help people understand the positive socioeconomic impact of direct selling. We also focussed on educating the public about the difference between legitimate direct-selling businesses and illegal pyramid scams. Unlike a financial scam, QNET’s direct selling is a unique method of marketing and selling goods and services directly to the consumer, away from a permanent retail space. Direct selling is driven mainly by word-of-mouth referrals, which is why QNET is committed to transparency in all aspects of the company and its products. As a company, we always ensures compliance with local laws and regulations”, she said.
Earlier, at the opening ceremony, Penang state executive councillor for tourism and creative economy, Yeoh Soon Hin, extolled QNET for the convention, which ushered in many entrepreneurs into Malaysia, thereby boosting the country’s economy as well as Penang’s.
“Penang is an international city and a leading venue of choice for investors and tourists. Therefore, I must thank QNET for directing so many people to our state and raising our profile as a renowned tourist destination and UNESCO World Heritage City,” he said.
QNET is one of Asia’s leading e-commerce-based direct selling companies offering a wide range of health, wellness and lifestyle products that enable people to lead better lives. QNET is headquartered in Hong Kong and has a presence in more than 25 countries around the world through subsidiaries, branch offices, agency partnerships and franchisees.
QNET is a member of the Direct Selling Association in several countries, as well as the Hong Kong Health Food Association and the Health Supplements Industry Association of Singapore, among others. QNET is also active in sports sponsorships around the world. Some of the more prominent partnerships include being the direct selling partner of Manchester City Football Club and the African Club League Championships of CAF.
