The widespread availability of internet connectivity has leveled the retail playing field, allowing people and enterprises to sell goods without regard to location. In fact, Forbes.com recently noted that the number of small businesses with no employees is on the rise. Even more, as the decline of brick-and-mortar businesses continues and the physical location of a business is becoming far less important than simply providing what the customer wants at the address they provide, entrepreneurism is becoming a top consideration for many looking for a supplemental income. In 2022 and for the foreseeable future, one of the most valuable brands to consider partnering with to build a business may very well be Market America Worldwide | SHOP.COM.
The expectations of how firms handle customer care, customize messages and present customers with relevant options have all altered as “e-commerce” has grown. Market America Worldwide is a global “e-commerce” and digital marketing company that specializes in “one-to-one” marketing and is the owner of the award-winning, global “e-commerce” site, SHOP.COM. Its goal is to give entrepreneurs a solid business framework to build their own businesses while also giving today’s consumers a value-added shopping experience 365 days a year. Founder, Chairman and CEO JR Ridinger launched the company in 1992 in Greensboro, North Carolina, and it has since generated over $10.4 billion in retail sales. Consumers have access to millions of products, goods and services on the company’s flagship shopping website, SHOP.COM, including Market America’s exclusive products.
The UnFranchise® Business
Market America Worldwide | SHOP.COM has developed the UnFranchise Business model, a “one-of-a-kind” business system that helps entrepreneurs all over the world convert spending into earning while offering them an opportunity to earn a supplemental income. The UnFranchise Business is a pun on the word “franchise.” In essence, the company provides all of the benefits and positive aspects of owning a traditional franchise but without the high upfront and recurring expenditures typically associated with traditional franchises. These entrepreneurs understand that, just like any business, they must commit to putting in the time and effort that most any business requires to grow. Market America Worldwide | SHOP.COM provides UnFranchise Owners (UFOs) with a multitude of the company’s exclusive products that include health and wellness, weight management, beauty, skincare, pet care and auto care, among many other products. Additionally, Market America Worldwide | SHOP.COM supplies each UFO with the tools, training, technology and ongoing mentorship needed to help grow their own business. “Like many common franchises, the UnFranchise Business is also willable—which means you can pass down the legacy of success to future generations,” says JR Ridinger, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Market America Worldwide | SHOP.COM.
Bridging the Gaps between Technology, People, and Products
Market America Worldwide | SHOP.COM has always believed that collaboration, rather than competition, achieves more, hence one of the company’s mottos – “One Team. One Dream.” Market America Worldwide | SHOP.COM has thrived for 30 years because it is built on products and powered by people. Ridinger simply calls this “People Power.”
With the seismic shift in business from brick and mortar to digital, a larger number of businesses have lost the capacity to communicate with their clients and provide “the human touch.” More shoppers than ever before are scrolling websites and basing their purchase selections on what they see on their screens in seconds, rather than hearing a store worker say, “May I help you?” By being both high-tech and high-touch, the UnFranchise Business was created with that personal connection in mind. This means that when customers visit SHOP.COM or any other company “e-commerce” site, the company provides personal SHOP Consultants (UnFranchise Owners) to assist them with navigating the site and answering any queries they may have. Both Market America Worldwide and SHOP.COM are strong because they never lose sight of the notion that people and relationships are at the heart of every transaction. It’s all about creating relationships and bridging the gaps between technology, people and products. Another company motto is “Built on Product, Powered by People.” This is wholly evident when consumers purchase their first product on any of the “e-commerce” sites Market America Worldwide | SHOP.COM operates.
Meet the Founder; James Howard Ridinger
JR Ridinger was studying to be a marine biologist when he started his entrepreneurial path. His studies required some travel, and as a result, he was able to see new places and try new things. He applied the same analytical attitude to the business endeavors that led to the founding of Market America with his wife, Loren (the company’s Co-Founder & Senior Executive Vice President). Everything was based on obsolete assumptions prior to the personal computer revolution. He had grown disillusioned with several facets of the commercial world, mass media and mass marketing, as had many other people of that age.
He was also disappointed by the shortcomings of several business concepts. He was motivated to develop a business strategy that empowered consumers while also paving the way for others to become entrepreneurs. Loren’s inspiring enthusiasm and practical suggestions helped him recognize that his ideas were more than simply possibilities. They were going to be able to establish a business model that would allow someone with drive and passion to start their own business that could provide an income via digital marketing and a referral tracking system. To further enhance the foundation, JR and Loren surrounded themselves with a corporate team of forward-thinkers and trailblazers. As people say, the rest is history.
As the Founder, Chairman & CEO of Market America Worldwide | SHOP.COM, JR studies industry trends and identifies different ways to position the company and thousands of UnFranchise Owners throughout the world for success now and well into the future. The executive team, led by Marc Ashley, President and COO of Market America Worldwide, is world-class and does an outstanding job managing the global business and operations on a daily basis. With the team’s focus on keeping the business running smoothly, JR has the opportunity to create a roadmap for the company’s future, taking into account the ever-changing market dynamics and general industry trends.
“I love meeting people, and I still get excited every time I share our business plan — because, for me, it’s all about helping entrepreneurs achieve their personal and financial goals.” –– JR Ridinger
Advice to Future Leaders
JR Ridinger believes it is critical to retain a mindset of continuous learning and a drive to grow. One of the secrets to success is to never stop learning. Another is to never dismiss people or situations since they all have something to contribute and teach you. Surrounding yourself with individuals who encourage you to improve is an integral part of growing in the company and in life. If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. Always try to surround yourself with people who can extend your horizons while also challenging you to improve.
JR advises that one can also utilize critics as motivators and disappointments as opportunities to learn. Listen to the consumers and have a two-way conversation with them so you can think like them and learn what motivates them and what they value most. Be inclusive in whatever you create within your company and in public-facing materials. Because you’re drawing from a variety of ideas, cultures and lifestyles, the differences are what make a firm strong and successful. He believes that taking care of himself physically, psychologically and spiritually in ways that will allow him to recharge, think fresh and welcome the inevitable changes in business and life is important to maintain faith and objectivity.
“Find a place where you can not only make an impact but become a trailblazer. Find new ways to blend industries that strengthen and improve them, and you’ll have the opportunity to lead the parade. ” –– JR Ridinger.
Future Insights for Business Success
In 1992, JR Ridinger founded his dream business –– Market America –– from the 800-square-foot home he shared with his wife, Loren Ridinger. What began as a small home-based company has grown into a global powerhouse with offices in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia. Market America Worldwide | SHOP.COM aims to continue to share its life-changing entrepreneurial enterprise with new markets all over the world. The ambition is to build a worldwide business that is so powerful, enriching and empowering for entrepreneurs that it serves to economically link people in such a fundamental way.
As far as what the future holds for entrepreneurs and the world of business, becoming a success may very well require a change in thinking from a competitive nature to a collaborative one –– with the mindset of improving and enriching each other ’s lives. Seeing how Market America Worldwide | SHOP.COM has fully developed the UnFranchise Business model and helped thousands of UFOs grow their own businesses within the past 30 years leaves one to wonder if more individuals across the world became UnFranchise Owners, would the cutthroat and competitive nature that has become a daily norm even have to continue? With a visionary business leader like JR Ridinger offering entrepreneurs a unique and proven means to build their own business, we think not.
“Our entire business is centered around entrepreneurial empowerment and team building that is combined with diversity and inclusivity.” –– JR Ridinger
Earnings discussed are atypical and the success of any UnFranchise Owner will depend upon the amount of hard work, talent and dedication which he or she devotes to building his or her Market America business. For typical earnings, see www.market-america.info/mais.
Written by Steve Sanchez.
