orporate India's new sales force is the direct army. Today there are at least 1.37 million direct sellers and the direct selling industry is estimated to be Rs 2,710 crore. With about 400 varieties of products retailed by this growing army of grassroots marketers, the industry is growing at a healthy 18 per cent.

What's more, there are enough men taking the direct approach in an industry that was traditionally considered a women's bastion. Today, there are 38 per cent men compared to the 62 per cent women in this field.... more