Summertime can be a tough time for independent contractors. While it’s traditionally the season when the fast-paced world of business slows down due to family vacations, the kids being home from school, and the need you feel to tackle all of the items on your to-do list, this is the time your direct selling business needs your focus the most.

It’s no secret the direct sales industry is going through massive change. According to Steve Jamieson—who has more than 20 years of experience in direct sales and is currently the strategic advisor and director of business development for Exigo, a business data company—sales and recruiting in the industry has been decreasing for the last three years. This means, according to Jamieson, that we need to shift away from the complicated pay structure of the multilevel marketing (MLM) approach and focus on a structure that reflects more on customer experience and the shifting consumer economy.

While this information is really geared toward executives and thought leaders in the industry, it’s still important for you to be aware of what’s going on so you can build your business according to the changing direct sales landscape.

Spending your summer focusing on ways to stay ahead is our best advice. Here are a few ways you can do just that.

1. Use the hot weather to your advantage.

Because weather affects your mood, marketing research suggests that it also links to consumer behavior. Depending on the products you sell, this gives you the chance to tailor your sales efforts to reflect the summer season. If you sell beauty products, push products that help protect you against the harsh summer heat. Pantene’s Haircast marketing campaign did this successfully by acknowledging how frizzy your hair can get in the heat, and suggesting a remedy for it. What products do you sell that could help combat or compliment the heat?

2. Give your products as gifts.

You will no doubt go to some type of party, get-together, or celebration this summer. When you do, don’t go empty-handed. Gift the hostess, graduate, or mom-to-be a product from your company line. It’s a great way to give them a quality gift they’ll appreciate and to get your name out there. Be sure to label it with your contact info and website so they can easily shop for more of your products.

3. Connect at parties or outings.

Speaking of celebrations, summertime is one of the most social times of the year. Barbecues and cookouts, pool parties and picnics, and family vacations seem to be limitless during the summer. What better way to get your business in front of people than by going to your next social event prepared to chat about your business venture when asked, “So, what do you do?”