FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Smart Circle

Frequently Asked Questions About Smart Circle

FAQs

What is Smart Circle?

Smart Circle is a broker of outsourced sales that designs and supports face-to-face marketing and in-person customer acquisition campaigns. We connect brands with our network of independently owned and operated sales companies that execute campaigns through direct, in-person channels. Our approach combines the authenticity and impact of in-person sales with the scale and experience of a nationwide network, delivering measurable results for a diverse range of clients, from Fortune 500 companies to emerging brands.

Who leads Smart Circle and how long has it been in business?

The seed for Smart Circle was planted in 1981 by Larry Tenebaum. Since then, the company has operated for more than four decades. Today, Larry serves as Chairman of the Board, helping shape the company’s strategic direction and reinforcing its cultural foundation. Michael Meryash currently serves as Chief Executive Officer. Throughout its history, Smart Circle has built and refined a nationwide network of independent sales and marketing companies that serve clients’ in-person customer acquisition needs.

How does Smart Circle operate?

Smart Circle takes a strategic, partnership-driven approach to customer acquisition. We work closely with clients to understand their goals, target audiences, and market challenges, then create customized in-person sales and marketing campaigns tailored to their needs. These campaigns are executed by our network of independent sales companies, whose employees include trained sales representatives engaging customers across markets, channels, and retail environments nationwide.

Who are Smart Circle’s clients?

Smart Circle partners with Fortune 500 companies, nationally recognized brands, and emerging growth companies across industries such as telecommunications, energy, home services, consumer products, and retail services. Our campaigns operate across North America, allowing us to adapt to regional audiences while maintaining consistent brand standards. We focus on delivering measurable performance and building long-term partnerships grounded in accountability and results.

Who employs the sales representatives that execute in-person sales campaigns?

Each independent sales company that contracts with Smart Circle is the sole and exclusive employer of its sales representatives. These companies are fully responsible for all employment decisions, including hiring, training, supervision, compensation, classification, and management of their employees, in accordance with applicable laws.

How does Smart Circle’s business model differ from multi-level marketing models?

Smart Circle is not a multi-level marketing company. Unlike traditional MLM models, Smart Circle does not require inventory purchases, starter kits, or participation fees for business owners to join its network. As an outsourced sales broker, Smart Circle connects independently owned sales companies with major brands, creating opportunities for business growth and customer acquisition. Campaigns are focused on delivering measurable sales results through in-person channels such as retail and door-to-door engagement.

Is Smart Circle a pyramid scheme?

Smart Circle is not a pyramid scheme. Pyramid schemes are illegal business models where compensation is based primarily on recruiting others rather than selling legitimate products or services. In contrast, independent sales companies in Smart Circle’s network earn revenue by delivering sales results for client campaigns, and their sales representatives are compensated based on the sales they generate, not for recruiting others. Smart Circle takes compliance seriously and encourages individuals to speak directly with independent sales companies to understand their practices, culture, and compensation structures.

Are all companies in Smart Circle’s sales network under the same ownership?

No. Each company in Smart Circle’s sales network is independently owned and operated. The network includes over 900 small business owners from diverse professional backgrounds across North America. While these businesses share a commitment to delivering results for clients, they are responsible for building their own operations, culture, and growth strategies.

How does Smart Circle ensure that companies in its network follow ethical sales practices?

Smart Circle promotes ethical sales practices through clear standards and active compliance support. Each independent company is contractually required to follow all applicable laws and regulations, including consumer protection laws and guidelines related to in-person solicitation. Smart Circle’s teams communicate expectations, investigate concerns, and monitor performance to ensure standards are met. If you have concerns about a company in the network, you can contact [email protected]

Why do some companies in Smart Circle’s sales network receive mixed reviews?

Because each company is independently owned and operated, experiences can vary. Like any performance-based industry, outcomes and workplace environments differ across organizations. Smart Circle works to ensure compliance with its standards, client expectations, and legal requirements. If you have concerns, you can contact [email protected]

Does Smart Circle own the independent sales companies in its network?

No. Smart Circle does not own the independent sales companies in its network. Each business is independently operated and contracts with Smart Circle to execute client campaigns. These businesses manage their own operations, hire their own employees, and make their own business decisions. They are not subsidiaries of Smart Circle.

Working at Smart Circle

How does Smart Circle’s team support clients and the independent businesses in its network?

Smart Circle’s corporate team supports both clients and independent sales companies, serving as the bridge between them. The company employs professionals across departments such as Analytics, Operations, Retail Services, IT, Accounting, Corporate Communications, Legal, and Human Resources. For clients, Smart Circle provides end-to-end campaign management, from strategy through execution. For independent businesses, it helps secure and maintain major brand partnerships and provides the support needed to grow within the industry.

CAREER PAGE

Does Smart Circle employ sales representatives to do face-to-face sales?

No. Smart Circle employs corporate staff only. All sales representatives are employed by independent companies within its network. Smart Circle does not recruit, employ, supervise, or manage sales representatives who conduct in-person sales.

What is Smart Circle’s mission and values?

Smart Circle’s mission is to provide meaningful growth opportunities for its clients through customized face-to-face customer acquisition campaigns and by connecting them with a network of independent sales companies that execute those campaigns locally. The company is guided by values such as entrepreneurial spirit, integrity, teamwork, and citizenship, which shape how it collaborates internally and supports its clients and partners.

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