With automation on the rise, OLN urges professionals and businesses alike to rediscover the power of showing up, listening, and leading in person

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESS Newswire / August 29, 2025 / OLN Inc, a national direct sales and leadership development firm founded by Elijah Medge, is launching a public awareness initiative calling on individuals, professionals, and companies to prioritise in-person communication and hands-on leadership in an increasingly digital business landscape.

"Too many companies are chasing efficiency at the cost of connection," said Medge, whose company operates in 30 U.S. markets and represents clients like Amazon, AT&T, Verizon, and Staples. "But you can't sell trust through a screen. You earn it face-to-face."

The call-to-action comes amid mounting evidence that automation - while powerful - may be weakening one of business's most important tools: human relationships. A recent Salesforce survey showed that 71% of customers expect personalised, human interactions, yet 64% of companies are leaning heavily into AI and digital channels without human support. In the U.S., small business owners - OLN's core target-are notoriously difficult to reach via email, phone, or social media. Many simply don't respond unless the message is personal.

OLN is not asking people to abandon technology. Instead, the company is advocating for a more intentional approach to connection - especially in leadership and sales. As Medge puts it, "We're not anti-tech. We're pro-presence."

Why It Matters Now

The campaign is rooted in OLN's own evolution. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company had to suspend in-person operations. Instead of downsizing, they pivoted quickly - launching a fully remote sales team through a partnership with Amazon. But as soon as conditions allowed, OLN Inc. returned to its core strength: human interaction.

"We learned that flexibility matters," said Medge. "But what sets us apart isn't the ability to send emails faster. It's the ability to read a room, listen, and respond in real time. That doesn't scale the same way, but it lasts longer."

Beyond sales, OLN also trains team members to become leaders. Its model gives staff the chance to manage and eventually own branches within its broader network of independently operated marketing firms. The leadership structure is mapped out with weekly planning, quarterly promotion targets, and a yearly "BHAG" (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) announced and tracked by Medge himself.

An Invitation to Act

OLN isn't asking for donations or policy changes. Instead, they're encouraging people to take action in their own lives:

• Walk into that meeting instead of Zooming it.

• Have the uncomfortable conversation face-to-face.

• Ask a co-worker how they're doing-and mean it.

• Train someone by showing them, not just telling them.

• Lead visibly, not virtually.

"When we ask people to show up, we're not just talking about sales," said Medge. "We're talking about presence. Showing up for your team. For your customers. For yourself."

OLN's Challenge to the Public

To support the initiative, OLN will be sharing stories from across its network where face-to-face interaction made the difference-whether in saving a sale, unlocking leadership potential, or building long-term trust with a client. The company will also host a "Week of Showing Up" this August, where team members in all 30 markets will commit to one act per day of in-person connection that can't be automated.

"We're just one company," Medge says, "but we believe this idea belongs to everyone. You don't need a title or a budget to lead. You just need to be there."

Media Contact

OLN Inc.
orangelimited@gmail.com

SOURCE: OLN Inc