No Bullsh* Affiliate Marketing

Rockin 40 Readers

First of all, I seriously just like to thank everybody for following this blog even though I rarely post nowadays. Things have gotten pretty busy, days have gotten longer (but shorter time wise), free time isn’t so easy to come by any more. I know I’m not always able to respond to everybody’s comments, but I do appreciate any feedback and input you guys have!

Now, the celebration today is for 40 readers that follow this blog. You’re thinking in sarcasm: “wow 40 readers, you rock”.

You don’t have to have thousands of readers to have a good blog. You just want the handful of people that matter, your industry buddies and/or the people that know what the hell is going on and obviously know that you’re authentic. These 40 are way more difficult to come by than 500 random people that found your blog on the internet through one of your bait posts.

Some Popular Questions

Many people question why I never post on my blog about affiliate marketing strategies or just internet marketing in general.

There’s really only one reason why, it’s not worth it. I mean it’s not worth it to give an awesome strategy to the public because 99% of them wouldn’t know what to do with it, don’t know who the hell you are and are  probably just looking for “how to become rich overnight” posts.

I’d much rather you find me at a conference, introduce yourself and then ask me things in person.

I’d also much rather see my tips, advice and strategies that I give to people have a direct influence toward their success. I’m not sure about you guys but I’d be way more happier to see people I know make thousands off of my idea, than some random reader making hundreds (no offense to the random readers). I’m just more personal like that.

High level discussions, advanced strategies etc.

This kind of goes with my last paragraph. If I discuss some advanced strategies publically, I would get little to no feedback from the general audience (I’m talking about real feedback). However I’d love to sit down in person with a handful of solid affiliates and toss up a topic for discussion. Instant feedback from competent people who’ve already put in the work it takes to get where they are today.

This Damn Cutthroat Industry

This is industry is such a “cut throat” industry for one reason - greed. People can never be satisfied with what they have even though a year ago they were working a dead beat full time job that they hated waking up every morning for and today they work at home, when they want, how they want and still make more money. That’s why people are so secretive about their stuff and some even lie.

I can honestly say, that I’m satisfied with what I have right now. My goal coming into this industry was to be able to pay the bills and have a little more money for the nicer things in life. As long as I can maintain this, I’m perfectly happy.

Don’t get greed mixed in with passion though. Just like myself, I know a lot of affiliates have learned to love and appreciate this industry, especially the ones that have gone through rough times and have been in the industry trying to make money for years. And it does piss me (and them) off when people take this industry for granted; lie, cheat, steal just for the money. Oh yeah and ego is never respected.

But for us, it’s simple, the money just comes with the work that we love to do.

The Future

I think 2008 has by far been the biggest “affiliate” boom. There are so many more affiliates in the industry now. It’ll only get more difficult though. After this year, it’ll cost more to break into the industry in both capital and real knowledge which seems to be harder and harder to find as the industry grows older. Especially now with 100 “super affiliate” blogs and everybody posting their checks for referrals, faking rss readers, etc. etc.

I think 2009 will be the true breaking point. Which affiliates stepped it up into the next level of affiliate marketing? Which affiliates are authentic? Which affiliates got cut? Which affiliates made the right choices? Which affiliate strategies worked? Next year, these questions and many more will be answered.

A Farewell for Now

For those who consider themselves successful, cheers. Wake up every morning with a smile on your face because you make more money than most full time careers, you work your own hours, you are your own boss and hopefully you are truly passionate about this industry.

For those who are still trying and things aren’t quite working out yet… Take a new strategy. Work smarter. I’ve reflected  upon this quote so many times since it was given to me by someone who has helped me and who I contribute a lot of my success to.

“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” - Einstein

To everyone, the best of luck and cheers to your future success.