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Gag me with a Guru
in Affiliate Manager & Newsletter Tips & Personal Thoughts & Opinions by Nicole on
Now, in full transparency, I have had one glass of wine. Not like a big thermos or 32 oz tumbler either. Wine-glass-size glass. So, I am slightly relaxed. In fact, I just typed “BAWK” at my VA and called her a chicken.
I’m weird. And, I’m enjoying wine. That’s my disclaimer. But, those of you that read my blog regularly know those two things are the norm. I digress…
BUT! Sometimes the “Gurus” are so flipping stupid that it makes me say GRRRRR. And, no, I’m not talking about Jimmy D. Brown or Bob the Teacher or Lynn Terry or any of my friends. They rock my world and their brilliance shines like the sun.
Vent #1: Assuming that You are THAT Memorable.
When I get an email in my inbox from … uh, let’s say… Mike (no last name showing up in my list of emails). I click on it anyway, because “what the heck, I’m just cleaning out my inbox”. It opens and the message is also signed “Mike” (no last name) and the links are cloaked. I start wondering “Who the heck is this Mike guy and why does he think he’s so darned memorable that I’ll know who he is? Let alone buy his products?”
Well, eventually, I looked at the “from” email and saw the company name and it rang a bell, but — SERIOUSLY?! What happened to branding and getting people to KNOW, LIKE and TRUST you?
If THE Jimmy D. Brown signs his emails with his full name (including the middle initial “D”) — and he’s been the mentor to the gurus since 1999 — then I think that’s worth looking at and thinking about. And, yes, I want my readers to feel warm and fuzzy and happy when they see emails from me and feel like we’re family, BUT — I kind of assume they’re busy and know more than 10 people. Possibly a few of them may be named “Nicole” eh? ((sigh))
Vent #2: Assuming that, because I’m your Affiliate that I want to Get Blasted with your Junk.
If I sign up for your affiliate program, it’s because I think that YOU have good products. Not because I give a darn about your buddies. I’m also kinda busy.
I also join only those affiliate programs that I feel are the perfect fit for my readers. I am extremely picky and only promote things that I use myself or have evaluated myself.
I DON’T JOIN AFFILIATE PROGRAMS BECAUSE I WANT MORE CRAP IN MY INBOX.
So, on that note…. please don’t send me training crapola. Please don’t send me stuff about the latest launches. Please don’t send me junk about promoting your buddy’s newest program. I don’t care.
I have to filter enough information and noise for all of my readers as it is. I actually use my REAL email address for affiliate programs, because I want to know about TOOLS and new products and updates… not because I want more junk in my inbox.
Those are my vents for the day. Anyone else care to pipe in? I’m feeling snarky and frustrated right now because I’d really like to continue to promote certain affiliate programs, but I’m going to have to discontinue them because of the amount of junk they send.
I not only find it annoying, but I find it unethical.
Thoughts? 
Nicole DEAN
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These are the tools I use in my business: |
Twitter: robsellen
June 29th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Yeah,
I do have one suggestion Nicole…
Have another glass of wine, you earned it, and make it a small habit to have the one each time before you blog please.
Thanks.
Rob
Rob Sellen’s last blog post..Heading for the gate of facebooks walled garden
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June 29th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
I couldn’t agree more Nicole and I couldn’t tell you how much of this JUNK I get in my inbox. YUCK!
Alyssa’s last blog post..Communicating with My Husband Via Cell Phone
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Twitter: NicoleDean
June 29th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Rob – you, I like.
I think it’s just stupid on so many levels to be vague in who you are. I could have marked that email as spam so easily because I had no freaking clue who it was from until I did my detective work. Their spam reporting must be WAY high.
I also am quite the advocate for affiliates, being an affiliate myself and an affiliate manager for years. I could do a whole series of things that affiliate managers do that tick me off.
In fact, I just may.
Thanks for the comment!
N
oops. I mean Nicole Dean.
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Twitter: NicoleDean
June 29th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Well, it appears that Twitter is abuzz with agreement on these issues and I’m getting requests for a series on “Gag me with a Guru”.
I like it. A lot.
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June 29th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
LOL — I am taking notes Nicole Dean! Please do keep posts like these coming up.
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June 29th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Nicole, Nicole, Nicole, How do I love you. You are one of the most straight forward people I know and I could not say AMEN louder. It drives a person totally bonkers.
Can’t wait to read the next in the series. hehe!
Tricia’s last blog post..Lifelong Clients
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June 29th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
I totally, totally agree with you when it comes to other people…
But I doubt I’ll start using my full name anytime soon…sorry.
But then I am not an Internet Guru and have no plans to be…
Patrysha’s last blog post..Kicking off the pre-launch
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Twitter: bobtheteacher
June 29th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Wow, to be praised in the same sentence with THE Lynn Terry AND THE Jimmy D. Brown is awesome.
You’re right about the trickery that some use to make it seem like a message is coming from a friend.
I admit I sometimes sign mine just Bob, because a) Bob The Teacher is already in the from; b) Bob the Teacher sounds funny to sign off sometimes, and c) most people have no idea my last name is actually Jenkins.
Nevertheless, I try not to send people who are only my affiliates training and recommendations. But many of my customers and subscribers are also affiliates (even if just starting), so they get both kinds of messages.
In addition to more wine, I’d say set up a couple more gmail filters to look for the phrase:
To unsubscribe or change subscriber options visit:
which is at the bottom of all Aweber and Aweber Private labels, and therefore signifies it’s a mailing list.
By the way, after I sent you a draft copy of my first book, I forgot to mention that you’ll be in my second book. It’s going to be Volume 1 of Conversations With The Best Internet Marketing Teachers, which will obviously be IM Success Radio shows, like the awesome one I did with you – http://IMSuccessRadio.com/nicole – and another with Lynn Terry – http://IMSuccessradio.com/lynn
Bob
Bob The Teacher’s last blog post..Learn From Other People’s Sales Letters
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Twitter: chriscobb
June 29th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
I think I can represent the relatively new IM’ers out there and say, Wow! Thank You! Maybe we’re to blame for this behavior because we tend to fall for too many pitches in the beginning which just encourages this bad behavior.
Maybe we should just bombard their email with these same sentiments.
Thanks again,
Chris Cobb
Chris Cobb’s last blog post..Beginning Bloggers–Step By Step Course Available
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June 29th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
I’m glad it’s not just me. I’ve stopped getting emails from some of the companies I’m an affiliate for and am no longer pushing their products. BECAUSE OF THE GARBAGE IN MY EMAILS. Good grief, I totally back you on it being unethical. I did not sign up to be an affiliate to be sold to.
Gag me with a Guru is an AWESOME SERIES! Looking forward to more
Val’s last blog post..Summer Help
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Twitter: sharonmc
June 30th, 2009 at 4:23 am
Nicole dear, I hope you trademarked “Gag me with a Guru.”
What a joy to wake up to one of your posts!
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June 30th, 2009 at 8:11 am
Well said, Nicole!
As a communication consultant, I think the main problem with many of the marketers today is they truly don’t run their businesses with empathy for the people they serve. In fact, the don’t have a serving mentality at all. They forget every number on their “list” represents a living, breathing human being with wants, needs, and desires.
When I write an email, I write it keeping in mind the person reading it. And I really try to relate to the individual person. When we do that, it’s much easier to consider how the person’s feeling when you think of them as a person. And you consider — do people want to hear from me every day? And is this really useful for them?
Plus my Mom is on my “list” — so I also consider THAT. If your Mom is on your list– you think twice about what you say and how you say it.
Great post!
Felicia
Follow me on Twitter: http://Twitter.com/FeliciaSlattery
Felicia Slattery’s last blog post..Twitter Party Follow Up! The Winners Are…
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Twitter: pegbaron
June 30th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Nicole,
I love your writing style. You crack me up!
But in all seriousness, your points are well taken. I usually sign just my first name in emails to my list because I figure there aren’t many Peggy’s in internet marketing. So maybe I should change that.
I do agree that you should only get emails pertaining to what you signed up for. I have lists where I said I would send them notifications of new PLR so that’s what I send them. I make sure to say what I’ll be sending on any of my list sign up forms so they know what they’ll be getting.
Keep the Gag Me With a Guru series coming!
Thanks,
Peggy
Peggy Baron’s last blog post..My Random Internet Marketing Observations
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Twitter: DiYMCoach
June 30th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Nicole,
Two serious points (problems) driven home with a healthy dose of humor. Well done!
Keep ‘em coming.
Thanks,
Achinta ‘Archie’ Mitra
Achinta ‘Archie’ Mitra’s last blog post..The Four Acts of AIDA
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June 30th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Something else I gag on is the WORD guru. I’ll admit that JDB (Jimmy D. Brown – I just say JDB) really is a guru and a handful of others too, but when people call THEMSELVES “guru”, I’d like to toss a glass of wine in their conceited face. That would be super fun. Especially when these self-proclaimed gurus don’t know s**t.
By the way, you can never go wrong with a wine post!
Cassie’s last blog post..Social Media Checklist
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Twitter: Laurie_K)
June 30th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
I totally agree, with only ONE minor point — that sending affiliates training info could actually be very welcome to those who have not mastered everything, yet, the way you have! However, they could make it available on an as-needed basis on a site of some kind, rather than bombarding us with emails with it. An occasional email is nice just to remind that it’s there, if needed. When I join an affiliate program and see that they’ve put a lot of work into providing training for their affiliates, I feel good about that. Those that provide NO training or resources, I tend to decide not to put so much effort into. Some affiliate training sites are fantastic resources, in themselves, for observing all the tactics they recommend for promoting their products because we can adapt and apply the same tactics to everything we promote online.
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July 1st, 2009 at 5:39 am
Go Nicole! You took the words right off my keyboard!
It’s really frustrating to get so many promo messages after joining an affiliate program. What happened to sending useful tips once a week or month after joining an affiliate program? I don’t remember getting slammed with so many sales messages before. It’s a real turn off. With two particular “gurus”, they not only send me one sales message, they love to send 3 of the same message on the same day and then send me 2 more reminders (multiplied 3 more times) asking if I got their last message. It’s gotten ridiculous. Thanks for telling it like it is.
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July 1st, 2009 at 9:26 am
I can totally understand the 2nd one about selling to your affiliates. But training – it depends. Some people are new and may need extra help. But there is a way to ‘get around’ that. Hmmm you gave me a new blog post idea, just a little tech marketing hackery
Lynette Chandler’s last blog post..How To Create Email Newsletter Templates
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Twitter: NicoleDean
July 1st, 2009 at 10:47 am
Affiliate training is an issue that I’ve discussed at great length with several people recently, because I’ve obviously got a very strong opinion on it.
To me, it comes down to the Pareto Principle. Your “Sally Super Affiliate” will unsubscribe quickly when bugged with training that they neither want, nor need. So, yes, the 90% of affiliates who don’t produce may need training, but the majority of the money you’ll make is in the 10% of the affiliates who know what they’re doing.
For instance, Jimmy’s affiliate database contains the “Who’s who” of Internet Marketing experts. I would rather that they stay on the notification list and be told of updates and new products, then to lose them for sending unwanted or unneeded training. Yes, we also have thousands of newbies in the affiliate program and I strive to teach them, too, BUT — not at the expense of our bread and butter.
So… YES, of course, provide an area with training for your affiliates who want and need it, and possibly a separate ecourse that they can sign up for. BUT, do not assume that all of your affiliates want to be sent training. I, for one, do not. And, if I am going to sign up for training, I want to get the training from a super affiliate who knows what they are doing. (Most Affiliate Managers are not successful Affiliate Marketers themselves.)
That’s another vent, though.
So, yeah, I kind of have an opinion on that one…. if you can tell?
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Twitter: TraciKnoppe
July 1st, 2009 at 11:05 am
LOL You go girl! Sat here nodding in agreement – and I didn’t even have any wine!
You going to NAMS? I sure hope so – would love to meet you in person. We’d get along fabulously!
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July 1st, 2009 at 11:11 am
Wow, Nicole – you make a good point. Prior to reading your comment I disagreed with your take about ongoing affiliate training. Glad I didnt leave my comment earlier, because you’ve given me something to think about…
First I’ll say this: It really ruffles my feathers when “gurus” send me OFF TOPIC CRAP because I am one of their affiliates. Learn to segment your list(s) already!!!!
Some have a list for prospects, a list for customers, and a list for affiliates (as it should be). And for some insane reason they’ll send out their latest launch promo to ALL THREE lists. Smart people (like us) might use different emails for different things… so we end up getting duplicates (on top of getting email that’s irrelevant as one of their affiliates).
Tip: IF you are going to send me a promotional email about a product or upcoming event, personalize it and tell me why – as your affiliate – you feel I need to pay attention to this. Period.
It truly blows my mind that you can be a “guru” and not learn how to segment your list or target your market. Seriously. And when you look at the names that are doing this, you have to sit back and ask yourself: “And I’m learning from YOU?”
About affiliate training…
I see your point.
That said, it’s the merchants that stay in front of me that keep my attention. I’m a super affiliate, and I know how to market, but I do like to get an update with new materials or new products or new coupon codes – weekly, monthly, whatever.
For detailed (newbie) affiliate training – I think it would be good to offer a separate ecourse or online info portal, and make sure you make that option/offer obvious when they sign up. That seems to be the best solution, given your point.
Lynn Terry’s last blog post..Twitter Marketing: What’s Your Strategy?
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Twitter: reginabaker
July 1st, 2009 at 11:50 am
You threw me a curve ball with this:
“we also have thousands of newbies in the affiliate program and I strive to teach them, too, BUT — not at the expense of our bread and butter.”
You might want to ease up on the wine and not intimidate the newbies. LOL!
WOW, you’re on a roll.
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Twitter: NicoleDean
July 1st, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Regina,
I’m sorry I was unclear. I’m saying that 90% of affiliates will never make a sale. While I do want to support the newbies (as that was where we all started), I do not want to alienate my top affiliates by sending my entire affiliate list in depth training and unrelated promos.
I haven’t had any wine since the original vent. Plus, I posted my comment at 11 in the morning. I’m not that bad!
N
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Twitter: TraciKnoppe
July 1st, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Nicole & Lynn – I’m wondering how many ‘gurus’ actually send out their own emails. Could it be for those that are sending promos out to all of their lists at the same time, instead of segmenting, that they are using a VA that either doesn’t know how to segment when sending, or wasn’t told to – do you think that could possibly be it?
Just thinking out loud, because I agree with you Lynn, it’s annoying as all get out to get a promo via very list of theirs (and I happen to be on all those lists!).
There have been uproars on Twitter about this very issue, and folks complaining. Yes, they subscribed (and could unsub)- but they did not subscribe to get the same info 3 times from the same person!
Traci Knoppe’s last blog post..Why I Love Affiliate Marketing – Part 5
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July 1st, 2009 at 1:46 pm
I have 477,721 unread emails in my junk e-mail folder at the time of this post. sad yet true.
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Twitter: NicoleDean
July 1st, 2009 at 2:01 pm
I wrote up a nice long message, and, of course my PC crashed, so let’s try this again.
There are at least 2, possibly 3, issues that are coming up here.
1. Bulking all affiliates into one group.
This to me is the opposite of everything I’ve been taught in the last few years of internet marketing. A Lynn Terry is not the same as a person who is starting her first blog. To treat them the same doesn’t make good business sense. A newbie NEEDS training. A super affiliate probably doesn’t want the noise. And, honestly, how can you possibly send them both the same messages week after week and expect to connect with both groups?
I’m not against training newbies. In fact, I’m all for it. BUT.. I’m not going to assume that the highly-experienced affiliates want the same info.
Solution #1: Start a VIP or Advanced List and add your top affiliates to it or manually contact them when news happens.
Solution #2: Start a Newbies List and invite those who need more info to join it.
Solution #3: Add a blurb to the end of your promo updates that includes links for more training and info in your affiliate center.
2. Sending Updates about Promos & News, etc.
My problem is that I’m inundated with so many emails that I am missing important updates for the affiliate programs that I love.
Therefore, I am being forced to choose between spending my time filtering the excess emails in order to continue to receive the important updates OR unsubbing and risking the chance of missing out on good stuff.
3. Spamming your Affiliates.
During several product launches the last month, I’ve clicked on “unsub” in mailings that I received promoting the newest courses and realized that the only mailing list that I was signed up for was their affiliate mailing list. That means that I’m getting emails that I did not sign up for. Wouldn’t that technically be considered spam?
I do have one thing to say about #3 above. If you are treating your affiliates with such little respect, then I hate to see how you’re treating your leads and customers. So, those programs are now getting the boot.
I’m not trying to rip on the good affiliate programs, and if you’ve sent out a great freebie to your affiliates as a training piece on occasion that you were really wowed by, awesome.
However, *knowing* your affiliates, segmenting your lists, and treating them with care can go a long way.
I know that there are bigger battles out there, but when I’m on vacation for a week and come back to 200+ emails and go through promo after promo … it became again one of my biggest pet peeves.
Hopefully that clears things up.
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Twitter: NicoleDean
July 1st, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Felicia –
I think that having your mom on your list is awesome. What a great way to keep oneself in line.
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July 1st, 2009 at 3:02 pm
You know where I stand on the promo/spam issue. It’s common, and it’s highly annoying.
For anyone using email marketing (and you *should* be) take it as a tip: segment, create micro-lists, and make your message-to-market-match as strong as you possibly can. THAT is where the money is, and where you’ll create a loyal readership.
On the topic of Affiliate Training, I’m still on the fence. I do like your ideas of hand-picking your super affiliates and putting them on a separate list. I’ve been on a couple of these over the last few years and it really gets my attention (turns me into a super loyal affiliate!).
Done right, I wouldnt mind some sort of ongoing affiliate training from a merchant. As long as each email contained a new promo image or angle – something the super affiliates could pluck & use. It could also go on to explain how to use it, or include creative ideas – or maybe a link to a great blog post on best placement for links/images (*ahem* lol).
I get what you’re saying with the 90/10. But sometimes… I’m actually in that 10. The occasional email gets my attention and reminds me to go log in and consider doing a promo. If I sign up for a program and never hear another word, well… I’m an outta sight outta mind kinda gal, to be honest.
Like I said, I’m on the fence with the training stuff. Done right (that’s the key!) I dont think I mind it. But yeah – done wrong, it’s a nuisance.
Lynn Terry’s last blog post..Twitter Marketing: What’s Your Strategy?
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July 1st, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Traci (RE: Comment #24):
If you asked those guru’s, I’m sure they would blame it on their VA. Or their mailing list manager. Or their something.
But I have actually had this conversation with more than one of them, and they consider the segmenting too much trouble. Even when Aweber bends over backwards with new features JUST for this purpose.
Ultimately, the responsibility is on them personally. They are the name people think about when they get annoyed, or unsubscribe. They are responsible for training the VA correctly. And they are the one that is affected by it directly.
Lynn Terry’s last blog post..Twitter Marketing: What’s Your Strategy?
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Twitter: reginabaker
July 1st, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Nicole, BTW, I love your subject: “Gag me with a Guru.” ROFL! There’s some GREAT information on this page. I’m printing it out.
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Twitter: NicoleDean
July 1st, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Thanks everyone for your contribution. I promise I’ll let it drop, but as I’m going through this, I’m figuring out how I feel. We’ll call it journaling our marketing feelings. lol.
As for my Lynn friend..
We obviously agree on the spam issue. If I’m promoting say Greta Guru’s stuff and she sends me a note about HER latest course, I’m cool with that because I’ve already decided that she has good info or I wouldn’t promote it. However, in the latest round of buddy product launch emails, it seems the affiliates were being treated as just another chunk of their leads lists (as we discussed). Pair that with the Product Launch Formula of *really* warming up those leads (uh hem, affiliates) with lots of emails and it was a bit insane and a big ol’ turnoff for me.
Also, when it comes to training, I certainly don’t mind getting an affiliate email with a new promo tool and finding a link to some training included in *that* email. I just don’t like having the overall bulk of emails because it wastes my time. Yes, hitting the delete button is an option, but I still have to open the emails in order to see if I need the info or not, and that time adds up. (Lynn “Training if it’s done right.” I like that!)
Obviously I spend way too much time analyzing what affiliates want and need. But, it’s kind of my job.
Thanks again for reading and for commenting. I really appreciate it!
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July 1st, 2009 at 3:38 pm
It’s a good roll – stay on it!
I’ll pipe in and say that I wish merchants would get off the product launch bandwagon and be on board to promote a product for the long haul. I understand that the actual product launch is where they make the bulk of their profits, but those products would continue to sell if they continued to motivate and encourage their affiliates!
I hate to get behind a product, because it’s great, and then find all support (both for me and the potential customer) falls off to nothing once “the big day” is over.
But of course, I remain on that never-ending promo list we discussed, even though some NEVER mention that product again. EVER.
Lynn Terry’s last blog post..Twitter Marketing: What’s Your Strategy?
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Twitter: NicoleDean
July 1st, 2009 at 4:03 pm
ooh, Lynn, you’re giving me way much fodder for a Gag me with a Guru series.
The product launches drive me bonkers, too. If the material is really that good, and it’s evergreen and quality, and *really* offers the results that it claims, then isn’t it doing the community a disservice by taking it off the market? Sure, have a launch as a firesale-type thing and even take it off the market for a bit to restock or whatever, but then make it available long-term.
And, another thing! (Here I go again…) Many people have limited funds right now. They may WANT to buy a course from their favorite mentor, but may need to wait until their next paycheck. Does it make sense to have them pass entirely on the offer because it’s removed from the market? Seems like cutting off your nose to spite your face. Or maybe the products don’t continue to sell afterwards because they were too high priced to begin with and won’t continue to carry the hype factor after the launch?
I wonder if, as trust online becomes harder to earn, and skepticism grows, the days of hyped of product launches will become fewer and farther between? Or if as fear grows and the economy continues to struggle, that people will be more afraid of missing out on that ONE thing that will give them success so it’ll actually work better.
Any guesses?
That enough food for thought? lol.
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July 1st, 2009 at 4:33 pm
From what I’ve seen, a lot of the courses and products stay on the market. As an affiliate, I still make sales on one of those “big product launch products” every single month. That’s because I’m not a … one night stand affiliate
What bothers me is that the merchant doesnt continue to encourage affiliates with new material, or encourage customers with follow up material.
In fact, it seems they move on to their next product launch and treat the last product like a step child!
They don’t seem to care that they would build a more loyal affiliate base AND customer base by continuing to support their “this will change everything!!” product well beyond the product launch phase.
Imagine how much more successful you would be if you continued to provide tools and resources, were a true market leader, and success stories rose up from your group consistently. You’d earn more credibility *and* cash!
We’re yelling into the wind when it comes to guru’s, Nicole… but this thought process is chock full of tips for anyone that is entering the market with a product and an affiliate program – that really wants to GO BIG with it, and make it something incredible.
Lynn Terry’s last blog post..Twitter Marketing: What’s Your Strategy?
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Twitter: bobtheteacher
July 1st, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Just to break up this Nicole and Lynn lovefest (or at least get in the middle
, I’ll add that what the two of you are getting at (i.e., evergreen product promotions and building relationships with your affiliates) is exactly why I’ve been changing my marketing focus over the last month.
I’m in the middle of promoting the 3rd edition of one of my virtual workshops, but before and after, I’m pushing all my energy into my http://IMSuccessLibrary.com, so affiliates have just one site that they would want to promote, with recurring commissions.
Assuming this goes as planned, the IMSL will enable me to focus my attention on an ongoing basis with this group of customers, while adding more promo tools on a regular basis.
It’s because of talking with people like Lynn and Nicole (and my accountability partner Scott Tousignant) that this process is underway, and I can’t thank you all enough for helping me “see the light” of the inefficiencies of my marketing plan leading up to this point.
Bob Jenkins
p.s. I for one embrace the guru tag in the whole “teacher under the baobab tree” sort of way. Anybody want to help me reclaim its rightful place in the etymological landscape?
Bob The Teacher’s last blog post..Monumental Metaphor: DC Reflecting Pool
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Nicole
Twitter: NicoleDean Reply:
July 1st, 2009 at 5:05 pm
You just join in the love fest any ol’ time.
As great of a cart/product/program as Butterfly Marketing is for running an affiliate program, since you have so many wonderful products, I felt like “Hey! I only get credit for the one sale, even though they’re going to end up buying all of Bob’s other stuff because he’s the best!”
I love your new IMSuccessLibrary.com. It’s a great solution and I have buzzed in there on multiple occasions to watch your videos (yes, gasp! videos) to get a different perspective on things that I’m doing. It’s a great resource for all online entrepreneurs.
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Twitter: TraciKnoppe
July 1st, 2009 at 5:12 pm
“Quoting Lynn: They don’t seem to care that they would build a more loyal affiliate base AND customer base by continuing to support their “this will change everything!!” product well beyond the product launch phase.
Imagine how much more successful you would be if you continued to provide tools and resources, were a true market leader, and success stories rose up from your group consistently./”
It’s for the very issue that Lynn is talking about that I’m seriously considering finding myself an affiliate manager. I’m NOT a guru, but I do have my own products that I sell with affiliates promoting them – and I want to help my affiliates be successful in promoting my products. It only makes sense that helping them will also help me too.
One person can only do so much and do it well. I’m busy creating my products – I am finding it difficult to also find time to learn how to best manage my affiliate AND provide them with awesome materials to promote my products AND train those that need it AND ….. you get the idea.
One can’t be an expert at everything. As I always say, I can’t get any more starch in my SuperWoman cape.
Time to enlist the help of an Affiliate Manager.
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Twitter: NicoleDean
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:53 am
I wonder if the “launch ‘em and leave ‘em” mentality is due to Entrepreneurial ADD?
I find that a lot with people that I work with who are mid-range entrepreneurs (as far as success level) — they’ll wrap up a project, launch it, make a few sales, and then get excited about the next thing and run off to do that.
That’s where an affiliate manager/marketing manager/JV broker can continue to bring in long-term profits.
Hmm… I’m thinking that drafting a report on the topic may be in order.
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Twitter: robsellen
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:04 am
Woah! This has turned into a great thread!
Nicole… hope you are not choking there on gurus, you using sauce at least I hope to wash them down, cos a bet a few of them are a bit “rubbery”!?
You know, what Lynn say’s above about the segmentation of your list(s), the fact some gurus can’t be bothered with that…well is a plus for those who can be bothered.
Plus the fact you make each 2money list2 even better because you specifically cater for them when emailing them.
Greed and short-sightedness is what makes them not bother anymore.
You notice those who trumpet about their online wealth the most are the ones who are actually the noisiest? IE less value coming from them now.
Yet they are the ones who shaout about lifestyle and sitting on the beach doing nothing … that’s crap, they are sat at the damn pc all day being… noisy.
I am on hardly any list anymore, more of the same old junk most of the time, in fact…I just looked, I am on four newsletter list now!
The best thing I did was take less notice of them, dump the noise and keep the real gems, and use the time better.
Tipple anyone?
Rob
Rob Sellen’s last blog post..Lifestream vs Blog…why the damn vs?
[Reply]
Twitter: robsellen
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:05 am
“Damn keys”
Rob Sellen’s last blog post..Lifestream vs Blog…why the damn vs?
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July 3rd, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Hi Honey!
Been reading your blog and comments. As you know, I am pretty uneducated, no real uneducated, when it comes to affiliate programs and the like, but, as you also know, I am VERY educated when it comes to wine. The nectar of Godesses! You crack me up! Thanks for the fun, albeit slightly intoxicated, trip through your world. Mine is much less complicated, so I think I will open that bottle of wine that’s been staring at me all evening. I know… no drunk blogging, Mom.
L8R Honey! lol kiss kiss!
Slightly Tipsy Mummy
Mom’s last blog post..Back From Vacation… The Connection Has Been Made Once Again
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July 8th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Great post Nicole!
But this got me thinking about what someone said to me about amember…when you choose to send a message to all your “active and paid members” affiliates are getting it too. And I don’t understand that because affiliates are not paid members, so why would they get the email?
Now I’m feeling guilty for possibly sending my affiliates promos *blush*.
.-= Melissa Ingold´s last blog ..Avoiding Writer’s Block When Writing Articles =-.
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July 12th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Nicole,
Why don’t you say how you really feel? lol
I have to admit there is a lot of garbage to wade through sometimes but sometimes you have to mine a bunch of rock to get to the diamonds.
Not to mention (one man’s trash is another’s treasure)
I’m curious as to how you can promote a product to your customers because of quality and I would hesitate a guess (valuable for your clients) and then slam them for spam.
Please explain.
Paul
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July 13th, 2009 at 5:38 am
Hi Paul,
I’m not Nicole but I’ll share MY experience. Sometimes you dont have the opportunity to find out these things upfront – prior to promoting the product. It might be a special offer, or a launch promo, or something similar… and it isnt until later that you get a good feel for the merchant.
I found myself in this situation last year with an awesome product that I really got behind. It was brand new, and I got a sneak peek before it was published (a physical product) and the price point was perfect.
Post-launch was a nightmare, and I invested a lot of time into damage control. But there was no way to foresee any of it going in…
Most of the time I’ll purchase the product I want to promote – even if given an evaluation copy. And I do this because I want to see the sales process, the OTO’s, the follow-up, etc. But you just dont always have that option.
.-= Lynn Terry´s last blog ..Staying Focused When You Work Online =-.
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