NAMS: Niche Affiliate Marketing System Review
I have some fun news. I was in Atlanta this month attending an event called NAMS which stands for “Niche Affiliate Marketing System” workshop.
The focus of NAMS is all about building your online business, growing it, and experiencing the kind of lifestyle you're working towards.
Guess what? I'll be leading some of the workshops next year. (Yay me!)
If you're interested, be sure to grab your spot now for the January 31st event. There's a huge discount that you can save a ton of money on the ticket. (Plus, it's 100% fully refundable if something comes up and you can't attend.)
Click here to learn more about NAMS.
Here are some pics from the event:
That's me and Lynn Terry. Don't you just love her shirt?!
You can order that shirt “I’m Blogging This” at Think Geek.
That's Susanne (The Hillbilly Housewife), Tracy Roberts (Love Impossible), and me.
ok. The full scoop.
What I really liked about NAMS:
1. One of the things that I really loved about the event was the fact that it was a workshop, not just lectures. I saw a lot of attendees actually making progress and trying new things while they were at the event. Usually at these types of events, people take a bunch of notes, go home and then do nothing because they either forget the details or they get overwhelmed. So, this type of setting really pushes you to make progress.
2. Another aspect that I liked was that the workshops were broken down by skill level. After our big pep talk in the morning, we broke into smaller rooms of beginners, intermediate, and advanced. I was in the advanced room, which was a pretty intense, serious business masterminding experience. Intense but with serious results. I popped into the intermediate room to hear one of Willie Crawford's talks (about arranging JV partners) – and those were a lot more relaxed. The beginner room was a lot of fun.
3. I also enjoyed the fact that we ended each day in the same big room again as a group. It allowed David Perdew to wrap up the day, give away some goodies, and let us know what we were in for the next day. Then, we all left the room together and headed out to dinner and drinks and discussion. It kept us from becoming too segmented and made sure that the beginners and intermediates walked out of the room with the people who could help them.
4. Good people. I was thrilled at the level of helpfulness and overall goodwill at the event. Some events feel “closed” and this was like family. In fact, David's lovely bride (an Opera singer) sang “Amazing Grace” on Sunday morning and brought tears to the eyes of many of the people in the room.
5. Mostly Pitch-free Weekend. At many seminars you feel slimy at the end of every presentation because it's nothing but a sales pitch – no real value. This was not that way at all. The entire weekend was packed with actionable content and only one or two product/coaching suggestions tossed in, which I didn't mind one bit.
What could be improved for next time?
I've already said all of this to David, and he's really receptive to feedback so I'm happy to share my thoughts in public here.
1. The theme of the weekend got a bit confusing. Although the event was called “Niche Affiliate Marketing” the lectures/workshops included all kinds of info-product creation, too. While this was fine for the advanced group, I think it confused some of the newer marketers.
2. I would have liked to see the beginners & intermediates have more list-marketing workshops. My lists are my livelihood and I think that really should have been included.
3. The hotel had WONDERFUL staff and they went above and beyond on every front except for one minor thing. The internet was not reliable, which becomes a big thing when you've got 100 plus people all trying to be online at the same time. Not good. I understand that the event will be at a different location in January, which is unfortunate, since the staff was fabulous. However, an internet marketing workshop really needs internet access.
4. I wasn't crazy that the beginner group started off with Ning and Cagora. I felt that they should have addressed getting their first WordPress blog up and running first. However, I did discuss this with Lynn Terry on Friday night of the workshop and she made a point to find the attendees that had zero internet real estate of their own and get them started with a blog during the weekend.
Wrap up.
I can't even begin to tell you how cool it is to sit and talk with Willie Crawford, Jeff Herring, Kathleen Gage, and the rest of the brilliant people that were there. And, leaving was like the end of summer camp. I had tears when I hugged people good-bye. But, don't let that worry you. It wasn't cliquish at all. It was my first time attending, so it's not like being the new kid trying to get in with the others at all.
But – there are only a few days left to grab the hugely discounted NAMS tickets. If you even *think* you might like to hang out with me, Willie Crawford, Bob the Teacher, and Lynn Terry in person and share a meal, a drink, and a conversation – then grab a 100% fully refundable spot (Three day workshop).
Here's the scoop: Click here to learn more about NAMS.
It's a fantastic event with wonderful people who truly care. If you can swing it, I highly recommend attending.
Thanks so much for putting your trust in me. I appreciate it greatly!
Warmly,
Nicole Dean
PS. Granted, I'm speaking so I don't have to pay for this one other than my airplane ticket and hotel expenses, but I DID pay to attend earlier this month and I would again if I wasn't a speaker. So, I put my money where my mouth is. 🙂
And, just for fun, some more pics:
Loretta Oliver, me, Mary Blackburn, Gail Richardson.
Click here if you'd like to join us at NAMS.
Me having breakfast between Jeff Herring and Lynn Terry. Guess whose head is on the left side? Willie Crawford.
Me and a bunch of great people from this Masterminding Group.
Thanks for reading. I can't wait to hear your comments. And, I'd love to chat with you in person at NAMS.
Lyle Robinson
August 25, 2009 at 4:50 pmHi Nicole and thanks for sharing your NAMS experiences with us. From the stories I’ve been hearing in the Elite group as well from you, it sounds like I really need to check this out. Unfortunately, due to a prior teaching commitment, I cannot make the January date, but if they have in after June I’m there…schedule permitting of course…:) Thanks again and take care. All the best.
lyle
Annemarie O'Bea
August 25, 2009 at 6:01 pmHey Nicole
Glad to see the review. As one who jumped between beginner and intermediate rooms, (a great benefit of the structure), I was one of the ones disappointed about the complete focus on info marketing. While I learned many things that will help me in my ecommerce and affiliate business, I was really wanting to learn more about jump starting my affiliate marketing (non IM field focused), and I didn’t really walk away with that.
I think I’ll wait to hear more before I make the jump to attend. I will say, every presenter was awesome, and it was indeed a great group of people. Wish I wasn’t so exhausted from attending Stompernet the weekend before.
Lynn Terry
August 25, 2009 at 6:04 pmI’m so glad you were there Nicole, and am super excited that you are speaking & teaching at NAMS 3.
I had so much fun hanging out with you & the group!
Loved your review… right on target. An awesome event 😉
.-= Lynn Terry´s last blog ..4 Super-Cool Special Offers =-.
David Perdew
August 25, 2009 at 7:05 pmNicole –
loved havinoutou at nams! And really looking forward to ‘using’ you as much as possible at nams3.
Love the feedback too from both you and Annemarie.
Anyone who attended nams1 didn’t recognize nams 2 because I listen to and Implement feedback at every chance – I’ve already conferred with speakers and attendees to figure out how to make 3 more effective. It’s only going to get better and better. You’re a good addition to prove that.
Looking forward to talking to seeing you again. It’s not that far away.
Lynn Terry
August 26, 2009 at 6:30 amI have to agree, and tell you how impressed I am with your immediate response to any and all feedback, David. Awesome job serving your market!!
.-= Lynn Terry´s last blog ..4 Super-Cool Special Offers =-.
Mary Blackburn
August 26, 2009 at 10:04 amI feel that I took so much away from NAMS. I found a new niche with the help of you, Lynn Terry and the great bunch of people from the Elite group. I truly would have liked to learn how to build a list, since I am still struggling with that aspect of my business. I think the most important thing is that I came home and implemented what I learned.
With that said, I will be signing up for NAMS 3 either tonight or tomarrow after work. I look forward to learning a lot more from this great bunch of people, and you’re right Nicole, it did feel like family. 🙂
.-= Mary Blackburn´s last blog ..Tuesday Trivia =-.
Arika
August 27, 2009 at 3:59 amOh this just makes me even more happy that I’ll be in attendance at NAMS3! Thanks so much for all your help in deciding to go.
I have to say that being able to switch between groups really is a big thing for me so thanks to David for making that possible.
Can’t wait to see everyone and kick things up a notch in January!
Angie (Losing It and Loving It)
August 27, 2009 at 8:02 amSounds like a blast. I really want to attend this next one but I’m not sure if I can make that happen. We’ll see!
.-= Angie (Losing It and Loving It)´s last blog ..RIP my sweet Caleb =-.
Carol Bremner
August 27, 2009 at 7:37 amI also loved being at NAMS. I left so pumped, it took me over a week to slow down. And I motivated my daughter, grandson, and grandaughter to start blogging – something they weren’t so interested in before.
The workshops and networking were topnotch. I learned and accomplished a lot. But somehow I missed hearing David’s wife sing ‘Amazing Grace’. Where was I? Next time I need to stop trying to stay up late with you young people so I can get in my seat early.
TorontoCarol
.-= Carol Bremner´s last blog ..Life-Long Learning =-.
Danielle
August 27, 2009 at 8:53 pmI loved your review! I registered this week for NAMS3 and I am so excited!!
Lisa Marie Mary
September 1, 2009 at 12:18 pmNAMS was an absolute blast full of learning goodness!!!! And it was so cool getting to meet you – I sure hope I can go back in Jan!!
Anita
September 1, 2009 at 12:33 pmWOW – awesome review Nicole! Thanks so much. However, I must say I was already sold on NAMS3!
I want to go sooooo badly but due to a major, major financial blow this past year, I’m afraid I’m not going to be able to make it.
But David – I said this before on Lynn’s blog and I’ll say it again. I can’t go because of the major financial blow we’ve had BUT, under normal circumstances I would so be able to make it. To me that means you’ve made NAMS super affordable to the average person. I would like to personally say KUDOS to you on that! You don’t see enough of that anymore. It’s like only the “rich” get to go … making the rich richer. Thanks so much David for that!
Oh Nicole how I would so love to come meet you AND hear you speak! That’d be so awesome!
I also have to admit I’m oh so jealous because to be able to also meet Lynn Terry, Loretta Oliver and Tracy Roberts (hi ladies!) plus oh so many more!
Good luck with NAMS3! I hope to see a continued successful event because I WILL be there in the future! Our little financial blow won’t be keeping us down forever!
Nicole
September 9, 2009 at 2:51 pmOh, I so wish you’d be there, too!
I’ll just have to save hugs for you until NAMS 4. 🙂
Anita
September 9, 2009 at 4:20 pmYou best better do just that girl! Nell beat me to booking the suitcase suite. Surely you’re taking more than one though 😀
Loretta
September 8, 2009 at 11:38 pmHow did I miss this post on the blog? *head desk* NAMS was awesometastic! I had a great time, I learned a whole lot of great stuff and I’m implementing it bit by bit every day. Looking forward to NAMS3 in January, hoping to be in attendance again as well.
Nicole
September 9, 2009 at 2:52 pmHopin’ ain’t doing.
You better be there. I’m going to need some moral support! lol. Yeah, it’s all about me, you know…
Nell Taliercio
September 9, 2009 at 2:48 pmYou’re darned tootin’ you should be leading workshops! You’re one of the smartest internet marketers on the block.
Not to mention one of the funniest, coolest, sweetest, and most fun! Now that I’ve buttered you up, are you going to sneak me in your suitcase with you? 😉
Nell
Nicole
September 9, 2009 at 2:49 pmSure thang. You just work on doing yoga, so you can fold yourself in half by then! lol.
Stephanie
January 1, 2010 at 6:55 pmHi Nicole,
Thank you for sharing the NAMS experience with all us that weren’t able to make it. I can’t wait to see this years NAMS insider. I’d love to go sometime, this is the first time I’ve really understood what it was about.
Have fun! Steph (aka Article Marketing lean machine)