Back from Affiliate Summit 2006 - East

Once again, I didn’t die of fright while presenting. Actually, I really enjoyed sharing what I know with those who attended “SUPER Strategies for Sustainable Affiliate Businesses“.

In fact, it was tons o’ fun and the pre- and post-presentation buzz was excellent.

For those who couldn’t be there… I talked briefly about ‘Benz to Beater’ affiliates and then outlined how to join the Fleet o’ Benz’ affiliate group. In a nutshell, success is defined by the trusting relationships you forge and sustain.

Gee, sounds like life, eh?

Speaking of relating.

There’s no shortage of partnerships and/or friendships to be made and renewed at the Summit. Most every ‘name’ in the industry showed up.

During a chance discussion with two Commission Junction folks over breakfast, I made the point that contact with anyone at CJ is nigh impossible, and most responses appear to be form letters that don’t answer the question. In response, my business card was taken but none offered in return. So, we’ll see whether I increase my promotion of Commission Junction merchants. Of course, the LMI issue would have to be resolved first.

On a brighter note, I spoke at length with Nicky Senyard over dinner Tuesday night, and spent 3+ hours talking with Matt Frary while enroute from Orlando to Denver on Wednesday. Respectively, Nicky and Matt are the CEO’s of ShareResults and ROI Rocket. What impressed me most is their obvious dedication to affiliates as PEOPLE.

“Let’s see if we have any offers that work for you” is such a refreshing change from the typical “Promote MY nothing-to-do-with-your-niche offers”.

Affiliate managers and network owners who actually appreciate and speak to the issues that affiliates face will always win my heart AND my vote to promote.

BTW, good clues about a network merchant or affiliate focus can be found in how they refer to themselves.

Hint - look for PAY-Per-Action.

On returning from Digital River’s high-energy “Pure Imagination” party on Monday night, I joined a big group who were having a blast singing along with Brian Littleton’s (CEO of ShareaSale) tunes on the piano. I believe it was Lisa Picarille (Senior Editor for Revenue Magazine) who suggested it should form a regular part of the Summit. I agree wholeheartedly.

Primary take-away here… look for smaller networks whose people truly ENJOY this business and want to work (sing along) WITH you.

Picked up some good pointers and ideas at Jim Lillig’s (LobsterGram) presentation about doing comparison sites.

I FINALLY met Colin McDougall (VEO Report) in person. We did lunch together on Day One and met several times afterwards. We worked out a plan do some something very special for you!

Look - no listen - for it. That’s a hint.

Well, that’s a wrap for the Affiliate Summit and for travel-weary, blistered, de-hydrated me. But, I hardly wait until the next one!

Cheers,
Ros

P.S. Yes, that’s the very latest issue of Revenue Magazine on the table.

P.P.S. If you come across any stories about sassy, shoe-loving Canadians in the pool at 4AM, just know it was all Todd Taylor’s (TaxBrain) fault.

Honest.

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